Change of pace. SHELLCRACKERS

Well switched over and tried shellcracker fishing about a month ago to see if i could get them to bite were i used to catch them back in the 80's and mid 90's. The fishing back then was short of unbelievable for shellcrackers. Ive got news for you. There bbbaaccckkk. I have caught 59 citations in the last month. They have came from all the norfolk lakes B.M. , W.B. and Prince. Most where caught between 8' to 16' deep. The biggest was 1lb 14oz and the most caught in one day was 14 citations and several days i have had 9 to 10 citations. Should have been able to catch more but i could not fish like i wanted to due to work. Ive had alot of fish in the 1lb 8oz to 1lb 10oz range. I'm getting ready to switch back to crappie and yellow perch. I miss catching those specks.Attachment 136941Attachment 136950Attachment 136951Attachment 136947Attachment 136948Attachment 136944Attachment 136949

Those are some friggen hogs. Great job!CF

Mmm,.. Mmm! Wish we could catch pigs like that here in NY.

pretty fish Val! glad ya'll could find some, those are some pole benders for sure.

Great catch

Nice fish, I like catching shellcrackers.

Those are super nice 'crackers!

WTG, with fish like that you shouldn't miss the crappie too much.

Good catchin' Val.

Mike

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Originally Posted by GETTHE NET

I have caught 59 citations in the last month. They have came from all the norfolk lakes B.M. , W.B. and Prince. Most where caught between 8' to 16' deep. The biggest was 1lb 14oz and the most caught in one day was 14 citations and several days i have had 9 to 10 citations.

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I am going to try to ask you a question without offending you or anyone else. First off, congrats, you obviously are a great fishermen. Having said that, I don't recall any other species of freshwater fish that anyone has caught 59 citations of over a one month period yet alone, 14 in one day. Do you think the citation size for this species should be increased or is it your skill set matched up with a good body of water for this species? I can't imagine we are getting reports like this from any other public bodies of water in the state or are we? Is it just that the Suffolk Lakes are that good for this species? Once again, just curious to get your opinion, congrats again.

All I can say is WOW, great report.

Tap, Im not offended. I think that the size and weight should stay the same. We are just lucky enough to live near some of the best lakes in the state for shellcrackers. They have been known for this species since the early 80's. I used to know some old timers that fished those lakes back then and they would catch 100's of citations a year and they rarely ever registered one. Most of those guys were so used to seeing them that size it didn't even bother them.

Great pictures! I targeted shellcrackers in Prince a couple times this summer without catching any that big. Any advice on bait presentation appreciated.

Great job! In response to Tap, I believe when you combine the obvious skills of "Get the Net" and the Suffolk lakes, you are going to get the results posted. The fish are certainly there if you know where/how to target them. Those are some great fish.

Great job Val and your dad!!!!!! It sure brings back the memories. I was one of the lucky ones to have fished w/b in the 80's. Back then you could 25 citations a day when they were on the beds. I saw a thousand slabs come off one bed back then. Good to seeing them coming back.

Now I know why you have been ducking me at work. Val unreal. They are not a easy fish to get on, with that type of size. Maybe you could blindfold me and let me go with you 0ne time. You make your mind on something, you are usually on the mark. Great Job.

Stunning, just stunning. I'm a shellcracker nut myself and I've got a question about your rigging and presentation. I fish for them on bottom with a long shank #2 & #4 hook with a split shot placed about 12inches above the hook. We call this straightlining and you've obviously got to really pay attention when using this method.

I thought I read where you had stated you bottom fish with an egg sinker attached to a leader, like a Carolina Rig? I guess that lets them take a little more line without realizing they're hooked? Can you elaborate a little on your method here? Thanks, Troy.

redearhoosier, That method only works certain times of the year. I will PM you.

Val I thought you use a cork and a cricket. ? You have to carry me and show me.

Very nice fish GTN. I have had a very fun time with those hawgs as well. My biggest have come out of branch between 2 -2 1/4 lbs. Prince has nice fish as well but people are out they after them every single day. I haven't found any in burnts. If you don't mind pm me a bit of info on burnts id greatly appreciate it. Keep those nice reports and pictures coming.

Very nice fish GTN. I have had a very fun time with those hawgs as well. My biggest have come out of branch between 2 -2 1/4 lbs. Prince has nice fish as well but people are out they after them every single day. I haven't found any in burnts. If you don't mind pm me a bit of info on burnts id greatly appreciate it. Keep those nice reports and pictures coming.

Kitt, Did you get my PM?

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Originally Posted by GETTHE NET

Kitt, Did you get my PM?

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Got it. I really appreciate it. Sent you one back.