Honkin' Big 'Gills

[steve b]

Just how far south ya gotta go ? Here in N.E. Ohio, the bluegills run small. Short growing season. Yeah, you can manage a small pond for nothing but big bluegills and do amazing things, but this is not the norm. I've seen good big bluegills in N.Va.., You ? I hope to someday fish N. inland Fla for big 'gills/bream. steve b

[John Cachel]

Don't give up...maybe big bluegills is somewhere near your home..... who knows!
Big bluegills can happen anywhere in USA..... have to find right lake that have monster bluegills! I know so far is 3 bluegills over 2 lbs in Wisconsin! Several over 2 lbs in Michigan! Ohio State Record Bluegill is 3 lbs 4.48 oz, 12.75" from Salt Fork Reservior!
Yes I know so many lakes have small bluegills and we have to do homework to find right lake or pond that have big bluegills! Farm ponds that have lot of bass then it should be good place to fish for bigger 'gills!

[steve b]

Don't worry, nobody said anything about giving up ! Just wondering how far south you go before the weight of your average fish in average water goes up due to better growing conditions and food. Below rte 70 ? Below Mason/Dixon line ? Have seen bluegill here in N.E. Ohio that couldn't lay flat in 5 gal bucket, but these from private lake with fed fish. Are what they call "bream" in the far south Bluegill ? Just how big do they run ? steve b

[Ray Danders]

Most lakes that have bluegills probably have a few decent ones, but if you after bluegills in the 8 to 10 inch class, only fish those lakes that have that reputation for bigger gills and learn where and how to fish it.

I live in MI and there are plenty of lakes that have a reputation for big bluegills and some lakes with no reputation. Sometimes those little lakes will hold a good population of decent fish, but when you find one don’t over fish it.

Bluegills grow faster down south, but they live longer in the north so I think it is mostly a case of looking for the right lake.

I have caught many nice bluegills in AL, Fl and GA, but given a choice I would fish northern lakes. If I were you, I would spend my time fishing Lake Erie. Most people don’t fish it for panfish, but it is a real fish factory. Big water sometimes looks overwhelming, but if you put in your time, you will find them.

Don’t be surprised if along the way you also catch some nice perch, walleye and small mouth bass. Good luck!

[John Cachel]

I agreed with Ray D.
Keep medium and let big one go for future's trophy!

Wisconsin State Record Bluegill came from Green Bay!!!!