Shellcracker fishing on kentucky lake

Redear spawn is here so get on the water to catch a tasty feast. Catching shellcrackers is hit or miss hartsville vidette. Mark menendez rates kentucky lake as a fantastic yearround bass fishery. They fight better than most other freshwater species. Lake seminole shellcracker fishing is incredible due to the massive shallow water flats that have shallow sandbars and aquatic vegetation that provides the perfect combination for lake seminole shellcracker to thrive and grow big. Lake seminole shellcracker fishing is a great way to introduce o kid into the sport of fishing at lake seminole. In 2018 the kentucky department of fish and wildlife resources stocked redear sunfish in four small, stateowned lakes in central kentucky. Transition time is at hand for kentucky lake anglers. We went back the next week to the same spot and they were gone.

Finding a nesting area usually means finding many pairs, and the fishing can be fast and furious. The fishing here at kentucky and barkley lakes has been excellent. State record fishes and awards kentucky department of fish. A few hefty shellcracker were taken this week across the reservoir, where anglers are working the shallow buck bushes and grassbeds in the backs of bays and small pockets off the main lake area. Our favorite bream fishing spot on the delta is byrnes lake. Although we caught only a few fish on that trip since it was too early, it did bring back memories of how much fun bream fishing can be. Steves reports cover kentucky lake from paris landing to new johnsonville. Hector brito caught this worldrecord redear sunfish at lake havasu in 2014. Jul 05, 2012 three lakes that seem to be super hot right now are western branch in virginia, and barkley lake kentucky lake down at lbl. They are common in lower, more slowly flowing reaches of rivers. I like to catch plenty of fish that fight hard, test my tackle and my angling skills an d taste delicious when i eat them. If you have brushpiles or trees marked anywhere on the main lake you shouldnt have any problems catching the crappie. Caught around 20 crappie, mostly small, 78 and around 20 bluegills, around 79.

Once may arrives each year kentucky lake anglers see another transition taking place that sort of rearranges the fishing scene for a variety of fishermen. The 160,309acre lake is one of the largest impoundments. Two nice redear sunfish caught on barkley lake both over 2 pounds. Added to the fishing fun is the fact that both bluegill and shellcracker are great to eat. Western branch has recently produced two crackers that im aware of that were 14inches apiece and 2.

Caught crappie on float and minnow and the bluegill on float and wax worms. Our area of kentucky lake is famous for its great black crappie fishing. Lake cumberland is the latest reservoir in kentucky to be stocked with redear sunfish. Now is the time to strike a trot to the lake and wet a hook for these babies. Shellcracker bite is going on now in about 5 feet of water.

I like to catch plenty of fish that fight hard, test my. Our report contributors and their latest reports are below. Mccadams said recent surface temperatures on kentucky lake climbed into the 7375 range and continues to rise, triggering the early phases of shellcracker and bluegill spawning. Kentucky lake outdoor guide fishing, hunting and everything outdoors bass fishing logo, duck and deer hunting. Shellcracker fishing tips sheelcracker fishing florida. The big bluegill are starting to get on the beds, mccadams says. Redear sunfish get their name from the red gill flap but most southern anglers refer to them as shellcracker as they feed on small, freshwater mussels that inhibit the lake bottom.

The shellcracker is not a fish that likes to be right against the bank. Panfish are the focus on this weeks show as guesthost crispin powley probes spawning beds for kentucky lakes bluegill and shellcrackers. Both kentucky and barkley lakes are presently at or near summer pool. Jun 05, 2018 20 videos play all bluegill, shellcracker, and panfish fishing richard gene the fishing machine panfish 101 angling edge tv duration. In the south, shellcracker fishing is common among pan fisherman. Florida shellcracker fishing spawning bluegills mwoutdoors. Shellcracker and bream fishing robert webster of hamlet, nc who has a camper at the lake tillery family campground, adjacent highway 2427, has been keeping a watch on the fishing conditions for shellcrackers and bream. March 31, 2018 may 26, 2019 2 years ago stingram 821 views bream. Best spots for bama bream fishing great days outdoors. Protection from wind is easier to find on barkley than on kentucky lake. For best delta bream fishing, a small boat of some kind opens up the world of fishing possibilities.

The redear is similar in shape to the bluegill, but lacks the dark spot at the base of. Florida lake tarpon and lake guntersville shellcrackers. A few shellcrackers were caught from shallow shorelines and buck brushes where submerged grass was present. Dont forget, you can view 17 years worth of archived fishing reports as well. Redear bite continues as catfish stay on prowl explore kentucky. Locating bluegill and shellcracker when they are not on.

