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Sunfish & Rock Bass

Lepomis spp., Ambloplites rupestris · also: pumpkinseed, bluegill, rock bass, crapet-soleil

The first fish for most Canadians. Docks, weeds and a worm under a bobber.

Where to find them

Every warm pond, bay and river in southern Canada.

Rigs by season

SeasonWhere and what to tie
Late springBeds in shallow water; sight-fish with a small worm piece under a float.
SummerDocks, weeds and shade. Fixed bobber, split-shot rig, tiny jigs.

Gear

Ultralight rod, 4 lb line, #8 hooks.

Bait and lures

Worm pieces, waxworms, tiny jigs, small poppers on a fly rod.

Tips

  • Small hooks and small bait — they have tiny mouths.
  • Pumpkinseeds and rock bass are pan-sized fun on a fly rod.

Rigs for sunfish & rock bass

2 rigs

Fixed Bobber Rig diagramMono 4–6 lbClip-on float (fixed)1–4 ftSplit shot6–10"#6–#10 hook + worm

Fixed Bobber Rig

A clip-on float, a split shot and a baited hook. The rig that catches everyone their first fish off a dock — and still fills a bucket with perch and sunfish.

panfishBeginnerSunfish & Rock BassYellow Perch
Split-Shot Rig diagramMono 4–6 lbSplit shot (1–2)12–18"#6–#10 baitholder + worm

Split-Shot Rig

One or two split shot pinched on the line above a small baited hook. The simplest bottom rig there is and the standard for drifting worms for stream trout.

troutBeginnerTrout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow, Lake)Yellow Perch