Catch Bluegills
Bluegills are a feisty little sunfish that are very fun to catch. They are also very good to eat. A large bluegill may reach 10 to 17 inches in length and can weigh as much as 3 pounds. Although it can be quite easy to catch small bluegills from the shores of many ponds, lakes and river basins; landing larger, edible ones can be tricky. Bluegills bite on a variety of bait. Some anglers use wax worms, small spinners, grubs, lunch meat and jigs. Fly fishing is also an option, however, that is an entirely different discussion altogether. Here, we will cover what many consider the two best ways to catch nice bluegill: Bobber (float) fishing and Jigging, using good, old-fashion night crawlers as bait.
Instructions
Catch Bluegill
1. Find an appropriate bluegill pond or lake. If you are unfamiliar with an area, contact the local conservation department or local bait shop personnel. Adequate bluegill population will depend on several factors. The abundance of predatory fish in a particular body of water will determine the number of nice bluegill. For example, a pond that is rich in largemouth bass or large pike, may not be a good environment. Such fish feed on young bluegill, which means few of them will have an opportunity to get very big. You will want to find a spot where 8 to 10-inch fish are common. Although it's quite enjoyable for children to pull out 3-inch bluegill from the shore; a serious angler will get quite bored and waste bait. Go after the big ones.
2. Look for bluegill beds. These beds are small circular depressions in the shallow waters. During the spawning season, male fish scope the shallows looking for unattended beds in which to fertilize eggs left by females. After the spawning season in late May or early June, bluegills will still congregate near the beds. Also look for small patches of Lilly pads. Bluegill tend to find cover in the pads and will strike bait that appears in front of patches of vegetation.
3. Begin fishing with a standard hook and bobber setup and a lightweight rod and reel. A No. 8 hook is recommended. A good rule of thumb is to use a bobber that is small enough for a fish to easily pull it under water, and large enough to float your bait. It is also recommended to place 1 or 2 BB-size spit shot sinkers 2 inches above your hook. This will ensure that your bait will find its way down to where the fish will see it. Do not use a sinker that is too big. It is best for your bait to travel towards the bottom of the lake slowly. This will give you ample time to set your hook. Depending on water depth, your bobber should be set deep enough to hang your bait just above the bottom of the lake. Cast your line into a relatively open spot, preferably along Lilly pad and weed lines. Keep a close eye on your bobber. Hungry bluegill will bite almost immediately. If your bobber begins to "pop" up and down, a fish is nibbling. Let him nibble until your bobber begins to drift away from you. This is when you set your hook. Note: Bluegill have small mouths. It is important to use the appropriate amount of force when setting your hook. Pulling too hard will jerk the hook out of the fish's mouth.
4. Try jigging. If you are not catching fish using a bobber, the fish are likely hiding in deeper water. This is common when the water temperature is below 65 to 70 degrees. Jigging, or bottom fishing, is simple, however it requires a bit of skill to know when to set your hook. By removing your bobber and adding 1 or 2 more BB sinkers, you will be ready to bottom fish. Again, you do not want your bait to travel to the bottom of the lake too quickly. You will, however, need to have enough weight above your hook to cast your line. When your bait hits the water, allow it to sink slowly, keeping a close watch on your line. As your bait sinks, reel it in very slowly, giving it the occasional "jig" or short tug. If you feel a nibble, wait about 2 seconds and set the hook. Again, do not pull too hard. Note: If you are fishing from the shore, make sure you are able to cast into deeper waters. This may involved switching to a larger rod and reel set up.
Tags: your bait, your hook, your bobber, bottom lake, your line
