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Flier

Flier

The Flier is one of Florida's uncommon native sunfishes, making it a memorable find in state waters.

This small, strongly compressed sunfish rarely exceeds 6 inches in length or weighs more than half a pound, though the current Florida state record is an impressive 1. 36 pounds caught at Ocheesee Pond in Jackson County.

Scientific Name: Centrarchus macropterus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Small, strongly compressed sunfish rarely exceeds 6 inches in length or weighs more than half a pound.
  • Fliers can be recognized by their distinct dark teardrop marking under the eye, rows of black spots on the body, and nearly symmetrical dorsal and anal fins of almost equal size.
  • Young fliers display a distinctive dark eyespot with reddish margin on the soft dorsal fin.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Their range in Florida is limited to ponds, marshes, and slower backwaters of smaller streams and rivers in north and northwest Florida, particularly in the Panhandle region.

Key Locations

  • North and northwest Florida, particularly in the Panhandle region.
  • Ocheesee Pond in Jackson County.
  • The northwest region of Florida, including areas like Jackson County where the state record was caught, offers the best opportunities for encountering fliers.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas around cypress trees and stumps, near brush piles, and at the mouths of small creeks and canals.
  • Target ponds, marshes, and slower backwaters of smaller streams and rivers, particularly those with dark, acidic water and thick vegetation.
  • Often found under mats of floating vegetation in swamps, sloughs, oxbows, and slow-flowing creeks.
  • When frightened, fliers seek shelter among aquatic vegetation, submerged tree roots, or floating vegetation mats.

Flier FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Flier in Florida?

Live worms, crickets, bread balls, or small minnows fished near vegetation and structure. Small artificial lures - try tiny jigs, small spinners.

What flies work for Flier in Florida?

Small flies are also effective - try fly patterns that imitate insect larvae since that's their primary diet.

When is the best time to fish for Flier in Florida?

The best fishing occurs outside of their March-May spawning period, particularly during summer months when water temperatures reach their preferred 75-85°F range. During spawning season, avoid targeting these fish to protect the reproductive population.

How do you catch Flier in Florida?

Use standard sunfish techniques. Fish these areas methodically. Due to their elusive nature and preference for specific habitat conditions, patience is key when targeting this uncommon Florida sunfish.

What do Flier eat?

Fliers are carnivorous, feeding primarily on insect larvae, but also consuming insects, crustaceans, mollusks, worms, leeches, and small fish, supplemented with small quantities of phytoplankton.

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