Blanked at the Pond

[Joe Angelucci]

Tried Pole fishing yesterday at my local NJ  bluegill pond. Used my  12 foot B&M POLE, 2 lb test and size 16 hook and micro float. I was able to attact gills to the area with groundbait of bread crumb and ground beef jerky. Had about a dozen but not one would take the bite. Was using small worm as bait

I did notice that when I offered small bits of bread they would feed but very gently. Trust the bite will get better. This is my first time fishing early spring.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Youre on the right track, Joe. Sounds like you're doing it right.

Bluegill in your locale just might not be ready yet. It is still cold, across the board. And each body of water can be unique to its own. A pond down the road could be hot - who knows?

For now, stick some small bread balls on those 16's and see if you can hook a few.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

And for what its worth - I get skunked more than I hit it good.

[Joe Angelucci]

Dave

 

Thanks, I'll get back out in a week or so. I was just amazed , they just stared at the hook. Did not have a chance to micro fish , did not see anything close in the margins. I did find a site that offered tanago hooks. If your interested go to Tanago Bum . He offers line, hooks, weights, poles and floats.  Small isn't the word for the gear.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

thanks, Joe

[Johnny wilkins]

Which float was this? David is right you are on the right track. I have a float that has landed 700 fish in the past two months - but I don't think that is the issue here.

If you can see the fish - they can see you. Any chance to get in slightly deeper - a little farther out? Did you plumb up the depth. Add a giant splitshot to the hook and feel around for the depth. When you reach the bottom at 10 foot out from you - adjust that float until the tip is even with the water line. Mark that on your pole - then come up off the bottom 3 inches. If you don't have weeds on the bottom (move the pole back and forth to make sure your float is upright and can run through that area). This is VERY important once you find the depth - make sure your float can move around there without hitting weed, snags, obstructions - float should be up-and-down and not stop or get stuck on a slant.

Why do I know this- I would have blanked had I fished the first spot I was at. The float was catching on thin weeds and moving over 20 feet got me clear of this patch. I check it for a while before starting...

J

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Sweet, Johnny - nice info.

[Joe Angelucci]

 

Johnny

It's your rig, I was 3 - 4  feet off the bottom. The rig set perfectly , with the tip barely showing. I tried  again today. Wind was blowing 15 - 25 MPH constant. The rig set perfect, just had no luck in getting any bites. I was able to keep the rig steady. No doubt in my mind it's just going to be a bit of time.  I even had a few old timers comment on how well the float set.

[Joe Angelucci]

Well finally went back out a week ago  last Friday and the rig worked like a charm. I was able to land about 25 bluegill in a two hour period. Nothing huge, most in the 5-7 inch range but great fun on the pole.

[Johnny wilkins]

Fantastic - 

You are on your way now. Watch how the float tips as it stands up - you can learn a lot by the timing of that float.

Glad it worked well for you. I think everyone would be happy with 25 fish.

Burry the line under the water entirely when it is windy and you will still score some fish then too..

[Joe Angelucci]

Thanks , appreciate the tips