Sunfish Sightings Increase in New York Lakes

In a study published in the Journal of Fish Biology, sunfish populations in New York were found to have increased significantly in size and number since the early 2000s. This increase is most likely due to the reduction of commercial fishing activity and the implementation of catch-and-release programs. Sunfish are an important part of the food web, and their populations play a critical role in the ecology of freshwater systems.

The study was conducted by surveying 189 lakes throughout New York between 2002 and 2016. The results showed that sunfish populations increased by 34% during that time period. Sunfish sizes also increased, with the average length of a sunfish increasing from 7.9 inches to 9.3 inches.

The reasons for this increase are not entirely clear, but one possibility is that the reduction in commercial fishing has allowed for more young fish to survive and grow older. Additionally, catch-and-release programs have helped to improve recruitment rates by allowing more adult fish to spawn multiple times per season. These changes have likely led to an overall increase in sunfish populations and sizes throughout New York.

Sunfish are an important part of the food web, providing prey for larger predators such as bass, walleye, and muskellunge. They are also popular game fish, sought after for their fighting ability and tasty flesh. The increase in sunfish populations will help to support these larger predators as well as anglers who enjoy fishing for these species.

The study provides valuable information on how managing fisheries can impact fish populations over time. It also highlights the importance of conserving our native fish species, many of which are declining in numbers due to habitat degradation and climate change.

Record-Breaking Sunfish Caught In Lake Champlain

Earlier this month, a record-breaking sunfish was caught in Lake Champlain. The fish weighed in at an impressive 37.5 pounds, easily beating the previous record of 33 pounds.

The sunfish was caught by fishing guide Jeremy Wade of Wade's Guide Service. He caught the fish using a live minnow as bait.

Lake Champlain is a popular fishing destination, especially for bass and trout. The lake is also home to a variety of other fish species, including sunfish, pike, and catfish.

The record-breaking sunfish is a reminder that there are still plenty of big fish out there to be caught. Anglers who visit Lake Champlain should definitely give bass and trout a try, but don't forget about the mighty sunfish either!

Unique Sunfish Discovered in California

A new species of sunfish has been discovered in California's Central Valley. The fish is a warm-water dweller and is the first new sunfish species discovered in California in more than a century.

The new sunfish was christened the "Valley Sunfish" by its discoverers, biologists from California's Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Valley Sunfish is so named because it is endemic to the Central Valley, meaning it is found nowhere else on earth.

The Valley Sunfish is a small fish, typically measuring only about six inches in length. It has an olive green back and a light-colored belly. It has relatively large eyes and a distinctive black spot on the rear portion of its dorsal fin.

Little is known about the ecology and habits of the Valley Sunfish, as only a few specimens have been collected to date. What is known, however, suggests that the Valley Sunfish is closely related to other warm-water sunfishes such as the bluegill and redear sunfish. Like these other sunfishes, the Valley Sunfish likely feeds on small aquatic invertebrates such as insects and crustaceans.

The discovery of the Valley Sunfish underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to survey and monitor California's diverse array of fish species. With more than 400 native fish species, California holds one of the richest fish faunas in North America. New discoveries such as the Valley Sunfish are constantly being made, but many more remain to be discovered and described.

Sunfish Population on the Rise in Minnesota

Invasive sunfish populations are on the rise in Minnesota, according to a new study led by the University of Minnesota.

The study found that invasive common carp, which are frequently preyed upon by sunfish, have declined in numbers over the past decade, opening up new territory and food sources for sunfish. This has led to an increase in the overall population of sunfish in Minnesota lakes.

"We were surprised to find that common carp numbers have plummeted statewide in recent years," said lead author Levi Lewis, a postdoctoral associate at the University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. "Our data suggests that sunfish are now thriving in carp-dominated lakes thanks to the lack of competition and increased access to food."

The findings were published this week in the journal Freshwater Science.

Sunfish are a popular game fish in Minnesota, and support a $100 million recreation industry. The increase in their population could mean more opportunities for anglers to catch these fish.

Sunfish Season Begins in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has many great fishing opportunities, and the sunfish season is one of them. Sunfish are a popular target for anglers of all ages because they can be caught in a variety of locations and typically put up a good fight.

The best time to catch sunfish in Wisconsin is from May through September. They can be found in many lakes and ponds throughout the state, as well as along the shores of rivers and streams. Techniques that work well for sunfish include bottom fishing with worms, using small lures or flies, and casting out live bait such as minnows or crickets.

Sunfish can be caught on light tackle, making them a perfect target for novice anglers. They range in size from just a few inches to nearly a foot long, and most are quite meaty so they make tasty table fare. There's nothing quite like enjoying a delicious pan-fried sunfish caught fresh from your favorite fishing spot!