Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

Has anyone else noticed that many of the really big, trophy-sized Bluegill caught, are on small baitfish replicating lures, often by bass and trout fishermen?  I have.  As a matter of fact, a few years ago, while I was busy doing fish taxidermy, practically all the large Bluegill that were brought to me to be mounted had been caught "accidentally" on small lures, such as small crank baits, jigs, and plastic worms and these lures were usually in a natural shad or minnow color. (I'm talking about fish over 2 lbs here!)  I have also seen big Bluegill cough up tiny shad and bass fry while fighting on a line.  Yes... we catch plenty of very big BGs on live baits such as crickets and various worms, but perhaps if we want the really big record-sized trophy 'Gills, we should start using small fish-like lures in the deeper areas where the larger fish congregate.  I'm going to keep a small lure like the Rapala CD-1 on one of my rods when I go fishing now.

Views: 1507

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

my biggest bluegill ive caught was on an 1/8 ounce jig head with a 3 inch minnow colored curl tail he was around 11 to 12 inches the only time ive been on the water without scales or a tape cuz i was fishing for catfish bait i also catch lots of gills on gapens flub dubs in 2 1/2 inch size
i completely agree with this statement. by fishing with crankbaits and large live baits, the amount of fish you may catch will decrease, but the size of the ones you catch is well worth it. Upsizing is great when your catching the small guys!
the biggest gill I have ever caught was on nightcrawler, but I have caught many on live minnows as well, earlier this spring I caught a 12 1/4" blue on a bass minnow which was about 4" long, and lost a few other fish due to light tackle. I have been using 8 lb test for the past 4 years and so far this year I have had several bass and a couple crappie take minnows and snap my line so I have upgraded to spiderwire stealth 20 lb. test which is very small diameter, same as 6 lb test I believe, but works way better if I do get a bass or crappie of good size to take my bait. and I find a small thill slip bobber to work best for me, weight it down so it floats 3/4 of the bulk of the bobber is submersed so it puts little resistance on the line incase the fish are cautious feeders.
I'm a new fisherman (just retired). Great tips, thanks
ive caught them off of 7" trick worms while bass fishing, its funny cause i just read a whole article about fishing deep water with artificials for big bull gills

RSS

Latest Activity

Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Down East North Carolina Daily Double…..3/23/2025

"Understand……hope you get out soon Bruce!"
Monday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Down East North Carolina Daily Double…..3/23/2025

"I think it won't be until near the end of April until the water warms enough to start the…"
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Nice Take, Hook Set at 12 O’clock…3/23/2025

"This shot was cool with the jig visible through this crappie’s mouth…..love the 12…"
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Some Beautiful Clean Crappie…New Arrivals Shallow….3/23/2025

"You can tell this fish has been out deep…..very clean both sides , fins not busted up, tail…"
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Down East North Carolina Daily Double…..3/23/2025

"I hope it’s soon Bruce….looks like a pretty big warmup in the south, hope some it…"
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Down East North Carolina Daily Double…..3/23/2025

"Thanks Dick…this was our best trip for shallow crappie this year……I love…"
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Monday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Monday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Monday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Down East North Carolina Daily Double…..3/23/2025

"Thanks John….still keep having cold fronts and clippers but the fish here are so ready to…"
Sunday
John Sheehan commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Down East North Carolina Daily Double…..3/23/2025

"Beauties with Tuxedos! Good work, Jeffrey!"
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"Son-in-law and I splashed this morning behind a mild cold front, 47 degrees and shifting winds ….surface temps from 56.7 to 58.1 degrees…."
Sunday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

1st bassxrap

"I dressed better the 2nd outing, Jeff! LOL Was more comfortable."
Mar 22
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

1st bassxrap

"Way to endure the cold water John…"
Mar 22
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Mar 22

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service