Bluegill Fishing Tips with Bobbers and Plastic Lures

With spring in full swing, it's now a great time to go fishing for bluegill sunfish in shallow water where they're accessible and eagerly biting. Soft plastics fished under a bobber can be just as productive as live bait but without the inconvenience (rebaiting hooks, mess, keeping bait alive). Wired2Fish's Kyle Peterson shares his simple bluegill fishing setup consisting of a slip bobber and jig and plastic.
TACKLE USED:
-Lunkerhunt Spade Grub: wired2.fish/SpadeGrub
-VMC Tungsten Tubby Jig: wired2.fish/TungstenTubbyJig
-Daiwa Cronos Spinning Rod, 7'1" MedLight: wired2.fish/DaiwaCronosRod
-Daiwa Procyon LT 1000 Spinning Reel: wired2.fish/DaiwaProcyon
-Sufix 832 Braided Line, 8lb: wired2.fish/FU-Sufix832
-Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 6lb: wired2.fish/Advance-Fluorocar...
-VMC Sinker Stops: wired2.fish/SinkerStop
-Thill Pro Series Slip Float: wired2.fish/ProSeriesSlipFloat
Peterson foregoes the use of a split shot in favor of 1/16-ounce tungsten jig. This compact slip bobber system allows for pinpoint pitching around cover, long-distance casting, and targeting panfish in shallow to deep water all without retying. It's an easy and effective way to catch all species of panfish be it bluegill, shell crackers, crappie or perch.
OTHER GEAR:
-Lund 1875 Renegade Mod-V Bass Boat: wired2.fish/1875Renegade
-Mercury Pro XS 115hp FourStroke Engine: wired2.fish/MercProXS-115hp
-Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor, 80lb: wired2.fish/MinnKotaUltrex
-Minn Kota Talon Shallow Water Anchor: wired2.fish/MinnKotaTalon
-Mercury Dockstore: wired2.fish/MercuryDockstore
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ABOUT US:
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[@scottsoucy6186]

I love fishing for bluegills with light and ultralight tackle. They're probably the hardest fighting fish, pound -for - pound. If they got as big as bass and pike I'd never go swimming!

[@peterb3124]

Taking nephew out - for bluegill / sunnies / slabs. First time I've panfished in ... 40 years??? Great refresher.... Thanks

[@thisoldbelair]

I’m new to fishing, but my two boys and I were just out catching little bluegills on Lake Erie tonight. Super fun. Hope to be able to catch the big ones some day, that’s a really cool sliding bobber set up, never seen that before but I can see how that would be accurate as can be for casting.

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad to hear your getting out chasing gills Devon. We have much love for them here at Wired2fish. Check out this video we just produced if you're interested in leaning more about this awesome species --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3iTqYScqbZ9pbM

[@dewaynemckinney8797]

it's all about family time and having a peaceful mind

[@marcdewey1242]

Keep it up man,won't be long til it's time to start going again myself,can't wait.

[@dice44]

If you want bait that you don’t lose every minute like worms, try to find some VERY small jigs and mister twister (jig worms) they should be little white rubber worms, the gills love them.

[@jeremylesso857]

Go in May

[@joelboardgamerpger5393]

Fan-tastic, vid for new guys, like myself. I really appreciate it. Thanks/Luck, Joel

[@totalannihilation9065]

This is a great rig. I'm enjoying bluegill fishing so much.

[@markw999]

Nice fish. I think some of us forget how much fun it can be to pop panfish on light spinning tackle. My favorite fishing anymore is smallies on lighter tackle. More bang for your buck than looking for that 4+ pound largemouth that you may only see once or twice a year, if that.

[@pineylife]

Great video and very informative. Looks like i'm gonna have to try this method.

[@funkymojo111]

Wow!! Nice sized Bluegills!

[@michaelaldrich5975]

So, we went to Badin Lake in search of bream and used both the Lunkerhunt Spade Grub as well as the Water Bug in addition to live worms. I cannot say with 100% confidence, but my daughter and I do believe that the addition of the LunkerHunt baits improved our quantity of bream.

