Sunfish trip Sunday?

[Sonny Disposition]

Kevin and I have been trying to get together for a trip out to Pennyfield Lock on the C&O Canal off River Road North of Potomac.

http://www.riverexplorer.com/details.php4?id=607

We're going to be looking for Longear sunfish, which I've caught at this site many times before.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longear_sunfish

These are introduced into the Potomac drainage and reach a length of about 5 inches. They're territorial and aggressive, like Central American Cichlids. Males get really colorful during spawning season and dig a spawning nest in the substrate, which is disruptive to a planted tank, is interesting to see.

We haven't set a time yet, but I wanted to see if there was any interest in the group.

You would need a Maryland fishing license,

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/service/license.asp

 

[Tony]

Wow! Gorgeous fish. Don't have a fishing license... or tank space right now though. :s

What size setup have you kept these guys in before, bob? 40B?

 

[Becca]

Are you guys trying to net them or hook them?

If I could make heads or tales of which license I need on the DNR page I might like to help - LOL! I swear when I lived in PA I just had to buy a fishing license and it covered EVERYTHING.

 

[Sonny Disposition]

I bred them in my 65 high once. I'd go with about 5 fish to a 55, if I were to do it again.

Wow! Gorgeous fish. Don't have a fishing license... or tank space right now though. :s

What size setup have you kept these guys in before, bob? 40B?

 

[Sonny Disposition]

We have to hook them. Dipnetting or seining isn't allowed.

Are you guys trying to net them or hook them?

If I could make heads or tales of which license I need on the DNR page I might like to help - LOL! I swear when I lived in PA I just had to buy a fishing license and it covered EVERYTHING.

You would need a non-tidal freshwater fishing license, either 3 day, 7 day, or full season. They aren't that expensive.

I don't keep them. I don't have the time for larger, aggressive species-- sunnies or cichlids. I have a photo tank. So I'll take photos of the nicer fish, then either throw them back or give them to someone else in the party. You don't need a license to attend and take pictures, but I would recommend a license if you touch a fishing rod or take some home. I've never encountered a game warden, but I still don't recommend fishing without a license.