In Florida, I was caught ogling the Redbreast Sunfish, rather than slightly sunburned women. Little known fact: any sunfish will turn into a Redbreast Sunfish if it spends too much time in the sun. It’s true. I found it on the Internet.

Species: Redbreast Sunfish (Lepomis auritus)
Location: Little Wekiva River, Florida
Date: July 8, 2018

Though I was born and raised in Oregon, I’m a flip-flop man. I would’ve said I’m a thong man, but some of my students read this blog, and this isn’t the 90s anymore; “thongs” don’t have anything to do with feet these days.

This is a family-friendly blog, and this post is already about Redbreasts, so I have to choose my words carefully.

I have a confession to make, and this is a good platform to do it on. Here goes: I’m afraid I haven’t caught a lot of really common species.

I know, it’s shameful. I try to not to talk about it, but in the Species Hunting community, there are a lot of species most everyone in the community has but me. Cool cool.

Redbreast Sunfish, common across the United States, were one such species.

For that reason, I decided to target them in the same place I hoped to catch a few darter and shiner species.

And I’d done my research.

Pierce Sanders, who I met by stalking Instagram (@finnafishfl) and Fishbrain for hours and hours prior to my trip, gave me the down-low on the spot.

I’d watched his YouTube channel, Finna Fish, as I compiled my list of target species. I watched the video in which he caught darters, shiners, and sunfish from an overhanging tree branch in the very river I intended to fish.

It was “finna” be lit.

***

As I parked and walked to what I thought was the river, I struck out a few times. But hey, it’s Florida. You have to bring your A-Game, or you’re gonna strike out.

Fortunately, I got lost just as an attractive jogger stopped nearby to stretch. I used my best lost tourist face as I approached.

We flirted just a lot, but I had work to do, so I stopped appreciating Florida’s greatest natural resource, took her directions with a smile and a nod, and headed to the river through the jungle that was almost as thick as the jogger.

***

Growing up in Oregon, I never really feared poison oak. I fished all of the time, and I’d been exposed to it dozens of times. It didn’t affect me at all. Until the day it did.

On my first attempt at steelhead fishing, I managed to get exposed and suffered for weeks afterwards. It left physical scars in the short term, but the emotional scars stuck with me.

Thong man, err … flip-flop man that I am, I found the thick vegetation separating me and the river was unnerving. My bare legs and feet brushed up against vegetation I couldn’t identify but knew wasn’t any of the the “Big Three” urushiol-producing plants, so I pressed on.

Miraculously, I made it to the water unscathed.

***

Bluegill came first because of course they did, but Spotted Sunfish followed suit. I had both, but at least Spotted Sunfish are cool fish and something I don’t catch every day. Bluegill, on the other hand, are pretty mainstream, so I opted to leave the main stream.

Right where a small spring fed it’s trickle into the larger water body, a log split the river and made a small but deep pool.

It promptly yielded a Redbreast.

This spring was about 15 degrees cooler than the mainstem.

I landed half a dozen shapely, sun-kissed trophies, and I caught some fish, too.

I’m kidding, of course.

According to Steve Wozniak, my friend and legendary Species Hunter Ben Cantrell is the only Species Hunter “rampaging his way through … swimsuit models,” so I guess I’ll just have to stick with pretty fish instead.

#SpeciesQuest // #CaughtOvgard

Read the next entry in #SpeciesQuest here: Species #139 — Coastal Shiner.

149 Replies

  1. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  2. I feel this is among the so much vital information for me. And i am glad studying your article. But want to remark on some general issues, The site style is ideal, the articles is in point of fact excellent : D. Excellent task, cheers

  3. Normally I don’t read article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice post.

  4. Attractive portion of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to say that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds or even I fulfillment you access constantly fast.

  5. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little bit analysis on this. And he in actual fact purchased me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I really feel strongly about it and love reading extra on this topic. If potential, as you turn into expertise, would you thoughts updating your blog with more particulars? It is extremely helpful for me. Huge thumb up for this blog publish!

  6. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Very useful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  7. Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

  8. Great – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task..

  9. Thank you for the good writeup. It actually was a leisure account it. Glance complex to more delivered agreeable from you! By the way, how could we be in contact?

  10. Excellent web site. Lots of useful information here. I am sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks on your sweat!

  11. naturally like your web-site but you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I will surely come back again.

  12. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!

  13. Hi there very nice web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally…I am satisfied to find numerous helpful info here in the submit, we’d like develop extra strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing.

  14. Thank you for some other informative site. Where else may just I am getting that kind of info written in such a perfect means? I’ve a project that I’m just now operating on, and I’ve been at the look out for such information.

  15. I think that is among the so much important information for me. And i’m happy reading your article. But should statement on some common things, The site style is ideal, the articles is truly nice : D. Good job, cheers

  16. Fantastic post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Many thanks!

  17. Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your web site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you?¦ve on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched all over the place and just couldn’t come across. What a perfect site.

  18. What i do not understood is actually how you’re no longer actually a lot more neatly-liked than you may be now. You’re so intelligent. You realize thus significantly in terms of this subject, produced me in my view imagine it from a lot of various angles. Its like women and men are not involved until it?¦s something to do with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. All the time take care of it up!

  19. I’m impressed, I need to say. Really rarely do I encounter a blog that’s each educative and entertaining, and let me inform you, you’ve gotten hit the nail on the head. Your thought is excellent; the issue is one thing that not sufficient individuals are speaking intelligently about. I’m very completely satisfied that I stumbled throughout this in my seek for one thing regarding this.

  20. What Is Neotonics? Neotonics is a skin and gut supplement made of 500 million units of probiotics and 9 potent natural ingredients to support optimal gut function and provide healthy skin.

