The Perfect First Fish: A Guide to Catching Bluegill
Whether you call them bluegill, bream, sunnies, or coppernose, this colorful, hard-fighting panfish is the foundation of freshwater fishing in North America. It’s the fish that gets kids hooked for life, the fish that bends a rod on a slow summer afternoon, and the fish that even the most serious tournament pro still loves to catch. They are aggressive, abundant, and pound-for-pound, one of the toughest fighters in the lake. This guide is all about the simple joy of catching bluegill.
Where to Find Bluegill: Look for Shade and Cover
Bluegill are creatures of habit, and their habits revolve around food and safety. They love shallow water and will almost always be found near some type of cover that provides shade and protection from predators. If you can find these spots, you’ve found the fish.
- Docks: The pilings and shaded areas under a dock are the number one bluegill magnet on any pond or lake.
- Overhanging Trees: Any tree that provides shade over the water will hold bluegill, which lie in wait for insects to fall from the branches.
- Weed Beds: The edges of lily pads and submerged grass are prime hunting grounds for bluegill.
The Undisputed Best Bait for Bluegill
Let’s not overthink this. While bluegill will eat many things, the single greatest bluegill bait on the planet is a simple live worm. A red wiggler or a small piece of a nightcrawler is irresistible. Other fantastic options include crickets, grasshoppers, and wax worms. For a beginner, a tub of worms is a can’t-miss ticket to a great day of fishing.
The Classic Rig: A Bobber and a Hook
The most effective and most enjoyable way to catch bluegill is the classic rig every angler should know. It’s simple and it works.
- The Bobber: Attach a small, simple bobber (the red-and-white plastic ones are perfect) to your line. This will suspend your bait and give you a visual indicator of a bite.
- The Weight: About 6-8 inches above your hook, pinch on one or two small split-shot weights. This helps you cast and gets the bait down.
- The Hook: A small, long-shank Aberdeen hook in size 6 or 8 is perfect.
To fish it, simply cast the rig out near a piece of cover and wait. The second that bobber dips, bobs, or disappears completely, swing your rod back to set the hook and enjoy the fight!
Lure Fishing for Bluegill: Ultra-Light Fun
If you prefer to fish with lures, bluegill will readily attack small artificials. The key is to use lures that are small enough for their little mouths. The same gear we discussed in our trout guide works perfectly here.
- In-Line Spinners: A tiny 1/16 oz or 1/32 oz spinner is a fantastic bluegill finder.
- Micro Jigs: A small 1/32 oz crappie jig or a specialized “trout magnet” style jig tipped with a wax worm is deadly.
Identifying Spawning Beds: The Secret to Catching Big “Bulls”
If you want to catch the biggest bluegill in the lake (often called “bulls” or “coppernose”), the key is to find them when they are spawning. In the late spring and summer, bluegill will gather in shallow areas and fan out dinner-plate-sized nests on the bottom. These clusters of nests look like a honeycomb pattern in the sand or gravel. The male bluegill will aggressively guard these nests and will attack absolutely anything that comes near. This is the best time to catch dozens of big, aggressive fish in one spot.
No angler is ever too old or too advanced to enjoy the simple pleasure of catching bluegill. They are the hard-fighting and abundant foundation of the family we introduce in our Guide to Panfish Fishing.
-Captain Sal
