Catch giant redear sunfish at these Mississippi lakes

Mar 15, 2023

Redear sunfish go by many names with chinquapin and shellcrackers being two of the more common in Mississippi.

Although some anglers specifically target redear, they are often a by-catch for those fishing for bluegill.

When they bite, be ready for a fight. Even though the state record bluegill is larger than the state record redear, these fish are often larger than their more popular cousins.

And when it comes to eating, the firm, mild meat tastes just as good as bluegill.

These fish can be caught throughout Mississippi, but records are kept at Mississippi state lakes by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and these lakes have produced some giants including the state record redear.

As a bonus, each of these lakes has both bank access and fishing piers, so not having a boat isn't a problem.

So, check out these lakes for fishing, fun and tasty fillets and maybe even catch a state record.

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Lake Lamar Bruce

Location: SaltilloAcreage: 300 acresCamping: 11 camping pads with electrical and water hookupsBiggest redear: 1.8 poundsMore information: 662-869-2009

Lake Monroe

Location: AberdeenAcreage: 99 acresCamping: 14 camping pads with electrical and water hookups, dump station onsiteBiggest redear: 1.8 poundsMore information: 662-256-9637

Neshoba County Lake

For more information on these and other state and state park lakes, visit www.mdwfp.com.

Contact Brian Broom at [email protected] or 601-961-7225.