Thread: Question for shellcracker pros

Originally Posted by mrdux

My question is where would you pros start looking for shellcrackers in deep water in the summertime and what type of bottom/structure would you look for? I typically look for 6-10 feet of water in major coves that have creeks entering the lake and sandy/gravel bottoms.

I think you've got the right idea, but I would move out into deeper water. I wouldn't call myself a shellcracker "pro", but I look for the deepest water I can find near the spawning grounds. I fish much smaller waters than Kentucky Lake, so that usually means a max of 12-15' FOW for me. I have no doubt that a place like Kentucky Lake has huge shellcrackers. But like most places, people just forget about 'em after the spawn.

A 4 pound shellcracker??

I am not a pro, but I spend most of my time going after shell cracker and bluegill...

After the spawn they typically move to deeper water as already has been stated.

Typically, I look for some kind of transition, like where the bottom of the lake is dropping rapidly at a slew inlet, channel, etc.

Another thing to keep in mind, althought they eat insects, they prefer aquatic snails (hence the name shell cracker). Typically where there are hard bottoms, rocks, submerged logs, things of that nature have always been more productive for me. In the lake that I spend most of my time on, there is a submerged road bottom that consitently yeilds large shell crackers.

A 2lb shell is pretty rare in most peoples book. Although I have read about 4 pounders, I have never actually seen one.

Oscar

Thanks and keep the info coming.

The worlds record shellcracker is around 5 1/2 pounds. I have mounted some nearly 3 pounds. There was one caught and confirmed on certified scales on KY Lake that was almost 4 pounds a couple of years ago. I have no doubt that there are good numbers of exceptional crackers here if I could just learn to target them. It is a totally untapped resource no doubt.

Fish deep water humps in the summer time it works great in our area maybe yours want hurt trying. we fish humps from 10 ft to 25 ft.

Look at this!!!!!
http://www.dansfishinhole.com/bluegill.htm

Has any body tried the 1" plastic crawdad on a small jig for shell crackers,? I've cleaned shell crackers with little craw claws inside them.

Steve, that is one huge red ear. Man ,what a fight that must of been.