I should add that when it comes to ear tab shape and size, that there is a fairly significant overlap between males and females. If the only factor allowed in making a differential was the eartab, there would be a good number of females that would qualify as possible males, and vice versa. I guess you could call it a rule of thirds, with one-third being strictly male realm, one-third female and one-third that could go either way.
There are also some regional vaviations that I'm beginning to notice. Some of the examples of female ear tabs that I've seen from other regions give the female ear tab a little more of an upturn that I would never see here.
Maybe the true "art" to bluegill ID is just knowing which fish that you don't know, if ya know what I mean.
