Pepperoni wrote:
wrote in message
...

I suggest that a "foot long bluegill" is going to "bust" your tackle
unless you hook him on bass fishing gear -- even then he'll let you
know he was there ;-)

Cheers



I fish 'em on 4# test. They run more like 11 1/4 inches. Not a big problem
on open water, if you don't mind the boat spinning around the anchor rope a
few times. Once a bluegill gets that big, he's too big for most of the pike
to handle. They hunt in packs and fear nothing. I've seen them hunting in
a line at dawn, with their backs out of the water---- looks like a snake or
something moving on the surface. They are swimming with their eyes just
below the surface, hunting bugs, I presume.

People think of bluegills as 4-5 inches and kid stuff, but a limit stringer
of 25 big gills weighs about 50 pounds and is a real "event" on the boat
ramp. People seing a full string for the first time, just can't believe it.

You're right and people would be within their right not to believe it.
The World record Bluegill was a little over 4 pounds and just a tad over
14 inches in length. IIRC the Florida state record is less than 3
pounds and they grow big down there in that kind of climate. Anywhere a
Pike will live is not the ideal climate for Bluegill so you would have
to excuse me if I suspect I'm hearing a fish story. Sure you are not
confusing Bluegill with Yellow Perch or something? Hunting in packs, in
a line, with their backs out of the water and eyes just below the
surface ................. sorry, a Bluegills natural shape which is like
a dinner plate doesn't allow this to happen. Not calling you a liar
mind you, only just as I said I suspect a fish story being spun here.
BTW, a 11.25 inch Bluegill would bust 4# test line in a heart beat.
Pound for pound they will out fight a large mouth bass any day.

Jerry