SUNFISH, REDEAR

R, S -

SUNFISH, REDEAR

Scientific Name: 
Lepomis microlophus
Salt/Fresh: 
Fresh
Also Known As: 
Shellcracker; Stump-knocker; Yellow Bream, REDEAR SUNFISH; Georgia Bream; Cherry Gill; Chinquapin; Improved Bream; Rouge Ear Sunfish; Sun Perch; U.S. Government Improved Bream; G.I. Bream; Strawberry Bream; Texas Improved Bream; Tupelo Bream
Rating: 
Countries: 
Other Countries
United States
Description: 

The Redear Sunfish is a species of sunfish native to North America. It can grow to maximum of 43,2 cm. The specialization of this species for the deep-water, mollusk-feeding niche allows it to be introduced to lakes without the risk of competition with fish that prefer shallower water or surface-feeding. In recent years, the stocking of Redear Sunfish has found new allies due to the fish's ability to eat quagga mussels, a prominent invasive species in many freshwater drainages.

How To Identify: 

The Redear Sunfish generally resembles the bluegill except for coloration and somewhat larger size. It is dark-colored dorsally and yellow-green ventrally. The male has a cherry-red edge on its operculum; females have orange coloration in this area. The adult fish is between 20 and 24 centimetres (7.9 and 9.4 in) in length. Max length is 43.2 cm (17.0 in), compared to a maximum of about 40 cm (16 in) for the bluegill.

How To Catch: 

Redear Sunfish are a popular game fish because they are hard fighters on light tackle. The best technique for fishing Redear Sunfish is to still fish with a baited hook lying motionless on the bottom, moving it occasionally. Popular baits for these fish are small worms, grubs, and snails. Common artificials include small spinners and jigs. Fly-fishing is not a common technique for fishing Redear Sunfish because they rarely come to the surface. The best tackle to use for Redear Sunfish is with light or ultralight-action spinning or spin-casting tackle and line weights lighter than 6-pound test.

Where Found: 

Internationally

Redear Sunfish were originally found in the southeastern US from Texas north to a line even with southern Illinois and east to the Atlantic Ocean. The range has been expanded and now extends west into New Mexico and north into Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. In Texas the species is native to the eastern two-thirds of the state from the Red River to the Rio Grande. 

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