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PANFISH > REDEAR, REDBREAST & SPOTTED
FRESHWATER FISHING
Tips - Redear, Redbreast & Spotted Sunfish
Bluegill |
Black Crappie |
Redear, Redbreast & Spotted Sunfish
 A
variety of panfish, or bream as they are popularly
known, is available throughout Florida. The
redear sunfish, or
shellcracker, is another popular panfish. Although they
prefer snails and clams, redear sunfish are caught most
often on earthworms around the full moons of March and
April when their spawning activity peaks. Redear prefer
hard bottom, congregating in deeper water than bluegill.
Shellcracker grow larger than bluegill, with fish over 1
pounds common.
Redbreast sunfish,
also known as river bream and redbellies, are the
flowing water cousins of bluegill. Redbellies are more
common in rivers than bluegill, and often can be found
in backwater areas with less flow. The same live baits
that work for bluegill will also catch redbreast
sunfish.
The spotted sunfish,
or stumpknocker, is an often overlooked stream panfish.
Aptly named, the stumpknocker can be found in the tangle
of roots at the waters edge. Although spotted sunfish
rarely exceed eight inches, this feisty species provides
great sport on light tackle. Tiny (1/16
oz.) beetle spins pitched close to the shoreline
can be deadly, particularly tipped with freshwater clam
meat. The lower Suwannee River is one of the best spots
for this sportfish.
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