CommonNativeSecure
9
Redear Sunfish
Lepomis microlophus · Centrarchidae
Shellcracker. Bottom-feeding panfish that crushes snails.
Common
8–12 in
Max
15 in
Weight
Up to 4 lbs
Best Bite Windows
When redear sunfish feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
GOOD78%feeding activity
First & last light · red worms on bottom
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
12a6a12p6p12a
DAWN
60
MORN
81
MIDD
79
AFTE
73
DUSK
32
NIGH
20
Bottom-feeder · hard-bottom shell beds
Solar + LunarMED-HIGH lunar pull
Major feeds7:40p – 9:40p5:11a – 7:11a
Minor feeds5:30a – 6:30a7:51p – 8:51p
Solunar window 7:55p – 9:25p
Full Moon
Day · Beds near mussel and snail habitat in sandy-bottomed coves. Full Moon triggers spawning beds through summer months.
Night · Not a strong night feeder. Prime windows are early morning within 2 days of Full Moon.
Habitat
LakesReservoirsSlow rivers
Range
Hard-bottom flats with snails and freshwater clams.
Diet
Snails, clams, mussels — crushes shells with throat teeth.
Best baits & lures
Red worms on bottom
Crickets
Small jigs tipped with worm
Ready-to-fish boxes for Redear Sunfish
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Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers
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How to fish it · techniques
Fish bottom on a slip-shot rig
Find shell beds = find redears
Slower than bluegill
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Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter
Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.
Fun fact
The 'shellcracker' nickname is no joke — redears have specialized pharyngeal teeth that crush snail shells. State record is over 2 lbs of one of the prettiest panfish you can put in a skillet.
Status
Secure
Native · Centrarchidae