​How to Catch a Bluegill | The Bluegill Fishing Tips

Hello fellow angler and welcome to this article where you can find all the information on how to catch a bluegill fish you may need. From this particular fish’s facts to your basic fishing tips, I will covers everything in this article.

You may also be interested to read some of our other articles, regarding how to catch salmon.

So let us get on with the article shall we without wasting further time shall we?

Table of ContentsYour Bluegill Fish​Where do the bluegill live?​What does the bluegill eat?​What does the bluegill look like?​SpawningCatching your Bluegill​Equipment and Tools​Other Bluegill Catching TipsLast Words

Your Bluegill Fish

Whether you are an expert angler or have just come across the joy that is fishing, we all know that the best way to catch your fish, is to know your fish. Read along, to find out about the bluegill fish.

​Where do the bluegill live?

The bluegill is mainly found dwelling in the waters of Eastern North America, however they are scattered naturally all over the country now. To be more precise, the bluegill is found living on the east side of the Rocky Mountains, coastal Virginia to Florida, west to Texas and northern Mexico, north to the west part of Minnesota and western New York.

The bluegill prefers waters with less depth of numerous lakes and ponds and likes still and quiet waters small rivers and streams. The bluegill likes waters that have under-water plants as their homes. This fish will be around to fallen logs or weeds to hide or for protection. The bluegill also stays close to weed beds, with the purpose of finding food or to mate. The ideal water temperature for this fish is between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These fishes like to bathe in warmth but avoids any direct sunlight, therefore will be mainly found in deeper waters, However, they will come up near to the surface in the morning hours to stay warm The bluegill fish swims along in schools of about 10 to 20 fishes, although they do sometimes consist of other kinds of fishes such as, small mouth bass, crappies and sunfishes.

​What does the bluegill eat?

The bluegill is certainly not a picky eater. This fish’s menu usually consists of water-insects and their larvae such as, mayflies, caddisflies and dragonflies, zooplanktons, worms, and small fishes. Their diet can also include, crayfish, leeches and snails. In case of lack of food supply, the bluegill can also take a turn on aquatic vegetation. Moreover, in case of extreme scarcity of food, this fish can even devour their own eggs or offspring. Infant bluegills will eat water fleas and rotifers. This fish will also love a bite off of any human food wastage such as, corn, bread or crackers.

​What does the bluegill look like?

The bluegill is remarked mainly for the black spot it has on the posterior edge of its gills and at the base of its dorsal fins. It has the color dark blue on both sides of its head and chin. Its body very much flattened is roughly in the shape of an oval and it is painted with a dark green to yellowish color, to yellow colored breasts and abdomens.

This fish has 3 anal spines, 10 to 12 anal fins rays, 6 to 13 dorsal fin spines and 12 to 13 pectoral rays. It can grow up to being 6 to 16 inches in length and normally weighs around less than pound.

​Spawning

The bluegill’s mating season begins in the last days of May and lasts till the month of August. The whole mating scenario goes something like this: The male bluegill will first come to the mating area and construct a spawning bed in the water that is shallow. When a female bluegill will approach, the male will swim in circles while making a sort of grunting noises. Usually, the larger males appeal to the female bluegill (guess the “size does not matter” philosophy apply to fishes). The female and the male both will circle around each other and then the female will decide to stay. After touching bellies (which is basically them spawning) the female will lay her eggs. Now, the male will drive her out of the nest and protect the eggs until they are hatched and the babies are ready to swim on their own.

Catching your Bluegill

​Equipment and Tools

It is very essential for obvious reasons, that you should have with you, the right tools and of course- the right skills to use the tools. Read along this article to know what they are.

You will also find out about the right equipment that is needed for catching the Largemouth Bass from FishingRex.

• Most anglers have given positive reviews on their experience with using an artificial lure. However, a live bait is as much useful since a bluegill will eat almost anything and the one live bait that works magically for bluegill catchers is- the cricket. If you do not have luck finding any cricket then a wax worm or beetles are as much fruitful.
• For equipment like baitcasting fishing rods and fishing lines, it is necessary to have them lightweight and small. You may opt for a monofilament fishing line that is 3 to 4 lbs.
• Since bluegills are notorious for stealing baits you will want to attach your bait (for example, worms) directly on the hooks. Make sure not to thread your worm as this limits the worm’s ability to squirm which will attract the fish. You should rather attach the worm on the hook in a “folded manner” which will allure the fish and will also give it open access to the hook.
• ​Never be in a hurry when hunting for bluegill fishes. If you are using lures to catch your bluegill then you have to remember to recoup slowly especially because, bluegills feast on food that are gradual in movement. Bluegills are not adapted naturally to chase down fast moving foods, therefore, you will be able to catch them if you keep your lures at a slow and steady pace.
• ​For jigs, remember to use the ones that are bigger than 1/32 ounces. If you are fishing for live baits, you may choose either a no. 8 hook or a no. 12 hook.
• We advise you to choose a cane pole or a lightweight rod and lightweight reel, a 2 to 6 test line and a small barbed hook ( preferably that is the size of 6, 8 or 10)

​Other Bluegill Catching Tips

• Bluegills are biters all throughout the year.
• You have to be an early bird. In fact, you should be all set in your boat by the sun is rising.
• ​You should use a small-sized hook since a bluegill’s mouth is fairly small.
• ​If you are a beginner angler, a spin cast reel should be ideal for you.
• Do make sure to learn all the rules and regulations of the state and area you are fishing in and check the validity of your fishing licenses.

Last Words

Go through our article on how to catch a bluegill once and we are positive that you will hit your luck! We hope you have a great fishing experience!