Pictures are fine, size is fine (they may look small when putting them in the message, but they'll show bigger when you actually post them).
I would ID that fish as a Redear Sunfish (aka Shellcracker). You just need to check your state regs to make sure on size, creel limit, or other regulations (like specific lake regs) that may apply.
Can't say anything about your cleaning skills ... I've been filleting fish for decades, with an electric knife, and I can still butcher a side or two every now & then. SO, there's no telling how bad I'd tear up a filet with a regular filet knife.
... cp