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Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish are native to Mississippi and found throughout the state's central and southern regions within the Mississippi River drainage. They are opportunistic sight feeders that grow larger than bluegill in the same waters.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Also known as chinquapin, shellcracker, stump knocker, government bream, cherry gill

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their distinctive red edge on males' gill covers (orange in females), elongated body, small mouth, and pointed snout.
  • These fish typically weigh less than 1 pound but can exceed 4 pounds and reach 14 inches, with Mississippi's state record weighing 3.33 pounds from Tippah County Lake in 1991.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout the state's central and southern regions within the Mississippi River drainage.
  • They prefer clear, quiet waters with abundant vegetation in ponds, lakes, river backwaters, and reservoirs, typically in depths of at least 6 feet, though they can tolerate some salinity up to 4 parts per thousand.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi state lakes with notable redear populations include Tippah County Lake (state record), Lake Jeff Davis (2.45-pound record), Lake Lamar Bruce, Lake Monroe, Neshoba County Lake, Calling Panther Lake, and Lake Mike Conner.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with vegetation around hard structures like stumps, dock pillars, logs, and areas with hard substrates where snails congregate.
  • Look for them in the littoral zone of lakes and ponds, typically in water at least 6 feet deep.
  • Focus on areas with aquatic vegetation and hard cover where their mollusk prey concentrates.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Natural baits are most effective, including earthworms, grubs, crickets, grasshoppers, and grass shrimp - redear are less likely to take artificial baits than other sunfish. Small spoons, jigs work for conventional tackle.

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

Best time to target redear sunfish in Mississippi is spring through early summer, with peak action occurring when water temperatures reach 70-74°F, typically March through June.

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Mississippi?

Focus on bottom fishing techniques since redear are primarily bottom feeders. Fish during dawn and dusk when redear are most active. Avoid fishing during spawning periods in spring when water hits 70°F.

What do Redear Sunfish eat?

They feed primarily on bottom-dwelling mollusks including snails and clams, plus insects, insect larvae, and crustaceans. Redear have specialized pharyngeal teeth that allow them to crush shells, earning the 'shellcracker' nickname.

Where do Redear Sunfish live in Mississippi?

Found throughout the state's central and southern regions within the Mississippi River drainage. They prefer clear, quiet waters with abundant vegetation in ponds, lakes, river backwaters, and reservoirs, typically in depths of at least 6 feet, though they can tolerate some salinity up to 4 parts per thousand.

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