While bluegill can be caught at any time of the year, most anglers prefer the spawning period. That is, during spring and early summer.
Fishermen love these fish for various reasons. The top two being that they are easy to catch and are delicious. Some people may disagree with the “easy to catch” part and if you do not use the right technique, you may come up empty every time you try.
To make sure you have better luck, especially with big bluegills, here is everything you need to know.
What to Use
The proper equipment will maximize your chances of success. But you do not need anything fancy.
Bluegills are not selective when it comes to food. So artificial lures or live bait will work just fine.
For those big bluegills in the late summer, use crickets. Worms are effective too but they may only be appealing to the small ones.
When it comes to the line, you have a few options: monofilament, fluorocarbon and a braided line.
A monofilament line is lightweight and clear. It floats and is best for summer when the bluegills are swimming in shallow waters.
Fluorocarbon, on the other hand, is heavier and best for fishing in deeper water.
A braided line does not stretch and is super strong.
Be sure to use a bendable light rod. A stiff rod may easily unhook the fish.
Where to Look
Bluegills are not scarce. You will find them in lakes, reservoirs, ponds and rivers. Regardless of where you are fishing, there are a few things you need to have in mind.
When it is cold, the fish go deeper into the water for warmth. In winter, they can be as deep as 20 feet below the water surface.
During spring, which is when they are spawning, bluegills are even easier to catch. Sometimes you won’t have to go into the water. They will be closer to the surface as it gets warmer. This applies especially to ponds. You may have to look deeper if you are fishing in a lake.
There is a very high likelihood that bluegills will reuse known spawning spots. So if you do not know where to check, revisit those. Keep coming back every few weeks.
If you have been trying a certain spot without any luck, do not stay there. Sometimes your favorite spot is just unproductive and you cannot do anything about it.
You may also want to check less crowded spots. Move away and find a weedy, undisturbed spawning area.
What to Do
Be quiet. Making too much noise in your fishing kayak or boat is one of the worst mistakes that you can make.
When you drop your bait, do it slowly and steadily. Slow is more natural. Bluegills barely chase food. Move the bait too fast and they will not bother. Remember to occasionally make artificial lures dance around a little.
Present your bait properly. Bluegills can frustrate you by stealing bait. If you are not careful, all you will do is feed them. And you will go back home empty-handed, without having caught any dinner.
It is important to note that bluegills have a small mouth. You will have an easier time with a smaller hook. It is almost impossible to catch smaller fish with a big hook. But you can catch big fish with a smaller one.
Useful Tips for Catching Bluegills
- Bluegills are curious and artificial lures will work just as well as bait. However, some colors may be more appealing to the fish. Go for gold or green lures. You can also choose glittery ones.
- It has been mentioned that bluegills can steal your bait. This happens a lot when using worms. Always cut your worm in half. Otherwise, they will bite and pull it from the hook.
- When using bait, keep it alive and active if you want to catch big bluegills. Some people may think that this is too much work. In that case, resort to lures.
- For those who do not know how to spot spawning areas, they are roundish nest-looking craters. Be careful not to spook the fish though. Cast beyond the spawning nest.
- On hot days, you will have better luck fishing in the mornings and evenings. It is the time when the fish are most active. As it starts to get cooler, try fishing at midday.
- Since bluegills do not like chasing food, you may want to use a bobber. It is not necessary but it allows for an almost motionless suspension that attracts the fish.
- Bring your kids and have fun. Anyone can catch bluegills. Most seasoned anglers will tell you that their first catch was the bluegill. You will have a great time as a family and finish off the day with delicious dinner pan-fried fish.
Article submitted by David De Haan
More Panfish tips – https://www.odumagazine.com/topics/fishing_freshwater/crappie-fishing/