Known regionally as the 'Shellcracker' due to specialized pharyngeal teeth designed to crush freshwater snails and fingernail clams. Redears inhabit deeper water than bluegills, hugging gravel bottoms and submerged timber.
How we fish for them
Fish small nightcrawler segments directly on the bottom using a light split-shot slip rig near gravel drops and submerged stump fields.
Rod: White Perch & Panfish Rod 6'6" LF Reel: 1000 Spinning Reel • 6lb Fluorocarbon
Gear for this in the catalog →Handle with care
Spiny dorsal fin rays and sharp opercular (gill cover) spines. Smooth down dorsal fin before handling.
Seasons & limits are the law's, not ours
Size, season and creel rules change; always verify with the official regulations before you fish. Maryland DNR regulations →
Profile last reviewed: August 2026