Redear Sunfish:

Appearance:

A bright red mark on the back edge of the gill cover is very distinctive.

Habitat:

Redear prefer hard bottoms, congregating in deeper water than bluegill.

Behavior:

They prefer snails and clams, giving them their common nickname. Shellcracker grow larger than bluegill, with fish over 1 pound common.

State Record:

4.86 lbs. Big Catch: 12 inches or 2.25 lbs.

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Redear sunfish are caught most often on earthworms around the full moons of March and April when their spawning activity peaks.

Additional Information:

Image Credit: Duane Raver, Jr.