Outdoor living

As Jack Larson pulled a big fighting bluegill out of the water, he said, "If these bluegills weighed as much as a big bass, you would need deep sea fishing gear to catch them." Larson was using a flyrod on an area pond for the first time. He was surprised just how much fun it was to catch these fine fighters. He said, "Ounce for ounce, a big bluegill will out fight any fish that swims." Bluegills aren't only fun to catch, a stringer of bluegills is a fish fry waiting to happen. They are excellent table fare.

Bluegills are one of the most common fish found in Missouri. Although mostly thought of as a pond or small lake fish, they are also abundant in large impoundments and streams.

When Lake Stockton was fairly new, the bluegill fishing was excellent. Many times I have pulled into a cove, broke out the flyrod and had a ball catching dozens of big bluegills. Today there is still good bluegill fishing to be had on the lake.

Larry Spencer, Kansas City, is a regular at the lake. He takes a can of worms and some crickets for bait and rarely comes home fishless.

Spencer said, " I have caught tons of bluegills from Stockton over the years and also caught some nice bass, crappie and channel cats as well as a few walleye. I think the bluegill fishing on the lake is getting better. I'm surprised more fishermen don't go after them." Bluegills are one of the most popular fish in the state for several reasons. They are easily caught, take a wide variety of baits, aren't particularly wary, are forgiving of a less than perfect fishing technique, fight well for their size, are great eating, are numerous in most ponds and lakes and can be caught on most any kind of tackle from a cane pole to an expensive graphite flyrod.

All of these reasons extend bluegill, but the major factor is abundance, for bluegill harvest isn't limited by daily bag limits or size limits. Lastly, and most importantly, bluegill are just plain fun to catch.

I always thought the bluegill should be the state fish for several reasons. They are found statewide, are great fighters, can be caught on any kind of tackle, furnish fun for everyone from youngsters to old timers and are great on the table.

Usually, around Memorial Day in Missouri, as they congregate to spawn, they become very aggressive, and are easy to catch. Fish a week or two before and after the holiday, and you will center the major spawning activity.

A bed of spawning bluegills can be a flyrod fisherman's dream. Using a small popper or fly, the action is fast and furious.

The bluegill is everybody's fish. Excitingly easy to catch, they are ideal for beginners, but equally fun for experienced anglers. There is no shortage of good bluegill spots in the state, and they are excellent eating.

Bluegill fishing -- try it, you'll like it!