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Redbreast Sunfish

Redbreast Sunfish

Redbreast Sunfish are native to South Carolina and found statewide in the state's river systems. They are opportunistic feeders and live approximately 8 years, reaching reproductive maturity at age 2-3.

Scientific Name: Lepomis auritus

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're characterized by a laterally compressed, elongated body with bluish-green coloration that fades to bright orange-yellow bellies in females and deep orange-red in males.
  • Both sexes display vertical rows of red-brown to orange spots on their sides, with traces often visible on the caudal fin.
  • Their most distinguishing feature is a long black opercular (gill cover) flap, longer than most other sunfish, plus blue iridescent lines on the head and small teeth on the roof of the mouth.
  • Adults average 2-9 inches and 3-8 ounces, with South Carolina's state record at 2 pounds (1975).

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found statewide in South Carolina's river systems.
  • They prefer areas with slow-moving or sluggish water such as pools and backwaters of streams and rivers, upstream reaches of reservoirs, generally avoiding stagnant or heavily vegetated areas.

Key Locations

  • Target the Pee Dee system rivers including the Little Pee Dee River (designated State Scenic River with access from Moccasin Bluff Landing to Huggins Bridge Landing), Black River, Lynches River, and the Edisto system's blackwater rivers.
  • They're particularly abundant in the Pee Dee system (Pee Dee, Little Pee Dee, Black, and Lynches Rivers) and Edisto system blackwater rivers, which are renowned for their redbreast fisheries.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with woody debris, fallen trees, stumps, undercut banks, rocky points, and sandy bottoms in slow-moving water.
  • Look for pools, backwaters, and protected margins near cover.
  • They prefer woody debris, stumps, undercut banks, shoreline riprap, and rocky points with sandy bottoms.

Redbreast Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Redbreast Sunfish in South Carolina?

For live bait, crickets are the preferred choice, though earthworms, red worms, nightcrawlers, waxworms, grasshoppers, and mealworms all produce fish. Avoid using heavy nightcrawlers as redbreast can be selective.

What flies work for Redbreast Sunfish in South Carolina?

Use small (1-inch), narrow, bright-colored, durable fly patterns on longer shank hooks for easier removal. Popular patterns include small nymphs, buggers (size 12 chartreuse/white being favorite), poppers, and streamers.

When is the best time to fish for Redbreast Sunfish in South Carolina?

Spring through fall offers the best redbreast sunfish fishing, with late April through mid-May and July being prime times. Post-spawn periods in late summer and fall provide excellent fishing opportunities when fish are actively feeding to recover condition.

How do you catch Redbreast Sunfish in South Carolina?

Fish these 6 inches to 6 feet deep around structure. Use a #4 hook with split shot fished on bottom when working under overhanging cover. Vary retrieves from slow and steady to fast and erratic depending on conditions.

What do Redbreast Sunfish eat?

Redbreast sunfish are opportunistic feeders primarily consuming immature aquatic insects including mayflies, dragonfly larvae, and beetle larvae, along with small crayfish, terrestrial insects, snails, and occasionally small fish.

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