Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

I'm just not a spinning outfit person. I switched from spinning to fly rods several years ago, but my back isn't getting any better (have a lot of back pain from 3 separate injuries over the years). Casting a fly rod for a couple hours pretty well puts me at my pain limit for the day.

Thinking of trying one of my low-profile baitcaster reels on a light rod this year. I have a new Shakespeare Micro casting rod ordered and plan to put an low-profile reel with maybe 8# mono to see how light a lure (or slip-float) I can comfortably cast with it.

Any suggestions for a light/ultra-light baitcaster outfit?????

Views: 949

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I have caught gills on a baitcaster but I was targeting bass.  I have a few baitcasters that will cast a 1/4 ounce,  but I like smaller offerings for gills. Going to 8 lb. braid might let you cast an even lighter bait.

 If you haven't done it already you might look for a lighter fly rod.  I alleviated some strain with my fly rod by going to a lighter rod I have a couple that only weigh about 1.5 ounces which lets me fish a little longer

I mostly use UL fly rods. 2&3wt rods with lightweight click & pawl reels. The problem I have is from the motion of casting repeatedly. About an hour and I'm having back pain, two hours and it's no longer fun.

I may try a less active approach this spring. Take a folding chair and do less casting, or more roll casts.

MIKE;; FOR WHAT ITS WORTH;; I USE A FLY ROD; ABOUT 90 PERCENT OF THE TIME;; AND ROLL CAST IT; ABOUT 98 PERCENT OF THE TIME!!  USING ONLY THE WRIST TO CAST; ITS EASY TO CAST;; VERY LITTLE SHOULDER GOES INTO IT.   IN FACT; AT OUR LAST RENDEVOU ; TOOTY; HIS BUDDY MIKE; AND ME WERE FISHING OUT OF MY BOAT; ALL OF US WERE USING FLY RODS; ALL DAY !!  AND WE NEVER GOT TANGLED WITH EACH OTHER !!

Here's proof all of them were in the boat !

MORE LIKE;; THE 3 STOOGES; AS TOOTY PUT IT !!  BUT WE HAD  A TERRIFIC TIME ON THE WATER !

RSS

Latest Activity

John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"This Bass was wound  , Dick. High 70-80 degree water temp."
Thursday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

md august shore 2

"I hear ya Dick ,but its been a long time finding numbers of these great critters for me !"
Thursday
dick tabbert commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

md august shore 2

"I can take these all night long."
Wednesday
dick tabbert commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"Nice LMB."
Wednesday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Wednesday
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

We Dodged a Bullet on This Hurricane……8/20/2025

"I hope you continue being on the lucky side. Best to you Jeffrey."
Wednesday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

We Dodged a Bullet on This Hurricane……8/20/2025

Our last big fish kill on the Albemarle Estuary was in September 2003 when Hurricane Isabel smashed…
Wednesday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Fresh Crappie Fish Fry….8/18/2025

"I understand Bruce…..just one of those meals I would hang around the kitchen when my mom…"
Wednesday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Fresh Crappie Fish Fry….8/18/2025

"That makes my mouth water."
Aug 19
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Fresh Crappie Fish Fry….8/18/2025

"Made some homemade hush puppies and creamed sweet corn for a feast….."
Aug 18
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Aug 18
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"Yeah , Jeff, and yet dead sticking last week with the wacky worm got most Fish. They can be moody."
Aug 18
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"Moving bait….aggressive largemouth….I have always enjoyed a spinner…"
Aug 16
John Sheehan posted photos
Aug 15
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

August Daily Double……8/15/2025

My lucky “HOLY CITY” brewery hat, a favorite stop in Charleston, South Carolina…….when I wear it…
Aug 15
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Emerald Splashed Summertime Black Crappie…..8/14/2025

"Thanks Bruce……really for me if I can go catch 15 or 20 crappie I’m never…"
Aug 14
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Aug 14
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Aug 14
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Aug 14
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Aug 14

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service