Inland Fishing Regulations AND INFORMATION
Species Identification Chart White Crappie • 5–6 dorsal spines • 5–10 dark vertical bars on each side
Redbreast Sunfish • Bluish streaks on cheeks and around eyes
• Best populations found in Piedmont reservoirs and rivers
• Long, narrow ear flap entirely black
Black Crappie • 7–8 dorsal spines • Many dark spots on sides and fins
Redear Sunfish • Commonly called shellcracker • Red or orange edge along ear flap
• Common in large rivers in Coastal Plain, clear ponds, natural lakes and reservoirs
• No blue lines along cheeks
Bluegill • Ear flap entirely black • Pattern of vertical bars on sides
Roanoke Bass • Similar shape as rock bass, but is dark olive-green to olive brown
• Most common sunfish in state
• No scales on cheek • Only found in Dan, Deep, Neuse, Tar, & Uwharrie rivers
Pumpkinseed • 4–8 wavy lines, often bright blue, on cheek
Rock Bass • Olive-green top and gold or brassy-colored sides • Scales on sides have dark spots, forming striped- like appearance
• Unlike Roanoke bass, have scales on cheeks and dark spot near ear flap
• Ear flap black with orange- red spot
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North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations
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