A bright red mark on the back edge of the gill cover is very distinctive.
Habitat & Range
Redear prefer hard bottoms, congregating in deeper water than bluegill.
Life History
They prefer snails and clams, giving them their common nickname. Shellcracker grow larger than bluegill, with fish over 1 pound common.
Frequently Asked Questions
State Record
4.86 lbs.
Fishing Tips
Redear sunfish are caught most often on earthworms around the full moons of March and April when their spawning activity peaks.
