DATE: Thursday, September 4, 1997           TAG: 9709030711

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C8   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: Fishing Forecast 

SOURCE: Bob Hutchinson 

                                            LENGTH:   34 lines

A WEEKLY GUIDE TO THE REGION'S HOT SPOTS

The shellcracker, also known as redear for the crimson coloration on what looks like ears, is the Rodney Dangerfield of freshwater fish: It ``don't get no respect.''

While handsome in color, the shellcracker is near the bottom of the list as far as being attractive to many anglers. It's small, usually less than a pound, and isn't an outstanding fighter.

On the plus side, it's a fish that hits readily, can be found in bunches and makes pretty good table fare.

While this week's cooler weather may change things, the fish has been making a strong showing on some waters, especially Lake Prince in Suffolk, where scores of recent catches have met the 11-inch/1-pound requirement for citation awards from the Virginia Fresh Water Fishing Program.

You'll find the fish schooled in between 10 and 12 feet of water along old creek channels, especially if there's some sandy bottom or gravel in the area.

While they'll hit a variety of offerings, including some artificials, nothing tempts a 'cracker quite like a tidbit of red wiggler worm skewered to a small gold-colored hook.

Bounce it, weighted with a small split shot, along the bottom and if there's a redear around you should get a solid strike.

Shellcracker are available almost all year, with some of the best catches at Lake Prince and nearby Western Branch Reservoir. Peak action usually comes in spring and fall.

One final note: If you get a real kick out of catching 'crackers, don't tell anyone. You probably won't get the respect you deserve either.

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