During the recent BR Roadtrip, we were able to review this information with 'in hand samples' and thought it might help others who have questions! Please list any questions about other rigging details that you may have and I or others will try to answer them     

 

It's a versatile bait and there are several Choices... I think it would be interesting to know how you "would or have" Rigged the Shellcracker and your thoughts!

Flip and Pitch, rigged flat beaver style or upright through the belly slot, T or C-rig either way, Jig trailer rigged flat and HERE is the 3.75" COMPACT Swimmer, 6/0 hook with a Trimmed the belly fin!

 

 

 

 

I like them rigged flat on a Jika Rig. 

I like them rigged flat on a Jika Rig. 

 

That sounds like a great presentation.  Just started using the jika and so far it hasn't let me down.

I have tried both a 4/0 and 5/0 Stroker hook and I cannot get it to run true when I rig it like a swim bait. If I rig it like a flipping bait, no issues.

I've also found that if you don't let it sink and burn it back, it's like a little buzz bait.

I have a few favorite uses.

Punching- it is a deadly little punch bait. I use a 1.25 tungsten and a 4/0 hook and it goes through the hydrilla like a dream. Great action and hooksets.

Topwater- great little weedless finesse buzzbait on spinning gear.

Flipping- self explanatory

Swim Jig- I rig it vertical on a hack attack with a bluegill skirt I put on the head. Pics to come of the swim jig later.

I have tried both a 4/0 and 5/0 Stroker hook and I cannot get it to run true when I rig it like a swim bait. If I rig it like a flipping bait, no issues.

you really gotta go 6/0 for the swimbait presentation. I ruined a couple trying a 5/0.

I've also found that if you don't let it sink and burn it back, it's like a little buzz bait.

I have tried both a 4/0 and 5/0 Stroker hook and I cannot get it to run true when I rig it like a swim bait. If I rig it like a flipping bait, no issues.

you really gotta go 6/0 for the swimbait presentation. I ruined a couple trying a 5/0.

I've also found that if you don't let it sink and burn it back, it's like a little buzz bait.

Well dang. Zona told me he preferred a 5/0 lol

Bluegill Shellcracker swimming hack attack

Flat on a heavy Jika type rig. I also flip them an awful lot.

I want to try this weightless sometime. The body appears to be quite dense. I really like the baits for the uses noted above but I want to give it a shot weightless for fun. Thinking it may be best to rig it flat vs a more horizontal and natural but I will try both.

Very nice baits Big-O. I have purchased between 1-12 packs of every style of bait you have made. Have had tremendous success on all of them. The type of plastic used plus the scent is what separates these baits from others in my opinion.

Keep up the good work with R & D, product testing, and quality control!

Hey Big-O, I've rigged them before like your diagram shows but I was wondering what the purpose of trimming off the belly fin is?

Hey Big-O, I've rigged them before like your diagram shows but I was wondering what the purpose of trimming off the belly fin is?

 

Joe, using the 6/0 hook and trimming the belly fins provides clearance under the Shellcracker so that the hook stays centered during use. If the fins are left on, they will often flip over the weight off center causing the bait to run untrue. This illustration shows a 5/0 hook and fins left on. You can see that the fins are not clearing the hook and could easily rotate to one side or the other, especially on the cast.

 

 

How heavy is the shellcracker on its own?  ~3/8oz?

How heavy is the shellcracker on its own?  ~3/8oz?

My scale shows .4 ounces

Well, I'm all for trying everyone's suggestions, but it's hartd to get away from

a combination Rage Tail Shellcracker/ NorthStar Original Swim Jig (bluegill).

So far this little number has produced my biggest bass in 2013!

 

 

 

 

Well, I'm all for trying everyone's suggestions, but it's hartd to get away from

a combination Rage Tail Shellcracker/ NorthStar Original Swim Jig (bluegill).

So far this little number has produced my biggest bass in 2013!

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting.  Never really thought about putting something this wide on a skirted jig.  Do you rig it flat or upright?

Interesting.  Never really thought about putting something this wide on a skirted jig.  Do you rig it flat or upright?

Upright.

As CPBassFishing noted in his photo, and also as illustrated below... Of course rigged flat will have a slower fall rate.

 

I'm planning on trying it on the back of a North Star original swim jig. In rigging it either flat or vertical, do you need to clip a bit off the front?

Thanks, and great products, Big O!

Interesting. Never really thought about putting something this wide on a skirted jig. Do you rig it flat or upright?

I thought I had seen him post where he rigged it upright. I've been doing the same on my new gill flip n swims too.

The shell cracker is a really cool bait.  It flat works.  Its one of my wifes favorite baits.  Every time we fish now after the Road trip I ask her what she wants to fish.  Its either her jig or a shell cracker.

 

My favorite way to fish it is on a weighted hook.

I'll barely let a cat out of the bag.......

 

I had a conversation with Big-O, and he let on to the idea of cutting baits....

 

Do I have anyone thinking?

 

Clue: drop shot.

I fish the Shellcracker as a trailer upright (verticle), but I'm going to give it a try flat or

horizontal.

 

 

 

 

Shaky head it is good too.  It looks like a bottom feeding fish.

I'll barely let a cat out of the bag....... I had a conversation with Big-O, and he let on to the idea of cutting baits.... Do I have anyone thinking? Clue: drop shot.

Bubba shot with the shellcracker rigged sideways?