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Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish are a prized panfish species throughout Kentucky, though much less common than bluegill with anglers catching roughly 1,000 bluegill for every redear.

They are specialized molluscivores with pharyngeal teeth that crush shells, earning their nickname from feeding on snails, mussels, clams, plus chironomids, mayfly nymphs, midges, freshwater shrimp, crustaceans, and insect larvae.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Also known as shellcrackers

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished by their red or orange ear flap margin, saucer-shaped bodies, long pointed pectoral fins, and heavily spotted olive-green to gold coloration with bright yellow breasts on mature fish.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Redear are present in all Kentucky river drainages but most successful in standing waters.
  • They prefer clear waters with abundant aquatic vegetation where their prey thrives.

Key Locations

  • Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are the state's premier redear destinations, holding trophy fish over 11 inches and 2+ pounds.
  • Other productive waters include McNeely Lake (Jefferson County), Elmer Davis Lake (Owen County), Beaver Lake (Anderson County), Cedar Creek Lake (Lincoln County), Lake Reba and Wilgreen Lake (Madison County), Clear Creek Lake (Bath County), Pennyrile Lake (Christian County), Marion County Lake, Briggs Lake (Logan County), Three Springs Lake (Warren County), and Corinth Lake (Grant County).

Specific Spots

  • Target hard-bottom areas in 3-6 feet of water, particularly sandy or shell-covered flats, gravel shores, and areas with scattered cover like stumps, logs, cypress trees, or dock posts.
  • Look for beds adjacent to but deeper than bluegill spawning areas.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

1/32-ounce Popeye jigs (yellow or black) tipped with wax worms, meal worms, or nightcrawler pieces. Trout Magnet or Panfish Magnet bodies in Natural, brown, or Salmon Fix colors on 1/64-ounce jigs. Red worms on drop-shot rigs. 'Bluegill bugs' (soft plastic grubs with rubber strands) tipped with wax worms.

What flies work for Redear Sunfish in Kentucky?

tungsten bead nymphs with rubber legs, Micro Chubby Chernobyls, or Foam Ants with minimal action to make legs wiggle.

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

Prime redear fishing occurs during the pre-spawn period in late April through early May when water temperatures approach 65-70°F. They spawn when water temperatures reach 65-70°F, typically late April through early May, with spawning continuing into June under ideal conditions.

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Kentucky?

Productive techniques include fishing under slip bobbers just above bottom, drop-shot rigs with size 6-8 Aberdeen hooks and BB-sized split shot 12-18 inches above the hook. Fish slowly with subtle presentations, working baits on or near bottom with short pulls and long pauses.

What do Redear Sunfish eat?

They are specialized molluscivores with pharyngeal teeth that crush shells, feeding on snails, mussels, clams, plus chironomids, mayfly nymphs, midges, freshwater shrimp, crustaceans, and insect larvae.

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