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Scientific Name: |
Lepomis microlophus |
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Common Names: |
redear sunfish, shellcracker, bream, yellow bream |
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Description: |
It has a green to gold hue. Has a red or orange gill cover lobe. They
are also spotted and may have 5 to 10 vertical dark bands on their
sides. Males tend to be more colorful. |
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Location: |
Common in the Mississippi basin from Illinois southward and abundant
in the southeast. |
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Size: |
Fastest growing of the panfish. They can reach sizes of 5 lbs
although less than 2 lbs is normal. |
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Spawning: |
March through August when water temperature reaches 70 degrees. They
build nests in water 3 to 4 ft deep, often near dropoffs or vegetation. |
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Prey: |
They are predominately bottom feeders eating mostly snails and clams,
larvae, fish eggs, small fish and crustaceans. |
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Fishing notes: |
Natural baits such as worms, crickets, grubs, and shrimp work best.
Use a canepole with a small hook for best results. During the spring
and summer they can be located near their spawning areas. In the fall
and winter, they usually seek deeper water and are harder to locate. |
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