Rigged for Bull Bluegills

Bluegills are aggressive nest protectors and will attack anything they view as an egg thief. (Shutterstock image)

The best rigs to catch more and bigger nest-guarding “bullgills.”

*Common rigs to catch panfish. (Illustrations by Peter Sucheski)*

By Kade Gewanter – Game & Fish

As water temperatures reach the upper 60s, aggressive male bluegills swarm the shallows to build colonies of spawning beds. To begin your search for these fish, look for silty or gravel bottoms in less than five feet of water. These areas are often the most favorable spots for spawning activities, and it is not uncommon to see hundreds of beds in a concentrated locale. This type of fishing is extremely accessible. A kayak, johnboat or even a set of waders is all that is needed to get in on the red-hot action. Rod and reel options can run the gamut from push-button combos to custom rods with actions tailored specifically for the pursuit.

Consider taking this opportunity to get young people excited about the sport and to catch some of the largest specimens of the season. Just don’t forget to take along some heavier tackle, as post-spawn largemouths can normally be spotted cruising the bluegill spawning grounds looking for an easy meal. They can show up at anytime. CONTINUE READING