I caught this fish in the Lumber River in North Carolina. I frankly have no idea what it is. Before anyone says Bluegill, I caught several Bluegill moments before that looked absolutely nothing like this fish. I am not a novice with fish identification but would appreciate any feedback on what species of fish this is.
The color was almost a solid rust color, it had a small blue mark behind each gill that was small like a Pumkinseed's. It had a mouth like a Bluegill or Sunfish, not at all like any bass or Warmouth. A local fisherman was there and I inquired from him if he knew what species it was and he said it was a "hardhead." In this spot on the river which is more like a canal, I was pulling up Bluegill, Flier, the mystery fish, a beautiful Bluespotted Sunfish, a Robust Redhorse, Redfin Pickerel, Redbreast Sunfish, Warmouth and Pumkinseed. None of what I caught color wise looked anything like the mystery fish.
Thanks for any help guys and appreciate the feedback.
Tim IMG_3049.JPG 27.16KB 5 downloads
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Edited by taldridge0321, 03 June 2016 - 06:24 AM.