Description of Bluegill
The bluegill has 39 to 44 lateral line scales. Its dorsal fin contains nine to
11 spines and 10 to 12 soft rays, its anal fin three spines and 10 to 12 rays.
The pectoral fin is long and pointed, extending past the eye when bent forward.
The mouth is small; the upper jaw does not extend to the front of the eye.
The black flexible ear flap is small in juveniles, longer in adults.
Juveniles and nonbreeding adults are light olive to gray on the back and sides
with several evenly spaced, darker vertical bands. The venter varies from pale
yellow to white. All but small individuals have a distinct black spot toward the
rear of the soft dorsal fin. Breeding males darken, with the back and sides
becoming purple.
Bluegills are generally found in warmer lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams
that are vegetated. Clear waters with moderate weed growth support the best
bluegill populations.
11 spines and 10 to 12 soft rays, its anal fin three spines and 10 to 12 rays.
The pectoral fin is long and pointed, extending past the eye when bent forward.
The mouth is small; the upper jaw does not extend to the front of the eye.
The black flexible ear flap is small in juveniles, longer in adults.
Juveniles and nonbreeding adults are light olive to gray on the back and sides
with several evenly spaced, darker vertical bands. The venter varies from pale
yellow to white. All but small individuals have a distinct black spot toward the
rear of the soft dorsal fin. Breeding males darken, with the back and sides
becoming purple.
Bluegills are generally found in warmer lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams
that are vegetated. Clear waters with moderate weed growth support the best
bluegill populations.
Bluegill
This bluegill was caught in a family pond in Piney Creek, NC, the bait used was a earthworm. This pond is very aboundant with bluegill, so it doesn't take long to catch a bluegill here.