Do you love big bluegill?

Bluegill growing at their very best.

These two bluegill represent what the approximate maximum growth potential in the Midwest can be, if you keep fish's bellies full at all times.

The top fish is about 6 ounces and is 14 months old (age-1), and the bottom fish is a little over 12.5 ounces and is 26 months old (age-2).

Typical bluegill grow significantly slower, but these fish have been fed a high quality Aquamax Grower 500 and Aquamax Grower 600 diet. This program has been intensive, and isn't for everybody, but it's working great for these fish.

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Comment by Bruce Condello on October 14, 2008 at 8:31pm: It's a good question, and I'd like to present a theory for the answer.

"I think that as bluegill age, their fins, mouth and eyes continue to grow, even as the length of the fish levels off".

The bluegill in my picture are only 1 and 2 years old.

I wouldn't be surprised if the bluegill in your picture is several years older than that. Maybe even as old as age-7, age-8 or beyond.

The bluegill in my picture are a product of a ten year selection program. They are growing beyond the capability of their fins and eyes to keep up, so they kind of have a plump look to them.

Your bluegill looks like a warrior. He's old, experienced and big. He's probably had good to excellent resources throughout his life to continue to grow.

Now don't go tellin' me that your pond was only stocked three years ago--'cause then I'll have to delete my post and pretend I never said it.

Comment by Ken G on October 14, 2008 at 7:49pm: This is a Post Script to the previous post:

Besides the body shape differences, there seems to be a mouth difference. I typically use a #1 or #2 long shank hook to catch bluegill in my pond and in neighboring rivers. I also generally use a #1 hook for bass and catfish.

Is it possible that eastern bluegill have bigger mouths than mid-western bluegill?

Ken

Comment by Ken G on October 14, 2008 at 7:34pm: Bruce,

Your bluegill look different than mine.

YOURS:

MINE:

For most of Daylight Savings Time, I feed 32% protein feed. During the rest of the year, I have trout in the pond, and I feed a 38% protein feed.

I catch a fair number of 10-11 inch bluegill during the year, ranging form 1 lb. to just under 2 lbs.

Do you think it is the breeding, the food, or both?

Ken