Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

A network for Bluegill fans and people who love big bluegill (Lepomis Macrochirus). Bluegill photos, videos, discussion, blogs & more.

Resources

If you'd like to grow huge bluegills in Illinois or surrounding states contact Herman Brothers Pond Management
Visit our friends at Pond Boss forums. The world's best discussion forum on ponds and small lakes.
Read Pond Boss Magazine, with frequent articles about growing huge bluegill--big, BIG bluegill.
For growing giant bluegill check Purina website for Aquamax fish feed
Differentiating between male and female bluegill
Bluegill mounts by famed taxidermist Cecil Baird
Commonly asked questions on how aeration can affect your bluegill pond
Hybrid Bluegill, pictures and discussion
Midwest Pond Management "NEFGA"
Floating Islands for your monster bluegill pond
Condello Strain Bluegills
Hatcheries
Pond construction consulting
Troubleshooting for your trophy bluegill pond
Ray Scott's Lake Life Pump for keeping oxygen in your bluegill pond
Donate to Jesse West Foundation
Bluegill on Wikipedia
Bluegill on fishbase

Photos

Videos

Bluegill storm

Added by Bill "Musky" Modica
spoons

Added by Bill "Musky" Modica
Nebraska big bluegills!

Added by Erik
New Panfish Adventure

Added by Bill "Musky" Modica
Bluegill Ice Fishing Adventure

Added by Nate Herman
Bluegill filleting technique

Added by Bill "Musky" Modica

State Bluegill Resources

Iowa DNR - bluegill
Texas Parks & Wildlife
North Carolina Bluegill
Wisconsin DNR Bluegill
Minnesota DNR Bluegill
Illinois State Symbol - Bluegill
Missouri Bluegill
Michigan Bluegill
Kansas Bluegill

WELCOME TO BIG BLUEGILL!!

This website is being created for all of us who love BIG BLUEGILL! Create an account, post blogs about bluegill and redear sunfish, research bluegill history, view photos, and post photos of our favorite fish. Your bluegill picture doesn't have to be of a gigantic fish. A nice fish with a happy angler or pretty background will do just fine. Photos of redear sunfish, hybrid sunfish, or other lepomids (sunfish) are also strongly encouraged. Big shellcrackers rock! We especially like bluegill and/or redear sunfish videos.

Forum

Feeding A Great Blue Heron

Had a pretty cool encounter today with a very large great blue heron while fishing a cove at the Martin lagoon in Middle River. I was showing my girlfriend how to use the new rod and reel that I bo...

Started by Dave 5 hours ago.

Joe's Flies

Has anyone ever used any of the spinner baits from this company? If yes, how well do they work?

Started by Dave 5 hours ago.

Wishing You a Safe and Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Hope you all have a safe, happy and fish filled 4th of July weekend! Doug

Started by Doug Rorer 10 hours ago.

In search of a grub body...

First off, I am new to the board so THANKS for having me. I am in search of 3/4-1" grub body. It is a plain looking thing that has no tail section. It is a little wider at the top and tapers to a p...

Started by Paul Mullins 16 hours ago.

Keeping small gill in aquarium 12 Replies

hey just thought i would ask if any of you guys have ever kept a small gill or other sunnie in a mabey 12-13 gallon tank with some gravel and other stuff. could you feed them just like meal worms a...

Started by flytyerboy95. Last reply by flytyerboy95 5 hours ago.

Best Bait to use for Summer Gills 12 Replies

I was going down to the local ponds to catch some gills and i dont know what to use. Ohh Yeah, and there are many small 5''er's and i know that there are slabs on there though.

Started by Ryan Oddo. Last reply by Ryan Oddo 7 hours ago.

BROKE MY RECORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 11 Replies

well im happy to say i broke my biggest bluegill record bye about a inche and a half so eight and a half inches .but am not happy to say i used a spinning rod and didnt get a picture :( any ways i ...

Started by flytyerboy95. Last reply by Michael J. Searl Jul 1.

What is a good way to freeze Gill filets? 12 Replies

I've just started fileting Gills after joining this goldmine site. So far we've eaten them all but I might want to freeze some sometime. Tell me how ya'll do it. In water, no water, wrapped in foil...

Started by bluegillboogieman. Last reply by Jason Rutter 1 day ago.

Fishing Campout 1 Reply

Had the pleasure this weekend to host a friend and his son on a fishing weekend camp out. They drove seven hours to get get here so Friday I ferried them upriver 10 miles and let them chase the sma...

Started by Lord of the Fly , Rods. Last reply by Walt Foreman Jun 29.

Gill-crackers....Super strain or just part of the freak show? (video) 16 Replies

Recently, my fishing partners and I have been catching some really strange units...BGxPS....BGxRES...GSxRES....and who knows what else is in the mix.....A proverbial fish orgy of sorts, which has p...

