Would say bluegill but the operculum/ear flap throws me off; it’s too long and the wrong color. Maybe this is something else?
Canon PowerShot SX620 HS (4.5mm-112.5mm f/3.2-6.6 lens, 20.2MP).
Canon PowerShot SX620 HS (4.5mm-112.5mm f/3.2-6.6 lens, 20.2MP).
Found in swamp near bridge; about 2.5 inches long. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how rare this was until I looked at the photos hours later (it was getting dark but I would have tried for better photos). Much more striped and rosy colored sides than expected. Released unharmed back into swamp. First Virginia iNat record and fourth global (third individual) iNat record.
Photo from Facebook share by user John S. Cropped face for user privacy
The first fish I ever caught myself
Protecting a bed in less than a foot of water. Safely returned back to the bed.