Redear Sunfish
Lepomis microlophus
Redear Sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) is a southeastern North American sunfish widely stocked beyond its native range. It is nicknamed "shellcracker" for its strong pharyngeal teeth used to crush snails, mussels, and other hard-shelled prey.
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Identification points
- Distinct red to orange spot on the rear edge of the opercular flap
- Adult sides olive to bronze with faint vertical bars and a relatively deep, compressed body
- Mouth small and set low; usually no blue edging on the ear flap as in bluegill
Habitat
Warm, still or slow waters with vegetation, submerged structure, and soft bottoms where snails and small mollusks are abundant; common in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and quiet backwaters.
Bait notes
Best baits are worms, red wigglers, crickets, small mealworms, grass shrimp, and small pieces of worm or shellfish; tiny jigs, beetle spins, and small grub-style lures can work when fish are active.
Behavior
Feeds heavily on snails, mussels, insect larvae, worms, and small crustaceans. It often forages close to bottom and around cover, and larger fish may school loosely outside the spawning season.
Caution
No major human safety issues; the species has stout pharyngeal teeth for crushing shells, so handle mouth area carefully. Follow local regulations where stocked populations or sunfish limits apply.
Fishing notes
Fish near bottom around weed edges, points, docks, and drop-offs with light line and small hooks or jigs. Use a slow presentation and let bait sit; spawn-time fish may be taken from beds in shallow water.