Started by Bill "Musky" Modica. Last reply by blackhawks Jul 2.

Lake Champlain Fishing Trip and Vacation

My Apologies since I haven't been on this site for awhile cause I've been on vacation to Lake Champlain and been doin quite a bit of fishin!!! Camera's batteries are gone so am recharging them and ...

Started by IceWarriorGill Jun 27.

any one tie their on jig 3 Replies

well i am now a addict to this new hobby. ihave just started tying my on jigs. and i started of with a easy one. the good old wooly bugger in basic black. so tell me what yall think

Started by robert b reid. Last reply by John Sheehan Jun 30.

Hi!.. 2 Replies

I just found "Big Bluegill' today...What a great site!......I'm an avid bluegill flyrodder (35 years) and certainly will be watching and adding to the site on occassion....also into wildlife/nature...

Started by John Sikkila. Last reply by John Sikkila Jun 27.

Selecting the best Purina Aquamax fish food for Bluegill 6 Replies

Asking Bruce Condello and other Big Bluegill Members to discuss their experience with feeding bluegill Purina fish food, and specifically which Purina fish food has produced the best results. Backg...

Started by Lynn Guillory. Last reply by Lynn Guillory Jun 28.

Droppining cribs and fly fishing! 7 Replies

Just thought I would holler at everyone! Today is crib building day and learning how to fly fish a little! Lets start with the cribs, My dear "uncle" Tommy (mom's cousin), is wanting to get some st...

Started by Patrick "Bullworm" Olson. Last reply by Peter Jun 30.

Hey Mod!...Swede....It's What's For Dinner! 1 Reply

Hello All- I just wanted to let everyone know how my latest gill excursion played out. We hit Square Lake, a local gin clear lake here in Minnesota. We fished the lake in an old canoe and had a f...

Tagged: Spoon, Mod

Started by Doug Rorer. Last reply by Bill "Musky" Modica Jun 27.

Maki Plastics? 5 Replies

Is anyone familar with Maki Plastics? I was going to oder some of his soft plastics, they are amazing from what I heard and read, but going to the site is impossible! It appears to be riddle with v...

Started by Patrick "Bullworm" Olson. Last reply by richard schmidt Jul 2.

Little gill...or big gill? 3 Replies

I found a lil' stream, I guess its almost a swamp ...anyway...its loaded with pumpkinseed, warmouth, redear...as well as bass and pike...... anyway, I can catch these gill pretty regular, especiall...

Started by David Allen. Last reply by David Allen Jun 26.

hello 5 Replies

hello everyone. im a new member and just would like to say Hi. My name is Peter and I live in socal. I love to fish for anything with fins and bluegill is on top of my list.Fly fishing off of float...

Started by Peter. Last reply by Peter Jun 28.

structure and signs 3 Replies

hey you guys sorry i havent been on in a while but i had a quick question i dont get to fish any very good bluegill lakes very often and when i do i was wondering if you guys and gals have any thin...

Started by flytyerboy95. Last reply by Greg McWilliams Jun 27.

Blog Posts

Still cracking on the procrastinated things about my page

Well, I added photos and a pic of myself, I am not the most, photogenic person.I am much, better looking, in person J/K. Anyway, I am not the bluegill fisher I was once, or maybe I never was, but I added some general pics, of a few of the fish, I have caught over the last couple of years.I don't usually bring a camera, as that means a black and white kitty in the boat for me.

Can't have that, but maybe, I'll purchase a scanner and get those in here, when I get extra change to do it.I saw a rath… Continue

Posted by Rob Garner on July 1, 2009 at 7:40pm

I need help and you guys now ur stuff

Im 14 and im a big fisher. I fish as much as possible whenever. In about a week im leaving to go to trout lake in ny. Great place and lots of fish. Croppies,bluegill,sunfish,trout,lake salmon most of the popular panfish. Im hoping to be catching lots of blue gill to eat. Ive never really done this before but i have read a bunch of articles and tips on doing it. When im there its fretilizing time for the males so they will be aggersive. I no i have to reel slow and be quiet all the basics but im… Continue

Posted by Max Karslake on July 1, 2009 at 4:26pm — 4 Comments

Reprimended

I got scolded today for throwing back a fish. We were fishing back in cove for gills and were catching a few small 3-5 " gills and throwing them back when out of the clear blue we hear this voice very loudly from a fella on shore carrying a bucket and long stick complaining that we had no respect for the property owners because we threw back the little ones. I thought I would just pass this bit of levity on to everybody. The only problem was this guy was serious. By the shape of him I think that… Continue

