Thread: Shellcrackers

Originally Posted by KScott

I know this isn't the right forum area, but seeing as I'm looking for some local experience, I figured this might be the best place to start. Looking for a little advice on shellcrackers, specifically, anytime outside of spawning season. I fish mostly Badin, Tuckertown, high rock, and Mountain Island. Bedding fish I can do, once found, but my main question is where do you look for them the other 10 months out of the year? Not looking for specific spots, I like to find my own. Can someone steer me in the right direction as far as depths, what to look for, methods used, maybe a favored lake? Any and all advice welcome and appreciated, and thanks in advance!!

Go to where ever you found them bedding then go to the nearest deeper water 10 to 20 ft deep drift or poke around real slow with trolling motor fish red worms, night crawlers or small pieces of shrimp on the bottom. simple #6 or #8 long shank hook with split shot or carolina rig or drop shot with one or 2 hooks. They eat year round you can catch them year round

Thanks slabinator! I fish from a kayak, so a slow drift or paddle is no problem! Thinking ahead here.... All said lakes are pretty heavily populated with white perch. From hours spent dragging catfish baits around, I know dragging some nightcrawlers around is doomed to be eaten by perch at some point. If I'm getting pestered by them, in your experience, do I need to move and try to avoid the area?

Exactly what was said above^^

another area that ive had success in the past is deep banks with overhanging timber. by deep, i mean 6-12ft

Thanks! Any particular favorite lakes, out of those. I know they all have them, and they all sorta have different characteristics.

I'm with you, after spawing season I don't see them again until next year

The only lake i have consistently targeted shell crackers has been Mt. Island lake

Lake Rhodhiss has a huge population of Bluegills that are easily caught with crickets under bobbers during all the warm months (now through late October) around riprap and bridge columns (old Castle Bridge). As Pete said, the rip rap with overhanging cover can be very good. That's where I take my Mom when her health is good enough to go.

Chris

Pete, what has your success been like at Mt island, focusing more on fish size? Sort of got myself on a mission to catch a legitimate 2 lb sunfish. I know this area isn't exactly a hot bed for trophy panfish, but I know they are out there for those that seek them.