In rivers, sticks mostly to slow, deep runs. Easily identified by the red spot on the end of its gill flap, the Shellcracker is also less round in shape than other popular bream species. Usual coloration is olive or bluish on the sides, with a bright yellow belly. This is Florida's largest Bream, reaching weights in excess of four pounds in a few waters. Many 1-pounders are caught all over Florida, and the average during bedding season is often close to 12 ounces.
Big ones are the toughest panfish.
Poles and earthworms make up the killer combination for Shellcrackers during the spring and summer bedding seasons, when nearly all fishing for them takes place. Many are caught when off the beds, but are difficult to target then, and usually turn up in mixed bags with other panfish. Few fishermen bother to crack out mussels, so the baits used include crickets and grass shrimp, in addition to earthworms. In the way of artificials, they like nearly anything that spins and shines. Although popping bugs account for scattered catches, flyrod fishermen do better with sinking flies - and especially well if a tiny spinner is incorporated into the rig.