Subspecies - Two are recognized: the northern bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus macrochirus), and the Florida bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus mystacalis), found throughout Florida except the panhandle. The bluegill also hybridizes with other members of the sunfish family.

Scientific Name: Esox Masquinongy
AKA: muskellunge, lunge, maskinonge, great pike
Ideal Water Temp: 60 to 70
World Record: 69 lbs. 15 ounces
Environment: Rivers, Lakes
Common Techniques: Live Baiting, Spooning, Casting, Trolling

These fish are characterized by a long cylindrical body with a soft dorsal fin, and each has large powerful jaws shaped like a duck's bill and armed with numerous fang-like teeth.

The muskellunge, or muskie, as it is often called, is an extremely efficient "predator machine." It lurks near shore in the shadows of plants or submerged logs, and ventures forth only to strike swiftly at a prey fish (which it often takes back to a concealed area before eating). During summer's peak heat a muskie may move into slightly deeper, cooler waters but will still choose the protection of a drop-off or some underwater obstruction. If necessary, the muskie can withstand water temperatures up to 90 degrees F.

The muskie spawns in early spring shortly after the ice has melted, but after the spawning of the northern pike. Eggs are laid among heavy vegetation, in water only 15-20 inches deep and with a temperature of about 55 degrees F. The young grow very rapidly for the first few years, which is no wonder since few fish can match the muskie's really voracious appetite. Predominately a fish-eating fish, the muskie eats perch, suckers, catfish, minnows, sunfishes and probably any other fish available in its habitat. Larger muskies will attack and consume nearly any living animal, including small rodents, waterfowl and muskrats. Females grow faster and live longer than males, so most trophy-sized individuals are females. Indeed, muskies are second only to sturgeons as the Great Lakes' largest fish. The average adult size is an impressive 28-48 inches long with a weight of 5-36 pounds.