Sunfish, known scientifically as members of the family Centrarchidae (including popular species like bluegill, largemouth bass, and crappie), are freshwater fish native to North America and highly prized for both recreational and commercial fishing. The United States is the top country for sunfish fishing, with abundant populations found throughout lakes, rivers, and ponds, particularly in the Midwest and Southern states where sport fishing is a major pastime and economic driver. Canada also boasts significant sunfish fisheries, especially in its southern provinces. While sunfish are occasionally found in other countries due to introductions, their fishing industries are most developed in North America. In these countries, sunfish are harvested primarily for recreational purposes, supporting a vibrant angling industry, tourism, and local economies, with some limited commercial harvest for food markets.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 54 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.