The best comparison between Pike and bass is predator and prey. Pike feed on walleye but do not eat any fish bigger than their actual size, and bass can grow quite large. However, only younger Pike has a problem feeding on large bass, but a grown-up pike can handle any bass anytime.
The two fish are entirely different in their size, weight, and average length. The physical appearance differs, including the fish coloring and markings. Bass is easier to spot with an extended body length and an upper jaw that extends past the fish eyes. On the other hand, Pike is more cylindrical but also elongated and has a single dorsal fin.
Here is a complete comparison of the two fish species.
Table of Contents
What is a Pike?
Pike is a popular sports fish belonging to the Family Esocidae and the genus Esox. The fish has many names across the continent due to its widespread habitats in the northern hemisphere. The physical appearance of the fish resembles the pole-like weapon, and thus the name pike stuck to it. However, if traveling around the world, you will come across names like slough snake, jackfish, or jack.
Pike is easy to identify with its greenish color when in the water. The single dorsal fin is like a landmark that helps people differentiates between Pike and other fish species. The identification process makes the lightly colored spots and the scales that cover the upper side of the fish gills and entire fish cheeks.
What is Bass?
The largemouth is also a predator and a carnivorous fish from the family Centrarchidae and genus Micropterus. Similar to the Pike, the bass has several names depending on the region where it inhabits. Some famous names include largemouth bass, black bass, green trout, bucket mouth bass, potters fish, and many more. The freshwater fish has been named the state fish in Georgia.
Identifying largemouth bass is simple. It has an olive-greenish color with a gray area on the belly and sides. The most identifying feature is the series of black marks in the fish flanks that form a horizontal stripe with jagged edges. The bass’s mouth upper jaw slightly goes beyond making it appear more prominent and, thus, the name largemouth bass.
Pike Vs. Bass main differences
Pike and bass are similar in color but vary in terms of family and genus. Also, the characteristics of each species are quite different. However, they share similar characteristics, and that is, they are popular sports fish for anglers around the world. The two species vary in size, palatability identifying factors, fishing methods, and living habitats. Here are the main differences between Pike and bass.
Pike Vs. Bass size
Pike are large fish species and can grow to a length of 22 inches as an adult. The international game fish association has records of the largest Pike ever caught, and it is around 59-inches in length. However, weight can vary depending on the length and size of the Pike caught. The 59-inches Pike was around 25kgs or 55lbs in weight. However, a pike can grow to an average weight of 28.4kgs or 63lbs according to listed weights.
Bass, on the other hand, do not grow as big as the Pike. The largest largemouth bass ever recorded weighs approximately 25lbs or 11.4kgs. The fish had a length of around 29.5 inches or 75cm. The bass has about ten years at most, while Pike can live up to 25years maximum. However, the average lifespan for Pike remains at 15 years maximum in the wild but 10 years if in captivity (ponds).
Pike Vs. Bass identification
Pike is easy to identify with its pole-like appearance and extended body length. It is olive green in color but has a yellow shading along its belly. Its flank has small and short sports appearing like a bar, and the fins spot dark spots all around. In some pike fish, the fins may appear reddish. Also, the fish has a single dorsal fin.
Young pike fish are easier to make out from a sea of fish with their green body highlighted with lengthy yellow-colored stripes. With age, these stripes change into light-yellow spots, and the skin turns from green to olive green. Another identifying feature is the number of sensory pores on the Pike’s head, specifically the lower jaw. Turn the fish upside down and look at the underside to count the pores (6). The pores confirm its identity as a pike.
Bass are both fresh and marine water species. The features are almost similar. The largemouth bass is olive green in color; however, the color extends to a greenish-gray tint. The tint has several blacks or dark spots markings. The markings often form a horizontal line with jagged edges along the fish flanks.
The bass has a unique and quickly identifying mouth formation with the upper jaw extending slightly further than its orbit. Plus, the largemouth is the largest species of bass on the planet.
Pike Vs. Bass habitats
Pike has no specific living habitat. However, they like heavily vegetated sections of a liver with shallow, slow-flowing waters. However, as the temperatures rise, the pikes find deeper waters to live in until the temperatures go down once again. Pikes can live in great lakes, rivers, and waterways.
Largemouth bass inhabits clear freshwaters with ample vegetation. The vegetation provides cover, security, and abundant food sources. You can keep it in a pond; find it in swamps and other backwaters that fit its habitat. The fish inhabits waters with temperatures of between 26oC and 32oC.
Pike Vs. Bass Feeding Habits
Pike is a predatory fish with cannibalistic tendencies. The Pike is an ambush predator that hunts any animal that is smaller in size. Pike feeds on smaller fish including bass, frogs, perch, and more. In the absence of food, the Pike will eat other smaller pike fish.
Bass are also carnivorous and feed on smaller fish. It will also feed on water fleas, shrimps, minnows, salamanders, bats, and small birds and mammals. It is a common characteristic between Pike and bass. However, the bass has no cannibalistic nature and will stick to other foods.
Pike Vs. Bass Fishing
Pike and bass are rigorous, energetic, and intelligent fish species. The fish are a significant challenge for anglers wishing to capture one out of the water. Fishing for bass requires the use of simple lures like plastic worms or live bait. You can use minnows for live bait.
Pike makes the sport more enjoyable. The intelligent Pike does not entangle with bait that is not appealing. Therefore, anglers have to choose a more lucrative lure, not only living but also big to attract the right size of Pike. Still, the Pike can bite onto the bait, split it into two and leave without getting caught with its share of the bite.
Summary
Pike and bass are popular game fish that provide anglers with much sport when hunting. Pikes are aggressive and give the biggest challenge for anglers, while the bass is more friendly but still highly energetic. However, the two species of fish are both carnivorous, can grow into large sizes, and have more strength to fight against baits than anticipated. Therefore, anglers should practice caution when fishing bass or Pike.
Read more here about Pikes.