The bluegill quest is over this
year for me, and I didn’t make the count for the third year. A little bit
discouraging but at the same time very appreciative that I got to land 40 monster bluegills. This is my lowest number since I started my quest 3 years ago.
Aside from the trout, the
bluegill has to be my second love with the fly rod. The sheer fight this fish
can put forth makes it a worthy opponent on a 3 or 4 weight fly rod. Very
seldom does the fight occur above the surface of the water, but below. The
power a big male bluegill can put on a light weight fly rod by swimming side to
side is astounding. No jumping here just raw power with their wide bodies. After
numerous break offs with the 5X tippet, I now fish the 4X most all the time
when going after the big spawning males in the early spring. I thought I would share
with you guys a few worthy of a picture this season.
An early morning beauty on the Wulff Dry
The Road Kill landed this monster on Walker Lake early this year in March, I remember this fish on my 4 wt
The huge ice cube and five males and one nice female, all on top
These fish were especially memorable because of the size of the big male here compared to the other fish in this image. I remember I only counted two fish from this catch.
I usually don't count females but this one was so special, I just had to enter her in the quest. I also remember this fish, because of the slow morning I was having. She nailed a tiny size 10 yellow bellied Humphy. The dry fly sits motionless for what I thought was an eternity, and then she exploded on the surface to inhale the dry---heart pounding action guys!!!!!
CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR
I would agree as to the fighting skills of the bluegill, especially on the fly.
ReplyDeleteThose are some "Special" Bluegill there, Bill. As you know, I admire your Quest and how you approach getting to your goal. Not generally that big out here in Colorado, but, still my love!
ReplyDeleteBill - I don't know anyone who enjoys himself more on the water than you. Wait until next year.
ReplyDeleteBill! Amazing bluegills! Sorry ya came up a lil short but there is always next year! I hope to see you land one of those monsters on a Tenkara rod in the future! It is a pleasure and whether it is trout or bluegill, I enjoy your adventures! Tight lines
ReplyDeleteSorry you missed you mark but it looks like you had a blast doing it. Besides, next year you have another chance. Besides trout, the bluegill is one of my favorite warm water species on a fly.
ReplyDeleteAlan
ReplyDeleteI truly love to land this fish on the fly rod. thanks for the comment
Mel
ReplyDeleteThe bluegill is special, but if you want a real fight tie into a huge Shellcracker, super strong!! thanks for the comment
Howard
ReplyDeleteYes I am always planning my next trip, and can't wait to touch that fly down on the surface of the water. thanks for the comment
Noco
ReplyDeleteI may try the Tenkara next year, not for the bluegill but some trout on our tailrace. thanks for the comment
Joel
ReplyDeleteI got a late start this year, hope to start the quest the first of March next year. I need all the help I can get, the extra time may prove to be game changer. thanks for the comment
It's good to have that quest for next year. It'll definitely give you something to wake up to in the morning. I'll be following.
ReplyDeleteNice looking gills. I could go for a bowl of bluegill soup about now.
ReplyDeleteWow..there are some fatties there Bill..
ReplyDeleteJosh
ReplyDeleteEarlier start next year, you should join me next year. thanks for the comment
Pen
ReplyDeleteThe bigger the stronger--thanks for the comment
Daniel
ReplyDeleteBluegill soup, a new one on me--thanks for the comment
Thank you for this Bill. I thought I had read it awhile ago but honestly couldn't remember for sure. I see someone came over and visited from this post.
ReplyDelete