To avoid cross contamination, avoid moving rock bass or any other fish species from one watershed to another as they often have significant effects on the local ecosystem.

The Roanoke Bass are a member of the sunfish family (Centrarchidae). And like all members of the sunfish family, contrary to their namesake, they do not like the sun. They avoid direct sunlight, sticking to shady areas like riverbank outcrops, docks, weed beds, rock outcrops and sunken logs and trees.

They come out to feed from their hiding spots just before the sun sets and continue after the sun sets for several hours. Fishing then peak again in the early hours of the morning as the sun begins to rise before seeking shade again.

Outside of these prime fishing times, the Roanoke Bass will hold in shady areas as mentioned above and when their prey comes by, they will launch out at it. They will hide during the day and strike at baits, but you must know where they are.

In areas where there is a lot of human activity from shipping, water skiing, beach activities and other water sports, the Roanoke Bass won’t eat at all. They will lay in wait until the night and eat vigorously.

Food Preference

They Roanoke Bass are not picky eaters, going after pretty much anything their mouth can wrap around. However, these are tiny fish so there are limitations of what they will go after. They will strike out at crayfish, insects, fathead minnows, gizzard shad, golden shiners, worms and leeches to name a few.

For those anglers who always end up with a Roanoke Bass or Rock Bass on the hook when they are fishing for something a little more substantial like a smallmouth bass, your issues are most likely due to the bait presentation. Bass go after as big a bait as they can. If you are fishing for Smallmouth Bass and land a Roanoke Bass, then your presentation is too small.

Social Fish

The Roanoke Bass can often be found schooling with perch, rock bass and sunfish. On a serious not, they are not being social as much as creating a protective environment – most fish school for protection as their is safety in numbers.

In some larger rivers, the young Roanoke bass are food for larger fish including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and pike.

They are hungry fish and enjoy the same food that larger game fish seek out, just on a miniature basis.

Habitat Invasion

Large populations of rock bass have been labelled as the reason why the Roanoke bass populations has reduced in size and distribution. The Rock Bass are being blamed for two reasons. The first reason is that the rock bass compete with them for food and Rock Bass are more competitive. The second reason is that Rock Bass are mating with the Roanoke Bass, reducing the numbers of pure strain Roanoke Bass.

To avoid cross contamination, avoid moving rock bass or any other fish species from one watershed to another as they often have significant effects on the local ecosystem. Their ravenous feeding habits deplete minnow populations, thus reducing an important food source for other larger fish species.