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  1. #1
    Moderator
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    Mar 2009
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    Portland, TN
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    17,451

    Locating bluegill/shell cracker when they are not on beds

    Water was in the 56-59degree range today. Fished shallow out to 7-8’ with little to no success. Always been a bank beater but trying to learn how to catch fish in open water or deeper. I have good electronics. Anything specific to look for?

  2. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Alexandria, La.
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    2,821
    #2
    I have always caught them after the spawn(our chinquapin have spawned) in 11 to 14 feet around humps. Drop shot with either crickets or red worms. Bluegill often on top with the chinquapin much deeper.

  3. Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Middlesboro,Ky.
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    3,069
    #3
    Cant say about most folks,but, I can smell them when they are bedding !

  4. Moderator
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Portland, TN
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    17,451
    #4
    Quote Originally Posted by wwc3 View Post
    Cant say about most folks,but, I can smell them when they are bedding !
    I was watching a Richard Gene the Fishing Machine video the other day and he said the same thing. Never heard it before then.

  5. Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2020
    Location
    Lakeland, Florida
    Posts
    2,354
    #5
    Really easy down here with the shallow water to smell them when they are bedding

  6. Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    7,671
    #6
    Get off the edge of the flats. Watch your electronics for the depth of the day.