Here will be discussing tips and techniques for finding summer bluegills, specifically bluegills. Bluegills are a popular target for many anglers, and for good reason. They are not only fun to catch, but they also make for fantastic table fare. So, if you’re looking to have a successful day on the water and bring home some delicious fish, keep reading!
Research Tactics To Finding Summer Bluegills
When it comes to finding big panfish, doing your research is key. Start by checking out the resort’s website and social media pages. They often post updates if they have been catching big fish. Additionally, if there’s a panfish club in your area, joining it can be a great way to connect with like-minded enthusiasts and get insider tips on the best fishing spots.
The Importance of Big Males
Bluegills are social spawners, and the larger males tend to use the best habitat available, suppressing the smaller males from spawning at an early age. This results in the larger males putting their growth into body size rather than gamete production. Keeping big male bluegills in the system actually improves the overall size of the fishery. So, it’s important to let any fish over nine inches go, especially those big males. 
Choosing the Right Equipment
Having balanced tackle is crucial when targeting big bluegills. A 7-foot light extra fast rod, such as the St. Croix panfish series, is a great choice for various panfish applications. Pair it with a 1000 size reel, like the Daiwa Legalis LT, for a super light combo. For fishing line, Suffolk’s nano braid is highly recommended. It’s thin, tough, and allows for casting light lures with ease.
Terminal Tackle and Bait Options
When it comes to terminal tackle, using a VMC spin shot size number six is perfect for bluegill fishing. This hook has a mechanism to prevent line twist, which is essential when drop-shotting. As for bait, live bait like leeches is a popular choice for bluegills. However, soft plastics can also be effective, especially when the fish are aggressive. Some recommended soft plastic options include inch nap tubes, cricket profiles, and minnow profiles.
Cooking Bluegills
Bluegills are known for their fantastic table fare. It’s recommended to keep bluegills that are nine inches or less for eating. To maximize your yield when filleting smaller fish, a six-inch Bubba Blade Whiffie knife is highly recommended. It allows you to easily maneuver around the smaller fish and get the most out of your fillets.
If you’re looking for a delicious bluegill recipe, try making bluegill sliders. Here’s a simple recipe to follow:
- Get panfish fillets.
- Prepare your favorite salad greens.
- Get some mini sandwich buns or slider buns.
- In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, panko, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to taste.
- Pan fry the breaded fillets in a light amount of high heat cooking oil for a few minutes on each side.
- Assemble the sliders by stacking the cooked fillets, salad greens, and any desired condiments on the buns.
- Enjoy your delicious bluegill sliders!
Conclusion
In conclusion, catching big bluegills requires some research, the right equipment, and the right techniques. By doing your homework, targeting big males, using balanced tackle, and choosing the right terminal tackle and bait, you can increase your chances of landing those trophy bluegills. And once you’ve caught them, don’t forget to enjoy their delicious taste by trying out different recipes like bluegill sliders. So, get out there, have fun, and happy fishing!
