A new fish species has been discovered in Nebraska after a local fisherman reeled in a colorful longear sunfish, a native species typically found in Kansas. Daryl Bauer, the Fisheries Outreach program manager of the state’s Game & Parks Commission, was surprised by the find, as most new species recorded in Nebraska are unwanted, invasive species. The longear sunfish caught by Scott Buss, an avid angler from Norfolk, was a bright orange fish with turquoise markings, measuring 5¼ inches in length and weighing 2 ounces. This unique catch was made with a rod and reel using a nightcrawler worm as bait, and it was the first time Bauer had ever encountered a longear sunfish in Nebraska.
Buss, who enjoys multi-species fishing, was not specifically targeting the sunfish but was instead using a small hook and bait for a variety of catches. When he realized he had caught a longear sunfish, Buss immediately recognized its rarity in Nebraska and decided to document the find. Keeping the fish in an aerated bait cooler, Buss brought it to the commission office where it was officially recognized as the first state record for the species in Nebraska. Bauer expressed excitement over the discovery, noting the beauty of the fish and the significance of its presence in Nebraska. The unique catch highlights the unpredictability of fishing, as Buss pointed out that one never knows what they might reel in, whether it’s a massive muskie, a hefty walleye, or a small sunfish.
The longear sunfish was caught by Buss in the Little Blue River, a typical eastern Nebraska prairie stream, known for its relatively shallow, sandy, muddy bottom with rock, gravel, and woody debris. Bauer explained that the river typically hosts species like catfish, minnows, suckers, bluegills, green sunfish, and orange spotted sunfish, but longear sunfish are not commonly found in the area. The presence of a longear sunfish in the river was likely due to periods of high flow earlier in the year, allowing the fish to migrate from Kansas. Longears are similar to bluegills and are often the first fish caught by young anglers due to their readiness to bite on small hooks, bobbers, and worms.
The discovery of the longear sunfish adds to the biodiversity of fish species in Nebraska and showcases the excitement and unpredictability of fishing. Buss encouraged others to get out and enjoy the sport, emphasizing the element of surprise in what they might catch. The rarity of the longear sunfish in Nebraska and its vibrant coloration make it a noteworthy find for anglers and conservationists alike. Bauer expressed his delight in seeing the unique fish and highlighted the importance of properly documenting and recognizing new species, whether they are native or invasive. Overall, the discovery of the longear sunfish serves as a reminder of the diverse aquatic life that can be found in Nebraska’s waters and the joy of exploring nature through fishing.
