Many people confuse pumpkinseeds with bluegill because they are similar in size and are often found in the same areas. Added to this confusion, is a natural hybridization where the fish have actually crossbred! None the less, true pumpkinseeds are speckled in various bright colors including, yellow, green, orange, or even red. As is often the case in nature, females are more brightly colored and often sport an orangish breast area. All in all, the coloration of the pumpkinseed is one of the most vibrant of any freshwater fish and can range from an olive-green or brown to bright orange and blue. In fact, aside from the aforementioned pigmentation, its sides are covered with vertical bars that are a faint green or blue, which can remind one of perch.

Found in great numbers throughout much of North America and especially the Northeast, it's hard to believe these small fish have found their way across the Atlantic and are an invasive species but, that's exactly what happened. Although fish this size can hardly be viewed as a threat, they may end up being as common as goldfish which is another well controlled invasive species.

As with any fish this small, light tackle is the way to go. Get a light rod, four pound line, size 6 or 8 hooks and some worms and you're good to go.

Rotifers are nearly microscopic plankton-like animals which are found throughout most of the world in both salt and fresh water but mainly in fresh water.

I wonder if it’s gonna stop this rainy pattern. Rain, sun, rain, sun, This kind of weather may be good for the grass but it makes fishing tough! This funky weather has made most bodies of water pretty high and muddy. Personally, when the weather is high and muddy, I like to make it easy on myself and try to hook a bass or two.

Flooding has been a problem in many areas because water in pouring into ponds, lakes, and rivers and unbelievable rates! When water gets deeper, even if you’re not going for bass, you have to adjust your tactics. If you have a pattern that usually works in an area, adjust ir for the added water. Say you’re fishing 5-10 feet, if the water has raised 5 feet, you have to allow for that and start fishing 10-15 feet.

Although the calendar says spring, it's still pretty cold in different parts of the country. But, natural clocks are kicking in and fish are starting to move into shallow areas as the days get longer and slightly warmer (at least to them.)
You’ll have to analyze your local water to determine where fish are and how to best catch them. If I had any shortcuts to get that done, I'd tell you!

Although it’s snowy around here, it’s warm somewhere and being able to pull big ones out of that warm water is something you can’t pass up. Big fish can often be found hanging out around thick weeds or vegetation. Knowing how to effectively fish in thick weeds without losing your lure is one of the most important lessons an angler can learn.

There are a few reasons why many different types of fish hover in weedy areas during hot months. One of the biggest attractions is the higher amounts of oxygen that are available in weedy areas. Shade is another vital aspect offered by thick weeds because it keeps the water relatively cool during the day. On top of that, any vegetation is a great hiding spot for smaller fish who are trying to avoid being a larger fish's lunch. On the other hand, predatory fish may hang out in the weeds and ambush the smaller fish. There are also plenty of natural food sources wherever you find thick weeds including insects, mollusks, grubs, minnows and frogs.