The fish isn't the main show, but the abundant and aggressive species continues to entertain anglers
By DAVID A. BROWN
Published April 2, 2005
You see it at musical concerts. An opening act plays to a half-filled venue as fans trickle in for the headliner.
You see it at boxing matches. Not everyone is as focused on the undercards as they are for the big-name title fight.
It's human nature. We tend to forego things of perceived secondary status.
In central Florida's freshwater environments, everything takes a backseat to largemouth bass. No doubt a justifiable ranking, but anglers will miss a ton of fun if they overlook one of the region's most popular warm-up talents.
Yes, it's time to give due props to the often underrated bluegill.
Scientifically a bream, the bluegill gets its name from a long, blue flap extending from its gill covers. Abundant, aggressive and respectably challenging on light tackle, this species is mighty fine in the frying pan.
With mouths that can't open as wide as even a juvenile bass, bluegill are somewhat limited in what they can grab.
But don't say that to a bluegill. More than once, I've been casting a small diving lure over brush piles for bass, only to reel in several plump bluegill.
Recently, I worked a Texas-rigged watermelon-colored lizard across small openings amid matted hydrilla in a Land O'Lakes canal and drew a big-time surface strike from what appeared to be a small bass. A spirited struggle ensued, the end of which produced a chunky bluegill that clearly wanted that bait.
Bluegill will readily smack a variety of artificial lures, from small crankbaits run parallel to weedlines to tiny jigs (1/32- or 1/16-ounce) with grub tails or plastic minnow bodies bounced along the edges of aquatic vegetation.
Fly fishing has its place in bluegill pursuits, and a 4-weight outfit with surface poppers or other bug imitators will connect you with plenty of spirited takes.
If you choose to go with natural baits, you can't go wrong with earthworms - and the fatter the better. But as long as you can thread your worm or pieces of it onto a light wire hook, you're in business. Crickets and grass shrimp also will tempt bluegill.
Fish all of these baits under a cork and adjust the depth until you find the concentration of big bream, which usually hang deep and tight to cover.
Boatless anglers lack not for bluegill accessibility. Wading offers a viable option, as shoreline grass stands and lily pads usually harbor abundant bluegill colonies.
Belly boats made of inflatable rings with under-slung seats give anglers something to lean on while treading water across deeper spots. In a pinch, an inflated inner tube or a pool float will get the job done. Docks, piers and bridges are other options. Offering shade and safety, these structures generally attract a variety of species, but bluegill usually are an assumption.
Take it easy when walking onto a dock, as your steps and any other noise announces your presence to the fish. Anywhere you look, the best way to judge the presence and quality of bluegill is to offer a round of appetizers.
Chum with pieces of bread, crackers or cereal, and any bluegill will roll and boil the surface like a school of piranhas. Sometimes, especially in overworked areas or on hot days, bluegill can be a little hesitant to rise topside.
If the water clears enough to see at least 2 feet deep, wad up pieces of bread into dense balls and toss six or so near vegetation or other structure. Watch the bread balls descend, then note if they suddenly disappear rather than gradually fade out of sight.
If bluegill will eat bread used as chum, it stands to reason they'll accept it as bait. Wadding store-bought bread will suffice, but baked products quickly fall apart in the water and the fish can easily pick such baits off the hook without getting caught.
For an irresistible bait that's simple to make and effective to use, mix about a cup of all-purpose flour with just enough water to help it stick in a moist mound. Dump the dough on a doubled piece of wax paper, dust the mixture with loose flour, flatten into a patty about a quarter-inch thick, then microwave it for about 30 seconds.
The process congeals the dough into a tough, pliable consistency that clings tightly to a hook. Break off several bits of the microwaved dough and toss them into the water as chum. Slip a baited hook in with the freebies, and the rod will flex within a matter of seconds.
The daily bag limit for bluegill is 50, individually or in aggregate with other panfish. It will take 12 or more mature fish to feed a family, but you'll have a blast doing so with this sporty species.
