The impact Sunfish can have

This was my first encounter with a Sunfish. After a long day of not catching any fish, I observed the fisherman next to me catch his first catch of the day. A bluegill, almost directly against the bank he was standing on. To me, there was a familiarity to this style of fishing. It was reminiscent of the way we caught kurpers (tilapia) as children back in South Africa. Small hooks with earthworms in shallow water.

This style of fishing is a great way to get children excited about fishing. Fun, easy, and action-packed! But like I said, the way we caught as children. There is a mindset amongst many fishermen that these fish are not worth targeting. It is a great start point to fishing, but there will never be a televised pro tournament for sunfish equal to bass. This mindset is something that I am starting to loath.

This particular sunfish was hard to identify, as it is a hybrid. Sunfish can interbreed, which can make an already bright and colorful fish stand out even more. I believe that this was likely a green sunfish and bluegill cross. The more oval shape and yellow fins point to green sunfish, while the colorful blocks look more like pumpkinseed, but we are outside of their natural range.

As a life-lister, I am more drawn to these fish as I would like to add all sunfish species to my list. The beauty and diversity of these fish have given me a new perspective on all fish. One where I examine and appreciate each fish. I had to experience fishing at its simplest in another country to open my eyes. I find myself excited again to catch tilapia in Africa, but also fish in general. Fish that I have never even thought about.

I had to experience something new, to appreciate the old. I realize that this is a privilege, and that’s why I want to share this. I know my reasoning would not change anything in the world of fishing, but it might change the way that one sunfish gets released.