| Redear Sunfish (aka – shellcrackers) are included in our standard stocking mix for new lakes comprising 10-20% of the bream stocked. They are valued because they usually spawn before bluegill (which provides first live fish for newly hatched bass fry) and they are benthic feeders and occupy a niche overlooked by other bream. They eat midge larvae and burrowing mayflies and during the winter months eat considerable amounts of snails (hence the name shellcracker). They can weigh up to 3-4 pounds but won’t be lined up at your feeder with the bluegill. They are a reclusive and finicky eaters. |
