Help With Fish ID

Type: Nontidal
Region: Southern
Location: St Mary's County Farm Pound

I need some help on identification of this fish. I have caught several of these in a farm pond in St. Mary�s County. They have red eyes and a larger mouth than any sunfish. I have caught them on live bait as well as several different types of artificial baits. I could swear it is a Rock Bass (�redeye�) but I didn�t know they could live in warm water ponds. I thought Rock Bass needed colder, moving water. I have caught Rock Bass in the New River in SW Virginia. Any help as appreciated.

DNR Response: This is most likely a Warmouth. You are correct - Rock Bass tends to be more of a lotic species, it�s definitely not a Rock Bass though. Warmouth have somewhat larger mouths and the pattern looks right. There was though it could be a Redear Sunfish, but after checking the distribution of both species we have to conclude it�s a Warmouth.