Instead this is a fish that likes to be in deeper water. Lake kissimmee west lake tohopekaliga lake panasoffkee lake talquin harris chain of lakes lake bryant lake marian lake marion lake istokpoga. Catching bluegill and shellcracker on kentuckhy lake. For a long time i think kentucky lake was overlooked for panfish, but the word is getting out and more people are fishing for them. Rising surface temperatures coincide with summer pool lake levels that open up a whole new ballgame of opportunities for the likes of bluegill and red ear sunfish, commonly referred to as shellcracker. Its a great feeling to get out on the lake during a warm sunny day and for a while forget about covid 19. If any questions or problems arise, call the kentucky department of fish and wildlife at 18008581549.

With an average depth of only 9 feet, kentucky lake is a mecca for bass anglers who love to fish shallow. A few years ago, fishing buddy bob sherborne and i found some shellcracker beds in leatherwood cove on kentucky lake. Shellcracker, bluegill bedding times near outdoors. These fish can be readily taken by fishing with nightcrawlers and leeches under bobbers and on bottom rigs. As may enters the fishing scene along kentucky lake, so. The redear is similar in shape to the bluegill, but lacks the dark spot at the base of the posterior portion of the dorsal fin and has a red or orange border around the ear flap. Shellcracker, shellcracker where are you bank fishing. Find more fishing reports in kentucky beech fork lake 10 hp motor max beech fork reservoir provides a warmwater fisheries for largemouth and spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, walleye, channel catfish and bluegill. Bluegill, shellcrackers and crappie fishing, not only fun to catch but these little guys are second to none in the frying pan. The florida crappie, speckled perch or speck as they are called throughout the south is the most sought after panfish on.

The fish species identification must be verified in person by a kentucky department of fish and wildlife resources fishery biologist or the wolf. The article focuses on several fishing locations for shellcracker or redear sunfish in the u. What is the best bluegillredear lake outside of kybarkley lakes. In addition to being fun to catch, both species offer tasty fillets. They tolerate brackish water better than other sunfish. We caught t crappie in a couple of days bass fishing on rattlebaits. The placement of secret brush piles by private parties is a kentucky lake tradition. The redear sunfish, mostly found in clear waters with rooted aquatic vegetation. Theres no better time to catch panfish on kentucky lake than now.

Fishing kentucky lake with mark menendez a seasonal approach to fishing kentucky year round for trophy bass. I like to catch plenty of fish that fight hard, test my tackle and my angling skills and taste delicious when i eat them. Will knew where there was a spawning bed, and we were pulling in these fish one after. Guesthost crispin powley probes spawning beds for kentucky lake s bluegill and shellcrackers. Folks today, i explain ways you can locate bluegill and shellcracker when they are not bedding. Lake seminole shellcracker fishing guides professional. Fishing for redear is one of lifes pleasures kentucky new era. Bob of anglers resort in dunnellon reports bass fishing on lake rousseau has been fair for those using wild shiners. Our goal is to establish a viable, selfsustaining population of these highquality panfish, said gerry.

Largemouth in the 8pound range help make kentucky lake one of the nations top bass waters. Bluegill and shellcracker are being caught on the north side of brahma island and also in north cove, reports chuck metheney at bridgemaster fishing products 863. This seems to be the year that i finally get it all lined up. Locating bluegill and shellcracker when they are not on bed. These characteristics describe the shellcracker redear sunfish with its nicknames of. By the end of march, depending on water temperatures and water levels, redears shellcracker start migrating to the shallows in preparation for the spawn. From largemouth bass to crappie, kentucky lake is a favorite fishing spot. Ky,barkley lake bluegill, shellcracker, yellow bass need to know if anyone has targeted the other panfish in the lakes lately. Lake alfred has had the best bass fishing this week with a lot of four. From video fishing tips to whats currently happening on kentucky lake and lake barkley, our fishing reports provide the most uptodate information from professional anglers across the lakes. Bluegill, shellcracker bite is best on kentucky, barkley. Heres an archived kentucky lake fishing report from published on may 8.

