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| Bill Kinney Photography |
Sunfish is actually a term for a broad group of fish including Bluegill, Crappies, Pumpkinseed and many more. They come in a variety of colors often giving the fish their names, such as the Bluegill who has a small distinguishing blue colored gill on his side and the Red Breasted Sunfish who has a noticeable red breast, to name a few. They can be found anywhere from small pond to lakes and rivers and are commonly used as a stocking fish. Having been introduced in a number of areas, some are considered an invasive species.
Sizes can range from very small to quite large, some reaching a length of up to 12 inches. The Sunfish also has a very distinctive set of spines running along the edge of its body which can cause injury to an unsuspecting fisherman if not handled properly. These spines are meant to discourage predators, but should be handled with caution. Hold them gently, with gloves, or let someone experienced take the fish off the hook so you aren't rewarded with a sunfish prick.
Sunfish are schooling fish, meaning they are often found in groups. If you find a hot spot it generally means you will find more Sunfish. They can be caught anytime of year, but are the easiest, and perhaps most fun, in the spring and summer time when they are nesting. A male sunfish will use his fins to brush away a sandy bottomed area creating an indentation that can be up to a foot or two wide. Here the female will lay eggs and the male will viciously protect his nest until they hatch. The Sunfish nesting period is between May and July and defensive males not only bite at most passing food, but they build their nests in the shallows that can easily be seen from shore. A nest of Sunfish can be easily spotted and the fishing can begin!
On an overcast day you can see directly into the water, when it is sunny Polaroids should be warn to reduce glare and spot the fish. To spot them, slowly sneak up along the bank and search the shallows during their nesting period. Fish can feel vibrations close to shore such as loud stomping and talking. The bending of light on water also causes them to be able to see movement from the shore line, because of this do not stand directly over the water or at a higher viewpoint where the fish may easily be scared away by your presence.
Once spotted move a small ways down the bank and cast directly across the sunfish nesting area so they cannot see you. If it is deeper water, you can cast directly over them catching the females further out or the protective males, that have not been scared away, as your hook passes through their territory. At this point the fish are likely to bite at anything in their nesting territory so trying different types of jigs and spinners is fair game. If using a bobber try live bait, but be sure to set the hook quickly or it will be completely swallowed by the time you reel the fish in.
Fly fishing can also be very fun during the nesting season. (Just for fun) If you spot a nest, wade out adjacently on the bank and cast towards the area. The fish will not see you, but being warmed up in the shallows makes them lively and ready to bite at anything.
Some Sunfish also re-nest later on in the summer and the same techniques can be practiced. Though in the colder months the fish will become more sluggish and live or slow bait works best. Ice fishing is also a very popular time to catch Sunfish. Use a simple bait and a bobber with the hook not too deep in the water to lead to a successful catch, but be bring a friend to chat because it is very much a waiting game.
Sunfish are a great fish for anyone and require very little skill if you fish when they are biting. They are a great fish for small children to go after, especially since they can spot them in the shallows and, even better, they taste great in a frying pan!