Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

Bluegill (BG) feeding and competition is different in every pond. Here is a recent example. About 2 mths ago the BG in 2 ponds eating slowed so much that I turned off the feeders. Water temp was about 53 at the time. However in the third pond the BG kept eating like pigs until last week (last time I checked ) when the water temp was about 45. In fact all 3 ponds had CNBG (copper nose bluegill) added to the existing population about 3 mths ago but the effect on feeding was different in each pond. In the pond where the BG are still feeding we added 250 3-6 inch CNBG . Their addition must have encouraged the other BG/CNBG to join the feast. I say this because the feeding rate went out the roof. They would eat continuously for 45-60 min as fast as they could. I tried to count (visual and sound)how many strikes per min and there were to many to do so. This does not count those that were quietly eating underwater. My guess at the number of BG feeding based on pellets put out , time and counting , assuming each BG ate 5-10 pellets was 2000 BG+. This would mean that at least 1750 existing BG have joined the new CNBG eating like pigs all at water temps where that behavior would not be expected. This feeding behavior has lasted 2 1/2 mths so far. We have never had BG feeding like that in 8 years on these 3 ponds. The point is every pond and population acts differently to supplemental feeding.

Views: 194

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

That's really interesting, Ewest.

Do you think it would be possible to dovetail this into two or three key links to Pond Boss discussions about feeding bluegill? It's such a good subject. It would be cool if the people on Big Bluegill knew what a good resource Pond Boss forums could be when it comes to beefing up their bluegill.

Bruce
I've often wondered how I could count the number of BG in my pond. Have to try this.
good notes thanks
I agree with Brue The people at pond boss could and would add to your studies
Be glad to try and help. How can Pond Boss help ?

RSS

Latest Activity

Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Cody Had the Bass Bite Covered….4/7/2025

"Thanks Bruce….looking forward to the Bassmasters Elite series tournament this…"
4 hours ago
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
4 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Caught Some Slabs Today….4/5/2025

"Although black crappie tend to run smaller than their cousins the white crappie , this is a great…"
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

Last Fish of the Trip….4/6/2025

It was already 84 degrees headed to 90 today….
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"We knew it was going to be tough today with gusts over. 30 knots.but good surface temperatures of 68 helped…couldn’t fish where I was 4/5/25"
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's status
"Just a perfect day….water level…..perfect color…….a little…"
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Very Nice Perch This Morning……4/5/2025

"I agree Bruce, the bands seemed very distinctive on this one…."
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Sunday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Sunday
John Sheehan commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's status
"Amazing numbers and good variety!"
Sunday
John Sheehan commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

Very Nice Perch This Morning……4/5/2025

These fish were hitting very shallow as well….
Saturday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Saturday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Saturday

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service