Bluegill

QUICK GUIDE

The bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a species of freshwater fish. It is a member of the sunfish family (family Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes. It is native to a wide area of North America, from Québec to northern Mexico, and has been widely transplanted to stock gamefish for anglers.

Of typical sunfish body shape, the bluegill's most notable feature is the blue or black "ear", actually an extension of the gill cover called the opercular flap. It can be distinguished from similar species by the (not always pronounced) vertical bars along its flanks. The bluegill grows to a maximum overall length of approximately 40 cm (16 in).

Bluegills are popular gamefish, caught with both flies and live bait, chiefly at dawn and dusk. They are noted for seeking out underwater vegetation for cover; their natural diet consist largely of small invertebrates and very small fish. Because of their size and the method of cooking them, bluegills are often called panfish.

In some locations where it has been transplanted, it is considered a pest; trade in the species is prohibited in Germany.

Also see Sunfish




Deals on Fishing Gear

    Fishing Search - Fish knife

DEXTER-RUSSELL
Fillet Knife Only $32.99
Fishing Search - Pointer  West Marine

Featured: Sailfish

Fishing Search - Sailfish Article

Sailfish are prized by light tackle anglers for their tremendous speed and spectacular aerial acrobatics. Read More Sailfish Article Fishing Search - Pointer

Outdoor Sponsor

    

Great Fish

Fishing Search - Sailfish Article

Bass
One of the greatest species of fish. Bass

Fishing Search - Sailfish Article

Salmon
Nothing quite like them. Salmon

Fishing Search - Sailfish Article

Trout
A Thinking Man's Fish. Trout