For many fisherman, pumpkinseeds were one of the first fish they found on the end of their line. These little fish are fun to catch and a beauty to behold. Let’s take a look at where they can be found and some of the best ways to catch pumpkinseed.
What is A Pumpkinseed Fish?
The Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) also goes by the names pond perch, punkie, sunfish, sunny and common sunfish. The latter nickname makes sense, as this fish is a perfect specimen of the sunfish family. Pumpkinseeds are freshwater fish native to North America.
Is a Pumpkinseed Fish The Same as a Bluegill?
It’s not surprising that Pumpkinseeds get confused with Bluegills, but these are two completely separate fish. They’re both sunfish and panfish, and share some similarities as far as appearances. As a quick way to tell them apart, look for a bright orange and/or red spot at the tip of the ear spot–this signifies that you’re holding a Pumpkinseed. Males of this species will also have bright blue wavy marks around their gill area. Pumpkinseeds are also consistently smaller than Bluegills.
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What Kind of Fish is a Pumpkinseed
Pumpkinseeds belong to the sunfish family, a group of fish native to North America’s freshwater sources. Sunfish have rayed fins, and Pumpkinseeds fit this criteria. They are also panfish, meaning they’re the perfect size for the frying pan!
Pumpkinseed Habitat
Like other species in the sunfish family, Pumpkinseeds prefer warm, calm water. They can be found in ponds, lakes and creeks as well as small rivers. Pumpkinseeds hang out in areas with vegetation, but pools of clear water as well. They use vegetation to hide.
Where Can I Find Pumpkinseed Fish?
The Pumpkinseed’s natural range runs from southern Canada to South Carolina and along the east coast. This species has been introduced throughout much of the continent, though, as well as parts of Europe where they are considered invasive. They are most easily found along the northeast, and are rare in the northwest of North America.
What Do Pumpkinseed Eat?
Similar to other sunfish, Pumpkinseeds are carnivorous but, due to their small size and mouths, eat smaller prey. Pumpkinseed feed at both the top and bottom of the water column, which is a bit unusual but gives you a better chance of catching them. They’ll go after insects, worms, tadpoles, small frogs, crustaceans and minnow fry. Pumpkinseeds will even seek out molluscs or small fry of their own species.
How to Catch a Pumpkinseed Fish?
Pumpkinseeds can be considered a “starter fish” as they’re abundant and easy to catch on basic bait. By basic, we really mean classic; the good old worm. Pumpkinseeds readily go after live bait, but they can also be drawn in by artificial rigs thanks to their varied diet.
This species will bite anything once and have been known to hit on both wet and dry flies. They’ll also check out soft plastics paired with Mule jigs and drop shots. They aren’t as drawn to hard baits, but will still check them out.
Catching Pumpkinseeds isn’t exactly a challenge, but to better your odds, cast from the bank and keep bait simple.
Best Pumpkinseed fishing rigs?
Micro Drop Shot
Berkley Fusion 19 Drop Shot Hook (size 6)
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Micro drop shots are a good option for Pumpkinseeds as they keep bait at the bottom of the water column, where Pumpkinseeds like to hang out. Keep in mind that these fish gather in vegetated areas, so you’re likely to pull in some weeds as well.
MUUNN 1/16oz Drop Shot Weights (10 Pack)
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Mule Jig
Mule Fishing Mule Jigs
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Mule jigs paired with soft bait mimic the Pumpkinseed’s favorite prey easily. Make sure you’re situating the jig correctly in the water column to draw attention.
Best Pumpkinseed fishing Lures?
Mule Fishing Horse Fly
Mule Fishing Horse Fly
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.The Horse Fly imitates insect larvae, one of the Pumpkinseed’s top choices in prey. It’s simple yet effective and a great option for light-line fishing. Panfish as a whole go after this bait reliably.
Berkley Gulp Minnows
Berkley Gulp Alive Minnow Jar
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Berkley’s Gulp Minnows are a versatile bait that can be used on a variety of species, so they’re always a good option to have on hand in your tacklebox. For Pumpkinseeds, the scent dispersion may give you an edge in busy ponds and creeks and grab this fish’s attention.
