Sunfish, sunnies, panfish or whatever you call them are loved by many. Think about how many kids have been introduced to fishing through their voracious appetite. Most experienced anglers I know still fish for them. Many will say that they are the best tasting fish around. I would agree. Whether after bluegill, pumpkinseeds, or other varieties one does not have to look far to find them. Usually the nearest lake or pond. With their vast numbers and their willingness to eat just about anything, anyone can get in on the action.

Sunfish are mostly a shallow water specie so fishing can be good from shore or a boat. Vegetation and submerged wood provide cover and security from predators. This same area supports most of the insect life in the lake that makes up their main diet.

They are opportunistic feeders which works out to every ones favor. No matter what your fishing experience, throw something out there and your likely to get a bite. If you want to catch a bucket full, try taking a fly rod and some flies instead of worms. Just make sure the flies are not real small or the fish will swallow them. You'll spend all your time trying to get the hook out. Something about an inch long or more is a good size for smaller fish. If you don't want to catch the little ones, use a bigger fly. Something big enough that they will not be able to get their mouth around the hook. You'd be surprised what they can get in there. My biggest gills have been caught on flies that are about two and half inches long. They will get their mouth around it.

If you want to introduce someone to the sport of fly fishing, I can think of no better way than to go fishing for sunfish. Use whatever fly rod and floating fly line you have access to. The size and length of the leader is not critical. Just as long as the leader is not so big of a diameter that you cannot tie the fly on. Put a fly on that floats on the surface of the water and watch them come to the top for it. I've been with young and old and they all get a kick out of it.

You'll do good with whatever tackle you choose. You can also throw age and experience out the window, because if you go fishing for sunnies you're bound to get hooked on fishing.