If you are from North America, you don't need an introduction to bluegill. Here are some tips which are guaranteed to make your bluegill fishing escapade a memorable affair.
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Recently, bluegill fishing has become a popular activity in North America. This popularity can be attributed to the sheer fact that it's tasty and you don't need much effort to come up with a good catch.
Experts suggest that success in bluegill fishing depends on various factors including use of proper equipment and proper execution of various tips.
Simple Tips for Catching Bluegills
We have compiled some of the most simple, yet effective tips for fishing bluegill for all you angling enthusiasts out there. Regardless of which technique you resort to, these tips are bound to be of a great help.
Bluegill spawning season starts somewhere in spring and extends up to early summer. It is at its peak at this time, as the temperature of the water crosses 70°F mark. This is the best time to fish bluegill, as the species are quite active in shallow waters near the river banks.
In summer, early mornings and late evenings are the best times to fish, considering that these species are most active during this time. You are more likely to encounter them along the edges of weed beds and in the vicinity of river banks in this season.
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In winter, you are more likely to come across bluegills in deeper waters, ranging anywhere between 12 to 20 feet. During this season, they are relatively less active in terms of movement and feeding, so it is wise to use smaller baits and a light tackle to catch them.
Bluegill fishing baits include crickets, earthworms, mealworms, waxworms etc., while lures include small spinnerbaits, small grubs, ice tick jigs, miniature soft plastics, etc. Live baits, such as worms and night crawlers, are more effective.
However, lures are the best bet during the spawning season, wherein males are aggressive enough to bite on to anything they come across. Bluegills grow to a length of 15 to 16 inches, so it makes sense to keep your baits or lures small.
Using an ultra-light fishing rod and a reel with a light line will enhance your chances of catching bluegills in large numbers.
The ultra-light fishing rod will help you detect the fish bite on the bait easily, and the light line will be easily camouflaged in water, so the fish won't detect it even if the water is clear.
Though there is no doubt about the fact that these fishing tips are effective, you will have to alter them depending on the circumstances. For instance, when it comes to bluegill fishing in ice, using a jig, i.e., a hand-held rod smaller than the conventional fishing pole, increases your chances of getting a good catch.
One thing to keep in mind is that fishing, or any other activity as such, is mastered by practice. You don't have to be disheartened if you don't get a good catch on the first couple of outings. With practice you are bound to get well-versed with all the tricks of the trade, and that is bound to show on your haul.