"Jerry" wrote in message
hlink.net...
Pepperoni wrote:
wrote in message
...


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


Well, I suppose you have never seen 'gills swimming the surface. It is a
strange sight until you figure out what it is. Their shape is the reason
their backs will show as little crescents, and a school moving this way (in
a line) makes it look like some other strange critter.

I assure you, Michigan grows some fine bluegills. The large ones like big
water and are predatory. They hunt in packs and are too big for all but the
largest pike to eat. We sometimes do catch them with the scales rubbed off
of one side where a pike has TRIED to eat one.

Michigan state record was 2lb 12 oz, and 13.75 inches, caught in 1983 in
Alcona County. (which is 200 miles north of here)
http://www.hotspotfishing.com/record...s-Michigan.asp

I rarely break off anything using 4# test. Fishing in open water with a
smooth drag and a 12 foot UL rod. He's not going anywhere. I do use a
landing net.

Don't write off light tackle. I've been catching flatheads this year with
my UL rod and reel. (I did go to superlines for the heavy guys, though)
http://home.comcast.net/~catfisher88/flathead2.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~catfisher88/earlymorncarp.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~catfisher88/flathead1.jpg
The rod is the upper section of one of my 12 foot rods with a handle kit.
The short (6') length makes fishing the brush along the river easier. It's
still a bit whippy, but works well with the spiderwire, which has no
stretch.

These were the first flatheads I've seen on the river. We do have some fine
channels. though.
flatheads, 8-12 pounds caught on hot dog bait, carp to 22 pounds caught on
corn. All handled with a 6 foot UL rod rated for 4# test.

That spiderwire is great for cutting weeds. I have a huge arc mowed; I
just let the big carp run and listen to the weeds getting cut. tonk, tonk,
tonk.

Pepperoni