Understanding Bluegill Technique in Early Summer
1. What is the Bluegill Technique in Early Summer?
From June to July, it's essential to master the "Bluegill Technique." Early summer is when bluegill make nests for spawning and guard their eggs. This period coincides with the bass post-spawn phase, during which bass, seeking to regain strength, actively hunt for food. They often target weakened bluegill at their nests, making them an easy prey. Even bass that cannot chase fast fish post-spawn find it easier to catch spawning bluegill in the shallows. Since bluegill are relatively large baitfish, they provide an efficient way for bass to replenish nutrients.
However, saying that bass are in their post-spawn phase does not fully capture the variability across different fields and individuals. Some bass may not have recovered at all, while others may be more active. Thus, assessing the condition of both bass and bluegill is crucial for selecting the appropriate lure.
Bluegill Nest
Bluegill spawning sites are fascinating to observe. They group together and create nests in close proximity, forming what looks like a series of mystery circles, each about 20 to 40 cm in diameter (7.87 to 15.75 inches), arranged in a honeycomb-like formation. If you spot bluegill circling above these nests, they are likely in the midst of spawning. A characteristic feature of bluegill nests is that they are often found in the soft shallows of the lake bed.
2. During bluegill spawning
Here, We will introduce fishing strategies that align with the behaviors of bluegill during their spawning period.
~During bluegill spawning~
During spawning, bluegill are found in shallow waters
Bluegill nests, often built in relatively shallow waters, are easily visible from the shore, allowing anglers to directly observe bass targeting these nests for fishing. During the peak of spawning, female bluegill constantly circle above the nest while males vigilantly guard nearby, protecting the females and eggs from predators. For simulating the slow, meandering swim of bluegill around these nests, using an i-motion bait is highly recommended.
In particularly clear waters or heavily fished areas where bass are more cautious, the T.H. Tackle Zoe lure proves effective. Crafted to mimic the exact appearance of a real bluegill, its ultra-realistic look, along with feathers and tail rubber, entices bass to strike.
Capable of various enticing actions from i-motion techniques to twitching and letting it sit on the bottom, many renowned professional anglers recommend the Zoe as a staple lure for bluegill techniques, consistently achieving impressive fishing results.
Another staple in the bluegill technique arsenal is the IMAKATSU Gillroid Jr. It's designed to mimic the behavior of a bluegill cautiously watching for predators. Typically employed with a very slow i-motion technique to quietly present itself to bass, a sudden reel-in to execute a sharp glide movement evasive action will trigger the predatory instincts of the bass.
Dropping the lure to the bottom when bluegill are sticking close to it can also be effective. Just leave it there if you're sight fishing. Unlike the previous two lures, the MEGABASS Sleeper Gill features hooks that are completely hidden within the body, reducing the risk of the bass noticing and avoiding the lure. Even when not sight fishing, its ability to maintain swimming posture without breaking down while crawling along the bottom and being aggressively reeled in is a key feature.
~During bluegill spawning~ Bluegill Lower Their Guard Around Muddy Nests After Rain—Prime Time for Bass Strikes
The bluegill spawning period in early summer often coincides with the rainy season. After rain, when the water becomes muddy and visibility decreases, bluegill feel hidden from predators and their vigilance wanes. However, bass, knowing the location of the bluegill nests even in turbid conditions, calmly wait for opportunities to strike. This makes it an excellent time for fishing using bluegill nest techniques. During such conditions, the highly attractive IMAKATSU Gillroid Baby, which can still catch the attention of bass in murky waters, is recommended.
The Gillroid Baby, part of the same series as the Gillroid Jr., is smaller in size but features more intense action when swimming. When the detachable lip is removed and the lure is simply reeled in, it's known for its significant power to disturb the water. This has led to the saying, "Jr. for stillness, Baby for motion."
~During bluegill spawning~ Bluegill Techniques for Targeting Trophy Bass
The bluegill technique is often regarded as an opportunity to catch trophy bass. The timing of bass entering their post-spawn phase can vary depending on the field and individual fish, but typically, larger individuals spawn first. For example, if a 40 cm (15.75 inch) bass is seen circling a bass nest, a bass over 50 cm (19.69 inch) might already be in its post-spawn phase and targeting bluegill. In such cases, it's advisable to use big baits that mimic the size preferred by trophy bass. The DEPS Bullshooter, at 160 mm (6.30 inches), is just the right size to catch the eye of these larger bass.
