Bluegill is a poplar game fish and excellent table fare. Bluegill are commonly found in ponds and lakes near vegetation and structure. The best technique for catching Bluegill is spin casting with worms although they will also bite jigs and flies.
Habitat: Bays, Lake, Pond
How to identify a Bluegill
Like the typical sunfish, the body of the bluegill is flat/round. Its coloration varies from dark hues of blue-purple to yellow. They can also be void of color with a translucent appearance. Each side of its body has 6-8 vertical band markings that vary in boldness. Its broad/round fill cover flap is black and lacks the light trim that’s present in other sunfish. Bluegills have small mouths and heads and pointed pectoral fins.
Where to catch Bluegill
The native waters of bluegill include the eastern part of the U.S., Canada, and parts of northeast Mexico. This fish has been broadly introduced to the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South Africa. They are mostly found in lakes and ponds and tend to stick near the shorelines. Look for them near fallen logs and other object or in areas with a lot of vegetation.
The following are habitats where you can catch Bluegill:
- Freshwater Weed Beds
- Gradual Shores
- Lake and Pond Fishing Holes
- Inlets and Outlets
- Open Water
- Piers, Docks and Pilings
- Shoreline Shallows
- Springs Holes
- Sunken Objects
- Walkways and Bridges
How to catch Bluegill
Anglers who use light tackle find the bluegill an exciting and challenging fish. Bluegills can be caught year-round and are most active at dawn and dusk. The best time of year to catch them is in spring and summer. These fish are easy to catch and are a great option when fishing with kids. Most people fishing for bluegill will spin cast with a hook and worm. Adding a bobber to the line will help determine when a fish has taken the bait. Since their mouths are small, jigging with small hooks can also prove successful.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Bluegill:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Bluegill
The general setup to catch a bluegill is a simple line and hook baited with a live worm. Bobbers can added to indicate when one a bluegill is biting your line. Using a bluegill rig is helpful for present bait in a way to attract a bite.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Bluegill: