http://forum.nanfa.o...19/#entry153206
Check this out. For the cost of some time and gas you can get your longears and learn a few things.
Where I live in Ohio, colorful sunfish are all referred to as pumpkinseeds as well. I didn't know the difference until I intentionally started educating myself. Anyway in Ohio and Indiana, longear are more widespread than pumpkinseeds. Longear are found in lakes and streams. Pumpkinseeds are almost never found in streams. They dislike like moving water.
Get yourself some size 12( or so) long shank hooks, a small float and some wax worms. Head to a local stream. Pinch the barbs down on the hooks with pliers to facilitate unhooking. You will most likely catch bluegill, green sunfish and longear sunfish. Creek chubs are very likely as well. You shouldn't have much trouble differentiating longears from the bluegills and green sunfish.
Or just go meet up with these guys Saturday.
If it works better for you to purchase sunfish, you can't go wrong with Jonah's or Zimmerman's. With cooler temperatures in the near future, shipping shouldn't be a concern.
Good luck to you.