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Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish are a popular panfish species found throughout Arkansas waters. They are widely stocked in ponds and reservoirs and are considered native to the Mississippi River drainage system.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Also known as shellcrackers

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished by their deep, laterally compressed olive-colored bodies with darker spots and their characteristic red or orange margin on the opercular flap (gill cover), which gives them their name.
  • Adults typically reach 2-4 inches in their first year, adding about an inch annually, with maximum sizes around 25 cm.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with relatively clear water and aquatic vegetation, preferring areas with mud or sand bottoms.

Key Locations

  • Lake Dardanelle on the Arkansas River (a major bass tournament location), Lake Ouachita, Harris Brake Lake (known for producing redear weighing 1.5-2 pounds), and throughout the state's numerous public fishing areas.
  • At Harris Brake Lake, focus on shallow coves in spring and deep channel edges post-spawn.

Specific Spots

  • Target them around points, steeper banks, laydown trees, ditches leading to flats, cypress trees, dock posts, and stumps in 3-12 feet of water.
  • Look for banks with visible tiny shells, which indicate their preferred feeding areas.
  • Target brushpiles, standing timber, and areas where they school with bluegill.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live crickets and redworms (their top choices), small garden worms, and wax worms during cold weather. Artificial options include small jigs (particularly Bobby Garland Itty Bit series), tiny spinners, small crankbaits.

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

Spring offers the best redear fishing. Post-spawn, focus on humps with stumps in deeper water before they suspend for summer.

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Arkansas?

Present baits slowly near the bottom around hard structures. In clear water like Lake Ouachita, sight fishing is effective when you can see their circular spawning beds. Fish slowly and methodically.

What do Redear Sunfish eat?

Unlike other sunfish, redear are specialized molluscivores with enlarged pharyngeal jaws that allow them to crush snails, mussels, and other hard-shelled prey - hence their 'shellcracker' nickname. Juveniles feed on zooplankton and aquatic invertebrates before developing their shell-crushing ability.

Where do Redear Sunfish live in Arkansas?

They inhabit lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with relatively clear water and aquatic vegetation, preferring areas with mud or sand bottoms.

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