Bluegill - Big Bluegill2024-03-28T11:23:57ZJohn Sheehanhttp://bigbluegill.ning.com/profile/JohnSheehanhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12312108277?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://bigbluegill.ning.com/group/bassfishing/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=01fix087cr2ly&feed=yes&xn_auth=no2015 In Fisherman Bass Guide is Outtag:bigbluegill.ning.com,2015-02-04:2036984:Topic:5822742015-02-04T02:31:52.521ZJohn Sheehanhttp://bigbluegill.ning.com/profile/JohnSheehan
<p>Just got mine today...great articles on both brown and green bass and a fine article by my friend Darl Black on river smallmouths. Page 28 has my 'PIGS IN PUDDLES' article that tells how we caught and released almost 300 largemouths from 3 to 7 pounds in 2014. Enjoy!…<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059848184?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059848184?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>Just got mine today...great articles on both brown and green bass and a fine article by my friend Darl Black on river smallmouths. Page 28 has my 'PIGS IN PUDDLES' article that tells how we caught and released almost 300 largemouths from 3 to 7 pounds in 2014. Enjoy!<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059848184?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059848184?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059848520?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059848520?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059848715?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059848715?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p> Twilight Hawgstag:bigbluegill.ning.com,2014-08-26:2036984:Topic:5441632014-08-26T03:36:53.043ZJohn Sheehanhttp://bigbluegill.ning.com/profile/JohnSheehan
<p>Just got in from my second effort at a new pond that my buddy Ed turned me on to. He felt bad that we just caught small gills on Friday, which was OK with me, and no large bass or cats. Pond is indeed small, probably not an acre, but reported to have big bass and cats.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059850214?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059850214?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> Heavily overgrown except for a few areas and sits right along a major roadway, but literally…</p>
<p>Just got in from my second effort at a new pond that my buddy Ed turned me on to. He felt bad that we just caught small gills on Friday, which was OK with me, and no large bass or cats. Pond is indeed small, probably not an acre, but reported to have big bass and cats.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059850214?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059850214?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>Heavily overgrown except for a few areas and sits right along a major roadway, but literally impossible to see because of the growth. Used Stank X Stix .40 Caliber in Bluegilla and the Stix 4.25 inch in Baby Bass. These are American made, superior stick worms to all the others out there. Here is the damage report...</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059850674?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059850674?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>First fish of the evening was this repulsively fat 16.25 incher at 3.5 pounds. Somebody's eatin good!</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059851064?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059851064?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>Then, I got this big-headed specimen on a 1/4 oz chartreuse Strike King spinner bait. Very soft strike and a lazy battle from this old and long fish that should have weighed well over six.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059851084?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059851084?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>Around sunset I went and tossed a Stix at the base of this overhanging tree where I had gotten the 3 lber. It was simply a short 8 ft cast and twitch it back on a short line of 20 lb Gamma Braid. A big explosion followed and I was toe- to toe with another big girl...</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059851352?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059851352?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>..and here she is...22 inches and pushing 6 pounds. I got 6 bass tonight and two of the bigger fish came right at the base of the shoreline tree root with less than 2 ft of line out. Hand to hand combat, but thank the Lord for heavy braid!</p>
<p>Close to home and rumors of bigger bass here will see a few more return trips before the season ends. My 'new best friend', Ed, is now on speed dial!</p> Creek Smallmouth Bass Blitztag:bigbluegill.ning.com,2014-04-26:2036984:Topic:5104732014-04-26T03:08:58.593ZJohn Sheehanhttp://bigbluegill.ning.com/profile/JohnSheehan
<p>Just a quick post to shift gears from the panfish and largemouth gigs so far this spring. I was invited by my friend Judson to fish one of our favorite small rivers in central Maryland and had a sensational day on the water as pre-spawn smallies were active with thunderous strikes on hairjigs tipped with plastic trailers. A few fish took small crankbaits as well. Check 'em out...…</p>
<p></p>
<p>Just a quick post to shift gears from the panfish and largemouth gigs so far this spring. I was invited by my friend Judson to fish one of our favorite small rivers in central Maryland and had a sensational day on the water as pre-spawn smallies were active with thunderous strikes on hairjigs tipped with plastic trailers. A few fish took small crankbaits as well. Check 'em out...</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843213?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843213?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>My buddy Judson collared several high-quality smallies on the crank.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843250?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843250?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>But most of our fish, like the one above, took a 1/16 oz hairjig with some type of plastic trailer. Here are a few of our better fish from today...</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843349?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843349?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>We tallied 60 smallmouths today, with many fish running from 14 to 17 inches...great sport on our ultra light gear and in the rivers' current.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843462?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843462?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>Judson shows one of our many 'doubles' today.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843693?