Anglers can find good early season bluegill action providing they pay attention to the tackle, the presence (or absence) and location of vegetation.
Very dense vegetation reduces predation and as a result has an adverse impact on fish populations. Plants are important in that the microscopic ones form the base of the aquatic food chain. Larger algae and plants provide spawning areas, food and protective cover. They provide habitat for insects and snails.
But algae growth presents problems to good bluegill growth. It comes in two forms phytoplankton and in mats of filamentous algae.
Problem growth often relates to the phosphorus content of the water. Bluegills prefer water that is deep and clean as well as having a pH of 7.2. Vegetation prefers similar conditions.
One of the reasons vegetation is important in fishing a small pond is the lack of structure in the bottom of such waters. Most are smooth bottom waters with no distinct cover other than the vegetation. Fish are scattered.
Anglers spread their efforts until they are able to locate the fish. By casting to different areas and adjusting the depth at which they are fishing, fish can be located. If an overflow pipe is available, work the area around it carefully.
Early season water warms in response to the increasing hours of daylight. Sheltered areas exposed to sunlight are the first to show signs of plant growth.
Casting jigs or pitching a minnow suspended below a slip float like those balsa float in the Thill line, to any piece of structure often produces that first fish. The use of a slip bobber allows the angler to make his presentation at any desired depth until he finds the schools of fish.
Some of the better options are small jigs of ½-ounce or less in pink, orange, white or yellow. The Bobby Garland line of Itty Bit Slab Slay’r bodies are an excellent choice with their variety of colors. Anglers will experiment with other colors on those days when the fish do not seem to be cooperative.
Early in the year, bluegills feed on the vegetation in the shallows. Anglers should stalk them in their shallow feeding areas. They feed slowly so slow presentations of ice fishing lures like a Lindy Tungsten Bug work well under these conditions.
Baits such as spikes, wax worms, etc., can be added to a jig or hook. Another presentation can be a salmon egg hook with a single split shot about 12 inches above the hook. Adding live bait to the hook and you are in business.
As water conditions warm, the bluegill’s appetite increases. Scientists have found that bluegills tend to prefer water that has a temperature of 86 degrees or less. Most often they prefer 77 to 79 degrees. Smaller fish prefer slightly lower temperature water.
If the bait or lure is presented deep, the split shot should be moved further from the bait up to a maximum of 20 inches.
Light tackle is a must in bluegill fishing regardless of the time of the year. Spinning reels on ultralight rods should be spooled with 2- to 6-pound test line. The clearer the water, the lighter should be the line.
Some tips to remember are: 1) work the edge of cover. 2) If working heavy vegetation, set the hook quickly to keep the fish on the surface until you can get it in open water. 3) When the sun is high, work deeper in the vegetation. 4) As the light becomes low, work the edges.
Bluegills in a pond may seem like easy fishing. With the right tackle, this can be a challenging, exciting and fast‑paced action.