[@TX_TOAST]

Bluegill fishing needs to be have its own league 😎

[@adrianlynch7343]

great stuff , nice looking blues .

[@Wired2Fish]

Thank you kindly

[@CastBlastCamp]

Man, you was hammering those gills, nice size too! Make for great pan fish!

[@pat632]

Thanks for the informative video!

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RedMartin66]

Great job Nicely done videos!

[@tracypapermouthpickerzella195]

Those really are some nice bull bluegills y’all are catching there, I’m jealous!!!🥴🎣👏🏾👍🏾

[@gpdory]

Just ran across your video very informative, How long of a floro leader are you using ?? and what type of knot are you using to tie the leader to your braid??

[@wayne3302264]

Now that it is more fun fishing to me than spending a hundred casts or more trying to get one bass. Those are nice and they are good eating too.

[@cosmiconni6321]

Bass boat for bluegills? Nice!

[@dreroy599]

When you got it, you got it bruh 😂

[@davidshuck3918]

What of jig are you using

[@peteranddorothybowles5428]

Great stuff matey Blue gill fishing looks good easy days fishing Daiwa fan to

[@jimmywilliams24]

Great video!

[@ryanmozisek6464]

Just placed an order for the grubs, heads and floats. Ready for something other than crickets!

[@erichthompson3711]

I have really only used crickets and wax worms with a bobber for Bluegill. I usually save my jig fishing for crappie and I don't believe I have ever put one under a bobber. At 44 years old, I might have to change my ways!

[@bait_ball_bandits]

Same here. Might have to change as well

[@bradbarnes9241]

If you have never fished a cork and jig for crappies you are missing out on one of the greatest fishing bites ever. Im from st louis that bite kicks off the first warm up in february and continues through the spring consistently. Try it you will not be upset

[@notduxky9440]

I LIKE THIS VIDEO VERY HELPFUL!

[@groundrodshorts]

Good content! Thanks for info

[@davehorn1422]

Great video. Some of the best tasting fish.

[@Wired2Fish]

That absolutely are, we always let the "bulls" go to spawn another day.

[@Wired2Fish]

Without question. More firm than crappies.

[@workingman9745]

No joke, I just told my neighbor the night before I watched this video that bluegill are the best tasting fish in my opinion.

[@dewaynemckinney8797]

save me some bud

[@georgecapra]

Great looking bluegills.

[@markramsey3785]

Nice video.. Great info

[@masontfields7228]

Saw you guys at the Detroit River

[@Dutch.1722]

I like 6# Mr Crappie. Bass bluegill catfish all bite it. I am using shad swim baits with chunks of redworm on tip of hook and the rubber shad is coated in wax worm paste. They can't say no. I got the visual smell and taste they want. Lewis shooter green and blue. Its a dock pole like you got and it too casts crazy far.

[@elic13]

Tell me more about your bobber stop please. Brand? I’m only finding the knot type around me. Thx, luv your videos!

[@fishgrubblades1779]

Great stuff

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks a bunch. We love big panfish!

[@theflannelfisherman8329]

Lelands trout mini magnets. Mr Crappie 7/8” rattling float. 4lb test p line moss green

[@rodericknelson8371]

Great video! I fish with Braid with a Florcarbon leader also. Sometimes I use a swivel so if I get hung up I won't loose my bobber. How long is your leader line and do you use a uni- knot?

[@taylor-eugenesimmons8615]

Nice Information!!!

[@mightyturtle]

awesome. i went out targeting bluegills yesterday. caught some, but they aren't up shallow here yet.

[@Wired2Fish]

Are they up now? They're post spawn in most places now.

[@mightyturtle]

@@Wired2Fish sure are. saw some on bed yesterday. others have spawned out already

[@markforster6457]

Are the fish setting the hook themselves? Are you using a small circle hook?

