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Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish are one of 17 sunfish species found in Pennsylvania, but they have a very restricted distribution in the state.

Also known as "shellcracker" for their diet of mollusks, they have been introduced into some waters in the central and southwestern parts of Pennsylvania.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Also known as shellcracker

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish are distinguished by their distinctive red or orange ear flap (males have red, females have orange), olive-green backs, and yellow-green sides with faint vertical bars.
  • They are larger than most sunfish, averaging around 20-24 cm in length and 0.45 kg in weight, with the potential to reach over 43 cm.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit warm, quiet waters of lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams.
  • They are true warmwater fish that prefer temperatures in the mid-70s°F range.

Key Locations

  • Focus on the central and southwestern regions of Pennsylvania where they have been introduced, particularly lakes in the Susquehanna and Allegheny drainages.
  • According to documented records, they are found in at least eight lakes in Pennsylvania - seven in the Susquehanna drainage and one in the Allegheny drainage, as well as the Monongahela drainage.
  • Collections have also been mapped in eastern Pennsylvania in the Delaware drainage.

Specific Spots

  • Target deeper water areas (6+ feet) near submerged logs, stumps, vegetation, and rocky or sandy bottoms where they forage for mollusks.
  • Preferring areas near logs and vegetation in water at least 6 feet deep.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Natural baits like earthworms, red wigglers, crickets, and especially freshwater snails or small pieces of clam or mussel meat. Small jigs tipped with live bait work well, particularly 1/16-ounce jigheads with fathead minnows or small plastic curly tails in white.

What flies work for Redear Sunfish in Pennsylvania?

Small nymphs, wet flies, and streamers in sizes 8-12, with woolly buggers and leech patterns being effective. Hair jigs made with squirrel or arctic fox work better than feather or marabou patterns.

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

Late May through August during spawning season when water temperatures reach 68-75°F. Most active during warm summer months when water temperatures are in the mid-70s°F range, becoming inactive in cold conditions below 45°F.

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Pennsylvania?

Fish near the bottom using techniques like jigging with a start-and-stop retrieve to imitate crayfish or bottom-dwelling prey. Retrieve flies slowly as they prefer slow-moving prey.

What do Redear Sunfish eat?

Redear Sunfish are specialized molluscivores with pharyngeal teeth that allow them to crush hard-shelled prey. Their diet consists primarily of snails, mussels, ostracods, and hydrobiid snails throughout the year. Smaller fish also consume zooplankton, amphipods, chironomid larvae, and cladocerans seasonally.

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