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Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish are among the two most fished sunfish species in Indiana, along with bluegill.

Also known as shellcrackers for their ability to crush mollusks, these distinctive panfish are found throughout most Indiana waters including midsize streams, small ponds, lakes, and large rivers.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Also known as shellcrackers

Physical Characteristics:
  • These distinctive panfish feature a red or orange margin on their ear flap and elongated, pointed pectoral fins that extend past their eyes when folded forward.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Their native range extends north in the Mississippi River basin to southern Indiana and Illinois.

Key Locations

  • Found throughout most Indiana waters including midsize streams, small ponds, lakes, and large rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on deeper water areas around hard structures like stumps, dock pillars, logs, and areas with hard substrate.
  • Target areas with aquatic vegetation, particularly the littoral zone.
  • Look for areas near vegetation, logs, branches, and any hard cover structures.
  • They typically dwell in deeper water than other sunfish species - usually below 2 meters.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

nightcrawler worms, crickets, small pieces of worms, corn, small jigs tipped with live bait.

What flies work for Redear Sunfish in Indiana?

triangle bugs, wet flies, poppers, or bucktails in sizes #6 to #8, wrapped with 20-gauge lead wire for weight.

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

Late spring through early summer is best, though they can be caught year-round with consistent action outside spawning periods. Winter months can provide excellent ice fishing opportunities when fish concentrate in lowered lake levels.

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Indiana?

Fish from fixed locations using light sinkers to get baits to the bottom. For fly fishing, cast flies and let them sink for 5-10 seconds, then slowly retrieve with 1-2 inch strips followed by pauses.

What do Redear Sunfish eat?

Redear sunfish are primarily bottom feeders with specialized pharyngeal teeth that allow them to crush snails, mussels, and other mollusks. Their diet also includes aquatic insects, larvae, small crustaceans, and zooplankton, with juveniles feeding more heavily on invertebrates around submerged vegetation.

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Indiana licenses and regulations

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