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843693?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>Judsons' best bass came on the Rapala crankbait</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843734?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843734?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>This one ran me downstream a ways...had to follow on the light line. Yes...a great day on the water in chest waders, a handful of lures, and hard charging smallmouths. wearing us out. We took a break for some grub in Judson's cabin, made the decision to go back out and fish in the pouring rain, and ripped em up for another hour! My two largest fish on the day never made the highlight reel because I decided to leave the camera in the truck due to the heavy rain and wading conditions. Literally, my all-time top, small river smallmouth trip ever!</p> Giants on the Slow Trolltag:bigbluegill.ning.com,2014-04-20:2036984:Topic:5081842014-04-20T04:19:36.863ZJohn Sheehanhttp://bigbluegill.ning.com/profile/JohnSheehan
<p>Just wanted to add a quick bit about the chance of getting a super largemouth while fishing for other species. We troll for stripers at Marylands Piney Run and Liberty lakes a few times a year and every season we end up with a couple of trophy largemouths as a 'by-catch'. Nothin' fancy, just slow trolling with large shiners lip-hooked on 5/0 Trokar hooks with 20 lb braid or 20 lb mono as the mainline and 1/8 to 3/4 oz bullet weights added as needed. Planer boards help to spread the lines out…</p>
<p>Just wanted to add a quick bit about the chance of getting a super largemouth while fishing for other species. We troll for stripers at Marylands Piney Run and Liberty lakes a few times a year and every season we end up with a couple of trophy largemouths as a 'by-catch'. Nothin' fancy, just slow trolling with large shiners lip-hooked on 5/0 Trokar hooks with 20 lb braid or 20 lb mono as the mainline and 1/8 to 3/4 oz bullet weights added as needed. Planer boards help to spread the lines out and cover a larger area. 1 to 1.5 mph and look for the same thermal bank scenario that I mentioned before. Here's a great fish that my bud Brandon put me on this past Thursday...</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059842826?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059842826?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059842959?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059842959?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>Had this fish been caught in Lake Fork in Texas, it would have been labled an 'over'...a 'legal' fish of 24 inches or greater, as she was right at the 24 inch mark. Huge head but trim body, she had the potential to go ten pounds or more. Almost a year ago to the day, I got a shorter, but heavier bass on the slow troll at Piney Run...</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059842896?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059842896?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>This one also took a large shiner on a planer board. Every once in a while, you get the target specie...this nice 34 inch striper that was released...</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843055?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843055?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>My buddy Brandon is a 'big fish' expert who has a knack for monsters with laid back, bluecollar efforts and equipment. He favors large live bait options and covering prime areas. His best freshwater striper came from Liberty last June at 36 lbs. 4 oz. and 45.5 inches long. Here he is chillaxin'...</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843202?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843202?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>We've been friends for years and I am grateful that he let's me tag along on some of his trips. A young buck at 27, he boated 33 stripers last year in excess of 30 inches, with numerous monster largemouths and smallmouths to boot. Good friend to have! He releases almost all his fish.</p>
<p>The slow troll might be the giant ticket at a lake near you!</p> Ice Out Largemouths and Thermal Bankingtag:bigbluegill.ning.com,2014-03-23:2036984:Topic:4884942014-03-23T03:24:10.042ZJohn Sheehanhttp://bigbluegill.ning.com/profile/JohnSheehan
<p>I must say that I was astonished and pleased to catch a bunch of nice bass at a local lake the past few days, especially since the lake had ice just 10 days ago! But a phenomena I call 'thermal banking' likely played a key role in the quality of the catch. Here's how it plays out...</p>
<p>Shortly after ice out, the March sun and weather can warm the surface water 2 to 4 degrees warmer than that of even 3 to 6 feet down. With patterns in the Mid Atlantic that trend toward westerly and…</p>
<p>I must say that I was astonished and pleased to catch a bunch of nice bass at a local lake the past few days, especially since the lake had ice just 10 days ago! But a phenomena I call 'thermal banking' likely played a key role in the quality of the catch. Here's how it plays out...</p>
<p>Shortly after ice out, the March sun and weather can warm the surface water 2 to 4 degrees warmer than that of even 3 to 6 feet down. With patterns in the Mid Atlantic that trend toward westerly and southwesterly winds, warmer surface water is 'pushed' and 'banked' against the northwest to northeast shorelines of lakes, reservoirs and ponds. The layer of warmer water deepens, and the entire bank region has inverted temperatures that are several degrees warmer than the rest of the lake. Even if these areas are only a few feet deep, bass will still respond by moving in and taking advantage of early season feeding activities. This only happens in the early spring progression...March...in my region. In Wisconsin, it may be May, or mid February in Alabama. By taking advantage of this yearly phenomena, you can almost guarantee that larger, adult bass will be on the prowl and active once the water hits 44 F. Here are a few picks from the last two days out of a total of 29 bass...</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059842890?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059842890?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>The big girl above struck a fast moving 1/4 oz Rat-L-Trap in less than 2 ft of water, Water temp was 46 at the shallow, wind-blown end and 42 at the deeper end of the pond.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843029?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843029?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>Another fine fish from the thermal bank.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843064?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843064?