Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Green Sunfish have a dark olive green body with blue lines on their cheek. They also have rows of small blue speckles on their body. Their belly is usually white or yellow.

All of the fins, except the pectoral fins, have an orange, yellow, or white outline.

The ear flap is black and sometimes has a thin white to yellow-orange margin.

They have a large mouth.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open Year-Round
Size Limit	No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person	No Limit (The Green Sunfish is not included in Delaware's panfish regulations)
Delaware Range	New Castle County, Saint Jones River and Wyoming Pond (Potentially anywhere in the State due to accidental stocking)
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Uncommon
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Green Sunfish prefer vegetated areas in sluggish backwaters and ponds. They can be found in very muddy waters and are able to tolerate poor water quality. They feed on invertebrates, insects, and small fish.
Did You Know?	Green Sunfish are an introduced species to Delaware (meaning they are non-native). They readily hybridize (crossbreed) with other sunfishes, especially Bluegill.
Common Lures and Baits	Green Sunfish can be caught with artificial flies, small spinners, and small jigs. Live bait often includes crickets, meal worms, small worms, and small minnows fished suspended under a bobber.
Typical Sizes Caught	Green Sunfish rarely exceeds 8 inches.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Green Sunfish are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award.
Delaware State Record	Green Sunfish are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government