Bluegill Fishing

When it comes to bluegill fishing, ounce for ounce, he is undoubtedly one of the scrappiest sport fish. Fishermen value it not only because it's fun to catch but also because it makes up an important source of food for other sport fish. This little sunfish is abundant in most areas of the United States. Although not native to all parts of the country, it has been widely stocked in both artificial and natural lakes.

Bluegills do not grow large. Under ideal conditions the average size will run about 12 inches in length, but if the waters are overstocked, it may grow no larger than about 3 inches. Overstocking is a definite problem with bluegills. They multiply very fast and if not eaten by other fish or caught by fishermen, their numbers soon exceed the available food supply.

Usually bluegills inhabit moderately shallow water. Fish for them near weed beds, in quiet bays or inlets, and around stumps and submerged logs. They can be caught with a variety of tackle and bait. Children and adults too, with cane poles and a few worms have a good time catching this fish. Fly-rod fishing for bluegills is wonderful sport, or just still fishing with a casting rod is fun.

On a fly rod, the bluegill is a worthy opponent. It hits the lure hard and its fight, when hooked, usually takes it in fast circles. Its flat body provides a good deal of leverage at the end of a line. They will hit dry flies, wet flies, or small artificial lures such as poppers and small spinners. Worms are probably the most common live bait used.

Spawning takes place in late spring or early summer. The male fish moves into shallow water and builds a nest 6 inches to 2 feet in diameter. A rim of sand or silt, created by the fanning action of its fins, encircles the nest. As many as 50 of these nests can often be found in a relatively small area. When the nest is complete, the female deposits the eggs and the male guards them and resulting fry. The male hovers stationary over the nest ready to charge the enemy.

The popper lure and fly rod used by this angler is a favorite rig of many bluegill fishermen. Evenings and early morning when bluegills are feeding on insects in shallow water is the best time for lures.