Today, as a result of countless intentional as well as no doubt unintentional introductions bluegill are found throughout the U.S., and northern Mexico. Bluegills are found throughout Texas. Lepomis macrochirus speciosus which is native to the central, southern, and western portions of the state, and Lepomis macrochirus purpurescens a native of Atlantic coast states which has been introduced widely as a sport and forage fish. Although less than one percent of licensed Texas anglers say they prefer to catch sunfish, bluegill and other sunfish are nevertheless a vital part of many freshwater fisheries nationwide, including Texas. Many pre-license age anglers begin their fishing careers by bank fishing for bluegills and other sunfish.
Bluegills provide plenty of fight, pound for pound.
In Texas bluegills approaching two pounds have been landed in public waters, and fish over three pounds are known from private tanks. The largest bluegill on record was 4 pounds 12 ounces, landed in 1950 from Ketona Lake in Alabama. .