Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

We're in a severe drought, and the water is way down at Lake Manatee. But I decided to head out this morning anyway. Places where I normally fish are dry.

But I found an area that was holding fish. I caught a few early on poppers, then switched to my No. 12 bead head nymph.

End up with 40 bluegill, a couple of big shellracker, several stumpknocker, golden shiners and seven bass -- all on 1-weight.

It was good to get out.

Spring is here!

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Looks like fun. I wish I could get into a good bunch of Redear's around here.
Steve! Those pictures are terrific!!!!!
Steve, your pics are a constant reminder that I need to upgrade my camera equipment!
Awesome shots! Why do they call them REDears?...Ha ha!
great pictures,i love it ,nothing like getting on some good fish with a fly rod,the best therapy
there is.




gators can't climb trees
Stump knockers are the best! I know there there not the biggest things in the world. But man aren't they good to eat. Iv'e never had a fish that was so sweet to eat. Its like there made of sugar! Id pass on grilled tuna for a fried up knocker any day.
Knew a Steve Gibson, once upon a time. He'd retired, and once lived north of the Mason/Dixon... steve b
Nice pics Mr. Gibson... What was the water temp ?

Redear on a popper and 1 WT... If that don't get your blood pumpin nothing will...

Congrats


Rob
Water temp in high 60s or low 70s ... give or take. I don't catch many shellcracker on a popper, but every once in a while one sneaks up on me!
Makes me want to up and move your way Steve. Great story and pictures. There are so many great places to fish in this country. Send us more photos of your world.
Nice pics,I'm gonna have to use my flyrod more this year.
Um.. Steve ? Did ya once live up north ? Curious. steve b

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