Did I catch a Redfin Pickerel? NJ

Posted by KarlitoTheAquaLlama

5 Comments

  1. I_kickflipped_my_dog on

    In my non-expert opinion, yes. Yes, you did.

    That’s a beautiful fish.

    Edit: operculum and pattern looks correct to me

  2. Illustrious_Sock_487 on

    I’m no genius. But from what I’ve read up on pickerel have that tear drop under the eye like the one in your picture. Most likely (because I’m not a professional) meaning it’s a pickerel not a pike or Muskie. As to what kind of pickerel that I do not know.

  3. Looks like a small chain pickerel. Redfins have a slanted bar under the eye and this fish has a vertical bar. Redfins will have brighter red fins too that stand out and the caudal fin isn’t as deeply notched.

  4. Upvotespoodles on

    Chain pickerel. They can get a red flush to the fin when they’re overly stressed. I get more redfins around the black water pine barrens, even though they’re supposed to favor clear water!

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