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Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

The Redear Sunfish is a native Louisiana panfish and the second most sought-after sunfish after bluegill. They are specialized molluscivores with pharyngeal teeth that crush shells, earning the nickname 'shellcracker' from their diet.

Unlike bluegill, they're bottom feeders that face downward and ram into substrate to disturb food sources.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Also known as shellcracker, chinquapin, rouge ear sunfish

Physical Characteristics:
  • Deep body, dark olive-green back, yellow-green sides, and distinctive red or orange spot on the gill flap's edge.
  • Growing up to 10 inches and 2 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit warm, clear, still waters with vegetation or cover like stumps and logs throughout Louisiana's ponds, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Prime Louisiana waters include Caney Lake, Kincaid Lake, Lake Vernon, Lake Bistineau, Toledo Bend, Saline-Larto complex, Bussey Brake, Miller's Lake, upper Atchafalaya Basin, Cane River, Red and Ouachita river backwaters, Mississippi River oxbows (Concordia, St.
  • John, Bruin), Sabine, Calcasieu, Pearl, Tickfaw, and Tchefuncte rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Target chunk rock banks leading to spawning areas, edges of drop-offs, and areas with snail populations.
  • Focus on 2+ feet deep around vegetation, stumps, logs, and hard structures.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small nightcrawler pieces, red worms, crickets, grass shrimp, and small minnows.

What flies work for Redear Sunfish in Louisiana?

Scud patterns, nymphs mimicking freshwater shrimp, baby crawfish, midge larvae, San Juan worms, prince nymphs, zug bugs, and woolly buggers in sizes #10-18.

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

In Louisiana, target late March to mid-April in southern parishes, mid-April to early May in northern areas. They spawn in late spring through summer when water temperatures reach 65-75°F - late March to mid-April in south Louisiana, mid-April to early May in north Louisiana, and again in fall.

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Louisiana?

For fly fishing, let flies sink 5-10 seconds, then retrieve 1-2 inches with pauses. Use drop-shot rigs with floating poppers as strike indicators tipped with midge flies. Fish bottom structure near vegetation in clear water.

Where do Redear Sunfish live in Louisiana?

They inhabit warm, clear, still waters with vegetation or cover like stumps and logs throughout Louisiana's ponds, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

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