Panfish
Redear Sunfish Fishing in Virginia
A big sunfish, growing larger than most of its kin, named for the red or orange edge on its black ear flap. Redear live in warm, clear lakes, ponds and quiet backwaters with plenty of aquatic plants, and feed mostly on snails and clams, crushed by grinding throat teeth (hence the name shellcracker). They seldom rise to the surface, and anglers catch them on earthworms and other natural baits, most easily on their spawning beds.
- Waters
- 1
- State
- Virginia
- Water
- Freshwater
- Methods
- Fly, Spin & Bait
Prime Months in Virginia: No Agency Season Found
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spawning in Virginia: Mar to May, per Virginia DWR (when the fish spawn, not a fishing season)
What to Use for Redear Sunfish
Fishing In
Redear Sunfish
No agency season found
Fly
7.5 to 8 ft 3 or 4 wt rod, floating line, 7.5 ft 4X or 5X leader, small weighted nymphs fished slowly near the bottom.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodRedington Classic Trout Fly RodCheck Price
- ReelRedington Behemoth Fly Reel · for 4 and 5 weightCheck Price
- LineRIO Gold Fly LineCheck Price
Tie On in November
No flies listed for this fish here yet.
Spin / Cast
5 to 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 1000 reel, 4 to 6 lb line, a small hook with a piece of earthworm on the bottom or under a small bobber.
Rod, Reel and Line
- Rod & ReelUgly Stik GX2 Ultralight Spinning Combo · 4 ft 8 in ultralight rod, size 20 reelCheck Price
- LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 4 lbCheck Price
Tie On in November
- Bait for November · AdultCrickets
Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.
Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a Virginia fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
Where to Catch Redear Sunfish
1 of 1 waters