The Super Size Coppernose Bluegill on a 5Wt. Fly Rod

On my last post concerning the Tiger Bass I was discussing the habits of this type of bass. When I refer to habits I was stressing how aggressive this bass species is and the fast growth rate it has. Well I forgot to mention the other species that will be stocked in this new lake. Along with the standard bluegill that was stocked in the lake recently there will be the super size Coppernose bluegill which will be stocked out in the summer. This particular bluegill is much bigger than the average bluegill with a growth rate of ½ to ¾ lb. a year. One of the main reasons for the fast growth rate is the feeder pellets used to supplement their diet. There will be two feeder stations on this lake dispensing feed pellets at different times of the day. Along with the insect, aquatic life and pellet nourishments a mature Coppernose can measure as much as 12” in length . A bluegill this size is some kind of fight even on a 5 wt. Once you hook one and they make that turn in the water to position their wide body side ways it becomes a fight to land one on the fly. If you are fishing waters that have a feeder in the area you will notice the aggressive nature of the Coppernose as it feeds on top for the floating pellets. The interaction with the surface pellets brings out the killer instinct in this bluegill causing it to annihilate a top water fly. One of my fishing buddies had the pleasure last year to fish a private lake in South Alabama that had the Coppernose stocked in it. He said that the fight was never ending on his 4 wt. On a scale of good better and best; he said he would rate the Coppernose a best and beyond.

Notice the copper color on the forehead--hence Coppernose