Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

I'm in the market for a new spinning rod and I'd like to know what other serious Bluegill fishermen use.  I would like to find a quality 6 1/2 to 7 foot graphite rod, preferably one piece that's rated for 1 to 6 lb test line.   I use primarily 2 lb test while fishing tiny jigs in relatively snag free clear water.  Any suggestions?

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My fav panfish rod has been G.Loomis 6'6"  Light GL3. It handles float & jig rigs, mini crankbaits, blade baits, you name it. Pricey but has served me well for many years.  Great warranty too.

i like to use fenwick rods

In over 50 years of fishing for Bluegill in Texas lakes I have tried many lengths of rods, including building my own out of fly rod blanks. I have found that a 4 1/2 foot graphite rod fills the bill best. Try a HT Micro Master rod. However if you want a long rod the HT Micro Master series is a really good value. They are available in lengths up to 10 feet. Shop around on the web. Prices for HT products vary widely.

In my opinon diferent length rods serve different purposes. I currently use a 6 ft St.Croix UL that I built myself 15 years ago. It is a great all around pole! I use it for slip floating mostly. I am in the process of building a 7 ft St.Croix UL for  casting small jigs and spinners. I feel that a longer rod gives you more distance with small jigs. Having the correct reel is just as important. Long spool, and top notch drag are the key features. Having said that, ask yourself if you want more than one rod with you? I'm thinking in that clear water you fish you may want to keep your distance from the fish, in that case a 7 ft UL comes in real nice! Never, if you can help it, skimp on quality! You get what you pay for. Good luck and lets us know what you come up with!

I went to Florida a month ago to fish a nice small lake that dont allow boats! I used Bass Pro Shop 7 ft 6 inch Mircolite and Bass Pro Shop Johnny Morris openface reel thats little bigger spool for small reel thats easy to cast! I use Power Pro line 5 lbs test line thats 1 lb diameter mossy green and 1/64oz jighead with Gulp maggot! Easy cast over 100 ft away! Most of my 8 to 10 inch 'gills from off shore! I am happy with my BPS 7ft6 UL and St Croix 7ft UL rods! Lot of panfish for me this year! Small 'gills and bowfin near shore around weeds and bigger 'gills from far off shore weeds and openwater off the shore!

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