The sunfish family (Centrarchidae) includes the following species of sunfish - bluegill, longear, redear, redbreast, green, pumpkinseed. It also includes largemouth and smallmouth bass, shell crackers, black crappie, white crappie, rockbass, warmouth and other species.

Largemouth bass are one of the most familiar freshwater fish in North America. They are heavy bodied fish, instantly recognized by their mottled green sides, enormous mouth and plump bellies. They live in shallow water habitats, among reeds, water lilies and other vegetation, Sharing habitats with species such as muskies, northern pike, yellow perch, sunfish and catfish. Largemouth bass eat minnows and practically any other available fish species including their own.

Smallmouth are shaped similar to largemouth but tend to be smaller and favor slightly different habitats. The smallmouth bass derives its name from the fact that the rear end of the lower jaw does not extend past the eye, while that of a largemouth does. The usual smallmouth seen by anglers is 8 to 15 inches long, and weighs less than three pounds.

Bluegill sunfish (bream) are the most widely distributed North American pan fish. These colorful fish are well adapted to living in ponds, lakes, streams and even brackish water. Bluegill usually have a a black flexible tip on the gill cover. The gill cover is bright blue, giving the bluegill its name. The back and sides are dark green or brownish which is contrasted by a yellow, red or orange breast. Males in the breeding season have a dark red to mahogany colored breast. The sides of the fish usually display a series of vertical bars. Bluegill typically reach lengths of 7-9 inches.

Pumpkinseed are another common sunfish. Like bluegill, they are very deep-bodied. They are known for being one of the most colorful freshwater fish of North America, with males during the breeding season being the most colorful of all. Pumpkinseed have an orange or reddish breast and belly and its back and sides are brown to olive green, speckled with orange, yellow, blue, and green spots.

Pumpkinseed sunfish can be found in shallow areas with cool to warm water. They common in farm ponds, small lakes and weedy bays of larger bodies of fresh water. They are also found in upper reaches of creeks and rivers. They associate with cover such as aquatic vegetation or submerged brush and are seldom found in open water. Pumpkinseed sometimes show a preference for a home range. When fish are captured and moved to a different part of a pond or lake, a significant percentage of them will return to their original location.

Crappie are another member of the sunfish family. Two species, black crappie and white crappie are found in North America. The two fish are similar, with bodies having patterns of speckled black, silver, green and white. Crappie are typically pan sized, although they sometimes exceed 12 inches. Both species of crappie are well adapted to living in ponds, lakes, streams and non-tidal reaches of rivers. Crappie are strong fighters, beautiful fish and delicious as table fare. Maribou jigs are an old school favorite lure for crappie. They also bite readily on live minnows and other small baits.


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