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: 752

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

John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's group Multi Panfish
"hit a spin Jig.9""
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Thursday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's group Piscatorial Pursuit of Perch
"Fall Perch on big Crank Bait:"
Tuesday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Tuesday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's group Piscatorial Pursuit of Perch
"It amazes me how big a bait a late Summer/ Fall Perch will take! "
Tuesday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

octcbp2

"It amazes me how big a bait a late Summer/ Fall Perch will take! "
Tuesday
John Sheehan commented on Wade Jones's group Crappie Crew
"2024 Crappie Fall catches from shore. Live Grubs, Gulp 1" Minnow, 2" paddle Tail Minnow…"
Tuesday
John Sheehan posted photos
Nov 19
John Sheehan posted photos
Nov 16
John Sheehan posted photos
Nov 14
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

11cupsawc

"Crappie have always impressed me with the way they look! A very fond memory is the first one I…"
Nov 13
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

11cupsawc

"More beautiful golden Fall colors on the Black Crappie…..nice fish!"
Nov 12
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

cupsawbg9bs

"Nice gill on the beetle spin!"
Nov 12
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

cupsawc

"Like the calico colors of the Fall…..nice crappie John!"
Nov 12
Bruce Tomaselli commented on John Sheehan's photo
Nov 11
John Sheehan posted photos
Nov 10
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

STCrappie

"You bet Bruce! Fishing for an hour to an hour and a half each day I 've been getting three or…"
Nov 10
Bruce Tomaselli commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

STCrappie

"About a dozen of those would be great! Nice crappies."
Nov 10
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

466097223_10236349245411317_8266863466993619288_n

"Top: Shimano Sensilite 5'6"Rod /Daiwa Spinmatic Reel. Trilene clear xl 2# test…"
Nov 9
John Sheehan posted photos
Nov 8

© 2024   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service