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Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish are not native to Ohio but have been successfully introduced and stocked in small lakes and ponds throughout the state.

They are specialized molluscivores with powerful pharyngeal teeth that allow them to crush snail shells and extract the meat, earning their 'shellcracker' nickname.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Also known as shellcracker, stumpknocker

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished from bluegill by their black ear flap with a distinctive red or orange margin, absence of a black blotch at the dorsal fin base, and longer, more pointed pectoral fins.
  • In Ohio, redear typically reach 9-11 inches.
  • Large specimens in the Portage Lakes exceed 10 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found primarily in clear, warm waters with vegetation.
  • They prefer deeper water than most sunfish (at least 6 feet) and are attracted to submerged stumps and weed beds.

Key Locations

  • Notable Ohio populations exist in Buckeye Lake (Fairfield, Licking, and Perry counties), the Scioto and Great Miami drainages, Honey Creek at Buckeye Lake, Greter's Lake in Richland County, and Pippen Lake in Portage County.
  • The Portage Lakes in Summit County contain exceptional redear populations.
  • The best Ohio fishing locations include the Portage Lakes chain in Summit County, known for exceptional redear growth rates and size, Buckeye Lake, and various stocked ponds and small lakes throughout the state.

Specific Spots

  • Target on the outside edge of weed lines in deeper water.
  • Fish deeper structures near stumps and weed beds.
  • They spawn in shallow areas with sand or gravel bottoms.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live baits are most effective, particularly red worms and wax worms fished on small hooks (#8 or #10). Small spinners can also be successful. Effective jig and plastic combinations include Panfish Magnet/Trout Magnet products, Charlie Brewer 1-inch Slider Grubs, and Z-Man Micro Finesse TRD and GoatZ baits.

What flies work for Redear Sunfish in Ohio?

Small flies can be successful. For fly fishing, use small poppers with minimal action - Foam Ants or Micro Chubby Chernobyl patterns with rubber legs work well, moved just enough to make the legs wiggle.

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

The prime fishing season for Ohio redear sunfish is spring (excluding the May-June spawning period). Redear spawn from mid-May through June when water temperatures reach 65-75°F, making this period ideal to avoid fishing pressure on spawning fish.

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Ohio?

Bottom-fishing techniques work best. Use bottom-contact presentations, as redear prefer feeding on mollusks and crustaceans near the lake floor.

Where do Redear Sunfish live in Ohio?

Found primarily in clear, warm waters with vegetation. They prefer deeper water than most sunfish (at least 6 feet) and are attracted to submerged stumps and weed beds.

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