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Beefcake Bluegill Sunfish Hybrid

I had the good fortune to trick a really nice Bluegill / Green Sunfish Hybrid over the weekend here in Nebraska at a certain private body of water.

The water was clear enough that I spotted the fish, and thought, "that guy looks pretty big."

I cast my fly near him and he inspected it but then refused it. I worked him for a while before a small bluegill shot out and grabbed the fly. I jerked the small fish out of the water and "relocated" him swiftly, and fortunately the bigger one didn't spook. A third try and the big guy ate - then charged toward some curly leaf pondweed. With my fly rod and 2 LB test I was risking as much pressure as I could, knowing also that it was a small hook, but it wasn't until I got him to hand that I realized just how big he was!

Still swimming - release giants to preserve excellent genetics - and provide another amazing angling opportunity to someone else. This fish was a blessing, I'd sooner share that with someone than not, wouldn't you?

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Comment by dick tabbert on July 14, 2013 at 3:38pm: Dandy hybrid

Comment by Shannon DeVine on July 13, 2013 at 8:31pm: Fantastic fish sir, love the orange fins of the green. That is a monster for the fly rod w 2lb!!!! Nice Catch

Comment by Jim Gronaw on May 20, 2013 at 8:38pm: Yeah...I gotta try that place some day!

Comment by Teeg Stouffer on May 19, 2013 at 9:23am: Thanks, guys! I happen to know someone whose initials are BC caught one as big or bigger this weekend ...

Comment by dick tabbert on May 19, 2013 at 7:16am: gorgeous hybrid.

Comment by Mark Stine on May 19, 2013 at 5:12am: Great story and a great fish on the fly! Congrats!

Comment by Jason Preslar on May 17, 2013 at 9:47am: Very nice fish!!!

Comment by Jim McCants on May 16, 2013 at 1:36pm: Now that's what it's all about - 2 lb line, fly rod and HOLD ON! Great fish - catching on like that on gear like you did is my dream. Hold on and enjoy!

Comment by Jim Gronaw on May 15, 2013 at 4:39pm: Just a killer of a hybrid! Congrats...I think I know where this one lives!

Comment by carl hendrix on May 15, 2013 at 4:30pm: gillzilla!! that's a hog! beautiful gill !! glad you released it to fight another day! just hope whoever catches it next will release it to!