Redear Sunfish(Lepomis microlophus )

Quick Facts

  • Other Names: Chinquapin, Shellcracker
  • Size Range: The grow up to 5 pounds, but are normally under 2.
  • Native Species?: Yes
  • Food Value: Excellent eating

State Record

  • Louisiana State Record: 2.87lbs
  • State Record Date: 8/1/1998
  • State Record Holder Jerry Smelly

The redear is very similar to the bluegill with its broad body, but gets slightly larger and has a more yellow-green look. They have red and orange opercular markings and a black extension on the gill flap.

They inhabit many types of freshwater systems around the southern United States including ponds, rivers and lakes. They are quite common and highly sought after in Louisiana.

These very popular sunfish can be caught on light tackle with small jigs, lures and live baits like worms and crickets.

Related Habitats:
Other Fin Fish Species: Mahogany Snapper Spotted Bass Warmouth Longear Sunfish Flathead Catfish Bonnethead Shark Atlantic Sharpnose Shark Banded Rudderfish
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Related Fishing Methods

Dead bait consists of many different types of bait that is no longer alive. Dead bait is still attractive to many fish as they are normally feeding by smell and dead bait is the ticket for smell. Fresh cut fish, dead shrimp, half crab, shucked clam, cut squid and all popular examples of bait that will catch a wide variety of fish. Many sport fish that are predators, will gladly take the opportunity to slurp up a fresh dead bait. A redfish is equally happy to chase down a baitfish or slurp up a dead shrimp on the bottom. Dead bait has the benefit is being easy to obtain, maintain and transport, as opposed to live bait which takes livewells, quality water control and can be harder to obtain.

A style of fishing that utilizes a unique type of rods and reels. Long rods and simple reels allow for the presentation of “flies”, which are lures made of feather, fur, hair and synthetics. Different from conventional fishing, the weight of the line is used to carry the "lure" out whereas conventional methods use the weight of the lure to drag the line out. Flyfishing is said to be addictive and is growing in popularity.

A versatile method of fishing for many types of fish in both freshwater and salt. A jig is a lure, normally a lead-headed lure with many various types of body/tail configurations made of rubber, hair and feather. Jigs are one of the most versatile of all lures and can be tipped with bait or not. Traditionally jigs are worked in variety of up and down motions, and can be fished throughout the entire water column, depending on the fishery. A modern form of jigs called metal jigs has taken hold and many varieties and shapes have been developed to work different ways. Made famous by the Shimano Butterfly Jig and now produced by many companies in many variations. If I could only have one lure to fish with it would be a jig.

Live bait is a term given to many different types of fish, crustaceans, insects and worms that are popular food items for fish and used by fishermen for bait. There are many benefits to live bait as well as a few cons. The pros normally out weigh the negatives, and live bait is widely used. The biggest benefit for fishermen is that they are using the real thing and often puts a fish's guard down. Small fish, crabs, shrimp, clams, crickets and the good ole earthworm are all used to entice a fish to the hook. The only negatives to live bait is just that, keeping it alive. Sometimes catching it can be a challenge, as only some species can be bought as live bait. No matter how you get it, live bait is a great way to target many types of fish.