What does "yellow striped bass" most frequently refer to when used in recreational fishing nomenclature?

The smaller freshwater Yellow Bass (*Morone mississippiensis*)

The primary source of confusion in nomenclature often leads anglers using the term "yellow striped bass" to actually be referring to the Yellow Bass, *Morone mississippiensis*. While both the Yellow Bass and the Striped Bass belong to the *Morone* genus and possess stripes, the smaller Yellow Bass is frequently misidentified or referred to by this compound name. Understanding the visual differences, such as the yellowish hue of the Yellow Bass versus the distinct, unbroken dark lateral lines of the Striped Bass, is crucial because these distinctions impact habitat, flavor, and potential health advisories. When this term is used casually, contextually, it most often points toward the smaller freshwater species rather than the larger, distinct Striped Bass population.