Looking for information to get started bluegill fishing?
This article is for you! This article talks about basic
Bluegill information such as where to find them
on the lake and what equipment you need.
Introduction
Bluegill feed on insects and smaller aquatic life.
They like quiet water and cover, such as weed beds stumps, brush, docks etc.
They can be caught year round, but one of the best times to fish for them is during the spawn.
The spawn takes place in the spring and early summer when the water temperature hits 70 degrees.
They’re easily caught during their spawn because aggressive males guard the spawning beds.
Bluegill tend to school together, so if you catch one don’t move,
others should be there. After the spawn is over Bluegill move to deeper water, and come back into the shallows in the early morning or late evening to feed.
Equipment
You can use the same equipment and strategies for Crappie!
Listed below is the equipment you need to get started fishing for Bluegill
- Rod: Ultralight spinning rod
- Reel:Spinning
- Line: 4-6 lb Monofilament.
- Terminal tackle: Snap swivel
Rod- Spinning rod- These rods can be used to catch many types of panfish. They’re also sensitive enough to pick up on that light Blugill nibble.
Reel-Spinning reel- These are versatile reels that are easy to use, last a long time and are very
effective for panfish.
Line 4 or 6 lb test line. These are little fish, you don’t need big heavy line. This size line allows you
to enjoy the fight and also land the fish. Some of the major Manufactures include Stren and Berkley.
Snap Swivel- The snap swivel helps out the beginning fisherman in two ways:
- The swivel part, reduces line twisting
- The snap makes it simple to quickly change lures.
I suggest the Ball Bearing Swivel with Fast-Lock Snap
Tackle/Bait:
Live bait rigs: minnows, earthworms, grubs etc. Use #8 hooks
Panfish Rigs
Rigs are a productive and easy way to catch many different species of fish. We suggest 2 types of rigs:
Live bait rigs/Crappie rigs
Bobber Rigs
- Live bait rigs/Crappie rigs
- Float rigs
Start by attaching the panfish rig to your main line, and add about a 1/2 ounce casting sinker to the bottom of the rig. Simply add a minnow or piece of worm to the hooks and drop it over the side. Let the rig sink to the bottom and take up the slack in the line so the rig will standup straight.
Float rigs can be effective for Bluegill and are a great way to get kids started fishing. Use a Mini-Shy Bite Float by Thill, but any type will work for pan fish. First, figure out how deep you want your bait off the bottom and tie the bobber stop knot on your line at that depth. Slip on the bobber stop bead and then the slip bobber and a hook. Put a good size split shot about a foot or two above it. Bait the hook and throw it all over the side. Make sure you have some slack in the line to allow the bobber to bounce up and down during a bite. You can fish a bobber rig next to the boat or toss it away from the boat. Bobber rigs work great if you want a relaxing day of fishing or for kids. If the bobber goes under water, set the hook, period. If the bobber continuously bounces a few times in a row, set the hook during the bounces. If after attempting to set the hook, you did not hook the fish, check the bait. If it’s still there, get it back down quickly; the fish may still be
interested. If the bait is gone, re-bait the hook and get it back in the water. School is in session and a class maybe waiting for your worm to come on down!
Don’t like the idea of using live bait? Try casting
Casting- You can also use a variety of plastics such as a Crappie kit. Panfish kits also work well to
locate them. Some people use this method to locate a school, once they do, they switch to vertical fishing because for them it’s most effective method.
Where can I find the fish?
See the fishing hot spots page
How do I buy a License?
See our license page for a link to your state fishing license policy.
Bluegills are lots of fun to catch. I invite you to fish for them. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Well, that’s all, if you’ve read this entire page, followed all the links, you should be ready to out and catch some Bluegill! Now that wasn’t too complicated was it? We hope this article was clear and enjoyable.
© 2005 – 2007, Scott Gaines. All rights reserved.