[@michaelaldrich5975]

This is a great educational video and I thank you for posting. I have a large selection of specialized bass fishing rods from the old days when I fished in local bass tournaments. I have since aged and have a young daughter who enjoys bobber fishing for bluegill and the occasional catfish with her Daddy. Obviously, my bass rods get the job done, but was wondering if the experience could be better (more exciting) with lighter equipment? I would appreciate any recommendations for a panfish style fishing rod that does not break the bank. Thank you all in advance.

[@peterjohnalmodovariii4065]

Walmart has the micro series rods for around $20 and you can get a Shakespeare micro reel for cheap too. Perfect for bluegill.

[@rodericknelson8371]

I have never heard of that jig, but I will have to try it. What size bobber are you using? Looks like a large or medium from the video.

[@davidrick994]

I catch at least 500 panfish/bluegill/sunnies every summer for catching big flatheads. Came here for more efficient methods. Will definitely try this.

[@dewaynemckinney8797]

that's whats up bro,

[@kaytheinfluencher1990]

How do you catch so many

[@PhuongHo-fr2sb]

Hi ! Can you please tell me where do you get that fake worm. Thank you

[@JIMMBAY1]

Awesome & wishing I was with, y'all...

[@TheKingdallaz]

AMAZING

[@davidsettle8456]

What's your go to rod and reel for bluegill and crappie

[@markdavis1141]

Great video.

[@clickymcclickerson6935]

Those look good to eat. Love catching them Pan fishes.

[@dhuze66]

I've never used a jig with a bobber before. I kill it with white curly tailed grubs, I'm going to have to try with a bobber.

[@jdbpastime7397]

We went today and used same setup except used worms instead of jig. We slayed the redears and caught a 9 in bluegill

[@Wired2Fish]

Awesome to hear JDB Pastime!

[@daveking8691]

Detail in fishing vids is great,wish ya said the weight and size hook you used.

[@YaBoiSoup]

He used a VMC Tungsten Tubby Tungsten Jig (TTJ) 1/16oz!

[@tyler5580]

They seem so calm for you. I caught my first bluegill the other day and had a hard time holding onto it because it was flopping all over the place.

[@alikseylondura7355]

Good your boy keep Fishing

[@stever8595]

So do you jig it or just let it sit till the bobber go's under?

[@jeremylesso857]

U know what what make them even better?

[@francissantos1815]

Nice fishes!!! What weight braid you using? I can’t seem to get my slip float to slide all the way up to the bead/bobber stop?

[@Wired2Fish]

Hi Kiko, Kyle was using a small diameter 8-pound braided mainline to a 6-pound fluorocarbon leader. Product links are in the description. That said, we're also a huge fan us using a 6-pound braid. Casts a mile, slides through the cork with ease and have plenty of strength to boot.

[@francissantos1815]

@@Wired2Fish awesome! Thank you for the very informative reply. Much appreciated!

[@SubieSayian]

Just bought me some!

[@dannycerna635]

Which spoon to catch bream with

[@gpdory]

What state are you guys fishing in

[@davidshuck3918]

What size of jig are you using?

[@gpdory]

In your opinion are blue gill spooked by high vis line and if so what length of floro leader do you recommend

[@Wired2Fish]

Gills, especially in cold water, can be very challenging to catch (and line shy). That said, they can be kamikaze in warm water and could care less. Speaking on behalf of our northern staff chasing big gills up north, we prefer a clear fluorocarbon leader of around 12 inches with a bobber setup like this, and longer on applications like jigs or drop shot. As with anything though, worth trying high-vis line direct to see if it makes it different on the fish you're targeting -- it very well may not.

[@mikdav6734]

I look at all the comments. Please!! List weight of tubby, size of the spade which is hard to find. And size of the bobber stop. Weight of the bobber. Please

[@noobpyrotech9991]

Those lunkerhunt jar baits are hard to find.

[@Daddy-uf6in]

New to fishing....what is the theory behind a moving bobber? I thought bobbers were tightly attached to the line to see if a fish bites? I'm confused.

