The spring heralds in new beginnings for those in the fishing fraternity. Making the change from ice gear to open water tackle and portable huts to fishing boats always feels like a time of renewal. And for many, taking that first cast for a freshly-awakened walleye or pike has become a rite of passage as the season unfolds before us.
But what about the saucer-shaped ‘gills that flood the shallows during this time – eager to bite and pugnacious fighters to boot? Often overlooked, these brilliant-coloured guys hold fast a favourite place in my heart, and promise steady and excitement-filled action, while also biding your time before bass season begins. And the bend they can put in your rod will most certainly surprise you.
Location
Spring and early summer signifies the spawning period for bluegills, and will usually begin when the water reaches a temperature of 67 degrees F. Depending on your provincial location, the particular week or even month can be varied, but often falls in May or early June.
As the spawning urge grows strong, ‘gills will congregate in shallow water, oftentimes in large groups, sometimes numbering several hundred. These areas are most often sunny back bays, with a firm sand to silt bottom and sparse vegetation and wood strewn about. The water they prefer is clear, and the depth will generally range from one to four-feet deep.
Bluegill nests are easy to locate, and resemble a six to 12-inch saucer-shaped depression. These are generally lighter in colour than the surrounding bottom structure. Once fish flood the shallow for their yearly ritual, they become very aggressive and fairly easy to catch. But intersecting the spawn can be hit and miss, as the window for action usually lasts only a couple of weeks. Once it is over, it doesn’t take long until they disperse and seek the shelter of deeper water.
Fish can be found in the shallows before the spawn actually takes place, gathering and schooling in ultimate preparation. I’ve stumbled upon groups of huge numbers at this key time, but this was only possible by carefully checking the lake and seeking out areas that held the right ingredients. Two weeks later and the area was completely void of ‘gills. (The largest schools I have found came during 2008 on a lake in Ottawa, during the first and second week of May.)
Sight Fishing is Key
One of the most exciting aspects to ‘gill fishing is the reliance on your vision. Sight fishing is the name of the game for catching these fish, yet comes into play the most in terms of locating them. Cruising along shallow bays while scanning for schools of fish, or the tell-tale nests, is the number one weapon you have at your disposal. Bluegills will often stage at the surface or slightly below, so “spooking” them as you make your rounds in the boat can often give away their location. Once a productive area is determined, identifying the biggest fish and casting directly towards them is your best bet.
Sight fishing allows you make visual contact with the fish you intend to catch. It will up your catch rates, and put an exciting aspect into your day. Keep in mind that spawning largemouth (if applicable) will often be shallow at this time of year also, yet not necessarily in season (check your regulations). Sight fishing will allow you to pinpoint your quarry and alleviate the chances of inadvertently hooking a wandering largie.
It goes without saying that a quality pair of polarized fishing glasses should always be worn – without them and you might as well be fishing blind.
Tools of the Trade
Ultralight gear is paramount for success when targeting bluegills. Choose a rod between 5.5 and six-feet in length, with a spinning reel that sports a smooth drag. In terms of line, four-pound test clear mono will do the trick, or a Fluorocarbon line in the same line strength.
Various lures will work well for ‘gills, but I’ve found that small jigs produce best. Tinsel tails, tube jigs, and curly tails all work well, and micro size is key (one to two-inches max.). I tend to choose the lightest jig I can comfortably cast to give the most natural fall through the water.
Partner up your jig with a slip float, especially when fish are low in the water column. I like to set the float so that my jig is positioned slightly higher than the eye level of the fish. For fish cruising just below the surface, go with just the jig, as this will up your chances of getting bit. It will also lessen the chance of your float startling these high-flyers.
Bright-coloured plastics and jig heads seem to attract the most attention from bluegills, with gold, silver, white, pink, and chartreuse being excellent choices. It pays to experiment, as some days they will definitely favour one over the other. Don’t overlook natural hues when the bites become hard to come by, and a spray or two of a commercial fish scent can often turn the tables on those finicky fish.
If you really want to add an element of excitement to your day, toss mini-cranks for some explosive topwater action. Not only is this a good choice if they begin shunning the jigs, but it can really get the heart pounding. Always cast cranks a few feet past the fish, then bring your lure towards it. Casting directly at fish will generally spook them.
Keep Some for the Pan
Not only are bluegills fun to catch, they fight extremely hard on light equipment. Their flat, saucer-shaped bodies are ideal for bulldogging and making quick runs, a quality that always surprises a newbie ‘gill angler.
One of the best aspects of this sport is keeping a few for the frying pan. Bluegills are very prolific, so bringing some home with you will do no harm. A seven or eight-inch ‘gill can offer up some decent-sized fillets, and the sweet taste of this succulent meat will keep you coming back for more. Do respect the catch limits that are in place and keep some of the smaller guys to help ensure that the quality fishery can continue.
Take some time this season to scrounge up some hard charging ‘gills. I guarantee that these multi-coloured guys won’t disappoint.
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