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Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish in Kansas are non-native fish that have been widely introduced through stocking programs by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.

Known as 'shellcrackers' for their specialized diet, they're distinguished from bluegill by the narrow red band on their gill cover lobe and their preference for deeper water.

Also known as shellcrackers

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished from bluegill by the narrow red band on their gill cover lobe.
  • Kansas redear can reach impressive sizes, with the state record weighing 1 pound, 8 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Kansas redear prefer clear, vegetated waters with sandy or muddy bottoms and are typically found in deeper areas than other sunfish.

Key Locations

  • In Kansas, redear sunfish have established populations in numerous waters including state fishing lakes like Douglas SFL, Lyon SFL, Shawnee SFL, and Cowley SFL, as well as community lakes such as Severy City Lake, which offers some of the best redear fishing in the state.
  • They're also found in reservoirs like Big Hill and Clinton, though populations are generally lower in these larger waters.
  • Focus on waters with good mollusk populations like Cowley State Lake, Lyon SFL, and Douglas SFL, where redear reach larger sizes.

Specific Spots

  • Target deeper water areas around structure like submerged logs, vegetation, and rocky areas in 6-15 feet of water.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective baits include nightcrawlers, red worms, crickets, grass shrimp, and small crayfish. For artificial lures, try small jigs (1/16-1/8 oz) tipped with worms, tiny spinners, and micro plastics like Trout Magnet jigs.

What flies work for Redear Sunfish in Kansas?

Effective fly patterns include woolly buggers, leech patterns, and nymphs in sizes 8-12, with bold colors like red, orange, and pink being particularly effective.

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

Best time during late spring through early fall, avoid April-August when they're nesting.

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Kansas?

At lakes like Severy City Lake, try drifting 20-30 feet from shore with worms on small hooks with just enough weight to keep bait near bottom. Use a slow retrieve with occasional twitches to trigger strikes.

What do Redear Sunfish eat?

Their diet consists primarily of snails, mussels, and other mollusks, which they crush with specialized pharyngeal teeth, plus aquatic insects, small crayfish, and zooplankton.

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