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>The air temp on Friday was 48, and on Saturday it jumped to 68 degrees. At the shallow, thermal bank of the pond, the areas behind me, the water temperature jumped an amazing 8 degrees in just one day! Needles to say, the fish were in there and active.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843306?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843306?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>You may have to fish with the wind blowing directly in your face and make long casts. I prefer 20 lb braid and rattle baits or # 4 and #5 Mepps Aglias in silver or gold. Strikes are anything from 'crappie bumps' to solid stops. Sometimes you will feel slack in your line as a bass overtakes a bait from behind...set the hook!</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843416?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059843416?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>Additionally, you may have to contend with algae or other weeds as your lure plows through the shallows. Clean 'em off after every cast. Good luck!</p> Fall Largemouthstag:bigbluegill.ning.com,2013-10-17:2036984:Topic:4428172013-10-17T00:26:29.172ZJohn Sheehanhttp://bigbluegill.ning.com/profile/JohnSheehan
<p>Just a couple pix from last week and the bite has been very good...15 fish over 3 pounds and several near five...all public water fish, too.Small live worms or bluegills below bobberes, one biggie on imitation crab meat...sheeeesh!…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059844871?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059844871?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059844930?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059844930?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>Just a couple pix from last week and the bite has been very good...15 fish over 3 pounds and several near five...all public water fish, too.Small live worms or bluegills below bobberes, one biggie on imitation crab meat...sheeeesh!</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059844871?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059844871?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059844930?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059844930?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059845207?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059845207?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>And one more...</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059845541?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059845541?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>All the bass seem to be pretty healthy...wonder what they will look like during next years spawn?</p> Topwater Bassin'tag:bigbluegill.ning.com,2013-06-28:2036984:Topic:4034192013-06-28T23:00:19.190ZJohn Sheehanhttp://bigbluegill.ning.com/profile/JohnSheehan
<p>The beginning of Summer makes for topwater action and not just after dark with Black Jitterbugs but that's great also .Philips Crippled Killer dual prop ,Black Jitterbug, Teeny Torpedo and the Floating Rapala (Topwater /subsurface) have all caught Bass the last few weeks .</p>
<p>Double prop baits have moved into 1st place for my top 7! Work even when windy around shallow cover .</p>
<p>The beginning of Summer makes for topwater action and not just after dark with Black Jitterbugs but that's great also .Philips Crippled Killer dual prop ,Black Jitterbug, Teeny Torpedo and the Floating Rapala (Topwater /subsurface) have all caught Bass the last few weeks .</p>
<p>Double prop baits have moved into 1st place for my top 7! Work even when windy around shallow cover .</p> Flyrod Bassin'tag:bigbluegill.ning.com,2013-02-26:2036984:Topic:3565752013-02-26T20:00:21.922ZJohn Sheehanhttp://bigbluegill.ning.com/profile/JohnSheehan
<p>Hi,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Does anyone here use a flyrod fishing for Bass. I usually catch bass and bluegills on the same poppers. </p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Does anyone here use a flyrod fishing for Bass. I usually catch bass and bluegills on the same poppers. </p> Back Yard Bass Masacretag:bigbluegill.ning.com,2012-09-05:2036984:Topic:3057132012-09-05T03:10:01.853ZJohn Sheehanhttp://bigbluegill.ning.com/profile/JohnSheehan
<p>We fished both during the afternoon for about 90 minutes and then again for 70 minutes this evening, Southwest winds piled surface algae to the north shore of the pond, exposing 'open' areas to work a StankX Stix and a Stanley Ribbit Frog. Overcast skies helped, as fish shut down when the sun came out. Linda and I totaled 23 largemouths, with 10 fish in excess of 4 pounds, up to slightly over five. Here are a few Pics...…</p>
<p>We fished both during the afternoon for about 90 minutes and then again for 70 minutes this evening, Southwest winds piled surface algae to the north shore of the pond, exposing 'open' areas to work a StankX Stix and a Stanley Ribbit Frog. Overcast skies helped, as fish shut down when the sun came out. Linda and I totaled 23 largemouths, with 10 fish in excess of 4 pounds, up to slightly over five. Here are a few Pics...<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059835176?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059835176?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>Fat boy hit the Ribbit</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059835611?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059835611?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>Another frog fish earlier in the day.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059835692?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059835692?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>Highlight of our evening were His-and-Her Five Pounders...Lindas on a Stix and mine on the frog. Cool!</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059835973?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059835973?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>We fished til just after sundown and I popped this beauty just before we hit McDonalds for celebratory milkshakes and fries! Finally, my 'big-bass drought' is over!</p>
<p>On a sad note, Lindas got 11 to my 5 bass for the evening gig, so I made her walk home...</p>
<p>Just kiddin'!</p> Best worm for bass of all sizestag:bigbluegill.ning.com,2010-07-27:2036984:Topic:939882010-07-27T21:02:03.878ZJohn Sheehanhttp://bigbluegill.ning.com/profile/JohnSheehan
The best worm ever in the 5 inch green Gary Yamamoto. What I do is I wacky rig it through the middle and use as bottom jerkbait. For bass of all sizes it's like not eating for 24 hours then seeing a big juicy steak waiting for them.
The best worm ever in the 5 inch green Gary Yamamoto. What I do is I wacky rig it through the middle and use as bottom jerkbait. For bass of all sizes it's like not eating for 24 hours then seeing a big juicy steak waiting for them.