Lepomis megalotis
How to identify a Longear Sunfish
Longear Sunfish are found in warm lakes, ponds, slow rivers, floodplains, and vegetated backwaters. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.
EnvironmentFreshwater
SeasonOften most active in warm months; check local rules
Habitat and range
Warm lakes, ponds, slow rivers, floodplains, and vegetated backwaters
Where to catch Longear Sunfish
- Ozark streams (MO/AR)
- Gulf Coastal Plain creeks
Longear Sunfish by state
State season calendars that list Longear Sunfish — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:
- Alabama — seasons, best months and licence info
- Arkansas — seasons, best months and licence info
- Florida — seasons, best months and licence info
- Louisiana — seasons, best months and licence info
- Mississippi — seasons, best months and licence info
- Missouri — seasons, best months and licence info
- Texas — seasons, best months and licence info
Baits and lures
Species-dependent · worms · insects · small fish · crustaceans · prepared baits · or small lures
Related species
Often caught in the same waters or confused with Longear Sunfish:
- Bantam Sunfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Dollar Sunfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Green Sunfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Mud Sunfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Orangespotted Sunfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
- Redbreast Sunfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
Monthly bite brief
Get fishing updates
What's biting in your state, seasonal targets and new guides — one email a month. Unsubscribe anytime.
Do not rely on a photo alone for legal or food-safety decisions. Location, season, life stage and local regulations matter. Confirm any identification that affects possession limits or consumption with the responsible wildlife agency.
Identify your photo
Upload a clear side-view photo for an AI-assisted suggestion, then compare the result against the profile above.
Identify my fishBrowse all species