Do you love big bluegill?

advice for a new guy

hi im new. i have hunted and fished all my life (not long but i have alot of experience). i've caught some big fish like trout and pike etc. but once i found this site i am just blown away!!!!! i cant believe some of these monsters!!! i really would like to fish for them now. can you give me some advice or tips to become a bg "hunter" like you guys. i have small ponds and streams around me. i live in greece ny. any tips would be greatly appreciated. once again i cant believe the fish you guys have caught!!!
thanks

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Soto on February 20, 2009 at 3:54pm

Hey Eric! Welcome! I'm new too! All I can tell you is to read every discussion here and ask questions. I'm no expert like a lot of these great guys are, but I've be lucky here and there to have caught some really big fish!.. If you go enough times to places where large fish are a possibility, and stay focused on your surroundings and the activities of the fish, you'll do ok. Just keep at it.

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Permalink Reply by shooter on February 20, 2009 at 5:57pm

welcome Eric,you will find a lot of real friendly and knolagable fishermen here, you have found the best site of it's kind on the web,welcome again.

gators stink

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Permalink Reply by Eric drewel on February 20, 2009 at 6:55pm

thanks guys, i will look around on the site alot. once again thanks!

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Permalink Reply by James Feasel on February 22, 2009 at 4:13pm

Hi Eric and welcome to the site. NY has some awesome fishing. The wife and I both caught personal bests smallmouths (and lake trout) in your state in 2006.

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Permalink Reply by IceWarriorGill on February 22, 2009 at 7:19pm

Hi Eric and welcome to the Forum!!! This is a fantastic site with tons of great information and terrific fishermen...Read all the articles, ask questions, and you'll obtain a wealth of knowledge on catching these elusive fish (the trophy specimens!!!) Good luck on catchin those Monster Gills!!!!

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Permalink Reply by robsabloke on February 27, 2009 at 10:30am

Hi Eric... welcome...

In my experience I've found the lighter you can fish... the better your chances of catching something nice.
There are days (particularly around spawning time) when you can throw just about anything into the water and catch Bluegills. Then there are days when 'Finesse' is the only way you will catch anything. Small hooks... light line and tiny baits... quiet presentation... and patience... Big Bull Bluegills didn't get big by being stupid...

You will find that Bluegills and Redears are incredible fighters... I like to call them them the Sugar Ray Robinson of the fish world. Once you have hooked into one of these beautiful fish on light gear... well let's just say it'll be a while before you see your bed again..

A word to the wise... Beware of those small ponds... you never know what you may hook up with... so be prepared !!!! Always... always... check your drag before you fish...

Welcome

Rob