My life and fishing.

[Ryan]

Im sixteen years old. Ever since ive been little ive been an avid fisherman. Growing up spending hours on our boat panfishing with my dad. Actuallly i still do. But this past summer is what really changed things for me. My friend and i snuck into a local retirement home pond one hot summer day and started fishing with ultra lites and some night crawlers. We were pretty successful. Then came back the next day. and the Next. Spending hours a day catching fish and getting chased out. (No trespassing). This kept going on all summer. But we added by fishing all the local ponds. Spending hours hiking through the woods looking for ponds my dad fished when he was my age. Catfishing and bass fishing from eleven till three in the morning. What i soon realized as the summer came to an end and back to school was coming is that this was the best summer of my life. Because of fishing. I fished almost everyday that summer. And enjoy every last cast. I caught every species i could around me. From bullhead to gills to northern pike to large mouth to crappie to channel cats.

But what i remember the most was catching monster redear sunfish and gills at a local pond . More than the northerns more than the giant cats.
Then i found this site. My obsession grew even more. Going to basspro everytime i saw a new lure or jig someone on this site recommended. Gills have always held a special place in my heart from when i was little and this site has only helped this grow.
Id like to thank everyone on this great site so much for teaching me more about monster gill fishing.
I sincerely appreciate it.
Your fellow gill fisherman,
Ryan

[Bruce Condello]

Thank you, Ryan, for letting us know your feelings and love for bluegill fishing.

I remember being 16 years old and getting my drivers license. For days and weeks afterwards I spent every moment trying to get out and fish for bluegill and channel catfish. What I noticed the most was how my group of friends changed. Some of the people I hung out with when I was 13 and 14 were now turning to drugs and alcohol, while I was turning to stinkbait and rooster tails---minnows and rapalas. It was all good. These moments spent fishing, and forging relationships are still precious to me now.

And now I hope that this site passes on some of that passion to people like you. You sound like you've got something you'll love for life, and the people you meet who have that common goal will be the ones who will be there for you when you need it the most.

[Jeremy R. Mayo]

I second your comment on this Bruce. I remember the days when I was on my bike with a cricket bucket and breambuster. I fished every ditch, damn, and creek I could get to. I will never forget all the handwritten letters on my winshield when I got my car asking to please not park that this was private land. I still did it time and time again till I got caught and explained what I was doing and then was invited to just park in the driveway and hide the keys where they could move my car if they needed to. (if you dont mind puttin a few of those fish in the freezer in the shed for me son)

What we as a group, Not just big bluegill members, need to do...... Is realize the chance we have to make a difference in these kids lives. It may inconvience our patience and our space sometimes but always remember..... Every kid we come across, we can make a difference. 1 trip, 1 day, 1 hour could be what makes a differnce in a kids, an adult, or even an elder just to have a chance to get out there and do what we love. Not all are privileged enough to have the oppertunities that we do. Be a big brother, Sister, Father, Mother, Uncle, Aunt, Son, Daughter, or Just a friend that so many people lack. Gluttony isnt just filling the boat with numbers or catching the biggest fish. It can be your time not shared to.

Take somebody fishing.
Mayo

Oh yea! Ryan... Remeber red lens flashlights are harder to be seen from a distance at night, Where dark cloths or camo, and always if your sneek in though the woods follow the guy in front so he finds the spiderwebs and not you! Maybe if you would ask some of the administrators you could take some of the ole folks out to fish during the day and wouldnt have to sneak in!

[Charles Singleton]

Welcome, Ryan, both to BigBluegill and to the ranks of BG fishermen. One thing you might want to try is fly fishing. That's about 90% of my fishing now, and the big BGs are SO much more fun on a fly rod! Although, I've enjoyed quite a few on the ultralight gear, as well. Anyway, just thought I'd say 'welcome'.

[John Cachel]

Ryan,
Fishing is good for you and us! Keep us stay busy and off the street. My parents don't mind that I fish everyday in Chicago park and they knew that I stay away from drugs!

You go to Bass Pro Shop so check out Bass Pro Shop Micro Lite Rods...nice and not expensive! I like 7 ft light for general panfishing. 7 ft med-light for live bait with slim bobber and 7ft 6" ulta light is nice for small lures for blg panfish!

[Alex G.]

Ryan, that may be one of the best reads I've had in quite some time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and good luck in all your angling adventures!

[shooter]

hey Ryan,thanks for bringing back the those days,44 yrs ago i was 16,i almost forgot those golden days of fishing,thanks man.
get a fly rod you will never be sorry,thanks again.

[Eric Pierce]

Ryan, Welcome to BBG and the rank and file of Gill men everywhere. It's always nice to be able to get out and fish. Keeps you out of more serious trouble, enjoy it all you can, as often as you can...