Redear Sunfish: Lepomis microlophus
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.
Additional Information
State Record: 4.86 lbs.
Big Catch minimum: 11 inches or 1.25 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.
Image Credit: Duane Raver, Jr.
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