Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

If I could remember the lake or pond where I caught them I would have a better idea. That's what happens when your memory starts going. lol

I'm sure this is a bluegill because I caught it in a Michigan lake.


This fish was taken in Alabama but I can't remember where, One of the ponds I fished has both copper nose and regular bluegills. It is however darker than most bluegills. What do you think?


This fish came from down south and I'm pretty sure it is a shellcracker and I think you will confirm that.


I'm not sure about this one, but I suspect it is a copper nose. I think it came from Georgia.


Anyway it was something to do on a cool rainy day. My river is almost over its banks after the last 3 day warm up and most of the snow is gone too. Snow is in the forcast for tonight. Cabin fever!

On the positive side, the high water will draw the steelhead up. The river is closed until April 1st, but that isn't far away.

Views: 2852

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

1. Standard bluegill--dominant younger male, probably currently nest guarding.

2. Standard bluegill--dominant older male, not currently nest guarding.

3. Redear sunfish (shellcracker)--female

4. Standard bluegill X coppernose bluegill hybrid--male. Seems to have mostly standard characteristics, however appears to have the white fin fringe of CNBG.

Just guesses. Anybody else?
bruce hit the nail on the head 100 percent
I agree with you Bruce
Casey
I don't believe #3 is a shellcracker due to the lack of mottling in the facial area....possibly BGxPS cross
Whats a PS?
Pumpkin Seed, I think.
Just for the heck of it, here's a photo of a purebred RES caught on my farm.

This is another picture of the same fish. Looks like the one in your picture Bruce except the gill flap on yours is red and kind of yellow on mine. Could be a cross, but since I haven't caught as many as you guys, I'll leave it up to you. The fish is about 12" if that helps.

Good photo. There's a lot of variability in eartab coloration on pure redears. I strongly suspect a pure female redear, but oftentimes you can get fish that are hybrids that strongly resemble one of the parent species, or you can get a fish that has maybe 1/16 or 1/32 of a particular parent----it's very hard to tell, and truly a guessing game. It's fun, but difficult to prove either way.
This pic is much more defining.....female RES.
ray that is a female chink for sure,and good eaten too.






gators are ugly
Very helpful, so much in fact, I have a couple more. This is just a guess, but I think this fish is a green sunfish?


This fish I caught in southern Flordia. I'm saying it's a bluegill, but the southern fish seem to be darker than the bluegills in Michigan. Are they a different strain?

RSS

Latest Activity

John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"This Bass was wound  , Dick. High 70-80 degree water temp."
18 hours ago
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

md august shore 2

"I hear ya Dick ,but its been a long time finding numbers of these great critters for me !"
18 hours ago
dick tabbert commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

md august shore 2

"I can take these all night long."
yesterday
dick tabbert commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"Nice LMB."
yesterday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
yesterday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

We Dodged a Bullet on This Hurricane……8/20/2025

"I hope you continue being on the lucky side. Best to you Jeffrey."
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

We Dodged a Bullet on This Hurricane……8/20/2025

Our last big fish kill on the Albemarle Estuary was in September 2003 when Hurricane Isabel smashed…
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Fresh Crappie Fish Fry….8/18/2025

"I understand Bruce…..just one of those meals I would hang around the kitchen when my mom…"
yesterday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Fresh Crappie Fish Fry….8/18/2025

"That makes my mouth water."
Tuesday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Fresh Crappie Fish Fry….8/18/2025

"Made some homemade hush puppies and creamed sweet corn for a feast….."
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Monday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"Yeah , Jeff, and yet dead sticking last week with the wacky worm got most Fish. They can be moody."
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"Moving bait….aggressive largemouth….I have always enjoyed a spinner…"
Saturday
John Sheehan posted photos
Aug 15
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

August Daily Double……8/15/2025

My lucky “HOLY CITY” brewery hat, a favorite stop in Charleston, South Carolina…….when I wear it…
Aug 15
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Emerald Splashed Summertime Black Crappie…..8/14/2025

"Thanks Bruce……really for me if I can go catch 15 or 20 crappie I’m never…"
Aug 14
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Aug 14
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Aug 14
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Aug 14
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Aug 14

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service