Beefcake Bluegill Sunfish Hybrid

[Teeg Stouffer]

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? 

[Teeg Stouffer]

Thanks, Tony - Thanks, Greg. This guy succumbed to a classic: a little bead headed wooley bugger. 

[Greg McWilliams]

GREAT FISH, TEEG!!! What did you fool him with?????

[Tony Livingston]

Outstanding fish Teeg!! I KNOW that thing had to put up a fight!