Waters where found: Freshwater shallows with weeds and rocky shorelines in lakes and rivers; Eastern U.S. and Canada from Great Lakes south to Georgia and north to Quebec

Description: Cigar-shaped body with a slightly forked tail and big toothy mouth; brown body or green with darker bars or spots

Record Weight: 67 lbs. 8 oz.

Average Weight: 8–12 lbs.

Best bait: Big live suckers and minnows, huge spinners, and 12-inch-long plugs