More Big Bluegill

Type: Nontidal
Region: Central
Location: Mason Dixon Area Ponds and Lakes

Despite the heat and round after round of heavy thunderstorms we have continued to enjoy an excellent year fishing for large bluegills. In many Mason Dixon area lakes and ponds these fish have already spawned twice during each of the full moon periods of May and June and they could possibly spawn a third time in July. Most of our recent catches are in and around known bedding areas, yet with few fish visibly 'on bed'. Most of the larger males are slightly deeper and a few yards beyond the nesting sites. Gulp! redworms and angle worms fished whacky-rigged on a # 8 Aberdeen fine wire hook and 30 to 40 inches below a bobber continues to take a lot of fish in these shallow, dishpan shaped lakes.

We have recently enjoyed telescoping poles and fixed line applications to finesse bull bluegills from marshy, shallow areas with some wet wading tactics as well. Small jigs, 1/80 and 1/64th ounce, tipped with bait, is a solid tactic for these fish. Please be sure to release the majority of the bigger, 10-inch plus bluegills to ensure great future angling for these outstanding fish. Keep more numerous 8 inch class fish for the pan.