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Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish

Longear Sunfish are distributed throughout most of Alabama, inhabiting small to moderate flowing streams, rivers, reservoirs, and oxbow lakes.

These beautiful sunfish are easily identified by their elongated opercular flap (the 'long ear') with a light margin, especially prominent on breeding males.

Scientific Name: Lepomis megalotis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adults typically measure 5-7 inches and display stunning coloration - olive to brown backs becoming yellowish orange on the belly, with breeding males showing metallic blue spots on their backs and sides plus wavy blue longitudinal lines on their heads.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Distributed throughout most of Alabama, inhabiting small to moderate flowing streams, rivers, reservoirs, and oxbow lakes.
  • They're found in heavily rooted stream banks throughout Alabama's river systems.

Key Locations

  • In Alabama, longears are less common in the Chattahoochee and upper Tallapoosa river systems due to competition with redbreast sunfish, and apparently absent from the Blackwater River system.
  • In Alabama's medium to large flowing streams, longears provide excellent sport on light tackle.

Specific Spots

  • Fish near structure and vegetation - target root wads, downed trees, eddies, long slow pools, bridge pilings, and weed-lined shorelines.
  • Taking shelter in root mats while foraging.
  • Males establishing nests on sand and gravel shoals where streams enter reservoirs.

Longear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Longear Sunfish in Alabama?

Small jigs (1/64-1/16 oz), spoons, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits under one inch. Micro jigs tied on #12-14 custom jigheads work exceptionally well. Live bait including nightcrawlers, red worms, crickets, and small minnows are highly productive.

What flies work for Longear Sunfish in Alabama?

Small (#10-18) poppers, ants, gnats, dry flies, woolly buggers, Pat's Rubber Leg stonefly patterns, small woolly buggers, pheasant tail nymphs, and midges.

When is the best time to fish for Longear Sunfish in Alabama?

In Alabama, the best fishing occurs from April through September, with peak activity during warmer months.

How do you catch Longear Sunfish in Alabama?

Bobber fishing works well around structure, while bottom fishing with split shot rigs effectively reaches deeper fish. When water temperatures drop below 70 degrees, switch to smaller offerings fished deeper and slower with indicator setups.

What do Longear Sunfish eat?

These carnivorous fish feed extensively near the water's surface, consuming aquatic insects, small crustaceans, fish e.g.gs, terrestrial insects, young bass, and even young sunfish. Their diet composition shows 37% terrestrial insects, 31% fish, 21% aquatic insects, and 7% fish e.g.gs.

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