11-22-2011, 05:04 PM
What are some good lures for tiny pond bluegill? I've been using grasshoppers and worms on bobbers, but I want something I can cast over and over without having to fix it?
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11-22-2011, 05:04 PM
11-22-2011, 05:43 PM
A casting bubble and a small fly or jig. Like a haresear nymph
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11-22-2011, 06:04 PM
[quote TeenFishermanID]What are some good lures for tiny pond bluegill? I've been using grasshoppers and worms on bobbers, but I want something I can cast over and over without having to fix it?[/quote]
I tend to find I do better with the worm UNDER the bobber [crazy] So is the pond tiny, or are the bluegill in the pond tiny?
But seriously - Bluegill can be bait thieves for sure! And worms do take a beating.
You might try a small Kastmaster, or other shiny smaller spoons, the LiveForage jigs are great.
Marabou jigheads get their attention pretty good too.
If you don't want to keep tipping with worms - throw on some plastics (curly tails/tubes) on a jig-head or maybe try some of the Gulp type baits. There's also powerbait grubs and maggots that are probably more heartly than the squirmy lil' ol earthworms.
I've had some good summer success for panfish by digging out the ice-jigs. Seemed like sometimes downsizing got me onto more hookups. Though smaller/lighter make it hard to cast.
I tend to find I do better with the worm UNDER the bobber [crazy] So is the pond tiny, or are the bluegill in the pond tiny?
But seriously - Bluegill can be bait thieves for sure! And worms do take a beating.
You might try a small Kastmaster, or other shiny smaller spoons, the LiveForage jigs are great.
Marabou jigheads get their attention pretty good too.
If you don't want to keep tipping with worms - throw on some plastics (curly tails/tubes) on a jig-head or maybe try some of the Gulp type baits. There's also powerbait grubs and maggots that are probably more heartly than the squirmy lil' ol earthworms.
I've had some good summer success for panfish by digging out the ice-jigs. Seemed like sometimes downsizing got me onto more hookups. Though smaller/lighter make it hard to cast.
11-22-2011, 07:09 PM
Flies are definitely my favorite for gills. Hare's ears, prince nymphs, damsel nymphs, small buggers and mohair leeches are all good choices. In the warmer months various dry flies and small poppers can be great too.
For spinning lures tiny 1-2" plastics on a 1/32 oz or smaller jig can be deadly. If you have a little chop on the water, you can fish these under a float and the chop will jig it in place. Also drop shotting small plastics can be killer as well.
If you have some larger specimens in there, tiny crankbaits and jerkbaits can be really good for catching them. Also very small inline spinners will work too.
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For spinning lures tiny 1-2" plastics on a 1/32 oz or smaller jig can be deadly. If you have a little chop on the water, you can fish these under a float and the chop will jig it in place. Also drop shotting small plastics can be killer as well.
If you have some larger specimens in there, tiny crankbaits and jerkbaits can be really good for catching them. Also very small inline spinners will work too.
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11-23-2011, 09:13 AM
Small jigs are the best, IMHO. Tie a loop in the line about 12" from the end and add a jig to the loop, then tie a second jig to the end of the line. This allows you to fish at two different depths, and sometimes you will get two at once. Just remember that even big bluegill have small mouths, so use a jig with a size 10 or 8 hook. Add a bobber and you're in business. For added attraction, tip the jigs with bait.
Maggots are the best, as long as you can get over the fact you're touching a maggot. They are the perfect size for gills and stay alive a lot longer than worms, even after they've been nibbled a few times. Squeeze them a bit, then run the hook through the blunt end under the 'eye dots.' If you don't want to deal with maggots, try Berkeley Crappie Nibbles. Leave the lid off the jar until they get kind of rubbery, then they stay on the hook longer.
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Maggots are the best, as long as you can get over the fact you're touching a maggot. They are the perfect size for gills and stay alive a lot longer than worms, even after they've been nibbled a few times. Squeeze them a bit, then run the hook through the blunt end under the 'eye dots.' If you don't want to deal with maggots, try Berkeley Crappie Nibbles. Leave the lid off the jar until they get kind of rubbery, then they stay on the hook longer.
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11-23-2011, 03:16 PM
So it sounds like jigs are my best bet? Should I use just tiny jig heads with some tiny twister tail grubs, or some of those bucktail ones?
When I'm fishing them on a bobber do I retreive? or do I just let it sit?
I cant find anything about it on the internet [crazy]
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When I'm fishing them on a bobber do I retreive? or do I just let it sit?
I cant find anything about it on the internet [crazy]
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11-23-2011, 05:29 PM
most times we used a bobber and just a pinch of worm, but came across Blue Fox Flash Rattlin' Spoon in 1/16 and they work great from a bobber or cast and reel . there kinda hard to find as they have quit making them only 1/8 th now but if you come across them they can be had most times for under a buck they also work good for perch and small planter trout
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11-23-2011, 06:26 PM
Some great advice offered. All sounds good. (I gotta try some flies!)
You might find it helpful to do a search for "underwater camera" on Youtube - you can add in BlueGill if you want.
Most likely to find ice-fishing footage, but it's interesting to see how they actually respond to a lure. Can be very finicky, but they can also get competitive and attack.
Gills and Crappie are less likely to go "down" after an offering than a perch is (they like digging in the muck ok). Typically - I think you'll find some degree of alternating - active jigging/retrieving - followed by a pause, move it, pause it.
I like a SLIP-BOBBER for that sake, as it helps give the jig more UP then DOWN action - schwing! As mentioned - wave or chop action can take care of it for you.
I find sometimes I miss a lot off hookups with a bobber, then if I lost the bobber - you get a direct shot at the bite, or they hit it while you've got it moving, and hookup!
Baiting your hook so they HAVE to get some hook if they nibble atcha can make a big difference.
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You might find it helpful to do a search for "underwater camera" on Youtube - you can add in BlueGill if you want.
Most likely to find ice-fishing footage, but it's interesting to see how they actually respond to a lure. Can be very finicky, but they can also get competitive and attack.
Gills and Crappie are less likely to go "down" after an offering than a perch is (they like digging in the muck ok). Typically - I think you'll find some degree of alternating - active jigging/retrieving - followed by a pause, move it, pause it.
I like a SLIP-BOBBER for that sake, as it helps give the jig more UP then DOWN action - schwing! As mentioned - wave or chop action can take care of it for you.
I find sometimes I miss a lot off hookups with a bobber, then if I lost the bobber - you get a direct shot at the bite, or they hit it while you've got it moving, and hookup!
Baiting your hook so they HAVE to get some hook if they nibble atcha can make a big difference.
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11-23-2011, 09:52 PM
Small curly tail grubs in 1-2" sizes are great. There are a lot of great little plastics out on the market for panfish now too. Northland makes some tiny little flukes and scuds that should do well for gills. I've had good success for better gills as well as perch, crappie and bass on Bobby Garland baby shad fished on a small jig or dropshot rig.
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