Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

Bluegill (BG) feeding and competition is different in every pond. Here is a recent example. About 2 mths ago the BG in 2 ponds eating slowed so much that I turned off the feeders. Water temp was about 53 at the time. However in the third pond the BG kept eating like pigs until last week (last time I checked ) when the water temp was about 45. In fact all 3 ponds had CNBG (copper nose bluegill) added to the existing population about 3 mths ago but the effect on feeding was different in each pond. In the pond where the BG are still feeding we added 250 3-6 inch CNBG . Their addition must have encouraged the other BG/CNBG to join the feast. I say this because the feeding rate went out the roof. They would eat continuously for 45-60 min as fast as they could. I tried to count (visual and sound)how many strikes per min and there were to many to do so. This does not count those that were quietly eating underwater. My guess at the number of BG feeding based on pellets put out , time and counting , assuming each BG ate 5-10 pellets was 2000 BG+. This would mean that at least 1750 existing BG have joined the new CNBG eating like pigs all at water temps where that behavior would not be expected. This feeding behavior has lasted 2 1/2 mths so far. We have never had BG feeding like that in 8 years on these 3 ponds. The point is every pond and population acts differently to supplemental feeding.

Views: 200

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

That's really interesting, Ewest.

Do you think it would be possible to dovetail this into two or three key links to Pond Boss discussions about feeding bluegill? It's such a good subject. It would be cool if the people on Big Bluegill knew what a good resource Pond Boss forums could be when it comes to beefing up their bluegill.

Bruce
I've often wondered how I could count the number of BG in my pond. Have to try this.
good notes thanks
I agree with Brue The people at pond boss could and would add to your studies
Be glad to try and help. How can Pond Boss help ?

RSS

Latest Activity

John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"This Bass was wound  , Dick. High 70-80 degree water temp."
Thursday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

md august shore 2

"I hear ya Dick ,but its been a long time finding numbers of these great critters for me !"
Thursday
dick tabbert commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

md august shore 2

"I can take these all night long."
Wednesday
dick tabbert commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"Nice LMB."
Wednesday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Wednesday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

We Dodged a Bullet on This Hurricane……8/20/2025

"I hope you continue being on the lucky side. Best to you Jeffrey."
Wednesday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

We Dodged a Bullet on This Hurricane……8/20/2025

Our last big fish kill on the Albemarle Estuary was in September 2003 when Hurricane Isabel smashed…
Wednesday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Fresh Crappie Fish Fry….8/18/2025

"I understand Bruce…..just one of those meals I would hang around the kitchen when my mom…"
Wednesday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Fresh Crappie Fish Fry….8/18/2025

"That makes my mouth water."
Tuesday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Fresh Crappie Fish Fry….8/18/2025

"Made some homemade hush puppies and creamed sweet corn for a feast….."
Aug 18
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Aug 18
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"Yeah , Jeff, and yet dead sticking last week with the wacky worm got most Fish. They can be moody."
Aug 18
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"Moving bait….aggressive largemouth….I have always enjoyed a spinner…"
Aug 16
John Sheehan posted photos
Aug 15
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

August Daily Double……8/15/2025

My lucky “HOLY CITY” brewery hat, a favorite stop in Charleston, South Carolina…….when I wear it…
Aug 15
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Emerald Splashed Summertime Black Crappie…..8/14/2025

"Thanks Bruce……really for me if I can go catch 15 or 20 crappie I’m never…"
Aug 14
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Aug 14
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Aug 14
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Aug 14
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Aug 14

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service