History

• The hybrid striped bass are part of the morone genus. Other morones include the white bass, yellow bass, striped bass and white perch which are the only other morones in North America.
  
  The original cross that produced the wiper was done by using the eggs from a striped bass and the sperm from a white bass. This species was originally, and still is in some areas, referred to as the Palmetto bass.
  
  The reverse of the first cross used the eggs from a striped bass and sperm from a white bass. This cross is preferred by aquaculturists because the males produce this way will readily mate with many females during the spawn.
  
  

Identification

• A hybrid striped bass is a scaled fish that is slightly taller than it is wide, with an elongated body. Its color grades from silver or black near its dorsal fins to a silver or white underbelly. Of the two unconnected dorsal fins of this fish, the one nearest the head contains eight or nine spines. A soft, smaller fin behind the first contains one spine and 13 to 14 rays. The anal fin contains three spines.. The caudal fin is forked with two pointed lobes.
  
  The wiper can be differentiated from its parent species by the tooth patch on the posterior of its tongue. Wipers have one distinct tooth patch or two small patches in close proximity. White bass have a heart-shaped tooth patch. Striped bass have two distinct tooth patches that appear parallel.
  
  

Locations

• Wipers lurk near flowing water. They hang next to current and wait to ambush prey floating by. Drop-offs near channels in lakes and tail waters are examples of these locations.
  
  Wipers also congregate near underwater structures in both rivers and lakes. Downed trees, rock formations and heavy weed beds are frequent feeding locations for these fish.
  
  

Bait

• Wipers can be targeted with artificial or live baits. Gizzard shad, a top food source for all bass in North America, are used to catch these fish. Other live baits include worms, maggots and insects.
  
  Artificial baits and lures provide another approach to wiper fishing. In heavy currents, spoons and jigs can be used. In moderate or light current, crank baits, spinner baits and varying top-water lures are utilized.
  
  

Records

• Twenty-two states have posted hybrid striped bass records with the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wisconsin. The lowest record weight of any of these states was 10.75 pounds and was caught in Michigan. The world record wiper, weighing 27.5 lbs., 5 oz., was caught in Arkansas.
  
  

Behavior

• When fishing for the wiper, the angler must be on alert for its signature strike that is characteristically harder than other species. The wiper will hit top-water baits so quickly that it often propels itself upward and out of the water. This differentiates the wiper from other fish that typically grab baits and retreat to lower water. The wiper will react to erratic bait movement under the water and will strike quickly and greedily. This is especially true when the wiper is in the presence of other fish.