identity crisis

[walter sibelius]

is this a pumpkinseed or pumpkinseed/bluegill?

[John Cachel]

Not clear! Look like a Pumpskinseed to me but it is a nice size sunfish!

[Jim Gronaw]

Hey Walter...if I had to make an estimated guess I would call that fish an outright redear sunfish, or shellcracker. I see you are from Virginia Beach...many of my ancestors are from that area. Do you fish Prince, Western Branch, Cahoon or any of the other lakes of the tidewater region? I know that they are excellent panfish lakes.

welcome to the site! Jim

[IceWarriorGill]

Hey Walter, I agree with Jim!!!! That appears to be a Redear (Shellcracker) Sunfish!!! I was born in, raised in, and fished Virginia waters for many years and I believe that's a Shellcracker; I've caught 9 Virginia Sunfish Citations (6 Shellcrackers, 2 P-Seeds, 1 Gill) and that sure looks like a Shellcracker to me!!!

[walter sibelius]

jim, me and my son fish lake smith and west neck. west neck is great for panfishing.

[Bruce Condello]

I'd say female redear sunfish.