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The Redear Sunfish or Lepomis microlophus is a freshwater fish found in the Souteastern United States. This panfish is often confused with the Bluegill, but is usually a bit larger with a slightly different coloration. The males of this species will have a red edge on their operculum while the female has an orange edge. The operculum is the bony part of the fish that covers the gills. You can check out the Redear Sunfish in action in the video below.
This game fish goes by many different names including the Cherry Gill, Sun Perch, Shellcracker, Stumpknocker, Georgia Bream and Improved Bream. Often feeding on snails and other goodies found on the bottom, the Redear Sunfish can grow to about 17" (43cm). They have specially designed mouths that allows them to use their pharyngeal teeth and moving mouth plates to crush their prey with ease. This unique trait has even won them respects in regards to controlling the invasive mussel problem that plagues some freshwater areas.
Like the Bluegill, this species will build nests in close proximity to one another and wait for the females to lay their eyes. These fish are even known to hybridizes with other Sunfish. If you have any additional information about the Redear Sunfish including recipes and fishing tips please leave a comment below.
The Bluegill or Lepomis macrochirus is just one of the many kinds of fish that can be catch with a fly rod while they are on the beds. The Bluegill has many common names including Bream, Sun Perch, Blue Sunfish, Copperhead and Copperbelly. They are small freshwater fish that are known for their ability to ferociously defend their eggs. This makes the Bluegill very easy to catch in May and June while they are spawning. If you are using a fly, just land it right on top of their spawning beds and bam! The Bluegill will hit every time and you will have yourself a quick meal. In fact, the Bluegill is known to be on of the tastiest freshwater fish, rivalling the Walleye. You can easily identify the Bluegill by its blue or black "ear" of sorts. This extension is actually called an opercular flap and it helps cover the gills. You can check out a few unlucky Bluegills underwater in the video below...
Bluegills are found in many places in the United States including Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, and Louisiana. The Bluegill is even the state fish of Illinois! The Bluegill can grow up to 16" in length and live up to 11 years old.
