 PUMPKINSEED
Scientific
Name: Lepomis gibbosus
Other
Common Names: yellow sunfish, punkys, bream
Identification
One
of the smaller sunfish, the pumpkinseed is a very colorful, chunky
fish with a small mouth. Its cheek area has
four to eight wavy lines that are often bright blue. The breast
and belly are orange to yellow, with lighter-colored sides in a
variety
of bright colors. The ear flap is black but has an orange-red spot
on the outer margin that is often bordered in white.
Habitats and
Habits
A native of eastern
and central North America, pumpkinseed sunfish have been widely
introduced in other states.
In North Carolina, pumpkinseed are found in shallow areas of
lakes and slow-moving rivers and prefer areas with submerged
vegetation and brushy cover. They can tolerate a wide range of
environmental
conditions, including acidic swamp habitats and brackish estuarine
waters.
Pumpkinseeds
eat aquatic insects, snails, small clams and other invertebrates. Fishing Techniques
Fish
for pumpkinseed using natural baits, such as worms, with small
hooks and light lines. Small
spinners
and
flies can also be used. Anglers should concentrate along
the edges of dense
vegetation or woody debris.
Good Places to
Fish
Most lakes and
reservoirs in North Carolina have populations of pumpkinseed,
with coastal
rivers and
brackish estuaries offering quality angling opportunities
as well.
State
Record: 1 lb.; 6 oz., from the Trent River, May 21, 2003
World
Record: 1 lb.; 6 oz., Mexico, N.Y.,
April 27, 1985*
* Anglers
provide information on their potential world-record catches directly
to the International
Game Fish Association, which maintains the world records
for sport fishing.
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