Posted by 2lbgill on June 24, 2009 at 6:38pm — 5 Comments

Looking for Fishing Partners

If anyone lives in south or central Florida and likes flyrodding for bluegills please send me a note and let's see if we can arrange a fishing trip. I live in Avon Park with the Everglades, Arbuckle Creek and the Blue Cypress Lake area being my favorites. Would like to get to know the Fisheating Creek area. I prefer out of the way peaceful serene areas to large crowded lakes. I have a 14' jon boat that is set up for flyfishing.
michael.knowles68@yahoo.com

Posted by Mike Knowles on June 23, 2009 at 9:54am — 1 Comment

Mod good video, You looked scared! At least you got some gills, Been real slow on Lake Zurich. the s…

Mod good video, You looked scared! At least you got some gills, Been real slow on Lake Zurich. the spawn is for sure over! Manageing a few every day though. Continue

Posted by Tom Tischer on June 22, 2009 at 5:28pm

Slip-Sinker Rigs for Retreating Spawners

Sometimes we are faced with some situations where shallow, spawning gills are done and heading for deeper water to regroup. In some lakes I fish shoreline fishing is all that is permitted or else access is limited. Such is the case on two of my favorite bluegill lakes and now the shallow fish are moving away from the bank. How to stay on 'em?

Try this...put a bullet -style worm sinker on your line and pinch a BB sized spilshot about 24 inches up from the end of the line. Then tie a pair of # 10… Continue

Posted by Jim Gronaw on June 22, 2009 at 2:26pm — 3 Comments

Small spinners

Most of the time I fish with feather jigs and crickets. Been looking for a small spinner,beetle spin type, i found one on the webb. site fish-n-spin.com. It's a 1/32 oz. spinner and tube jig. I replace the tube with a feather jig. I am quite pleased with the results we are having with this jig. I still tip with crickets.

Posted by JIM SIMKINS on June 22, 2009 at 8:25am

The contest formerly known as the Big Bluegill scholarship contest...

I'm currently working on a contest for kids that will be under the age of 16 years on September 30, 2009. It will now be known as the "Kid's Big Bluegill Contest".

We're going to be hopefully getting a little sponsorship from Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops, unless we have a member out there with a connection to another sporting good outfit.

The contest will involve a one week registration period. After all registrations are in there will be a 20 question science test on bluegill, redear sunfish an… Continue

Posted by Bruce Condello on June 20, 2009 at 7:30am — 4 Comments

fly fishing for bluegills

i love the flyrod for bluegills anybody like the same some of my favorite flies dragonfly imitation orange foam spider beaded nymphs smaller the better what say you

Posted by david a. crenshaw jr. on June 19, 2009 at 7:42pm — 3 Comments

Pellet Training Bluegill

For the three years I've owned my pond I have been culling the huge flathead cats to increase the bluegill and bass population. Two years ago I added several hundred 4 to 6 inch readear and BG to my 2 1/2 acre pond. They are increasing in numbers dramatically, and I'm catching some larger bass. The catfish have quit taking pellets. I think most of the large ones are gone. I have been feeding gamefish pellets but I can't get the brim excited about them. I'm not sure if it has to do with the fact… Continue

Posted by Schroeder on June 18, 2009 at 12:30pm — 2 Comments

Drum-Type Fish Scalers

I'm considering getting one of these from Cabelas but thought I'd ask if any of you have had any experience with these or know anyone else who has. I'm wondering if they can do the job on gills, how much time does it take, and whether they are really worth it. The flavor of good gill fillet is really in the skin but hate scaling the dang things with a hand scaler or spoon. Am anxious to hear your thoughts. Sincerely, Bob

Posted by Bob Davis on June 18, 2009 at 11:06am — 5 Comments

It was just KILLING me...

Had to do some work on one of the Upstream Flood Control Projects that I manage in my county, and just had to stand there and watch while the fish were going crazy!

These small lakes (10-30ac. surface area) are Federal/State funded projects on private land. The Conservation District I manage has an easement for operation and maintenance but I have never asked permission to fish in any of them (I do all my hunting and fishing on private land in the next county to avoid any perception of... whate… Continue

Posted by Keith Owen on June 15, 2009 at 3:16pm — 9 Comments

oops but it was a nice surprise

nice suprise for the platte river in central ne. caught on a white maraboo miss

Posted by dave on June 14, 2009 at 9:28pm

Another close up Mr De Mill

I wanted to add this photo of another fish from this afternoon

Posted by Lord of the Fly , Rods on June 14, 2009 at 7:54pm — 1 Comment

Mr De Mill , I'm ready for my close up.

Went fishing between storms today, tried to take some pic with my cell phone ,caught some good ones but it's tought tryingto put them in the boat and take their pic at the same time. My porcupine quill is eight and a half inches long , this was my attempt, I'll do better next time.

