Redear Sunfish

Identification

Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) look like bluegill but have a red or orange edge on the ear flap and lack the dark spot on the dorsal fin. They are sometimes called shellcrackers because they eat snails.

Where they live

Redear live in many LA County reservoirs and park lakes, usually near the bottom around weeds and structure.

Seasons

Open all year. Spring spawning brings redear into shallow beds.

Techniques

• Nightcrawler pieces or red worms on the bottom.
• Small jigs worked slowly.
• Light line and small hooks.

Eating and advisories

OEHHA groups sunfish together, so the bluegill advice applies. Many LA lakes list sunfish at 5 to 7 servings a week; OEHHA's statewide lake advisory lists sunfish at 1 serving a week for women 18–49 and children and 2 for others.

Regulations

Redear count in the 25 sunfish and crappie combined bag, with no size limit in LA County.

Where to look for redear

Redear sunfish feed mostly on snails and other hard-shelled invertebrates on the bottom, so they are less likely than bluegill to rise to a float. Look for them around weed edges, rocky areas and submerged structure in deeper water than where bluegill gather. Redear grow larger than most bluegill, and a big redear is a prized catch on light tackle.

Rigging for bottom feeders

A light Carolina rig, a small drop-shot, or a split-shot rig that lets a piece of nightcrawler rest on the bottom is effective. Keep the bait still and wait; redear often pick up a bait and move off slowly. Small jigs tipped with worm, dragged slowly along the bottom, also work.

Spawning season

In spring and early summer redear build nests in shallow water, often near bluegill beds. Spawning fish are easy to see and catch, so many anglers practice selective harvest to protect the larger fish.