Redbreast sunfish in Florida

Meet the species

Redbreast sunfish
Image credit: © duane raver, jr.

Scientific name

Lepomis auritus

Overview

Also known as river bream and redbellies, these are the flowing water cousins of bluegill. Redbellies often can be found in backwater areas with less flow, especially where there are sandy bottoms. Common in rivers of north Florida, but absent from south Florida.

Typical size

Big catch minimum: 9 inches or 0

At a glance

Regions
Inland south
Water
Freshwater
Bait
The same live baits that work for bluegill will also catch redbreast sunfish.

Florida fishing record

Weight
2 lb 1 oz
Location
Suwannee river, gilchrist county
Date
Apr 29, 1988
Angler
Jerrel dewees, jr.
Type
Florida state record

Open record source

Record catch notes

2.08 lb; by jerrel dewees, jr.; on 4/29/1988; at suwannee river, gilchrist county

When to fish

Good months

January–december

Season notes

Intentional year round: Florida freshwater sport fish generally available year-round; peak months only when FWC When-to-Fish states them.

More season details

Where to fish

Florida regions

Inland south

Water

Freshwater

Habitat

Also known as river bream and redbellies, these are the flowing water cousins of bluegill. Redbellies often can be found in backwater areas with less flow, especially where there are sandy bottoms. Common in rivers of north Florida, but absent from south Florida.

More locations and access

How to catch

The same live baits that work for bluegill will also catch redbreast sunfish. Image credit: © duane raver & jr.

Bait

The same live baits that work for bluegill will also catch redbreast sunfish.

Videos

Sources

Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.