Redear Sunfish
Redear Sunfish are an introduced (non-native) species in Delaware, commonly known as "Shellcrackers" due to their specialized diet of freshwater clams, mussels, and snails. They are one of Delaware's larger and least colorful sunfish.
Also known as Shellcrackers
Light green to brown backs, grey to olive green sides, and yellowish to cream-colored chests. Their sides display brown spotting in a mottled, checkered pattern, and may or may not have vertical bars like bluegill.
Males have distinctive black gill flaps lined with red (hence the name), which turn bright red during spawning, while females have orange-lined gill flaps that may be faint or absent in larger fish.
They grow larger than most sunfish, commonly reaching 8-10 inches in Delaware waters.
Fishing in Delaware
Delaware River
Lums Pond
Delaware Bay
Cohansey River
Leipsic River
Maurice River
Susquehanna River
Nantuxent Cove
Mispillion River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
These fish are primarily bottom feeders that inhabit ponds and slow-moving areas of streams and rivers, preferring deeper waters (typically at least 6 feet deep) with sandy or muddy bottoms.Key Locations
In Delaware waters, Redear Sunfish are considered common and can be found in Becks Pond, Griffith Lake, Haven Lake, Wagamons Pond, Trap Pond, Hearns Pond, and the Saint Jones River.Specific Spots
Target deeper areas focusing on areas with structure like logs, stumps, and weed beds in water at least 6 feet deep.Redear Sunfish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Redear Sunfish in Delaware?
Live bait is far more effective than artificials - use meal worms, small worms (red wigglers or nightcrawler pieces), and small freshwater clams. They rarely take artificial lures compared to other sunfish, though small jigs tipped with live bait can work.
When is the best time to fish for Redear Sunfish in Delaware?
The best fishing for Redear Sunfish in Delaware occurs during spring through early summer when water temperatures are in the 70s range, with optimal fishing outside of their spawning period (April-May should be avoided).
How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Delaware?
Cast into the middle of lakes and ponds rather than fishing from shore, and let baits sink to the bottom. Drop-shot rigs or simple bottom rigs work well.
What do Redear Sunfish eat?
They feed mainly on aquatic insects, snails, freshwater mussels, and clams, using specialized pharyngeal teeth to crush hard shells.
Where do Redear Sunfish live in Delaware?
These fish are primarily bottom feeders that inhabit ponds and slow-moving areas of streams and rivers, preferring deeper waters (typically at least 6 feet deep) with sandy or muddy bottoms.
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