Redear sunfish are a beautiful fish that should be combined the other fish in your initial stocking regime. They are listed as a sport fish, because they can reach about 1 lb in Texas and are fun to catch on streamers or small spinners. Interestingly enough, these fish grow much larger in the eastern part of the country where the growing season is more moderate. Stock these fish in an existing fishery if they are not established. These fish, also termed shell-crackers, are primarily snail and crustacean feeders, and they will not train to a floating ration of feed. They are an important tool in the management of fish parasites such as the yellow and black grub which can affect bass, catfish, and other sunfish. Since redear sunfish spawn once per year in the spring, they are not as strong a food producer as the coppernose bluegill or tilapia. Stocking rates for these fish is 100-200 per acre for new fisheries.