Blue Gill

Appearance:

Bluegill have the deep-bodied look of “bream,” with a long dorsal fin and slightly forked tail. A dark ear covering and a blotch at the dorsal fin’s back bottom edge set them apart. 

Habitat:

Bluegill are common throughout Florida but are best known in lakes and ponds.  

Behavior:

Bluegill eat mostly insects and their larvae. Bluegill spawn throughout summer, congregating in large “beds”. Anglers may find 30-40 shallow nests scooped out in sandy areas. 

State Record:

2.95 lbs. Big Catch: 11 inches or 1.25 lbs. 

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Live worms or crickets are the best bait, either fished on the bottom or suspended below a float. Crickets, grubs, sand maggots or grass shrimp will also catch bedding bluegill. Use a small hook, #6 or #8, with a split shot sinker about 6 inches up the line. Concentrate on water less than 6 feet deep. For artificial baits, a 1/8 oz. “beetle spin” with a white or chartreuse body on ultralight tackle is excellent.

Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Image Credit: Duane Raver, Jr.