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: 781

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

Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
11 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
"Some quality Warmouth I caught in my early years on the Albemarle….."
12 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
12 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
12 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
16 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
"Thanks for sharing John……you have patterned your available species pretty good over…"
16 hours ago
John Sheehan replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
"Only caught five of these Species up here in New Jersey. Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Red Breasted…"
16 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

Crackers Saved This Morning Behind A Cold Front…..7/23/2025

If I get out the remainder of July it will probably be a crappie stalk on the coastal marsh……
16 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
16 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
16 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"Slow Moving Cold Front Went Through Overnight and Shifted the Wind to the North so our rivers were dumped, but we wanted to go anyway…."
16 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
"There’s multiple variations in the Spotted Sunfish….in Louisiana the Red Spotted…"
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
"Growing up in Louisiana into a fishing family I got many introductions to the Sportsman’s…"
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney replied to Jeffrey D. Abney's discussion Panfish Species of North America- Which Ones Have You Caught?
"I have personally caught 11 of the 12 panfish featured in this discussion. I have never lived in…"
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a discussion
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Monday
DAVID L EITUTIS commented on DAVID L EITUTIS's photo
Thumbnail

THIS COLOR COMBINATION SEEMS TO WORK THIS YEAR

"Yup blue and white is an essential with my oldest son......."
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"My glass boat is going to the shop tomorrow, need an ignition system tune up, figured I would give it up during this extended heat wave.."
Sunday

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service