I have never really fished for shellcrackers. I was wondering what you guys suggested for catching these. I think my sister is going to be in town in 2 weeks and she loves to catch panfish and since the crappie are pretty much done shallow I thought I could take her after some crackers.
shellcrackers
- Thread starter foodsaver
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A couple days before or after the full moon or the new moon in April or May amd a little in June go shallow 3 to 8 feet deep preferrably with a gravel bottom. If the water is fairly clear look for large round circles on the bottom with mussel shells in them. There will be numerous beds in an area so when you find one you will find a bunch. Most people use red worms and or crickets fished under a small float or on the bottom with a split shot or two about 18" up the line.
I prefer artificial baits for shellcrackers and bream but I know I am in the minority on this for sure. At the end of the day though my cooler is full too and I didn't have to wait for the bait store to open.
Cheez
I prefer artificial baits for shellcrackers and bream but I know I am in the minority on this for sure. At the end of the day though my cooler is full too and I didn't have to wait for the bait store to open.
Cheez
Fishin Fool
Well-known member
ditto what Cheez said. I always try and gauge the water depth I am fishing in if I am fishing with worms and place the bobber to that the worm is actually laying on the bottom of the nest. I've always done really well doing that rather than suspending the bait. Just be careful and not get too deep or the shellies have a bad habit of swallowing it down. They'll also hit small spinners like a Mepps if it is fished really slow. I've never tried jigs for them so I am clueless there. By the way, if you have never fished for them hang onto your hat. Pound for pound they are some of the most vicious fighters in the water. If you use ultra light tackle they'll sure give you a thrill.
G
Guest
Guest
FF and FS jigs are my favorite way to catch them. I use 1/64 and 1/48 oz with various colored 1" twisters. 2 # line is a must for these tiny jigs if you want any distance to your cast. 2 # is also much more fun when you get a shelly up over a pound or when one of those pesky LM wants the tiny jig. Another really productive way is to use a fly rod and some wet flies.
Be careful FS, if you get into them good it is possible to develop a dependance quickly. If you are not a really strong willed individual addiction is even possible.emoBigsmile
Cheez
Be careful FS, if you get into them good it is possible to develop a dependance quickly. If you are not a really strong willed individual addiction is even possible.emoBigsmile
Cheez
Liveliner
Well-known member
I do not know if you are aware of the fact that TWRA now has a limit on Shellcrackers. Bluegill and other Sunfishes are still no limit. Be sure to know the differance.
This is a picture of a Shellcracker caught by my sweetie.
[img=http://www.conservation.alabama.gov/fishing/images/MonroeMaryStallworth1-6RES.jpg]
This is a picture of a Shellcracker caught by my sweetie.
[img=http://www.conservation.alabama.gov/fishing/images/MonroeMaryStallworth1-6RES.jpg]
oldsoldier
Active member
I agree with what cheez said. My favorite lure is a Bitsy Minnow. I fish it with an ultralite rig with 4# line. I like to cast it out and let it sit for a few seconds and maybe twitch it a couple times. You catch quite few on top water that way. If they don't bite, slowly crank it back to the boat and if you're in the brean they will probably hit it on the way back. Lots of fun!
Cheez, you are definitely not by yourself using artificial for bream. That's the only way I've been doing it for years and I love it.
Cheez, you are definitely not by yourself using artificial for bream. That's the only way I've been doing it for years and I love it.
Liveliner
Well-known member
The most enjoyable way to catch brim to me is with a light flyrod and a little black fly.
1/32 oz bleeding hook jig with a 1" squirming squirt grub in the pumpkinseed color. That's all you need. Tight lined preferred. Although you can use floaters if you are worried about hanging up in the stumps and other brushy objects that you will be fishing around. 4 lb test line, 5' ultralight rod and you are in business. set the drag loose just in case you hang into a bass or catfish. Crickets and worms might be better on some days, but I'll usually catch a couple while you are getting the cricket out of its box. LOL emoBigsmile emoGeezer
My most productive pattern is shallow gravel or sandy coves I use a piece of a used soft plastic bait, it dont matter if its a pincher of a craw or the arm of a brush hog, if you toss it in the beds following a split shot it will get bit.
DoubleB
Well-known member
How do you guys cast these small jigs without a float...
G
Guest
Guest
Little bitty sissy line and ultralight gear.
Cheez
Cheez
DoubleB
Well-known member
I'm using 4 lbs test on a Bass Pro TinyLite... Here are the specs...
4' 6'' 1-piece ultra-light tubular graphite composite blank; stainless steel guides/inserts;
Do I need a longer rod?
4' 6'' 1-piece ultra-light tubular graphite composite blank; stainless steel guides/inserts;
Do I need a longer rod?
DoubleB
Well-known member
New reel, new line... Like we say in computers... Maybe it's operator error. 
Mybe I'm expecting too much. How far are you all able to cast those tiny jigs and split shots?
Mybe I'm expecting too much. How far are you all able to cast those tiny jigs and split shots?
DoubleB - 4/16/2007 9:59 PM
New reel, new line... Like we say in computers... Maybe it's operator error.
Mybe I'm expecting too much. How far are you all able to cast those tiny jigs and split shots?
If you use the sling shot method of delivery (the one I use when shooting docks) you should be able to get about 30 feet easily. That is more than enough distance to reach the shellies. When you find a bed, you should start fishing the outer edge of the beds and slowly move toward the center of the area. If you find a large area of shellcracker beds and start fishing the center, you won't catch as many as you could as the ones on the edge will get spooked by the fight of the ones you hook as you drag them through the area.
DoubleB
Well-known member
LOL.. I think it might be the crappie jig I'm using... I think it is a 1/128 oz... LOL
TennesseeTalker
Well-known member
LL .. your Sweetie caught a nice Shellie!!! I can't hardly wait for Crackerfest!!! I'm hoping I can match her enthusiasm!!!
TT
I can't hardly wait for Crackerfest!!! I'm hoping I can match her enthusiasm!!!TT
Liveliner
Well-known member
Now don't you guys get too excited about meeting "My Sweetie" just yet.
