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Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish are a popular freshwater game fish found throughout Tennessee waters. These sunfish are specialized molluscivores, earning their 'shellcracker' nickname from their ability to crush snail shells with specialized pharyngeal teeth.

They are primarily bottom feeders and rarely take surface insects. These fish are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk, and tend to rest during daylight hours.

Scientific Name: Lepomis microlophus

Also known as shellcrackers

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their distinctive red or orange-tipped opercular flap (ear flap) and laterally compressed, olive-colored bodies with golden sheens.
  • They average 7-9 inches but can grow larger than bluegill, with some specimens exceeding 10 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Tennessee waters.
  • They prefer warm, calm waters with aquatic vegetation, stumps, logs, and areas with good populations of mollusks.
  • According to TWRA, they inhabit deeper waters than most other sunfish except during spawning.

Key Locations

  • Major reservoirs including Dale Hollow, Chickamauga, Nickajack, Parksville, and many smaller lakes and ponds.
  • In Tennessee reservoirs like Dale Hollow, Chickamauga, and Nickajack, concentrate efforts around deeper creek channels, submerged roadbeds.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on deeper waters (6-15 feet) around structure like stumps, fallen logs, rocky areas, and aquatic vegetation beds.
  • Areas with known mollusk populations.

Redear Sunfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small live offerings including nightcrawlers, red worms, crickets, wax worms, and small pieces of crawler. Small 1/32 oz yellow or black feather jigs (Popeye jigs) tipped with worms or wax worms are highly effective.

What flies work for Redear Sunfish in Tennessee?

Small flies (#12-18) including nymphs, wet flies, and bottom-bouncing patterns. Size 12 Parachute Adams and San Juan Worms have proven successful.

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

Late spring through early fall when they're most active, with peak fishing occurring after the spawning period ends in May through summer months. They spawn in spring when water temperatures reach 68-75°F (typically late April through May).

How do you catch Redear Sunfish in Tennessee?

Fish on or near bottom. Fish slowly along bottom structure, as Redear Sunfish are deliberate feeders that crush prey rather than striking aggressively. During hot summer weather, night fishing can be productive around lighted areas where insects attract baitfish.

What do Redear Sunfish eat?

Their diet consists primarily of snails, mussels, ostracods, amphipods, chironomid larvae, and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates.

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