From the Spring 2010 Conservationist for Kids
Common Sportfish of New York State
By Joelle Ernst and Greg Kozlowski
Sportfish are the fish anglers enjoy catching.
Family Ties
Scientists group all living things into "families" of species that are related to each other. Some fish families look fairly similar, but not always! Of the fish shown here, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill and pumpkinseed are all related and belong to the sunfish family. Brook trout and lake trout are both members of the trout family.
Freshwater Fish Species
Habitat: Shallow, weedy ponds and lakes
Largemouth Bass
Average Size: 12-18 inches
Fishy Fact: Most popular sportfish in New York State
The bluegill is one of the sunfish
Bluegill/Pumpkinseed (sunfish)
Average Size: 5-7 inches
Fishy Fact: Usually the first fish caught by kids
Brown bullhead
Average Size: 8-12 inches
Fishy Fact: Whiskers, or barbels, help to locate prey along the bottom
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Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
Average Size: 6-12 inches
Fishy Fact: Often travels in schools with others the same size and age.
Chain pickerel
Average Size: 15-20 inches
Fishy Fact: Lightning fast speed and razor sharp teeth make this one of the top predators in lakes and ponds.
Freshwater Fish Species
Habitat: Cool, deep, rocky areas
Smallmouth bass
Smallmouth Bass
Average Size: 10-16 inches
Fishy Fact: Pound for pound, the strongest freshwater fish.
Rock bass
Average Size: 5-10 inches
Fishy Fact: Red eyes make this fish look different from any other you might catch.
Freshwater Fish Species
Habitat: Cold water lakes, ponds or streams
Brook trout
Brook Trout
Average Size: 5-9 inches (stream), 9-15 inches (lakes)
Fishy Fact: New York's official state freshwater fish.
Lake trout
Lake Trout
Average Size: 15-24 inches
Fishy Fact: New York's largest native trout, and the trout with the longest lifespan.
Saltwater Fish Species
Habitat: Saltwater/Marine
Striped bass
Striped Bass
Average Size: 18-36 inches
Fishy Fact: The most sought after saltwater gamefish; can grow larger than 70 pounds!
Striped Sea Robin
Average Size: 9-14 inches
Fishy Fact: Makes funny noises when caught
Porgy or Scup
Porgy (Scup)
Average Size: 8-14 inches
Fishy Fact: Swims in schools and shows black stripes when stressed.
Summer flounder or fluke
Average
Size: 12-24 inches
Fishy Fact: Easily camouflaged; has a flat body and changes color to match the bottom.
Bluefish
Bluefish
Average Size: 6-20 inches
Fishy Fact: Nickname when small is snapper; is a ferocious predator when bigger.