Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

I'm going to compile a list of the small crankbaits I plan to use and test throughout the year. As I find new ones I will also update the discussion. My goal this year is to do mostly small cranks and focus on trying to beat my biggest 'Gill that hit 10.25" about 5 years ago. Ice is just now pretty much gone on all the waters and I've managed to get a couple of small gills so far as the waters start to warm. 

Matzuo Nano Crank

NC2

0-2 ft

5/32 oz

1 in

Single Treble

NC3

0-3 ft

9/32 oz

1.5 in

Double Treble

Strike King Bitsy Minnow

0-5 ft

1/8 oz

1.25 in

Double Treble

Gapen Mini Fish Fry

0-4 ft

1/8 oz

1 in

Double Treble

Rapala Countdown 

CD01

1-3 ft

1/16 oz

1 in

Single Treble

Rapala Ultralight Crank

ULC03

4-8 ft

1/8 oz

1.5 in

Double Treble

Rapala X-Rap

XR04

2-3 ft

1/16 oz

1.5 in

Double Treble

Rebel Teeny Wee Craw

2-3 ft

1/10 oz

1.5 in

Double Treble

Rebel Crickhopper

0-1 ft

3/32 oz

1.5 in

Double Treble

I'd like to get my hands on a few of the Japanese options available as well there are some really nice looking 30mm (1.25") baits available though they are pricey. Also I will probably look into some of the Tiny Rat L Traps or other lipless micros that are out. 

I do have a couple of 2" options as well but I'd like to phase and trade them out for smaller options. Also I left the famed Yozuri Snap Beans off the list as they are out of production, until I can find a few hopefully. 

Views: 248

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Well I got my hands on some Snap Beans I will have to get them added to the list.

Good luck on that one Craig.

RSS

Latest Activity

John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Jiggin Rap Bass

"This got slammed"
4 hours ago
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Tungsten Jig Mealworm got hammered

"this was the most aggressive small jig biter"
4 hours ago
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Gregs shiner caught 14.5" Crappie

"About 10" 37-40 turns of the Auger, Jeff."
4 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Tungsten Jig Mealworm got hammeredn

"Looks like the bass were hungry…."
8 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
8 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
8 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Gregs shiner caught 14.5" Crappie

"Nice one Greg! How thick was the ice where you guys fished John?"
8 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Caught on the shiner/ice rigger setup

"Nice black crappie……looks like several species were taking the shiners….."
8 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Caught on the ice Rigger with Shiner

"Glad you guys got out John…..aggressive perch….."
8 hours ago
John Sheehan posted photos
23 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

A Picture That Validates the River Guage…….2/5/2026

The normal water level would be the wet spot on the trunk…it clearly shows around five feet of…
Feb 5
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

echo Lake Reservoir Bluegill

"Classic summertime bluegill photo….we all want to get out real bad…..I’ve…"
Feb 4
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

Still Trying to Process This Reading ..2/4/2026

We often drop one to two feet during thunderstorms and cold fronts but down almost five feet is…
Feb 4
John Sheehan posted a photo

echo Lake Reservoir Bluegill

Hit the 1/8th oz. Spinner Bait
Feb 4
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Cypress Reflection-8/30/2012

"I posted a picture in this area back in August of 2012……surface temperatures will…"
Feb 2
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Feb 2
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"We’re finally beginning to thaw around the Estuary, the images of this winter/storm are characterized as “once in a lifetime”"
Feb 2
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's status
"That stinks John….I was hoping to see a few fish caught through the ice……and…"
Feb 2
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's status
"The snow here is not melting and I couldn't get on the ice. My only access point had plowed…"
Feb 2
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

It’s Cold. Everywhere This Winter But….2/1/2026

"Yes it is…..I can’t get used to it after seeing this area with water a thousand…"
Feb 1

© 2026   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service