Fish species · Lepomis microlophus

Redear Sunfish Fishing in Tennessee

The biggest of Tennessee’s sunfish, caught on the bottom.

What to bring

Tackle for redear sunfish

Three picks from the bluegill and panfish checklist that work for the fish here. Affiliate links: buying through them pays this site a small commission at no extra cost to you.

ComboZebco 33 spincast comboThe rod and reel most Tennessee anglers started on. Works.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list

RodUgly Stik Elite ultralight spinning rodMakes a half-pound bluegill feel like a fish.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list

HooksEagle Claw Aberdeen hooks, size 6 and 8Long shank so you can get it back out of a small mouth.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list

Full bluegill and panfish checklist (10 items)All gear checklists

Spending more? The bigger purchases, compared side by side:

Fish Finders compared Trolling Motors compared Lithium Marine Batteries compared Shallow Water Anchors compared

The fish

Redear sunfish in Tennessee

Redear sunfish grow bigger than bluegill and feed on snails and other food on the bottom, which is where the nickname shellcracker comes from. They spawn earlier than bluegill and are the sunfish most worth targeting for size.

How to tell a redear sunfish

Like a bluegill but lighter and golden, with a red or orange edge on the gill flap and no dark spot on the dorsal fin. Also called shellcracker.

3 lb 6 ozstate record, Private pond, 1979

8lakes and rivers on this site

169public access points on them

Through the year

When to catch redear sunfish in Tennessee

What redear sunfish are doing in each season, and where that puts them.

Season

Spring

Spawning beds in April and May, usually a little earlier than bluegill and around the full moon. The best time to catch big ones.

Season

Summer

Deeper, on the bottom near beds and shell.

Season

Fall

Scattered on flats and around cover.

Season

Winter

Deep and slow.

How to catch them

How to catch redear sunfish

The baits and methods that catch the most redear sunfish in Tennessee water.

Method

Red worms on the bottom

A small hook and a split shot, fished still near beds.

Method

Slip bobber

Set so the bait just touches bottom.

Where to catch them

Best redear sunfish water in Tennessee

Where redear sunfish fishing is strongest. Each page lists every public ramp, pier and bank access on that water, with directions.

8 public access pointsPickwick LakeBig shellcracker on spring beds.See the spots →51 public access pointsChickamauga LakeGrass flats and spawning beds.See the spots →18 public access pointsNickajack LakeShallow bays in April and May.See the spots →86 public access pointsKentucky LakeGravel flats in spring.See the spots →

Other lakes and rivers with redear sunfish

Guntersville Lake Laurel Hill Lake

Limits

Tennessee redear sunfish limits

Statewide: 20 a day, no minimum.

From the 2026–27 Tennessee Fishing Guide (TWRA), in effect 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027, checked 25 September 2026. Rules change, so check the guide before you keep a fish.

Licenses and statewide limits State record fish

Common questions

Questions about redear sunfish fishing in Tennessee

What is the redear sunfish limit in Tennessee?

Statewide, 20 a day.

What is the Tennessee state record redear sunfish?

3 lb 6 oz, caught by Annelise S. Houston on Private pond on 1 Sep 1979.

When is the best time to catch redear sunfish in Tennessee?

Spring. Spawning beds in April and May, usually a little earlier than bluegill and around the full moon. The best time to catch big ones.

Where is the best redear sunfish fishing in Tennessee?

Pickwick Lake, Chickamauga Lake, Nickajack Lake and Kentucky Lake are among the best. Each has its own page on this site with every public ramp and pier.

What bait works best for redear sunfish?

Red worms on the bottom: a small hook and a split shot, fished still near beds. Slip bobber: set so the bait just touches bottom.

Other fish

Beyond redear sunfish: other Tennessee fish

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Crappie Bluegill Rock bass Walleye Sauger White bass Striped bass Hybrid striped bass Channel catfish Blue catfish Flathead catfish Muskellunge Rainbow trout Brown trout

All Tennessee fish species

Keep going

More redear sunfish water, and who fishes it

Every guide and charter on this site is listed by the water they run, so you can call the captain direct. Licences, limits and the state record list are one click away too.

Guides by water Licence and limits