The Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) is a species of
freshwater fish in the family Centrarchidae. They are known by many as the “
gateway drug to fishing”, due to their incredibly hungry nature, and willingness to eat anything that will fit in their mouths, which
of course, includes a fishhook. Bluegill sunfish have been known to cause damage to anglers’ hands because of their sharp dorsal fin spines. This is why they must be handled with care.