Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

How many bank fisherman, do we have on here? And, what are some of your techniques for locating fish.

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John -

Can I put you down to fish the porcupine quill in our Revolution?

I am looking for people to fish on method, log results and then there will be a part two of the challenge. I need a "quiller".

Would you be game for this - total cost should be either $7 or $20 if you go deluxe.

Revolution 2011

I am looking for all the methods people use to catch panfish... it's pretty easy and I hope to have each method covered. If you will be fishing a quill & jig- let me know that as well - post in the Revolution area if you are into this.

 

I have studied the white cranes & herons - they move only slightly and then they stay completely still for minutes on end. I don't recommend wearing the white!

 

Johnny

One of the things I've enjoyed while bank fishing is the long pole - what we call a "cane pole" around Dixie. Not really made of cane anymore, Im speaking about the fibreglass telescoping pole.

Mine are between 10' and 14' in length and I put a compact level wind reel on them. Some people would think of them as a "crappie pole," although that name has a couple of connotations. I'm thinking about getting a 16 footer this year and I run 4lb test line, usually.

Typically from the bank, long casting distances are not required. Often long casts are nearly impossible, due to overhanging branches and unstable footing. But the long pole lets you "poke" into the pockets among weeds and other shore structure. It gives you control over your terminal tackle and bait, overcoming the problems of long slack leads that result from casting.

I'm also a big fan of wading. This gets you out a little further and closer to some of the hiding places big bluegill favor. These fish are not usually exceedingly deep during warmer weather, but they love underwater structure and weeds near deeper water. Wading out a bit can put you in touch with them and their habitat.

I usually carry a telescoping pole and one light casting rod, with a spincast reel. In South Carolina you can only have two poles in your possession, anyway. For a tackle box, I favor the Berkley "Strap On Tackle Box." I had one for over 20 years, the old "Fishing Partner II" until it gave out recently. I've found one of the new versions for $17 with shipping; I cant recommend it enough. 

I also have a traditional fishing vest, for various sundries and "possibles." Between the two you can carry about all the jigs, foo-foo's, spinners and spoons you could want. A pocket full of sawdust and mealies along with some floats, hooks and split shot round out the "business gear."

Im thinking that one of the larger vest pockets could hold some dry chum mix, too. Then I could dampen what I need, as required.

Anyway, these are the things I've always done. I need to replace my waders this year, though.

You ARE a crane! 

The telescopic cane pole is the most deadly bluegill equipment known to man.

What you describe- every angler on this board should try!

Yes- you will benefit from logging your catch and doing the Revolution with the rest of us.

Do you use a small float or do you straight line your hook into your spots??

This telescopic cane pole is actually on the "advanced side" of success here.

This is excellent and I will also be using similar technique in logging my fishing. Open water is very, very close here. I might be able to get out this weekend Sunday for some exploration fishing. Serious fishing starts end of the month here.

Are you joining us in the Revolution? Is what I have posted clear for that activity or what can I do to make it more clear for everyone?

I use both small floats and straight line. For tossing at extended reach targets , it's normally the float. For jigging right in and around weed pockets and structure, I go straight line.

 

As for the Revolution, I hadn't planned to get in. I should imagine you will have more than enough people to participate.

Well thanks.

 

We need more people to participate still if I can find them.

Your pole fishing though is right on. I think more people should fish this method (could be part of the Revolution) - but I hope to get out the telescopic pole to try some open water Sunday (we'll see if it comes to pass).

David, last August, my crappie reel 'crapped out' and I had no back up with me, so I fished 'cane pole style' with about 10 feet of line and a cigar bobber. I ended up pulling in my biggest bass of the year..I love cane pole fishing..It's highly underrated in this era of cutting edge angling technology; but sometimes you have to go back to the basics..Cheers! Mike

Hey bankfishermen (and ladies) bank fishing league starting up again in about 4 weeks here once the ice is gone and once we have sunlight, warmth and some fishing.

