Thread: Kentucky and Barclay shell crackers

I was thinking about a long weekend on Kentucky/Barclay lakes chasing shellcrakers and was wondering how hard it is to find them. I have never fished for them before. I have been to Reelfoot chasing bluegill and that is the only experience I have. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Bo

I guide for them on KY and Barkley. They can be found deeper in similar areas where bluegills bed. Most folks run in on top of them and spook them off. They are one of the most skittish fish around. I recommend you find a major bay with a good creek running into it with sand and gravel bottom. Start out casting a drop-shot rig baited with red worm or a small jig and waxworm in 10 feet of water or so and work the area good. The bait must be close or on the bottom.They bed in much less numbers than gills and you will do well to catch more than a couple in any given spot. I have made a habit over the last 25 years to release EVERY female redear that isn't bleeding from being deep hooked. They are nowhere near as prolific as gills and a bed can be cleaned out easily. Note that KY and Barkley have a 20 fish limit on redears.