My 7 year old daughters 2nd fish ever caught and its a PIG!

[Devan Dotson]

So I decided to take the kids to a small and I mean small farm pond down the road. The house has been empty for a couple of years so I figured Id give  it a try. The pond is really small maybe 2000 sq ft.  I was expecting to get a couple of small 5 " gills if we were lucky. First cast she pulls out this Brute! 2 pounds 11 ounces, 16 " girth and a whooping length of 15". Shes tickled to death and its going on the wall for her. Caught it on a redworm and bobber. Called my buddy up and he instantly caught a 11 1/2" , 1 pound 7 ounce gill thats a trophy in its own right.

 

Also I believe this to be a bluegill but could be wrong. Several people have seen it and they all believe it to be. Maybe you guys can verify?

 

 

[Lord of the Fly , Rods]

Wow, what a fish, I bet she hooked on Bluegill fishing for life, that looks like it's bigger than those Richman Mill fish.

[Bruce Condello]

That fish is amazing. Bigger than any sunfish I've ever caught!

[Devan Dotson]

Thanks guys, ya she got very lucky. Shes tickled to death and I dont blame her. This pond is so small I couldnt believe it when this thing came onto the bank. We've been trying to see if we can catch another but havnt had any luck. I havnt even had a bite and my wifes had 2 on but the both got off. In Indiana they run fish of the year awards for each species. Last years bluegill winner was 12" so I'm thinking she's a shoe in this year. Thanks again.

[Josh Milczski (Omaha)]

That's awesome Devan. Fish of a lifetime at the age of 7!

[Walt Foreman]

It looks like a bluegill to me, Devan. Can you tell us more about the pond? Is it shallow or deep, weedy or clean, clear water or muddy or greenish, etc.? Also, did you notice any bass in the pond? As one who manages ponds professionally, I'd be very interested to learn more about the conditions that produced that monster.

Also, how long did it take her to land it? I'm curious about the fight the fish put up.

[JBplusThuy]

Incredible fish! I've been fishing for bluegill since I was not much older than she is and haven't caught one nearly that large. Very nicely done!

My oldest is also seven, and you can be sure I'll be showing her that picture as an inspiration :-)

[Devan Dotson]

I attached a photo of the pond I caught it in. I believe the pond was dug about 15 years ago and stocked with bass, bluegill and crappie. I'm pretty sure the only thing left is bluegill and not many. Very hard to get bites. Had a couple on but they got off. The pond is very small as you can see and not very deep anymore. The guy who used to live there had to pump water from the creek just to keep it full. It does have a decent amount of weeds. Its full of large bullfrogs and I did manage to see one very large snapper. Hope this helps.

[Devan Dotson]

Also did put up a pretty good struggle but swallowed the hook halfway down her throat so setting the hood wasnt an issue. It only took about 20 seconds to get in though.

[bluegillboogieman]

FORGET Rich Man's Mill. I want to go to Pretty Girls Puddle!!!!!!

That pic of the pond you posted later looks like it is lined with black plastic or something?

[Patrick "Bullworm" Olson]

That is a GIANT!! I love when kids get big fish! It's all about the smiles!

[Walt Foreman]

One would never look at that pond and think there was a 2.75 pound bluegill swimming in it - fascinating.

I did notice what looks possibly to be yellow fringing on the tail, Steve. But to me the head, especially the mouth, looks like a pure-strain northern bluegill.

[crappiecrazy]

Thanks for the picture and story. This inspires me to fish any pond that I can get permission. Even it just for a half hour, it may turn up a monster that hers! Thanks again!