Entice with a slow glide movement, then introduce a twitch when the bass starts to chase. The lure's appearance closely mimics real prey, making it effective even for discerning trophy bass.
The JACKALL Gantarel is also a big bait at 160 mm (6.30 inches). Typically, it is fished with a slow steady retrieve, and adding momentarily tilting its body sideways while swimming around cover can be effective as well. When twitched, it performs a dramatic 180-degree turn, provoking strikes from bass.
For an action that highly appeals to bass and prompts them to bite, try the MEGABASS lipless crankbait-style big bait, Vatalion or Vatalion 190.
By rolling its deep-bodied frame, this lure creates intense flashing that can attract attention. Adding a twitch can leverage its inertia to produce an evasive action, enticing even bass that haven't responded to other lures to give chase.
3. After-Spawning of Bluegill
Here, We'll introduce the techniques where bass target bluegill that have completed spawning and left their nests. Bluegill are particularly vulnerable immediately after spawning, presenting an excellent opportunity for bass to strike. It’s advantageous to mimic the sluggish movements of these weakened bluegill, making them an easier catch for bass that haven't fully recuperated.
〜After-Spawning of Bluegill〜 Target bass resting by structures with weakened bluegill post-spawn
If you're targeting bass recovering from spawning and resting along vertical structures, a free-rig setup using bluegill-style soft-plastics is recommended. By gently dropping it along the vertical structure, it can mimic a weakened bluegill that has strayed and lost energy post-spawning, likely deceiving bass into biting. For bass that lack the energy to chase prey, the sight of a nutrient-rich, vulnerable bluegill descending is an opportunity too good to miss. Once the weight settles on the bottom, the soft-plastic will slowly descend, perfectly aligning with the bass's line of sight, creating an ideal moment for a strike.
Another reason why free rigs are well-suited for bluegill-style soft-plastics is the variety of appropriate options available. Recommended soft plastics include the following three, all of which are well-known for their effectiveness in bluegill techniques:
DEPS Bullflat features a "bellows-like tail," "vibrating arms," and a "flat body that catches water resistance" to create a "vibrating spiral fall." This design allows for a relatively slow descent, providing ample time to present to bass effectively.
GEECRACK's Bellowsgill has a ribbed body that enhances water engagement, making it particularly appealing. The pin-tail section also responds to water currents with a subtle quivering motion, which can effectively pique the interest of bass.
JACKALL's Honeynugget is designed to fall vertically, descending rapidly through the water. Once the weight hits the bottom, the lure adjusts to a horizontal position, creating a pause that entices strikes. This action is particularly effective for targeting bass that prey on juvenile bluegill.
Having IMAKATSU's Huddlegill as a swimbait is also beneficial, especially for simulating weakened bluegill. It features a paddle tail that offers substantial water resistance. When dropped on a free rig, it separates quickly from the weight, achieving a natural fall that mimics a struggling bluegill descending. After the weight touches the bottom, its fluttering spiral fall appears almost life-like, resembling a bluegill in a near-death state, which further triggers the bass to strike.
〜After-Spawning of Bluegill〜 Bass Targeting Particularly Weakened, Near-Death Bluegill Post-Spawn
After spawning, some bluegill succumb to the summer heat, reaching a near-death state. JACKALL's Chibitarel Deadrise can mimic this exact condition. When retrieved slowly, it swims with its body tilted sideways, resembling a bluegill on the brink of expiring.
At medium to fast speeds, the Chibitarel Deadrise performs a slalom action with its body vertically aligned in a glide movement, which attracts bass. By slowing down the retrieve at the end to simulate an exhausted bluegill, you can effectively trigger a strike from the bass.
By deeply understanding the behaviors and ecology of bluegill, anglers can strategically target bass, making fishing with the Bluegill technique both effective and intriguing. Various manufacturers offer lures specifically designed for the Bluegill technique, each with unique features. Equipping yourself with a variety of these lures allows for adaptability to different situations, providing a direct path to mastering the Bluegill technique.
