Bluegill is native to North America.One of the easier fish to catch is the bluegill, which can grow up to 30 cm in length.The bright yellow or orange bellies of these fish make them good panfish.You need the right equipment to catch bluegill.
Step 1: There are small bait and hooks to use.
Smaller bait and hooks are needed because bluegills have small mouths.The best bait for bluegills is crickets, worms, and grasshoppers.Artificial lures that are brown, black, and yellow can be used if you don't want to use live bait.The bluegill can bite down on a number 6 or smaller hook.
Step 2: A rod with a high action is a good purchase.
The action is listed in the product details or packaging of the rod.Purchase a lightweight rod that can bend.A rod that is too stiff can pull the hook out of the fish.
Step 3: Purchase a 2–6 pound monofilament line.
Light monofilament is less expensive than heavier lines and is harder to see, making it an ideal choice for bluegill.The small fish don't need a heavy braided line.
Step 4: There is a small reel.
The light line and lightweight rod will work with an ultra-light or small spinning reel.Search for a reel that can hold at least 6 pounds of line.Ultra-light reels weigh 7–10 ounces.Ultra-light reel models are popular among reel brands.
Step 5: A light-weight bobber is recommended.
A bobber is a great way to attract the fish because bluegill don't like to chase their prey.If the resistance is too high, bluegill will let go of bait.
Step 6: During the late winter and early spring you can find bluegill in deep waters.
Warming occurs when the temperature is 50–60 F.You will most likely have to fish for bluegill in deeper waters towards the center of the lake.You might need to fish off of a dock or boat instead of fishing off the side of the lake.Set your bobber to 15 feet so that you can fish in deeper waters.
Step 7: Bluegill can be found in shallow waters in the summer and late spring.
Bluegill can be caught in the late spring and summer.The bluegill will move to the deeper water when the temperature is 69 F.Bluegill are most likely to congregate in 1– 2.5 feet of water.The bluegill spawning season is at this time of year, which means that there's likely more of them than other times of the year.
Step 8: During the late summer and fall, you can catch bluegill near weedy areas.
During the summer and fall, bluegill seek the shelter of weedy areas.Bluegill can be caught along the edges of the weedy areas.It might be better to fish mid-day instead of in the morning or evening because the temperature will be higher.
Step 9: Be sure to revisit known sites.
Bluegill will reuse spawning sites year after year.You should revisit sites that have been successful in the past if you want to catch fish in a lake that you are familiar with.It is possible to revisit a site every couple weeks.
Step 10: Attach your line and hook.
Attach the reel to the rod and pull your line through the loops.Attach the end of your line to the hook.To make sure everything is working correctly, spin the reel.
Step 11: A lightweight bobber is set from your hook.
The hook on the top of the bobber should be pushed out by pressing down on it.Wrap the line around the hook on the top of the bobber.Wrap the line around the bottom of the bobber 2 times once the top is secured.The hooks should stay in place when you release them.
Step 12: You can cast your rod.
If you want to cast your rod out from where you are, press the releasetrigger and flick it in an upward motion.You can catch fish on the shore, dock, or boat.If you want to fish during the spring and summer, make sure you fishing in shallow areas.It is not necessary to cast your rod far to fish for bluegill.
Step 13: Pull up on the rod.
It shouldn't take a lot of power to reeling in the bluegill.Pull up the rod when you feel a tug on your line to set the hook.If you feel multiple small tugs and your bait is gone, it means that the bluegill ate the bait around the hook and you need to use a smaller lure or bait.
Step 14: Don't let the fish out.
Pull up on the rod and use the reel to pull the fish in closer to you.Use your other hand to lift the rod at its center after grabbing the handle with one hand.The bluegill needs to be pulled out of the water.
Step 15: The hook has to be pulled out.
Carefully remove the hook from the fish's mouth by grabbing it by the bottom of its body.If you prefer, you can use a pair of pliers.Bluegill's jaws are not strong enough to hurt anyone.
Step 16: Store the fish in ice or throw it away.
If you want to eat the fish, you should keep it long.They will go bad if you store them in a cooler.Throw the fish back into the water if you don't want them to die because they are too small to eat.The fish should be submerged in ice.