Fish Images Courtesy of King Sailfish Release Mounts

Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus

Commonly referred to as “brim” or “bream,” the bluegill is the most common of all the sunfishes. It is a member of the sunfish or pan fish family, which also includes the crappie and largemouth bass. Other species of sunfish sometimes mistaken for bluegills are redears, pumpkinseeds and warmouths. Because it is one of the true sunfish species that grow large enough to be acceptable to fishermen, the bluegill has introduced many people to the sport of fishing. Its size, tenacious fighting ability and voracious appetite make the bluegill a favorite of many anglers.