To find trophy bluegills, look for three critical structure elements: old dead wood, easy access to deeper water and proximity or firm bottom spawning flats. The more compressed these three elements are, the more likelihood there will be big bluegills in the area.

Areas with recent blow-downs do not produce well. The decay of green leaves and fresh wood depleted the oxygen content of the water in that area, plus such structure rarely holds enough food to entice game fish to hang around. Instead look for shaded cluttered shorelines, old wood such as logs, stranding timber, lots of overhead cover. Old submerged wood is typically home to a myriad of damsel fly and dragon fly nymphs, leeches and sowbugs, which is a hint as to which flies to try in such areas.

Big bluegills are not afraid of predation by bass. They feel safe in the dark depths – this emphasizes the need to fish deep.

Also as these fish reach trophy size, they become increasingly light sensitive. Even during the spawn, big bulls rarely come into shallow water – they stay in six to eight feet of water close to structure.

It is not unusual to find big bluegills in twenty to twenty-five feet of water in the height of summer when the fish are trying to seek cooler water.

The proximity of spawning areas adds the final detail. Bass spawn before bluegill so you will find good bluegills in the same spawning areas. The best areas have a bottom of firm clay, sand or gravel coated with a thin layer of rich decomposed plant material.

Important things to remember, as is with most types of fishing:
>> Stealth is important.
>> Clothing should be muted earth-tone shades.
>> Keep a low profile in the boat.

(Part 2 will be about equipment for catching bluegills.)

(Past Jack's Notes archived here.)