Bluegill fishing takes hold across Missouri

Without a doubt, bluegill are one of the fiercest of fighting fish, ounce-for-ounce. Nearly every lake, pond or stream has a population of bluegill and they are caught by everyone from kids to grandparents.

Recently, Jack Nelson and his son, Bobby, looked over a Vernon County farm pond where, in the late afternoon sunlight, they saw dimpling rises in the weeds along the shoreline. That was all they needed to see to know there were bluegill in the pond, so out came the ultra-light fishing gear, then the fun started.

"It took less than an hour before we had all the big bluegill we wanted to clean, along with two nice-sized bass," Nelson said. "It proved once again that farm ponds can save the day when nothing is hitting in the big impoundments."

Some of the best fishing comes when the heat is on. Many times, starting in late June and continuing through August, bluegill have saved the day.

"It's amazing just how many fishing ponds are available in our area," Nelson said. "Nearly everyone of them holds fish, especially fighting and tasty bluegill."

There are several things that make bluegill fishing good in the heat of summer, including the action bluegill give on ultra-light gear or a fly rod.

Many kids catch their first fish in a pond where they can usually depend on some action.

For years, I worked on trying to get the bluegill named the state fish. What a better fish in the state gives so much to so many?

Bluegill hit everything from flies to worms and are caught by kids, as well as grandparents. They fight big for their size and are great on the table.

Best of all, they are found statewide and furnish a lot of fun for everyone who goes after them.

It doesn't really matter when you fish for bluegill because they seem to always be ready for a treat. In fact, some of the best fishing for these fighters can be in the heat of the day, when insects are busy and the fish are waiting for one to get close enough for them to grab a bite.

George Larson, Sedalia, has two ponds, about an acre each, and he keeps the area around them mowed, so it can be fished easily by his grandchildren.

"I get a kick each time the kids go fishing for bluegill in the ponds," Larson said. "They always have some action and learn a lot about fishing."

Tom Davis is a tournament angler and usually goes after big bass.

"I remember the first fish I ever caught," he said. "It was a big bluegill and got me started fishing in a big way.

"I know many of today's tournament anglers started fishing by catching bluegills. They fight hard and are a lot of fun to catch on light gear."

The weather may get hot in Missouri summers, but the fishing can be even hotter if you try popping bugs on a fly rod. The action will soon make you forget about the weather.

The bluegill hit hard and often. Later, a meal with freshly caught bluegill as the main course makes you appreciate them even more.