Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

I'm just not a spinning outfit person. I switched from spinning to fly rods several years ago, but my back isn't getting any better (have a lot of back pain from 3 separate injuries over the years). Casting a fly rod for a couple hours pretty well puts me at my pain limit for the day.

Thinking of trying one of my low-profile baitcaster reels on a light rod this year. I have a new Shakespeare Micro casting rod ordered and plan to put an low-profile reel with maybe 8# mono to see how light a lure (or slip-float) I can comfortably cast with it.

Any suggestions for a light/ultra-light baitcaster outfit?????

Views: 936

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I have caught gills on a baitcaster but I was targeting bass.  I have a few baitcasters that will cast a 1/4 ounce,  but I like smaller offerings for gills. Going to 8 lb. braid might let you cast an even lighter bait.

 If you haven't done it already you might look for a lighter fly rod.  I alleviated some strain with my fly rod by going to a lighter rod I have a couple that only weigh about 1.5 ounces which lets me fish a little longer

I mostly use UL fly rods. 2&3wt rods with lightweight click & pawl reels. The problem I have is from the motion of casting repeatedly. About an hour and I'm having back pain, two hours and it's no longer fun.

I may try a less active approach this spring. Take a folding chair and do less casting, or more roll casts.

MIKE;; FOR WHAT ITS WORTH;; I USE A FLY ROD; ABOUT 90 PERCENT OF THE TIME;; AND ROLL CAST IT; ABOUT 98 PERCENT OF THE TIME!!  USING ONLY THE WRIST TO CAST; ITS EASY TO CAST;; VERY LITTLE SHOULDER GOES INTO IT.   IN FACT; AT OUR LAST RENDEVOU ; TOOTY; HIS BUDDY MIKE; AND ME WERE FISHING OUT OF MY BOAT; ALL OF US WERE USING FLY RODS; ALL DAY !!  AND WE NEVER GOT TANGLED WITH EACH OTHER !!

Here's proof all of them were in the boat !

MORE LIKE;; THE 3 STOOGES; AS TOOTY PUT IT !!  BUT WE HAD  A TERRIFIC TIME ON THE WATER !

RSS

Latest Activity

John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Clinton Reservoir Smallie 2

"Thats great, Bruce! 1Big strong Freshwater Smallies, good going! Didn't get on them today.…"
19 hours ago
Bruce Tomaselli commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Clinton Reservoir Smallie 2

"I've landed 2 over 20" in the past several years. One just made 20" and the other a…"
yesterday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Clinton Reservoir Smallie 2

"Thanks Bruce, we got them 12-15".Going here again today to fish deeper and explore the…"
yesterday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Clinton Reservoir Smallie 2

"Great smallmouth."
yesterday
John Sheehan commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Sunday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's album
Thumbnail

Watershed Fishing 2025

"Thanks Dick, hoping for bigger Smallmouths after we get used to this 425 acre body of water, with a…"
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Love This Netted Coppernose……Best of 2025

"Thanks Dick…..my favorite picture of 2025…..loved the markings"
Saturday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

More From Great Fishing on 5/18 & 5/19…….

"We are very fortunate to have an abundant supply of fliers Dick…..I’ve made a lot of…"
Saturday
dick tabbert commented on John Sheehan's album
Thumbnail

Watershed Fishing 2025

"Lookin good John,."
Saturday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

More From Great Fishing on 5/18 & 5/19…….

"That guys on my bucket list."
Saturday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Love This Netted Coppernose……Best of 2025

"Nice coppers as always Jeff."
Saturday
dick tabbert commented on Jim Gronaw's photo
Saturday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Lots of Predators in May…..5/22/2025

"Thanks Slip…..hope you’re doing well!"
Saturday
Slip Sinker commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Saturday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Lots of Predators in May…..5/22/2025

"Thanks Bruce….Have a great Memorial Day weekend…."
Friday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Friday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

Lots of Predators in May…..5/22/2025

A lot of largemouth are guarding Frye…..when you cross through the pod with your bait it may be…
Thursday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
May 21
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
May 21
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
May 21

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service