Fishes

Yellow Perch

These are some common fishes, by no means all of them.


Freshwater Basses

Largemouth Bass

Note how the mouth of the Largemouth extends under the eye, while that of the Smallmouth stops short of it. A lot of fishermen seem to think everything they catch is a Largemouth.


Golden Shiner

There are many different types of minnows in North America, but the one you are most likely to encounter kayaking is the Golden Shiner, and there is a good reason for this: If you are out after dark and you have a light, they will jump at it and can end up in the boat.


Brown Trout

The Brown Trout is a European species that is widely stocked for fishermen.


Sedges and Reeds are superficially similar, but actually quite different. But unless you are a biologist - who cares? ( Reeds are grasses, sedges are sedges. )

Sedges

Sedges tolerate a wide range of salinity, from freshwater to seawater, although they seem to grow best in brackish water. So, like above, if you are exploring a bay or inlet, that stuff all around you is most likely sedge.