Do you love big bluegill?

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Comment by Jim Gronaw on February 3, 2013 at 4:01pm: I certainly understand where you are coming from Jeff. The largest bluegill I have caught outside of the Richmond Mill fish was a 1-14, and that was a hybrid sunfish. I guess that is what is so incredibly special about this place...astonishing setting and astonishing fish. The bluegill fishery was literally a by-product, an accident, as the intent was to create a world-class bass fishery. Yes, I have caught smaller gills there, but average fish are 10 to 11.5 inches long. And weather changes can make fishing challenging there, just like anywhere else.

Make no mistake, however...this is an unbelievable fishery. How many more years will it last? Who knows, as those 2 to 3 pounders will not live forever. I have to rate it as an amazing accomplishment in lake management strategies...whether planed or unplaned. I feel blessed to have fished there.

Comment by DAVID L EITUTIS on February 3, 2013 at 3:21pm: Well Jeff I have to kind of agree with ya on this one. I would also like to catch a two pounder, and I guess it's similar there to a controlled hunt for anything with 4 legs. GOt to admit though I would be tempted to go there when I see Jeffrey this spring, but also am sure it's very costly. Guess ya gotta way the results with personal wants and wishes. I"d rather fish with Jeffrey if I could only do one of the two things. Mixed emotions here on this one but all that aside it is a beautiful Gill no matter were it came from........

Comment by Jeff Soto on February 3, 2013 at 3:13pm: Maybe I shouldn't say this, but I'm thinking Richmond Mill is kind of like fishing in a fish hatchery. It's a "controlled" environment and very private. Does anyone even catch regular-sized, 7 to 9 inch Bluegills? Don't get me wrong, I still would like to fish there some day, but when someone says "I caught a 2 pound Bluegill!" and then they say they caught it at RM, it's like.. big deal, anyone can do that if they fish there... 23 BGs over 2 pounds in one day? To me, catching more than one BG over 2 pounds in a lifetime is fantastic.

Comment by Robbie Everett on February 3, 2013 at 11:55am: It was last Father's Day at Richmond Mill in NC. I guided my dad. We had 23 bluegill over 2 lbs. that day. Caught a ton of bluegill that day and alot of bass too!

Comment by Jeff Soto on February 3, 2013 at 10:43am: Robbie, tell about these fantastic fish! When, where on what bait and did you measure/weigh these toads? Wow!