Rock bass are most abundant in rocky and gravelly shallow water areas in lakes and ponds, and the lower, warm reaches of streams.

Rock bass are small to medium sized sunfish, reaching six to ten inches in length. They are brownish in color with several dark bars or blotches mottling their sides. Their bright red eyes have earned them the nickname “redeyes” among many New York State anglers.

Rock bass have similar feeding habits to other sunfish, eating mostly aquatic insects, crayfish, and small fishes.

Rock bass are popular with many New York State anglers. They generally occur in groups and readily bite live bait, small spinners, plugs, and poppers. Since rock bass are often found with smallmouth bass, bass anglers sometimes consider them a nuisance.