Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

I got a Hobie Pro Angler kayak last spring and had a blast chasing gills with it using light spinning tackle. I want to get fly rod to use in the kayak this year. So I'm looking for suggestions for the best all-around fly rod (if there is such a thing) to use for gills while in a kayak. I'll throw nymphs, spiders and small poppers and will fish lakes exclusively. I'm an experienced fly caster with many 5/6 wt rods but think I should go lighter for gills.

Please let me know your suggestions. Thanks.

Views: 727

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

get with Allan Morgan; Leo; Greg Mc/williams; Jen Nayfly David mc/scruff;;  Robert Reid;; to name just a few i know of that fish out of yaks!!  but-- my own personel favorite is a 3 wt tfo in around a 9 foot. but im in a basss type boat   maybe a 7 footer would be better for you;; if its fun your looking for;; a 3 wt is ideal!!

Last year I bought a 6' 4wt fiberglass rod.  I got it for use in tight quarters, creeks, etc.  What I've found is that when I'm in my kayak, I tend to slap the water on my back cast.  Go for a 9' rod.  The weight of the rod is up to you.  Lighter weight sticks make catching sunfish more fun, but if/when you get something big on the line, like a Bass, you might want a little heavier stick.

Thanks Allen. I appreciate your input. Right now I'm leaning toward an 8'6" 3 wt. So i guess we're close to being on the same page.

My 5wt was originally an 8' 6", until I broke off a few inches from the tip. 

Steve';; for what its worth;; i can do a lot more ( tricks) with a 8ft, 6 in or longer type rod;; ( roll casting is a LOT easier)  a longer rod; is a bit slower action than the short rods making casting a lot easier also.  and a 3 wt is my favorite !!  and have caught some really nice 3 to 5 pound bass and catfish ( all by accident) on it!  bigger fish on a 3 wt;;  its a crowd pleaser!! every body wants to see what you caught! !!  and double fun with any fish!!

That Carl , he is so tricky !    LOFR

I think I've narrowed my search to these:

Redington CT 8'6" 3 wt.

TFO Pro II 8'6" 3 wt.

TFO Pro II 8'0" 2 wt. (3 piece)

Any thoughts?

Can't go wrong with any of those. I'd probably flip a coin for em. Both companies make awesome rods and have a great warranty as well. EDIT: I would probably get a 3wt though. 2wt's are fun, but if you haven't used them very much they can probably be frustrating at first, especially in a kayak.

Chris, thanks for that input. Will the 3 wt. throw a bluegill popper ok in good conditions? I'm wondering if I should consider an 8'0" 4 wt. I know a lot of this is personal preference but i've never owned an "ultralight" fly rod. All my others are 5 wt and above.

I know the TFO probably should, as my fishing buddy used one for a long time and would fish for everything with it. I would probably over line the 3wt with a 4wt line though.

Steve;; another thing to consider-- carbon or fiberglass rods!!  fiberglass will out do carbon in strength; but carbon is lighter in weight!!  tfo rods;; have lifetime warranty on their rods- no matter how they break; should it break!!  I love my tfo; 3wt 8ft 6in and; its a 4 piece rod.  there are several bbg members;; that make fishing rods should you decide to go that way also!!! Mark Stine; Walt Foreman; David L Eitius ( tooty) ; to name a few.  one other small thing;; a 30 dollar wal-mart  ( martin fly rod; reel ; line; even a few bugs)  can catch just as many fish;; as a 300 dollar rod!  

 a 3wt will do all your describing.you may lose a little distance with a 3wt but your going with a longer rod so maybe not.i am sure you can find a place to try one first

RSS

Latest Activity

dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

Goldfish jigs.

"Thanks John."
10 hours ago
dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

Goldfish jigs.

"I hope they work. I do have a couple of other colors which I'll post later. Thanks Jeffrey."
10 hours ago
dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's photo
10 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

The Importance of Steady Water Levels During the Spawn….3/18/2024

This caught my eye at lunch this morning, one of my local rivers has remained at a steady level for…
10 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

Goldfish jigs.

"Very creative mind coupled with excellent craftsmanship…..these are fish catchers Dick!"
13 hours ago
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

Goldfish jigs.

"Excellent work, Dick!"
15 hours ago
dick tabbert posted a photo

Goldfish jigs.

My new tie. Made out of a 1/16oz jig with a #4 hook.
18 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Joe Got a Birthday Present at 8:55……3/17/2024

"Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour has a tournament on the Albemarle the first week of June…"
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Joe Got a Birthday Present at 8:55……3/17/2024

"These are Joe’s two biggest largemouth bass and I was the only person there for…"
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Son-In-Law's Personal Best Largemouth......6.5 Pounds.......5/12/2020

"This was Joe’s previous personal best largemouth…..although it may appear larger it…"
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Joe Got a Birthday Present at 8:55……3/17/2024

"Very shallow John….right where we were catching good crappie numbers…this is only…"
yesterday
John Sheehan commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Joe Got a Birthday Present at 8:55……3/17/2024

"He was tickled…..he caught her at 9:00 this morning on an undercut…"
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Kept a Dozen Fryers…..3/17/2024

"Thanks Slip….this is perfect….mostly smaller males to scale and filet…..I can…"
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Joe’s First Bite This Morning……3/17/2024

"Thanks Slip…..this brackish water has such a great food supply so all of these fish are very…"
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's status
"Thanks Slip…….it was one of those spring trips you hope for……this was…"
yesterday
Slip Sinker commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's status
"sounds like a great birthday!"
yesterday
Slip Sinker commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
yesterday

© 2024   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service