Redear Sunfish

Like the bluegill and other sunfishes, the redear sunfish is and excellent panfish with white, flaky meat.

Region

South

Catch Ease

Easy

Habitat

Lake, Pond

How to identify a Redear Sunfish

This rather large sunfish is known to reach over 4.5 lb. (2.04 kg). As is typical of sunfishes, the redear has a small mouth, connected dorsal fins and a roundish, laterally compressed body. Its long, pointed, slightly falcate pectoral fins distinguish it from both the longear sunfish and the redbreast sunfish, which have short, round pectoral fins. The operculum is also much shorter than in the other two species and is black, with a red spot or margin at the tip. It can be distinguished from the similar looking pumpkinseed by the fact that its gill cover flap is semi-flexible and can be bent at least to right angles, whereas the flap on the pumpkinseed is rigid. It also lacks the spots on the dorsal fin and the bluish emerald lines on the sides of the head that are characteristic of the pumpkinseed. The body is slightly less compressed than that of the bluegill, which differs from the redear most noticeably in the fact that its gill cover flap is entirely black without any spot or trim.

Where to catch Redear Sunfish

This species is native to the U.S. Gulf states from Texas to Florida, including all of the Florida peninsula, and north to Indiana and North Carolina. Through introductions, the redear’s range has been extended northward to the Great Lakes and transplanted populations also exist in the West. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

Cliffs and Steep Shore Banks

Piers, Docks and Pilings

Rocks

Spring Holes

Walkways and Bridges

Freshwater Lakes and Ponds

Holes

Inside Turns and Coves

Lily Pads

Overhanging Trees and Bushes

Points and Break Lines

Shoreline Shallows

Sunken Objects

Freshwater Weed Beds

how to catch Redear Sunfish

It is less likely to be caught on artificials, such as spinners or poppers, than the other sunfishes. It prefers small live baits such as worms, grubs, and insects. Rarely, the redear will take a small fly or other small lure. It is strictly an angler’s fish and has no commercial value. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

Drift Fishing

Still Fishing