The Redear Sunfish is one of three panfish species targeted by local fishermen. The common name for the panfish is Shellcracker. It generally resembles a bluegill with the exception of coloration and size. Bluegills have black âfrecklesâ on the forehead and most have vertical dark bars, while the Shellcracker has an almost âtube-likeâ mouth, bright red/ orange flap tip on the gillcover, an overall âbrassyâ sheen on the body , and faint vertical bars travelling downwards from the dorsal fin. Though the average size is less than one-pound, 2+ pounders are common with the Florida State Record being 4.86-pounds taken in 1986 in Jackson County.
Redear Sunfish earned the name Shellcracker for their ability and propensity to feed on snails, mollusks, and crustaceans.
Redear sunfish are bottom feeders, feeding mostly during the day on their preferred prey, aquatic snails. However they are opportunistic feeders and supplement their diet with aquatic insect larvae, clams, crayfish, and fish eggs.
In Lake Okeechobee the yearly spawn takes place during the months of March through August with April generally being the strongest month. Best times to fish will be a 10-day window spanning before and after the full moon.
There are serval ways to fish for Shellcrackers for they will take both artificial and live bait, but live bait on ultralight tackle is the most common method.
Unlike Bluegill, which will feast on crickets and beetlespins, Shellcrackers prefer live worms and grass shrimp. A No.4 or No.6 hook with 2 to 8 pounds test line produce the best results. Since the bite is light, sensitive floats or bobbers are a must. If using jigs, 1/32 to 1/64 ounce lead heads in flo-red or chartreuse colors are consistent producers. Being that Shellcrackers are bottom feeders, youâll want to get you bait as close to the bottom as possible. However if youâve been on a nice school of Redear and the bite falls off, try lightening up the presentation and slowly flutter a bait to the bottom, often times this is just enough to start the bite back up again.
