Where to start!?

[Max westphal]

So I have been a avid bass fisherman most of my life. I enjoy fishing and have fished bluegill but not the same way I fish bass. My question to all you is where can I start? In the morning when I walk out on dock of my lake home and look down into the crystal clear water I see tons of bluegill and panfish. I would like to know what is a good setup to be able to make decent casts and fish with jigs for bluegill? Everything from rod to reel to line. Or should I ho with a nice fly set up. I have never fly fished before. So full me in I guess! My budget for this is prolly 150-200$ thank you in advance!

[Slip Sinker]

Its just that in my neck of the woods fly fishing season or top water bite doesn't really start til memorial day thru labor day... some sporadic top water bite could be had in September. largely gill fly fishing is sidelined until then.

[Rob Hilton]

Start out with an ultra light rod...  Ugly Stick is fine for starters. 4lb line 2lb if you can get it. Some split shot and some small hooks and/or jigs. Fly fishing rods and reels are very expensive. It's a fantastic way to catch Bluegill especially Bull Bluegills... but see if you like fishing for them first before spending $$$$ on fly fishing gear. Bluegill and Redear are for me Pound for pound the best fighting fish there is... Once you've caught a Bull on light tackle you'll want to catch more. Start simple you can get as complicated as you want down the road. Good Luck... You're gonna Love it...