The green sunfish can be undesirable in ponds and lakes, since it will easily overpopulate and become stunted. They are usually found very close to the shore, especially along riprap. The bluegill is a saucer-shaped sunfish with a namesake blue tab on its gillcover, the bluegill is a popular sportfish that readily takes bait or small lures. It is a fine eating fish as well. Fly gear is particularly effective at this time, as the fish will aggressively attack flies or poppers that land above or near the nest.
Bluegills do best in clear ponds with vegetation.
The redear sunfish is similar in shape to the bluegill and has a red trim around the tab on its gill cover. Redears get bigger than bluegill and are generally tougher to catch. Called shellcrackers in the South, redears will feed on snails and other mollusks. Redears generally prefer deeper water than other sunfishes and are not usually found near shorelines. Copyright 1999-2001 Anglers Fishing Info.