Lake tarpon in florida is reportedly consistent in producing large shellcrackers. Ive been wanting to put together a bluegillshellcracker trip to lbl for the past three or so years and have never really had the time or money to do so. Immediately after those caught one that was slot bigger than my hand. Sometimes the shellcracker will take the worm and you wont know it until you start to draw it out the water. Fishing kentucky lake with mark menendez the ultimate bass. For boat rentals, please go to bottom of this page and click on fun things to do. Crappie fishing, bluegill, shellcracker and crappie. You can follow any responses to this entry through the rss 2. Shellcrackers are the best tasting freshwater fish in florida, which makes since theyre just a large bluegill and we know bluegills are the best tasting panfish in the midwest. I went to boltz lake 527 just off of i75 near dry ridgewilliamstown area. Bream is a local term throughout the southeast that includes a variety of deepbodied panfish belonging to the sunfish family. Kentucky lakes bluegill and shellcracker, known biologically as redear sunfish, are spawning and nice ones, like this dandy taken by guy harris of mount juliet, are showing up in good numbers.

The souths best shellcracker holes hunting and fishing. A small boat whether it is a flatbottom johnboat, a small bass boat or even a canoe or kayak puts a bream angler in reach of prime bream fishing. Theres another two or three weeks of prime spawning time too. Redear spend a great deal of time offshore in open water, particularly in the winter. I went fishing for shellcracker at clarks hill the week after easter last year. Kentuckys lake cumberland being stocked with redear sunfish, releases to continue through 20 kentucky department of fish and wildlife 09. Water temperatures on kentucky lake last weekend exactly matched those parameters, with the main lake. Crappie fishing with florida fishing guides, everglades shellcracker and bluegill fishing, lake okeechobee crappie and bluegill fishing for trophy gar fish. Bedding time at hand for bluegillshellcracker outdoors.

Start exploring all that kentucky has to offer on this page, with links to lake, river and stream information that you need to have a great day on the water. The shellcracker and bluegill bite is considered strong with a good number of these fish on a strong spawn pattern. Shellcracker lakes that seem to be hot right now bluegill. But fishing is always a matter of dealing with existing conditions. You can access steves previous fishing reports in our fishing report archives. Crappie fishing, bluegill, shellcracker and crappie fishing. They will spawn in eight to 15 feet of water depending on how clear the water is. Corinth lake in grant county once boasted some of the best redear fishing in kentucky until an accidental introduction of shad into the lake eventually blunted the fishery. Fishing kentucky lake with mark menendez the ultimate. Shellcracker fishing tips and information on shellcracker fishing in florida on some of the top lakes in the country. Ky,barkley lake bluegill, shellcracker, yellow bass. A member of the national fresh water fishing hall of fame and legends of the outdoors, steve mccadams is a professional guide and outdoor writer from paris, tenn. As the peak spawning phases arrive, anglers can count on several weeks of great fishing fun. Guesthost crispin powley probes spawning beds for kentucky lakes bluegill and shellcrackers.

Pound for pound, there is not another fish that out pulls these little bullies. Theres another two or three weeks of prime spawning time too so grab a friend and head on out. The shellcracker is also known as the redear sunfish and will average between one and two pounds during spawning. Apr 09, 2018 for best delta bream fishing, a small boat of some kind opens up the world of fishing possibilities. These characteristics describe the shellcracker redear sunfish with its nicknames of stumpknocker and yellow bream. Fishing crickets about a foot below a bobber, we caught over 100 one morning. What is the best bluegillredear lake outside of ky. Detailed requirements are listed on the third page of the application. Their small fillets are tasty morsels and will tip the taste buds of even the most finicky eater. Ive fished with guide bob latendresse for many years and he has yet to fail to put me on big shellcrackers. Steve mccadams is an experienced fishing guide on kentucky lake. State record fishes and awards kentucky department of. Bedding time at hand for bluegillshellcracker tales and scales.

Always abundant, bluegill and the related redear sunfish or shellcrackers in. Thats the average size shellcracker fellow outdoor writer will brantley and i were catching last spring on kentucky lake in the state of the same name. Fishing for bluegill and shellcracker in the peak of the spawn is one of them. Id like to hear from people who have personal experience too but everyones welcome to chime in. What is the best bluegillredear lake outside of kybarkley. Mar 31, 2018 shellcracker, shellcracker where are you. In kentucky, its possible to catch three species of trout then trailer your boat a short distance to tie into some largemouth bass, walleye and spotted bass. Florida has more than 7,700 named lakes and ponds and over 10,000 miles of streams and rivers, all brimming with bream. Whats the better choice for big shellcracker, barkley or ky lake. We both wanted to go after them with our fly rods aka buggy whoppers as acey wall, deceased use to call my fly rod. By writing fishing reports, he informs the public about the most up to date fishing. Fishing for shellcrackers panfish rambling angler outdoors. Lake juliana has been good for shellcracker on red worms. Sometimes that little movement will provoke a shellcracker to seize the worm.