How To Have Fun Catching Sunfish

There are approximately nine species of freshwater Sunfish, including the pumpkinseed, redbreast, green, bluegill, longear, warmouth, spotted and blackbanded types. One type called a "rock bass" is also in the sunfish category. All of these sunfish types are abundant in freshwater lakes and ponds and can be a lot of fun to catch. The steps below help us to better understand this fish species and methods for catching them.

1. Sunfish are shallow water feeders. These fish stay predominantly in shallow water, near the bank. They like to hide inside of weed beds and under lily pads, so that they can feed on things such as small insects, worms and small minnows. Being a small game fish, they avoid deeper water where larger game fish see them as prey and will attempt to consume them. While these fish are often thought of as perch, they are actually closely related but are not part of the Perca/Percidae species but are rather of the Centrarchidae species of fish.
2. Sunfish can be attracted and caught using small artificial lures. If a fisherman wants to use a rod and reel combo to catch Sunfish, he can do so by using small lures such as jigs, which mimic the appearance of small insects. Artificial lures that appear as small minnows can also be effective. A rod and reel combo equipped with a float/bobber can also be used with either live or artificial bait on the hook and with the float set for shallow water. If a fishing pole without a reel attached or a cane pole is desired, a float can also be used or the baited-hook can simply be allowed to rest on the bottom of the lake or pond in the shallows (shallow bottom fishing).
3. Adding a worm to other bait or lures can increase your catch. Sunfish love worms, which are arguably their favorite food. Regardless of the type bait or lure being used, a small piece of a worm that is of the earthworm or night crawler variety can attract more Sunfish to the hook. If a fisherman is using a lure with either a single hook or treble hook (three-way) on it, a small piece of worm added to the hook will act as an added attractant. Sunfish also love shiny objects that flutter and glitter in the water, so the types of jigs or lures with "spinners" attached to them will also attract more fish.
4. Many states place no restrictions on Sunfish. It is important to check with your local Department of Game and Fish, to make sure there are no size limits or number of fish limits in your state. Because of this species of fish being found in high populations in most freshwater lakes, there are usually no restrictions in fishing for them other than obtaining a state fishing license if you are above the age of a minor. They are also one of the easier fish to catch and can be a great opportunity for beginner-fishermen and for children to learn fishing techniques that will help them catch other types of game fish.