Bluegill

The Bluegill, lepomis machrochirus, is the most common of the sunfish family. Other names are bream, brim, copperhead, sun perch, pumpkinseed, and blue sunfish. The Bluegill is easily distinguished by its long, sharp pectoral fins and black "ears." The body is flat, deep, and broad. The upper part is dark olive and blue-green, while the lower part of the belly can be yellow, brown, or blue-green. It is called bluegill because of the blue color on the lower sides of the head.

Size ranges from 4 to 13 inches, and 3oz. to 3 lbs.

Bluegill live in ponds and lakes and slow flowing rivers. They travel in schools. Bluegill can over populate a pond in a hurry because they are great reproducers. They tend to gather around brush or water weeds or hang out in the shade of a tree or overhanging bush. They are easily frightened.

These panfish eat insects and their larvae, snails, and small minnows. Good bait to use for Bluegill are worms, grubs, crickets, maggots, and small shrimp. Fish near weed beds and shelter in water less than six feet deep.

Beetle Spin lure

Try casting tiny jigs, spinners, and crankbaits next to cover with a slow swimming retrieve. Small jigs in the 1/32 or even 1/64 oz. size are good. Vary your depth until you locate them. Use lightweight tackle. Two or three pound test mono works great. Light line allows you to use small jigs or bait without weight. Put on a medium hook and natural bait without a sinker and cast out at least 15 feet and let it drop naturally. Many fishermen back east swear by the Beetle Spin spinner for panfish.

Sunny warm days with water temperatures in the 70 to 75 range is the best time to try for this scrappy fighter. It's great eating too.