Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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



26 comments:

  1. that's awesome...I can't wait until bluegill season....

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  2. I would take a couple, even over trout. I think I'm going to have to do some warm water fishing this summer.

    Mark

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  3. That's a wicked looking panfish.

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  4. Pat
    This fish is the next step in bluegill fishing. Thanks for the comment

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  5. Mark
    I will be making a trip in May with one of my fishing buddies who has access to this lake to fish for some of these brutes. I will let you know about the action. Thanks for the comment

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  6. Jeff
    If you ever get a chance to fish for this bluegill, I would recommend. I can't wait to make a trip in May. Thanks for the comment

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  7. Kevin
    I am thinking my 9ft. 3 wt with one of these gills. It might take a little more time to get it to the boat, but fun. Thanks for the comment

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  8. That's one big bluegill.
    They fight like crazy.

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  9. I'm just discovering the joys of bluegill fishing. That's a hunk!

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  10. I've heard of coppernose bluegills, but never have seen one. Way cool fish. That 3 wt. ought to be perfect for them.

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  11. An 8 inch gill puts up a great fight, but to get into a school of 12 inchers would be insane.

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  12. Brk
    The Coppernose is twice as powerful as the average bluegill. Thanks for the comment

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  13. Ty
    I will try the 3 wt. in May when I make the trip to the lake where they are stocked. I think I may carry my 5 wt. as a backup. Thanks for the comment

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  14. Howard
    The bluegill is where I got my start with the fly rod. I never get tired of landing them. They are quite habit forming. Thanks for the comment

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  15. Ok, Bill, fly rod or not! If I was to hook one of these brutes, I would think I have died and gone too Heaven. God I love, Bluegills!

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  16. Mel
    This fish is the ultimate in bluegill fishing with the fly rod. Its body in wider than the average bluegill giving it enormous power. The mature ones are the ones that take a while to land. I hope someday you get the opportunity to land one. Thanks for the comment

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  17. Can I say "Holy S#!T" that is a huge gill!!! I imagine they would snap my 3 wt. right in half :) We gots to import some of those up here to Wisconsin. They look like they would thrive. Look forward to future posts on these guys. Tight Lines.

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  18. Trout
    You got that right!!! This fish takes fly fishing for bluegill to a whole new level. Its wide body and thick frame make it really powerful to the point you think you are fighting a smallmouth. These fish originated in Georgia, and can be found there more than any other place. Talk to your Game and Fish and see what the possibilities are to stock them there. Thanks for the comment

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  19. More and more reasons to come back and keep reading, keep it up! I don't think those gills would fit through some of my ice fishing holes!

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  20. Blake
    I don't know about that, some of those gills you pull through are awesome. Thanks for the comment

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  21. Mich
    Worth the effort on the fly--thanks for the comment

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  22. John
    A 4 or 5 wt. is put to the limit with this big brute. Thanks for the comment

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  23. Those gills I like to refer to as dinner plates! Monsters indeed! Nice catch Bill! I bet that is a ton of fun on the 5wt. Thanks for sharing!

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  24. Brian
    Once you land one it is hard to go back to the standard bluegill. Thanks for the comment

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