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Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish are among Alabama's most sought-after sunfish despite being one of the least colorful.

They are specialized mollusk feeders with extensive molar surfaces and musculature that enables them to crack mollusk shells - hence their 'shellcracker' nickname.

They are valuable for controlling snail populations and parasites in fisheries and are commonly stocked with bluegills and largemouth bass in Alabama waters.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Also known as shellcrackers

Physical Characteristics:
  • They have light green to brown backs with scattered dark spots, light gray to silver sides with 34-43 lateral line scales, and characteristic red or orange spots at the rear of their gill flaps that give them their name.
  • Adults typically measure 8-11 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • These fish occur across all of Alabama but are much more abundant in the southern half of the state, particularly in the Mobile Delta where they far outnumber bluegills due to their tolerance for salinities up to 15-20 parts per thousand.
  • They inhabit moderate to large streams, rivers, reservoirs, lakes, swamps, and standing-water habitats, preferring clear water with aquatic vegetation and hard surfaces.

Key Locations

  • Productive locations include the lower section of Lake Guntersville near Highway 431 Bridge, Goose Pond, and Sebow areas, plus Lake Eufaula where excellent fishing occurs.

Specific Spots

  • Target them around hard surfaces like stumps, dock pillars, cypress trees, and laydown trees.
  • Look for them in the littoral zone around submerged vegetation, particularly where gravel areas meet weed growth.
  • Fish near shade-providing cover.
  • Banks with visible tiny shells indicate good feeding areas.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait including redworms, crickets, grubs, and small insects. For artificials, use 1/64 to 1/16 ounce jigs, small spoons, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits measuring one inch or less.

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

Spring is the prime time, particularly May when spawning activity peaks. Target depths of 3-6 feet in spring, moving to deeper water in summer and winter.

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Alabama?

Bobber fishing is highly effective near structure and vegetation, keeping bait suspended 6-12 inches above bottom. Bottom fishing with split-shot or drop-shot rigs also produces fish.

What do Redear Sunfish eat?

They feed primarily on snails, clams, mollusks, benthic aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans, and invertebrates.

Where do Redear Sunfish live in Alabama?

These fish occur across all of Alabama but are much more abundant in the southern half of the state, particularly in the Mobile Delta where they far outnumber bluegills due to their tolerance for salinities up to 15-20 parts per thousand.

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