Diamond Valley Redear Record 4.48lbs

Comment

Comment by Tony Livingston on February 23, 2012 at 6:03am

Redear survival in northern waters hinges on a few factors, Troy. Since the warmest water is found at or near the bottom during winter, and is typically 39 degrees, the redear can survive as long as they can inhabit that region. However, a lack of dissolved oxygen in the lower depths can force the fish out of their comfort zone and into shallower, but colder water, and this can prove fatal.

For a northern body of water to support redear, it usually means it's deep.. I would think that a typical shallow "farm pond" might have problems in the northern latitudes, especially if a heavy snow cover were to contribute to a lack of dissolved oxygen, forcing the redear up into the water column, where the temps are lower. Again, there will always be instances or situations where everything works "right", and allows the fish to flourish. But it is not guaranteed.

They do certainly grow larger than Bluegills, and they can be challenging to catch. I believe  that their reduced numbers, when compared to Bluegills, would play a part in that aspect. Redear are most often stocked at a much lower rate than Bluegills, (4 or 5:1 Bluegills to Redear ratio), and they typically spawn once , maybe twice per year. Bluegills will spawn most of the summer.  There simply aren't as many of them down there, as there are Bluegills.

I love to catch Redear, but I would still choose Bluegills as being a better fit for the candidate of all-around, general purpose sunfish. They fill too many niches, too well.

Comment by Troy Dorman on February 22, 2012 at 9:32pm

Redear aren't "known" to inhabit Northern waters because it's not in their native range. BUT, since their introduction throughout Michigan (certainly a Northern state) waters, they've thrived and are commonly caught up to eleven inches. They were introduced in Michigan in the early 50's and have really taken off by most accounts.

 

Redears are bruiser sunfish, typically growing thicker and longer than their bluegill counterparts. They are obviously smarter too because they are extremely difficult to locate and catch on a consistent basis. Typically they only present themselves to open shots during the spawn, then they're roaming open and deeper waters. It's pretty easy to make a strong case for redear as being the King of the bluegill clan, and that can actually be made on size alone.

Comment by Tony Livingston on February 22, 2012 at 6:55pm

I don't know Troy... Redear are certainly a blast to catch, but I believe the northern strain Bluegills have them beat when it comes to adaptability. Redears are not very cold tolerant, and don't do well in areas where water temps can drop below 36 degrees. Bruce suggests that short term evolution may produce localized populations that are slightly more cold tolerant, but it is still generally recommended to stock Pumpkinseed sunfish in northern latitudes where having a fish that can feed on snails and smaller crustaceans is desired. Pumpkinseeds also possess the pharyngeal teeth, or plate, that allows them to crush snails. They are often referred to as the Redear of the north, as they readily tolerate cold water.

 

Comment by Troy Dorman on February 22, 2012 at 6:12pm

You'd be hard pressed to find a bigger Redear fanatic than me and I'm lucky to catch fish a 1/3 that size. It kills me, bass fisherman who probably don't have the proper appreciation for that fish in the first place, catches it. The redear species is the oldest known species of Sunfish. I didn't know that but it's an interesting fact in itself. They also have the ability to eat and devour mussels by crushing them, bluegill are behind the evolutionary curve when it comes to redear versus bluegill.

Comment by Greg McWilliams on February 22, 2012 at 11:04am

You know I think I will take up bbbass, can't hardly say it, fishing for FISH LIKE THAT!!!!!!!!

Comment by DAVID L EITUTIS on February 22, 2012 at 9:30am

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOW WHAT A FISH!
TOOTY

Comment by Chris Salmon on February 22, 2012 at 9:05am

us pan-fisherman in California work our butts off hunting for fish this size and these guys catch these monsters while bass fishing. ticks me off a little, but that's fishing. This guy probably didn't even know what kind of fish this was

Comment by Bruce Condello on February 22, 2012 at 12:15am

un beeee lievable.

Comment by Jim Gronaw on February 21, 2012 at 9:42pm

That's it...I'm movin' to California.