Redear Sunfish
Lepomis microlophus
A popular panfish also known as shellcracker, distinguished by the red or orange edge on its gill cover. Prized for its excellent table fare and willingness to bite.
Redear Sunfish at a glance
- Scientific name
- Lepomis microlophus
- Typical size
- 6-10 inches, 0.5-1.5 lbs
- IGFA world record
- 6 lbs 3 oz
- Water
- Freshwater
- Habitat
- Freshwater
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Common
Habitat
Found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers throughout the southeastern United States. Anglers target them around structure like fallen trees and vegetation, especially during spawning season in shallow water. They have a preference for snails and other mollusks, earning them the nickname 'shellcracker'.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a redear sunfish through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksRedear Sunfish questions people ask
Redear Sunfish is Lepomis microlophus.
A typical redear sunfish runs 6-10 inches, 0.5-1.5 lbs. The IGFA all tackle world record stands at 6 lbs 3 oz. Cobia records the length and weight of every redear sunfish you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers throughout the southeastern United States. Anglers target them around structure like fallen trees and vegetation, especially during spawning season in shallow water. They have a preference for snails and other mollusks, earning them the nickname 'shellcracker'. It is a fresh water species, filed under freshwater in the Fishdex.
The IGFA all tackle world record redear sunfish weighed 6 lbs 3 oz.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.