Smallmouth Bassa large panfish common to Michigan and most of the United States and Canada. The Smallmouth ranges in size from fry size, very small, up to 23 inches or so but beyond 16 to 18 inches is not common. It is commonly found in rivers.
Largemouth Bassa large panfish, related to the smallmouth, it is slightly larger and has a larger mouth hence the name. The Largemouth Bass can be found cruising the depths, at a reef, or anywhere there is a readily accessible source of animals. This fish is most often found in lakes but occasionally in rivers. The fish eat anything between frogs, crustaceans, minnows, small fishes, insects, birds, and even mice. The Largemouth Bass, a predator, is often seen jumping out of the water at insects.
BLUEGILLa small panfish, the Bluegill ranges anywhere between 2 to 14 inches. The fish mostly ranges between 3 to 8 inches, though. The Bluegill is a predator just like the Largemouth Bass but has a small mouth and therefore can only eat smaller creatures. The Bluegill does not hang out in deep areas but tends to stay close to shore in weeds. To Catch Bluegill, a fisherman should use anything small ranging from worms to flies. Bluegill generally will bite at anything that moves. They tend to spit things out if they do not like something about the food.
CRAPPIEa small panfish, the Crappie eats minnows and insects. The Crappie likes open spaces in not super deep water with a high density of weed life. The Crappie likes open water but will not range too far. The Crappie ranges between 3 to 12 inches and is usually in the middle.
PUMPKINSEEDanother panfish, the pumpkinseed is a common and colorful fish. It is similar in size and shape to the bluegill. At times it is even confused with the bluegill because they are caught in the same kinds of hideouts as bluegill with the same baits. The pumpkinseed does not usually have as much fight however.
ROCK BASSa smaller bass, the rock bass is caught with the same as bluegill or smallmouth bass. The Rock Bass has a large mouth but doesn't reach the lengths of the Largemouth Bass. The Rock Bass ranges from 4 to 13 inches, but most commonly is caught around 7 inches. The Rock Bass hang around eachother so where you find one keep fishing because there likely will be more.