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Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on December 27, 2013 at 7:45pm

Same reason why we get some bigguns here, Allen -

a. Its warm most all year

b. Lots of mussels

There are only about 3 months where the water temps fall into the 40's. Since sunfish growth generally comes to a standstill below that mark, we get a long growing period as, well. Probably not as long as SoCal, but long. 

My home lake, Sam Murray, near Columbia SC also has countless acres of mussel beds. I can take you all over and you will find them.

In fact, the former world record RES was caught just a few hours from my driveway. I've hauled out some gooduns myself. My question was mostly driving at, "Why So Cal?"

But it dawns on me that it might be ANYWHERE, given the right conditions. The question is probably more rightly asked, "Why NOT SoCal?"

Comment by Allen Morgan on December 27, 2013 at 6:12pm

McScruffy, there are two reasons why RE sunnies get that big in that part of the country.  One is the longer growing season.  Unless the lake is at high altitude, it's warm most of the year, if not year-round.  The other reason is forage.  RE's are also known as "Shellcrackers", for a good reason.  They eat snails and other mollusks.  That part of the country has an invasion going on, from both Zebra Mussels and Quagga Mussels.  Lots and lots of FOOD!!!

Comment by dick tabbert on December 27, 2013 at 5:22pm

Wow not in my wildest dreams could I imagine catching a RedEar of this caliber. Congrats

Comment by Leo Nguyen on December 27, 2013 at 4:37pm

Look at that massive RE.

Comment by mike martinez on December 27, 2013 at 10:47am

Nice redear.............

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on December 26, 2013 at 7:56pm
Two handed, whoa!
What makes these SoCal RE's grow so big?
Comment by DAVID L EITUTIS on December 26, 2013 at 7:26pm

GREAT FISH FOR SURE !!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Bruce Condello on January 10, 2011 at 8:11am
That fish looks every bit of two pounds.  Wish I knew for sure.
Comment by Shawn Anderson on January 9, 2011 at 7:37pm

That is so HUGE! GREAT FISH!

Comment by Andre Sturkey on January 9, 2011 at 6:27pm
What a GIANT!!! Man you are really making me miss Southern California!

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