Bluegill sunfish are the most widely distributed panfish in North America. They are members of the same family (Centrarchidae a.k.a.Sunfish) as the largemouth bass. These colorful fish are well adapted to living in ponds, lakes, streams and even brackish water. Bluegill are often the primary food source for largemouth bass and other predators.
They rarely exceed 1 pound with 1/4 – 1/2 pound (7″ – 9″) being typical. Bluegill usually have a black spot or blotch near the base of the soft dorsal fin and a black flexible tip on the gill cover. The back and sides are dark green or brownish. The breast and undersides may appear yellow, red or orange. Males in the breeding season usually have a dark red to mahogany colored breast. The sides… Read more..