Considered a good game fish, redear sunfish can be found all over the U.S. This fish is native to North Carolina and Florida but has been introduced to several other states. The most popular methods for catching the redear sunfish include still fishing and drift fishing with live bait.
Habitat: Lake, Pond
How to identify Redear Sunfish
The redear sunfish is one of the largest of the sunfish species. It has a roundish, flattened body and can weigh more than 4.5 lbs. It’s snout is pointed, and it has a small mouth. It has long, pointed pectoral fins, which are located behind its head. Its coloring is dark olive green on the top of its body, fading to white on its lower sides and belly.
Where to catch Redear Sunfish
The redear sunfish is native to North Carolina and Florida, but because of transplanting, they can now be found as far north as the Great Lakes. They have also been introduced to Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Texas. They live in streams, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and rivers with slow-moving water. They like to hang out near logs, branches, and thick vegetation.
The following are habitats where you can catch Redear Sunfish:
- Cliffs and Steep Shore Banks
- Freshwater Lakes and Ponds
- Freshwater Weed Beds
- Gradual Shores
- Lake and Pond Fishing Holes
- Inlets and Outlets
- Inside Turns and Coves
- Islands or Sand Bars
- Lily Pads
- Open Water
- Overhanging Trees and Bushes
- Piers, Docks and Pilings
- Points and Break Lines
- Rocks
- Shoreline Shallows
- Springs Holes
- Sunken Objects
- Walkways and Bridges
How to catch Redear Sunfish
These fish are known to put up a good fight, and as such, are considered a great game fish. The best time to catch them is from late spring to early summer when they are spawning. They are relatively easy to catch once they are located. They tend to feed on the bottom, so sinkers are essential when fishing for redear sunfish. Many anglers opt to fish for them with heavy-weighted flies or sinking flies. A 20-gauge lead wire wrapped around a hook will help the bait sink. The best methods to use for catching redear sunfish include drift fishing and still fishing.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Redear Sunfish:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Redear Sunfish
Redear sunfish prefer live bait such as insects, earthworms, and grubs, although they may bite on a small fly or lure. Anglers should use small hooks since they have small mouths.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Redear Sunfish:
