Redear Sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)

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.

Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)

The Black Crappie or Pomoxis nigromaculatus is a common freshwater fish found in all of the 48 lower states. Its body is small with an arched back, with a similar shape to that of the Bluegill and Rock Bass. The Black Crappie can be a silvery-green to a yellowish color with many black spots on the sides of its body and fins. They are very similar to their close relative the White Crappie, but can be differentiated by counting the dorsal spines. Black Crappie have 7 or 8 dorsal spines with the White Crappie only having 5 or 6.

Also known as the Speckled Perch, Calico Bass and the Papermouth, the Black Crappie can live to about 15 years but most only reaching about 7 years old. The largest Black Crappie ever caught was in Louisiana and weighed in at an impressive 6lbs!If you are fishing for Black Crappie you can find them in clear ponds, lakes and the occasional some slow moving river. The Black Crappie will feed on insects when smaller, but will start to feed on small fish once they become mature. To catch these edible freshwater fish you can use a small jig, spoons, spinners, flies and of course, the trusty minnow. One trick to consider is to place fish hides or hurdles which consist of Christmas trees and other woody debris. This is said to attract the Black Crappie.  You can check out the Black Crappie and some other amazing fish in the video below from Lake Powell.
Once caught, these freshwater fish are considered to be one of the tastiest panfish in The United States! If you have a Black Crappie recipe or a fishing tip that you would like to share please do so in the comments below.

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)

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.

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Yellow Perch (Perca Flavescens)

The Yellow Perch or Perca Flavescens is best known for its tastiness and is one of the most popular Panfish. This freshwater fish is often found in schools, so it is also very easy to catch. Once you have found one, mostly like there is more in the waters below. Most Yellow Perch are around 6" but some have been reported to be almost 2' long and weighing in at 4lbs. The larger Yellow Perch are often known as Jumbo Perch. These fish are found mainly throughout The United States and Canada. They can easily be caught using minnows or small small worms. Just use a sinker as these fish are often found close to the bottom. About 20' down in the summertime, but depending on the weather these Yellow Perch can be found in shallow areas as well. If you have any Perch fishing tips or recipes please share them in the comments below...

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