Shell cracker question.

Last April, during the full moon, I located a mother load of what I am convinced was shellcracker beds. The beds were large clean and well defined. Caught a few crackers and some bluegills on these beds then and throughout the summer, but never did find them really active. I am convinced these beds were made in March by shellcrackers that never returned in large numbers afterward. I intend to catch them actively on the beds this year. The march full moon is the 20th. we currently have water temps in the 50's and the last few nights air temps have been in the low 20's. Do y'all bream guru's think they will be making beds by the full moon of March ?


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That’s hard to say....but I would doubt it. I target shell cracker on a regular basis but I’ve never found them bedding in March in TN. But sure won’t hurt to go looking for them. If the weather is decent....and these lakes get rid of some water so I can get on them......I’ll be doing early scouting on the areas that have produced for me in the past. One of the lakes I get them on has water temps of 49....which is normal there for this time of year.

Regards


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Keep an eye on them they will be in and gone if you not careful ! Be sure to check those areas on a new moon also :twocents

Water temperatures up here in the creeks has already hit 54, now that may change a little with this cold front but I would go check on them on the 20th if the weather improves and especially if we have several nights in the 50’s or warmer.


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The gills will bed earlier. Then the strawberries will bed. More than likely will use the same holes.

I've often seen them bedding at the end of March and my experience has been the opposite of some others that it seems to me the shellcrackers usually bed a couple of weeks or even a month before the bluegill really get going. Given the cold we're having right now I doubt they'll be ready by March 20th in the northern part of the state though. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they are in very close proximity and congregating at the bedding sites by then.

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Originally Posted by Cricketcage

I've often seen them bedding at the end of March and my experience has been the opposite of some others that it seems to me the shellcrackers usually bed a couple of weeks or even a month before the bluegill really get going. Given the cold we're having right now I doubt they'll be ready by March 20th in the northern part of the state though. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they are in very close proximity and congregating at the bedding sites by then.

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You are correct. My experience here in TN has always been the shell cracker bed much earlier than bluegill.....and one can find all the articles they would want from a multitude of wildlife resources agencies that support that also. That’s not to say that bluegill could never bed earlier than shell cracker....but not likely.

Regards


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REs spawn before the BGs out here also. I have seen them nesting with BGs in May - I think it might have been caused by a water draw. Also we have RExCNBGs and GSxRE @ Lake Perris & RExBGs at Lake Havasu. Not sure when they would spawn......

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Originally Posted by Cricketcage

I've often seen them bedding at the end of March and my experience has been the opposite of some others that it seems to me the shellcrackers usually bed a couple of weeks or even a month before the bluegill really get going. Given the cold we're having right now I doubt they'll be ready by March 20th in the northern part of the state though. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they are in very close proximity and congregating at the bedding sites by then.

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I'm in the central part of MS and water temps were 57 before this latest cold front. I'm thinking the end of March near the new moon is gonna be the time. Although I intend to check on the full moon also. I missed these big guys last year and don't intend to do so again. I'll keep you guys updated on any results.


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Originally Posted by LedHed

REs spawn before the BGs out here also. I have seen them nesting with BGs in May - I think it might have been caused by a water draw. Also we have RExCNBGs and GSxRE @ Lake Perris & RExBGs at Lake Havasu. Not sure when they would spawn......

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One thing for sure, y'all have some monster Shellcrackers in Havasu! :yikes

Sometimes the beds are made but get little to no use . I know on a certain state lake this happens quite often . Either that or they manage to get through there in a couple of days . Will know this year , fully retired . :ThumbsUp