Redear Sunfish

The Redear Sunfish, or "Shellcracker," is one of the largest and most powerful sunfish species in North America. It's known for its red or orange rim on the opercular flap ("ear") and its thick, muscular build. Unlike most other sunfish, Redears specialize in crushing and eating hard-shelled prey like snails and mussels, thanks to strong pharyngeal teeth in their throat.

They thrive in warm, calm waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often near vegetation or submerged timber. Redears tend to stay deeper than other sunfish, especially in hot weather. They spawn in colonies in late spring and early summer and are prized for both their fight on the line and excellent flavor on the plate. Because they’re more cautious and deep-dwelling, they’re a challenge to catch—making them a top target for serious panfish anglers.

Record Size: 6lbs

Where to Find Them: Deeper water near structure—rocks, stumps, sandy ledges; nest colonies in shallow flats during spring.

Recipes for redear sunfish 

1. Redear Sunfish have special teeth in their throat just for crushing snails—hence "Shellcracker."
   
   

2. They're often stocked to control snail populations in lakes and ponds.
   
   

3. The world record Redear came from Lake Havasu, a hotspot for giant Shellcrackers!