Welcome, Bullworm.

You're exactly right. Bluegill need a little extra water as you go up north. I'm very fired up to have another Minnesotan on the board. I think there may be only a couple others. I hope you like the pictures and discussion.

Bruce

Hey Bullworm, you got some impressive largemouths there. The one your fiance caught looks like it could push 7 pounds...an extremely large fish for nothern waters. Did you weigh the fish? Again congrats to you and her.

see ya Jim

Thanks Pat.....I have used an ultra light for these gills in the past also (and take it along at times) but it doesn't compare to a flyrod when it comes to catching these bluegills....My flyrods are not fancy at all and are "wallyworld specials" purchased years ago(maybe even K-Mart).....the reel holds the line and that's about it...the rods are #5 and nothing special either(have 3 fly rods).....The lakes around the "Iron Range" up here near Hibbing all hold Bluegills and Sunnies.....some hold bigger fish then others of course.....some "gin clear" and some tinted "tannic acid" waters......both hold fish.....I also have been canoeing for over 30 years and would never be able to fly fish without the canoes I have owned...the 2 go together....I've been using "Bettes Poppers" primarily through the years and have had great luck with them....black sponge foam spiders also work well for me at times also......Sure is fun!...Windy today so I won't be going out but as soon as the winds subside.....I'll be out again!

Pat....Sounds like you're pretty well set up !....I built a few "Fenwicks" in my younger years(Flyrods) for customers...made a few bucks but not into it anymore...guess I'm out of that stage and into just plain fishing instead...Lol!.....We evolve I guess....Here's a couple images from a "so so" panfish lake a few miles east of Hibbing....no special secret lake or anything....called "Oxhide Lake"...nice clear water ...lots of largemouth in it...actually it's why I usually go there...for the bass action...it does have some "decent" panfish and crappies also....

My mistake!....after reading my post...Oxhide is west of Hibbing near Pengilly(not far from Hwy #65)......Sorry!...Lol!...got these fish 2 weeks ago......maybe you're familiar with the lake already.....

Sorry I missed your message work has been brutal, 12 hours 7 days a week for the last 6 weeks. I havent been out fishing since the end of may, but I will keep my ears open for fishing reports up your way. Mountain Man

So what are you into these days? Still fishin I see! I have been trying to catch up with you for about a year but this is the first time I got the right Patrick Olson. Bet your glad to be back home!! Well give me a holla!

You and I, we're the same..crushing crap music..bullets and flames..death and destruction..no remorse..

Hey Bullworm, I'm listening to Tool and looked up your hometown. "Curling" capital (I'll grab my broom) and hang out with Paul Bunyan and that blue ox. Don't even try Fruitport. It's famous for nothing except rednecks and ass kicking contests. Oops I forgot rock chuckin and crawdad eatin (er smokin) whatever.. certainly not as cool as Bemidji the college town.

Simcoe is a crazy fishery, despite all the pressure it gets. I've caught Pumpkinseeds and Bluegills easily upto a pound there consistently, but the perch are something else. Biggest one I've caught so far from the was almost 3LB and 16"

You are alright.

You know, its funny...sometimes I have to talk my wife into smiling...she catches so many really nice fish, some of them trophys, and she just acts like its just another day in the park! Me, I'd be smilin in my sleep after a good day of fishing!

thanks...see ya!

Hey tough guy! I love how you noticed the "Sage" flyrod.

Yeah, I noticed it too..

Hey Bullworm...thanks!

About the slip-sinker rig, easy...run a bullet or egg sinker on your line, pinch a B sized split-shot about 20 inches up from the end of the line and tie on a # 10 or 12 hook for smaller garden worms or a pair of #4 or #6 baitholder hooks for larger nightcrawlers. The shot may travel down to the baited hook after repeated casts so, some guys use a small barrel swivel as the 'stopper' and attach a floro leader to complete the bait/hook rig. I use 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 oz bullet weights for various situations and needed distance on the cast to get to spooky, clearwater fish.

The trick here is to allow the fish to travel off with the bait as it runs through the bullet or egg sinker. I usually leave an open bail and let the fish run a few feet before setting the hook.

Hope this makes sense!

Jealous, ain't ya?

Maybe you hadn't noticed my wife's new photo.