Rebel CrickHopper
Rebel Crickhopper
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.The Crickhopper is most often used for sportsfish but it’s a great topwater lure that draws attention thanks to its colorful paint job. Simulating a cricket, this lure also comes in different sizes and colorations.
What kind of Gear Do You Need for Pumpkinseed Fishing?
As with other panfish and sunfish, the best gear for Pumpkinseeds will be your ultralight fishing options. Anglers love ultralight rods, reels and line due to their versatility with different species. By keeping the line light, lures and jigs will appear more lifelike. That light line also adds a punch of sensation when you finally get a fish on the hook.
What is a Good Pumpkinseed Fishing Kit?
Leland’s Lures Panfish Magnet Kit
Panfish Magnet Kit
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Leland’s Lures Panfish Kit is a great kit for anyone interested in fishing the different species under the “panfish” umbrella. This kit comes in an assortment of colors with split-tail grub body designs. 70 grubs total are included, as well as 15 size 8 hooks.
What is a Good Pumpkinseed Fishing Rod?
13 Fishing Defy Silver
13 Fishing Defy Silver 6’6″ Ultralight Rod
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.The Defy Silver rod is a versatile rod that comes in many different sizes and styles depending on how you like to fish. We’ve focused on this rod because it comes in an ultralight option as well, which is perfect for panfishing and picking up Pumpkinseeds. If you happen to be fishing for hard mouthed fish, this rod can hold its own, but is also sensitive enough to attract other species as well.
What is a Good Pumpkinseed Fishing Reel?
13 Fishing Source K Size 1000
Panfish Magnet Kit
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.The Source K spinning reel from 13 Fishing pairs perfectly with their Defy Silver rod. This reel is light, ambidextrous, and sturdy. It’s made of stainless steel bearings and aluminum for a lightweight but durable design.
What is the Best Fishing Line for Pumpkinseed?
Berkley Trilene Sensation
Berkley Trilene Sensation Fishing Line
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.The 2-4lb Trilene Sensation line is delicate, but strong enough to handle a fish with some fight. This line is great for freshwater fishing across a variety of species. It allows anglers to play with the bait, making it look lifelike, but can also hold up against stronger fish when they finally hit.
When do Pumpkinseed Spawn
Pumpkinseeds spawn when waters reach temperatures of 55-63 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually in late spring or early summer. At this point, males will begin to build nests in sandy or gravel-bottomed areas. Pumpkinseeds like to group these nests together in little colonies and may even join the nesting grounds of like-species, such as the Bluegill. Once females release their eggs, the males guard them for roughly 11 days. Fry and young fish will stay near the breeding area for the first year.
How Big Do Pumpkinseed Get?
Pumpkinseeds range in size anywhere from 2-11 inches.
What is the Average Length of a Pumpkinseed Fish?
The average Pumpkinseed measures in at 4 inches, making them a fun fish for kids to reel in.
What is the Average Weight of a Pumpkinseed Fish?
The average weight of Pumpkinseeds is under 1lb.
What is the World Record Pumpkinseed Fish?
The world record for the largest Pumpkinseed is held by Robert Wayne, who caught a 1 lb. 8 oz. fish on the Honeoye Lake in Upstate New York.
what is the lifespan of a Pumpkinseed
Pumpkinseeds in their natural habitat reach anywhere from 6-8 years old. If they’re kept in captivity, these fish can live as long as 12 years.
Are Pumpkinseed Fish Good to Eat?
Yes–Pumpkinseeds are considered delicious, with white, flaky flesh that has a bit of a sweetness to it. However, keep in mind that these fish are often small and there isn’t much meat on them.
Is Pumpkinseed the same as Sunfish?
Pumpkinseeds belong to the freshwater sunfish family (Centrarchidae).
Is Pumpkinseed a Panfish?
Yes, Pumpkinseeds are considered panfish due to their size and the ability to cook them easily in a pan.
Conclusion
No matter what you’re looking for in a fish, chances are Pumpkinseeds will fit the bill. This fish is much-loved for many reasons. They’re great for young anglers, but still fun for the seasoned fisherman to catch.
