Thread: shellcrackers???

On the way to the doc saw 12 boats 'bumping' in in the pads of a local canal and a few fishing from the bank. Are the shellcrackers in???--shu

Originally Posted by shuorc

You're right 'bluegills and more boats today. How long do they stay on the bed??--shu

I usually start looking for beds mid April but with this hot weather I wouldn't doubt they are bedding right now.They'll bed right thru August and September and really get active when the water gets to 78 or 80*....the females will be on bed for two or three days and move off...... the males stay near the bed after the females move out for maybe a week before they move out..... The eggs hatch in about 1 1/2 days. Usually there are beds clustered close together so it seems like they are on them all the time but they're actually moving on and off all summer. The shellies do about the same, but I've found they bed a little later than the gills but again with this hot weather they too might be bedding now or real soon. There's nothing like finding a bed. Now Flycaster can smell them...if you want to follow him around. I just go to all the old spots cause they usually go back there every year.