  21. Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I’m inspired! Very useful info specifically the remaining part 🙂 I deal with such information much. I was looking for this certain info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  22. What Is LeanBiome? LeanBiome is a natural weight loss supplement that reverses bacterial imbalance in your gut microbiome with the help of nine science-backed lean bacteria species with Greenselect Phytosome, a caffeine-free green tea extract crafted with patented phytosome technology.

  23. Howdy very nice web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I’m happy to search out numerous helpful info here in the put up, we’d like work out more techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  24. Hey there I am so grateful I found your blog, I really found you by error, while I was looking on Google for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a fantastic post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the great work.

  25. I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back down the road. Many thanks

  26. What i don’t understood is in fact how you are now not really a lot more well-appreciated than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You know therefore significantly in relation to this topic, made me personally believe it from numerous varied angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be involved except it?¦s something to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs nice. Always maintain it up!

  27. My brother recommended I may like this blog. He was once totally right. This submit truly made my day. You can not consider just how so much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  28. Tonic Greens: An Overview Introducing Tonic Greens, an innovative immune support supplement meticulously crafted with potent antioxidants, essential minerals, and vital vitamins.

  29. I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.

  30. I have not checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  31. obviously like your web-site however you need to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to tell the reality on the other hand I will surely come again again.

  32. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  33. I’ve been using CBD gummies for or a year now, and I can’t have the courage of one’s convictions pretend how much they’ve improved my life like! The flavors are hush engaging, making it a delightful share of my habitually routine. My dread and distress levels enjoy significantly decreased, and my beauty sleep calibre has improved tremendously. I wake up feeling more refreshed and energetic. However, I’ve noticed a crumb of drowsiness during the daytime, and I order the effects lasted a particle longer. Ignoring these unimportant issues, I highly commend these CBD gummies representing anyone looking to enrich their well-being normally!

  34. Needed to create you a little note in order to give thanks once again for your awesome advice you’ve shared on this page. It was so extremely open-handed of you to present without restraint all some people would’ve advertised as an e-book in order to make some dough on their own, primarily now that you might well have done it if you ever wanted. These tactics likewise worked to provide a good way to understand that someone else have similar interest much like mine to find out whole lot more with regards to this matter. Certainly there are some more pleasant instances up front for individuals who view your blog post.

  35. Very great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to mention that I’ve truly loved browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I’m hoping you write once more very soon!

  36. Hi there, I discovered your website by the use of Google whilst looking for a similar topic, your web site got here up, it seems great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  37. I do love the way you have presented this particular problem plus it does supply us a lot of fodder for thought. Nonetheless, through just what I have observed, I just hope as other opinions stack on that individuals continue to be on issue and don’t get started on a tirade of some other news of the day. Anyway, thank you for this outstanding piece and although I do not necessarily concur with it in totality, I respect your point of view.

  38. Hi there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading through your posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same subjects? Thank you!

  39. Generally I don’t learn post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very great article.

  40. Great blog you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get feed-back from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Appreciate it!

  41. Thank you for another informative blog. Where else could I get that kind of information written in such an ideal way? I’ve a project that I am just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.

  42. Hey very nice blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds alsoKI’m happy to find so many useful info here in the publish, we’d like work out more strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  43. I have been surfing on-line greater than three hours as of late, but I never found any fascinating article like yours. It?¦s lovely value enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the web will probably be a lot more useful than ever before.

  44. naturally like your web site but you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I will definitely come back again.

  45. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this excellent blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this site with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  46. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was looking for this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  47. After study a couple of of the weblog posts on your website now, and I actually like your approach of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site listing and will probably be checking back soon. Pls try my website online as properly and let me know what you think.

  48. Have you ever considered writing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would appreciate your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.

  49. Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue along with your web site in web explorer, may check thisK IE still is the marketplace chief and a good component of other folks will omit your magnificent writing due to this problem.

  50. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  51. I like the helpful information you provide to your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check once more here regularly. I am fairly sure I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!

  52. Hello, you used to write wonderful, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!

  53. F*ckin’ remarkable things here. I’m very glad to see your post. Thanks a lot and i am looking forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?

  54. The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  55. Whats up very nice web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds alsoKI am satisfied to find a lot of helpful info right here in the submit, we want work out more techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  56. I’m just commenting to make you know what a great discovery my cousin’s girl experienced viewing yuor web blog. She discovered several issues, which included what it’s like to have an awesome helping heart to have the others clearly gain knowledge of specific complex things. You truly exceeded my desires. Thank you for supplying these useful, trusted, explanatory and as well as cool guidance on your topic to Lizeth.

  57. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!

  58. My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find a lot of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content for you? I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome web site!

  59. Someone essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and to this point? I surprised with the analysis you made to create this particular publish incredible. Excellent process!

  60. Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It actually was a entertainment account it. Glance complicated to far delivered agreeable from you! By the way, how could we keep up a correspondence?

  61. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  62. Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  63. I truly wanted to make a small comment so as to say thanks to you for these nice instructions you are sharing at this website. My long internet research has at the end of the day been compensated with good know-how to exchange with my relatives. I would believe that most of us visitors are unquestionably endowed to live in a good network with many awesome professionals with interesting ideas. I feel quite lucky to have come across the web page and look forward to many more cool minutes reading here. Thanks once more for all the details.

  64. I’ve been browsing online more than three hours as of late, yet I by no means discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is beautiful price enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made just right content material as you did, the web might be much more helpful than ever before.

  65. Hi I am so happy I found your webpage, I really found
    you by mistake, while I was researching on Aol for something else,
    Regardless I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a tremendous post and a
    all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read
    much more, Please do keep up the great b.

  66. Greetings! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading through your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same topics? Thank you!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *