My favorite lines are Trilene Sensation or Stren Magnathin in 4-pound test for 95 percent of our fishing. Clear is the standard color, with fluorescent blue reserved for murky or tannin-stained waters. I have not seen a situation where flourocarbon lines outfished monos, but if they add confidence, use them. If anything, flourocarbons are a little stiffer than mono and light-striking panfish may shy from such lines.
If you’re trying to pull pound-sized ’gills through heavy brush or weedgrowth, increase line strength to 8- or even 10-pound test. Supple, castable lines are needed to deliver natural baits to discriminating fish. Mid-sized reels have larger spools than mini reels, and line spools off more easily for longer casts.
Livebait Options
Under most circumstances, well presented livebaits outproduce lures for trophy ’gills. There’s a time and place for tiny hairjigs, small crankbaits, and midget spinners. But for putting the odds in your favor, livebait wins under most conditions.
Top prespawn baits have been weightless presentations of small live earthworms or redworms. Smaller nightcrawlers, sold in the mid-Atlantic as “dillys,” produce well, too. The best size is 2 to 4 inches long. These baits appear most natural when fished with little or no weight. The long rod and limp mono come into play here, delivering baits that appear completely natural. Big bluegills use their keen eyesight and picky nature to discern real from fake.
Don’t use a hook that’s too small. Tiny #12 or #14 hooks often are swallowed by fish you want to release. Also, a tiny hook can pop or slide right out of a big bluegill’s mouth without hooking its lip due to its minute gap. I like a #8 or even #6 circle-style hook, such as the Owner SSW Needle Point or Gamakatsu Octopus Circle, or #8 or #10 Aberdeens in bronze or red. I avoid gold hooks—giants know better.
Skewer worms completely on the hook, covering the hook eye, and allow at least a third of the bait to writhe. Trophy ’gills like lively baits, so replace worms often and discard damaged baits. Where longer casts are required, use small Thill River Master center sliders and Mini-Stealth floats. Set bobber stops at the appropriate depth. Clip-on weighted bobbers work but may spook fish if the water is clear or shallow. Small Euro-style shot can be added 12 to 18 inches above the hook to gain casting distance.
In cold water, try dart or ballhead jigs of 1/32 or 1/64 ounce, tipping with live worms. During colder months when worms may not be available, try waxworms, mealworms, or Berkley Gulp! Earthworms. Dart-style jigheads, popular with the shad anglers on East Coast rivers, have excellent action while suspended from a sensitive slipfloat on a choppy surface. Tiny ice-flies tipped with bait are another good choice. Again, keep the bait fresh and lively.
*Jim Gronaw, Westminster, Maryland, is an avid multispecies angler who has written several features for In-Fisherman.