[@harleyhollingsworth5981]

The bobber stays with the weighted bait for a more clean cast. The stop for the bobber is above the bobber allowing the bait to sink at the set depth after the bait hits the water. The bobbers that are tightly attached leave your bait dangling separately from the bobber and can cause tangles, or wrap around your pole when casting or reeling in. This setup still allows you to stop the cork at your desired depth but also when reeling in the bait is not trailing behind catching on everything you drag it across.. It’s pretty ingenious! Hope that helps.

[@pablolc7483]

Is it your preference to fish for panfish with braided high-viz line and use a fluorocarbon leader ?

[@Wired2Fish]

Usually so, as the high-vis line is excellent for bite detection and allowing your eye to follow it to the general location of the bait. Fluoro or a quality mono leader gets the job done, but more so fluoro where there's cover like weeds, wood or rock (better abrasion resistance).

[@yevsya]

@@Wired2Fish How long of a fluorocarbon leader are you using?

[@elvispressley702]

Only when the season is right

[@raphaelharmon4430]

What was he using for the lure

[@edwardclement102]

Prettiest fish in fresh water, and good eating.

[@docjones1522]

Besides the obvious, what is the purpose of the weight on the base of the slip bobber. Some have weights and some don’t, I guess I’m asking what the applications are for each. I’d appreciate any info you can provide. Thanks in advance for your time. -Brian

[@eugenegress5896]

I will tell you My Method ; My wifecand I use no other... We use the ," ROCKET BOBBER" brand of clip on Bobber, Remember wrap twice around the little J hook, just like people do with the old red and white bobbers. We use no weights at all... just a long aberdeen hook and small chunk of crawler. Note: The Rocket bobber has Internal weights, cast like a bullet, and lays flat on water. When bite occurs, it begins to tilt upwards . We always hook bobber 3 feet from baited hook. I like Orange Top , Chart color bottom, Rocket Bobber. Order online or check Tackle Shops. We use the 3.50 inch one , or The largest size doesnt matter.

[@geonnaking7752]

@@eugenegress5896 what line do you use?? my line tangles up terribly

[@MaCast]

Interesting i'll try this tips

[@Wired2Fish]

Right on! Let us know if it works for you.

[@Luceium01]

Maybe make a video on how to rig something like this?

[@kylelaughinghouse1893]

It's a simple slip bobber rig nothing complicated about it

[@onepunch9203]

I enjoyed this. 🌞 I think I'll take my niece and granddaughter out next week and try to find a hot bluegill bite. 👍🏼 Thanks for the video!

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks for sharing One Punch. We've done our job if the content can be used to get kids on fish.

[@solomonbarnes4629]

What size bobber is that?

[@starcareshermanoaks1467]

yes

[@patrickwashington9706]

Where is this lake

[@victorramos2299]

What size tubby jig do you use, they seem really small, I got one 1/16 oz and most on the website are 1/32 oz, I’m afraid the fish will swallow the whole thing.

[@Wired2Fish]

This is also a 1/16 oz. The bigger hook allows for a bigger plastic and, in turn, a safer release percentage.

[@victorramos2299]

Thank you for replying, i ordered the jigs and bobbers, I can’t wait to go fishing this weekend.

[@Lopez23300]

Do you happen to know the exact size of bobber he was using? 7/8”?, 1”?

[@Wired2Fish]

Hi Justin, boy, we'd have to get a few of these in our hands to recall the right size. Sorry!

[@tefarurumonico7173]

Having fished multiple s in different sizes and colors, kzbin.infoUgkxCbNOWAGmn6nfbCbJDmasvBq7J38KZNw2 this is by far my favorite. One thing to be aware of is the sided willow blade. One side is silver and the other is the green/orange shown. This is not bad, just unconventional. In terms of fishing, I have found the lure works just fine without a tail like a craw or shad. That addition is up to you. Also, the hook part where you attach the swivel snap or tie the line is a problem on baits these days, since it's able to slide up and down. However this lure seems to be tight enough that that doesn't happen often, and you can solve it by putting a thin slice of medical tube over the hook before attaching the line. Like others have said, it's really magic on a good windy day.

