Printable View
Hey guys, I'm trying to locate some pre spawn shellcracker. Always heard the big ones come up early. I'm in North Alabama so the spawn will be in full swing in a few weeks but for now what do I need to do, just back off the pea gravel points and banks into about 10 ft if water? A buddy of mine says he catches them on redworms working them just like you would a plastic worm, bumping bottom. I know where to catch them when they're spawning but never tried pre spawn.
before the spawn I have found them shallow and deep, one day they will be up around the cypress trees and the next day I'll have to go to 12 fow to catch any. one thing is certain tho, they don't have to be spawning to catch a bunch, just on a feeding spree. you know they are feeding hard when they poop all over your boat before ya can get him in the cooler. lol redworms on the bottom has been the best bait so far , but I use at least two rods, and let the bait sit a good ten min. before moving it at all. In shallow water a slip bobber with no stop knot helps ya see a bite, it will jiggle and move a little. submerged humps out in the lake seem to be the best spots. anchor boat front and back so you can tell better if your getting bit. I find them shallow sometimes but more often than not 12 feet seems to be a good average.
before the spawn I have found them shallow and deep, one day they will be up around the cypress trees and the next day I'll have to go to 12 fow to catch any. one thing is certain tho, they don't have to be spawning to catch a bunch, just on a feeding spree. you know they are feeding hard when they poop all over your boat before ya can get him in the cooler. lol redworms on the bottom has been the best bait so far , but I use at least two rods, and let the bait sit a good ten min. before moving it at all. In shallow water a slip bobber with no stop knot helps ya see a bite, it will jiggle and move a little. submerged humps out in the lake seem to be the best spots. anchor boat front and back so you can tell better if your getting bit. I find them shallow sometimes but more often than not 12 feet seems to be a good average.
caught a few this am ahead of a front moving in from texas,they where suspended in 3 to 4 ft. water,around cypress and tupelo gum trees. cought them on a dragon nymph,some nice fish.
gators stink
i like to throw a 1/32oz black beetle spin
xsouthernx, what part of north Bama?
redear is correct, they go on feeding spree's. I've noticed that sometimes they may not bite for an hour, then you may catch three in a row. I really prefer to get after them in the evening, anywhere from 6pm-dusk seems to be a prime feeding time for the big redear. I've even changed my fishing times this year, instead of going in the mornings I'm going at 2-3 in the afternoons and fishing till dark. Nothing like hooking into a ten+inch redear and fighting him into the boat. My ultimate goal is to catch that two pounder and mount him.
Seeker, I fish Guntersville 90 percent of the time. I went this past weekend and worked some boat houses and points with redworms on a split shot rig and only caught a few bluegill. I don't know what to do, I know how to catch them on bed but that's easy. I basically would cast out and work the worm back to the boat like a plastic worm. Do I need to anchor down and sit for a while like some of you have mentioned or what? How do you know fish are there in the first place, can you see them on your depth finder? Thanks for all your comments guys.
I am in the Pinson area and noticed them moving in....
Before they actually bed, I can usally find them around structure.... Not so my christmas trees, but around submerged logs, rocks, etc. My guess is they feed on the snails you typicall find in those areas.
Oscar