Posted by Lord of the Fly , Rods on June 14, 2009 at 7:48pm

New spin on fried gills

Ingredients
2 pounds Bluegill fillets
1 egg
2 tablespoons honey mustard
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 teaspoons olive oil
Directions
1-mix egg and honey mustard in medium bowl.
2-mix bread crumbs and cayenne in large ziplock.
3-dip fillets in egg mixture then toss in bread crumb.
4-place in refrige for 1/2 hour so crumbs adhere.
5-heat oil in large pan and cook about 3-4 min per side (depending on how thick).

good eats for someone who dosent eat alot of fish.

Posted by R Willison on June 10, 2009 at 3:08pm

Don't take any moment for granted.

It started like any other early summer day for me and my kids last saturday. Get some bait, Drinks, Goodies, Gas and head for the lake. We had a killer day lots of decent gills. My daughter caught a tiny turtle that is now the new family pet. All in all life was real good. I droped my daughter at a friends house and me and my 4 year old son headed home to clean a mess of gills. We were laughin havin a good daddy son time when the screeching of tires on pavement jerked us both out of our good day… Continue

Posted by R Willison on June 10, 2009 at 2:30pm — 10 Comments

Taking gills on beds

Greetings...all,,,new member here, first time post.
Just read through the posts as to "Trophy Bluegills"
as to releasing back the big uns'... I agree a must do.... What is the membership thoughts about catching and keeping the gills off the beds before spawning is completed. I do not like to take them at that time...say leave them there for them to do their thing...more gills later for al of us to enjoy... Frogg2

Posted by frogg2 on June 8, 2009 at 4:42am — 8 Comments

mono or fluoro lines

Which is better mono filament of fluorocarbon

Posted by Anthony AkA THE BRIM REAPER on June 5, 2009 at 3:30pm — 1 Comment

The Ol' Gill Getter

Recently I found myself with some extra time as I had been laid off from my job. After getting some things done around the house, the garage reorganized and of course some job searching. I found myself brainstorming about what I could do with my boat. I had recently purchased a 1975 14' Starcraft Aluminum hull boat with 4 bench seats in it.
The boat I owned previously (The Ol' Gill Getter) was a 1965 14' Crosby fiber glass hull boat. It finally got to many cracks in the hull and had to be retire… Continue

Posted by Nathanael Deloach on June 5, 2009 at 6:00am — 3 Comments

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Latest Activity

IceWarriorGill commented on Jim Gronaw's photo 'Matts' Monster'4 hours ago

Hey Matt, Another Seriously Big Bull Gill!!!! Way to go on a fine Catch!!!! Keep those photos comin!!!!

IceWarriorGill commented on Jim Gronaw's photo 'Nuther Big Perch'4 hours ago

Hey Jim, Wow!!!! Another PERCHZILLA!!!!! You are definitely getting into some Seriously Big Monster Perch!!!! Way to go on some beautiful Panfish!!!!!

IceWarriorGill commented on Jim Gronaw's photo 'Ten Inch She-Gill'4 hours ago

Hey Jim, That's a nice lookin Cow Gill there!!!! I love the mottled coloration on her (almost reminds me of a Gill x Cracker Hybrid) but she's definitely a Beauty!!!! Way to Go!!!!!

IceWarriorGill commented on Theo Gallus's photo '8 Inch 10 oz Bluegill 7-2-09'4 hours ago

Hey Theo, That's a nice stocky, heavily bodied Gill there!!! Way to go!!!

flytyerboy95 replied to flytyerboy95's discussion 'Keeping small gill in aquarium'5 hours ago

That is super cool. i wish washington had RES they would be sweet to have or fish for LOL thats some great advice thanks FTB95

Dave added 2 discussions5 hours ago

Walt Foreman commented on Ryan Oddo's photo '12'' Gill'5 hours ago

Great fish, Ryan! Did you weigh it?

Ryan Oddo commented on Ross Ardoff's photo '06-16-09 Big Bull'6 hours ago

................. Speachless....................

Ryan Oddo added 8 photos6 hours ago

4 more…

Peter commented on Dale Hammond's photo 'bottompaint'6 hours ago

ok , that "paint" is getting kinda stupid. Too much is just too much.So please stop it. Thank you

Ryan Oddo replied to Ryan Oddo's discussion 'Best Bait to use for Summer Gills'7 hours ago

Thanks man and tight lines

Ryan Oddo replied to Ryan Oddo's discussion 'Best Bait to use for Summer Gills'7 hours ago

Thanks and i totally agree. Pound them slabs

Ryan Oddo replied to Ryan Oddo's discussion 'Best Bait to use for Summer Gills'7 hours ago

Thanks a whole lot blackhawks for your help and pound them slabs!!

Travis Tate replied to flytyerboy95's discussion 'Keeping small gill in aquarium'7 hours ago

I currently have 3 pumpkinseeds, 2 bluegill and 2 redbreast sunfish in a 125 gallon aquarium along a few other game fish. They are rather easy to care for. My sunfish are small, between 1.5" and 3" in length. They will grow quite large though. I f...