[@jasonb8081]

What size slip float you using?

[@ercly9382]

Not scientific, but looks like the length of a thumb....

[@austinhernandez2716]

Do you just let the lure fall down? Or pull twitch it every few seconds?

[@Wired2Fish]

We let it fall and sit there for a few seconds. If they're there, a lot of bites come on the initial fall. If we don't get bit, we usually start a sequence of twitches/pops to get the attention of any nearby fish.

[@carnufiasfishing8444]

How long of a leader are you using on your set-up?

[@robertkramer41]

The bobber stop determines that, there is no leader. I use the little red slider and bead, slide it to the depth you think they are, thread the slip bobber on, tie DIRECTLY to the line, no leader. I prefer Thil slip bobbers, a slip bobber is the best, casting accuracy, sensitivity, just better. I use this rig for gillin but tie a hook n snap shot, going to rig some little jigs today. As kids we started dragging flies behind the clear bobber, 2.5' leader, then replaced the bobber with a Hula Popper that had an eye screw hid under the skirt we would tie the leader to, then we were catching the bass we'd seen smashing the bobber.

[@pipsqueak87]

Also would like to know the length of leader

[@dewaynemckinney8797]

none

[@ghoumaanis5292]

Ottima canna qualità prezzo, molto resistente e con anello per l'aggancio del mulinello su

[@hot4km]

I've tried that method and my jig often lodges into the floater and doesn't sink. Any advise?

[@gavind.7918]

i don't know if this would help but maybe using a bigger jig head with more weight? that way it wont go inside the bobber, and should sink faster

[@hot4km]

@@gavind.7918 Thanks. Trying to stay light but if it doesn't always work... I'll try using a bigger jig head next time.

[@rrossi13]

seriously the biggest guppy ever

[@joe1071]

All slabs, all day? Stocked pond?

[@Wired2Fish]

100% public lake.

[@charlesbeall2589]

Wow, a right hand crank on a left handed caster, who'd a thunk it!😁

[@bigblue3568]

Some white Wonder Bread, hook and bobber will out fish any lure.

[@kylelaughinghouse1893]

But you end up running out of bread

[@moseross73]

What size thill 1/2 or 1 inch or 3/4

[@Wired2Fish]

Hi Mose Ross, it's the half inch which is just enough to perfectly suspend a 1/16-ounce jig.

[@bassingaround3233]

those are really big bluegill

[@dropsyx268]

Average size where i come from

[@jeremylesso857]

Yeah he's throwing them back SMH

[@jeremylesso857]

@@dropsyx268 what state

[@perrytheplatypus1323]

@@jeremylesso857not everybody catches and eats idiot

[@user-tn1xv1vc2d]

STRUCTURE is Key. Find Good STRUCTURE, Find the Fish 🐟 Tight Lines 🎣

[@TheKingdallaz]

AMAZING EATING ALSO

[@johnwilson5300]

Shoot cut the heads off scale them and gutm throw them in cornmeal. Fish, brown beans, taters, and okra. I mean to you

[@troymaziarz3343]

I can never get my lure to sink using slip bobbers for pan fish

[@brocksjolie8433]

Add split shots

[@yeetusclitus9758]

I use trds for these but they catch just about everything

[@victorduran6320]

Didn’t know Rob Dyrdek fished

[@glennunderwood4690]

Not to mention they're good eating

[@predator_boiz336]

Where are bluegill this size!?? I have never seen a bluegill this size lol I need to go somewhere else I guess lol

[@dewaynemckinney8797]

it want be long before I be back fishing

[@joedarden2276]

We Fishing

[@rezynrogue1309]

1000th like👍

[@MP-cx2rh]

Have camera man focus on the cork more. Its all about the cork for pan fishermen

[@seedee652]

Hahah

[@macale9966]

big boy

[@starcareshermanoaks1467]

sebastian box

[@starcareshermanoaks1467]

bass