 

If you live near Chicago area - you can come watch some bankfishing as our primary species we catch when we go is bluegill. It's a blast I am going to share some tips on starting your own bankfishing group / league - a bunch of buddies who gather, time their fishing, weigh in and release the fish. It is a blast and here's a secret, I think we have more fun than the boat people.

 

Can you catch fish staying in one spot - sure you can!

Look:

Even on the coldest, windiest Spring day - you can score a decent catch from one spot on the bank without a boat. I consider this a horrible 4 hours of fishing.

 

If you are in the Chicago area - look us up for some bank fishing (no boats) unless you want to come and film us fishing from the boat. : )

 

I will have to share photos of our catch here this Spring so everyone can participate.

- Johnny

Hi Dwayne,

I'm strictly a bank angler..I try to read the territory before I even make the first cast. Take notice of which direction the wind is blowing, look a the surface of the Lake, pond, stream etc..I've found that with a careful eye, you can often see fish activity by observing currents and 'min whirlpools' etc. If I see these indicators, I try that spot first before moving on. I highly recommend using the 'fanning method', of working a location from side to side, from the distance to the shore. I see so many anglers who habitually cast as far as they can; but oftentimes they are casting well beyond where the fish are holding. Just think of the structure that some one with a boat zeros in on. They go for submerged trees, etc, which are right along the bank. The only thing is, they are dropping there lines in there from the other side. Don;t be afraid to work the shallows...Cheers! Mike Burro


Hey Mike its interesting you mention reels. On the cane poles, I use the really old fashioned level winders. And I mean that literally - an old Shakespeare "Service" model or Ocean City 1853 is just the ticket. I look for working models that are, cosmetically, kinda raggedy looking.

These small level winds from Grandpa's day are just the ticket for a telescoping whip pole and they can be had on the cheap. A modern, lo-profile bait casting reel is also a good choice, although they can be pricey. I will spend money on fishing, mind you, when it is necessary to do so. But I'm all about fishing well - within a reasonable budget. So, I look for these reels in the $10 range.

Remember, we're not casting with the whip pole, so it doesn't need to hold more than 20-30 yards of line. But occasionally you want a little extra to "reach out" with, almost fly-rod style. SO you strip off some of the line from your reel and go to it. Then you reel it back in when it isn't needed. I also keep some pipe cleaners twisted on to the pole to act as line stays for when I want to keep the extra line tight to the pole.

I bought a 12' telescoping pole just the other day and I can't wait to try it out. I have some spots with heavy cover that are very difficult to flip into without getting hung up, that are just begging for a minnow to drop in. My brother calls me the Charlie Brown of fishing because I lose a lot of floats trying to get into difficult places. I tell him if your not getting hung up, your not Crappie fishing.

Cane -poled on Saturday - it is the top method as you have more control over your float in the wind and you can put the float right on / in the stuff.

What I learned from fishing branches Saturday - I would go with an even lighter leader for the gills so that if hung a submerged branch or one above the water I could just snap that leader off easily.  Losing your rig or snapping at the float costs a lot of time.

While I had 3 big fish hit this rig, the 1st one snapping off, I could switch to heavier line once I worked the area. Remember too - pursuing the gills was my mission - I didn't expect carps in that shallow and after catching the carp, I would want to get back on the gills as fast as possible anyhow so a quick, clean break-off might mean more options than battling the carp, scattering my fish and possibly tangling a hot spot. Yanking back and forth on a branch could also snap the telescopic pole in the cold... But - I recommend 16 & 18 foot to help with the wind conditions and to add that tiny, tiny bit of reach you need so the 12' is my favorite- hands down, but there are many days not calm or still enough for me to enjoy that.

Bank Anglers without a pole- what should we call them??

: )

 

Seriously - you have to try these they are like Jedi weapons and incredible for fishing tactics and results - not to mention a whole lot of fun.

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