Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

Ok . Kinda weird maybe . But does anyone else put the line from the spinning reel underneath their thumb when throwing spinning tackle? (on top of the handle). I have used this method (way)  for 40+ yrs. Works for me with 1lb  (trout,gills) to whatever #. Can cast a long way. (not bragging).. Pretty easy for some folks to pick up , rather than the finger underneath. Doesn't take much getting used to at all. Just something different.  

Views: 248

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Never tried this ,you have me curious!

been using my finger for 50+ years, can't really see how a thumb would work? how about a pic?

Never tried it. It IS something new to me.

I gave it a shot today after reading this, and it worked for me, but grabbing the line and placing it on the handle takes more time for me than to just grab and hold it with my finger.

Always use my index finger. Just stick my finger down and catch the line and open the bail. I also use my finger to feather the cast just like the thumb on a baitcaster. I seldom spin fish anymore though. Mostly fly fishing.

 

I also tighten down the drag and if I need to give the fish line I just back crank. Caught a lot of SM that way too.

It's as I said , just something different. I find that I get more accuracy and more distance using this way. Grandkids picked it up very quickly, but they're not too used to doing it the other way.   

RSS

Latest Activity

John Sheehan posted photos
43 minutes ago
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's album
Thumbnail

Ice Fishing 2026

"13th year with the Hummingbird ICE 35 Flasher! Good investment!"
Saturday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's album
Saturday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

We Finally Warmed Up This Week……2/13/2026

Finally lost a lot of the skim ice on local rivers…..birds were feeling it today…….we’re getting…
Saturday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Tungsten Jig Mealworm got hammered

"The rod I'm holding has a pounder rig tied to it. It caught the pseeds and most of the…"
Friday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Friday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Jiggin Rap Bass

"This got slammed"
Feb 11
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Tungsten Jig Mealworm got hammered

"this was the most aggressive small jig biter"
Feb 11
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Gregs shiner caught 14.5" Crappie

"About 10" 37-40 turns of the Auger, Jeff."
Feb 11
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Tungsten Jig Mealworm got hammeredn

"Looks like the bass were hungry…."
Feb 11
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Feb 11
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Feb 11
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Gregs shiner caught 14.5" Crappie

"Nice one Greg! How thick was the ice where you guys fished John?"
Feb 11
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Caught on the shiner/ice rigger setup

"Nice black crappie……looks like several species were taking the shiners….."
Feb 11
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Caught on the ice Rigger with Shiner

"Glad you guys got out John…..aggressive perch….."
Feb 11
John Sheehan posted photos
Feb 10
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

A Picture That Validates the River Guage…….2/5/2026

The normal water level would be the wet spot on the trunk…it clearly shows around five feet of…
Feb 5
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

echo Lake Reservoir Bluegill

"Classic summertime bluegill photo….we all want to get out real bad…..I’ve…"
Feb 4
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

Still Trying to Process This Reading ..2/4/2026

We often drop one to two feet during thunderstorms and cold fronts but down almost five feet is…
Feb 4
John Sheehan posted a photo

echo Lake Reservoir Bluegill

Hit the 1/8th oz. Spinner Bait
Feb 4

© 2026   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service