However, their roster for bream was upped to a "Top-15" because bluegill and redear sunfish (a.k.a shellcracker) sites are simply too numerous for a limitation of ten.

Fisheries Biologist Steve Crawford, generally considered to be the GFC's leading authority on panfish, points out that bream are a viable target in each of Florida's 10,000 named or unnamed lakes, rivers and streams.

Preferred temperatures for shellcrackers is 68 degrees while a bluegill favors 70 degrees. Many pan anglers prefer to fish for blues and shells during spring's full or new moon periods. "Depending on temperature and weather factors, redear sunfish typically go on the beds during the full moon of March and into April, while bluegills often wait until late-April or May," said Crawford.

"Last year we noted that shellcrackers began bedding activities toward the end of February. "However, with the high water and windy conditions of 1997-98, coupled with an extreme cold snap in March, the process this year could be postponed for a week or two."

Crawford went on to add that shells probably bed well into August of each year while blues have been known to periodically bed throughout the summer months and even into November. Water depths for bedding bream will range anywhere from 3 to 10 feet for both species, although blues seem to opt for things slightly more shallow. Also, it's not unusual to frequently see both intermingle, using the same beds at the same time.

Favored shellcracker baits include live worms, grass shrimp and nightcrawlers. Bluegills will hit crickets, grass shrimp, worms, small jigs and Beetlespins with gusto.

Flyrodders, who specialize in bedding panfish opt for darker-colored sinker flies for shells, and a variety of small surface popping bugs of various hues for blues.

Florida's Top-15 panfish lakes (in no particular order) selected by a dozen fisheries biologists scattered throughout the Sunshine State include:

LAKE OKEECHOBEE (Don Fox, 941-462-5190). Considered by many as the best panfish lake in the world, anglers descend upon the 530-square-mile "Big O." and its Rim Canal by the literal thousands, often starting in March and continuing through late fall. Fishing here ranges from "spectacular" during bedding season to simply "good" throughout most of the year.

LAKE KISSIMMEE (Mike Hulon, 407-846-5300). A shallow basin, this near 35,000-acre lake provides some of the best bluegill and shellcracker action in central Florida. Its newly cleared 24 miles of wadeable shoreline, plus the enhanced open areas give both boaters and non-boaters a shot at astounding catches.

LAKE MARIAN (Jim Sweatman, 407-846-5300). "One of the best panfishing lakes in the country," is the way Sweatman describes this 5,740-acre gem in Osceola county. He points out that shells bedded later during 1996 and 1997, which discouraged some pan aficionados. Blues were also capricious, resulting in peak catches one day and few the next.

LAKE JESSUP (Joe Jenkins, 904-985-7880). Historically, shells and gills spawn in late April through July. When water levels are low, they'll usually bed in sandy areas in or near cattails. High water will find both species in all types of vegetation. The lake's south end is considered better than other areas. However, local, up-to-date information can be gleaned from the fish camps situated on the lake.

LAKE ISTOKPOGA (Tom Champeau, 941-648-3202). Spawning usually occurs from April through June in both offshore and inshore cattails and bullrush areas. After bedding, anglers will be well served to fish around Big Island, Grassy Island and Bumble Bee Island. Also, said Champeau, don't overlook shallow sandy bars, in the eel grass and along cattail edges.

LAKE WALK-IN-WATER (Marty Mann, 941-648-3202). Here again, bluegill spawning will probably take place from April through June around the lake's perimeter, especially at the south end, and offshore in front of the bullrush patches. Three big shellcracker bedding areas are located off the point at Tiger Creek. Other shells can be found on both the northeast and northwest side of the lake.

FARM 13/STICK MARSH (Bob Eisenhauer, 407-752-3115). Spreading over approximately 6,500 acres, both bluegills and shellcrackers bed around palm trees and berms from April through June, and will school on or near emergent structures afterward. Anglers should concentrate near levees, submerged road beds and substrates.

LAKE PANASOFFKEE (Sam McKinney, 352-732-1225). The full moon period around Easter generally ushers in some top-notch redear activity at Shell Point, Grassy Point and Tracy's Point. Big bluegills were noted during a recent Commission shocking program. Lake rehabilition projects now underway will only improve what is already considered to be an excellent panfishery.

LAKE HARRIS (John Benton, 352-357-6631). Shellcrackers often spawn here as early as March while blues frequently wait until April and May. Those seeking bluegill beds are advised to scout 4 to 6-foot depths in grassy areas at the far end of Little Lake Harris, along with the lily pads and spadderdock tracts near the 9th Street Canal near Leesburg Unusually big and thick shellcrackers can be taken near the 9th Street Canal and in Little Lake Harris. A tip: Look for blues tight to sawgrass shorelines in only one foot depths using grass shrimp.

LAKE TALQUIN (Rich Cailteux, 850-627-9674). Large numbers of shellcrackers will spawn during the full moon period of April in the upper end of the reservoir and in the back of creeks, in water depths ranging from 3 to 7 feet. Bluegills come on a month later in roughly the same areas. Flyrodders should be in their glory throughout the summer months.

LAKE MICCOSUKEE (Rich Cailteux, 850-627-9674). This little known 5,000-acre lake, located 10 miles east of Tallahassee, is particularly noted for its unusually large bluegills which frequently measure anywhere from 10 to 12 inches and above. Anglers are advised to work the shallow marshes, lily pads and open water with wiggler worms, nightcrawlers and grass shrimp.

ORANGE LAKE (Randy Myers, 352-392-9617). Now on the state's rehabilitation list, Orange Lake is already rebounding sharply in fish production, including bass, crappie and bream. Those seeking blues and shells should consider working the lily pad roots during the full moon periods of April and May.

LOW BUSH BAY (Jerry Krummrich, 904-758-0530). Spawning in April and May near cattails, these fast-growing blues and shells get quite large while feeding on an abundance of small insects. This is a phosphate pit and has green water. After spawning, anglers are advised to concentrate in standing timber and in areas with overhanging willow trees for best results.

SUWANNEE RIVER (Jerry Krummrich, 904-758-0530). Spawning later than in most other places, Suwannee's shellcrackers usually go on the beds in May and June, especially in the lily pad areas of the upper river. When fishing for shells throughout the summer, key in on brush piles. Also a good locale for those targeting redbreast bream and stumpknockers in the main part of the river.

CHOCTAWATCHEE RIVER (Fred Cross, 850-819-3456). An excellent redear sunfish (shellcracker) spot, the fish generally spawn in quieter waters during April, and remain active throughout the summer and early-fall months. When looking for beds in the main channel and sloughs, be sure and wear polarized sunglasses. Stumpknockers will be found in the smaller creeks, while redbreast bream and warmouth (both late spring and summer spawners) are more active in still waters.