Date: 7/16/08
Contact: C. Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

TRY BLUEGILL FOR STARTERS

Many anglers don’t typically target bluegill, especially when trout, striped bass and largemouth bass are available. But those who pass up the chance to catch these scrappy little fish could miss out on some excellent fishing.

Depending on where people work in the Las Vegas Valley, they can spend a portion of their lunch hour fishing for bluegill in one of the local urban ponds. They are located at Floyd Lamb Park, Lorenzi Park, Sunset Park and Veterans Memorial Park. The latter is located in Boulder City. In addition to bluegill, the parks also offer anglers a chance to catch green sunfish and red eared sunfish. Both species are great starter fish for future anglers.

Perhaps the biggest reasons bluegill and sunfish are not highly sought after is because they are small and little skill is needed to catch them. Yet, for these same reasons, they are the perfect choice when teaching children and others who are new to fishing. Children are just as excited to catch bluegill as any other fish. They are even a fun choice for experienced anglers.

“The great thing about fishing for bluegill and sunfish is that ordinary fishing equipment will do just fine. Nothing special is required,” said Ivy Santee, angler education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

The basic equipment list for bluegill fishing includes the following items: a closed face spinning reel spooled with lightweight fishing line (4-6 pounds) on a fishing rod between four and five feet long, small hooks and some split-shot sinkers. For bait night crawlers, meal worms or crickets will do the trick.

The key to catching bluegill is to fish structure. Look for weed beds, fallen tree branches, rocks or docks when searching for a good fishing spot. Once you do find the fish, cast near the fish but not on top of them. This could spook them a little. One option is to cast beyond the school of fish and drag the bait back to the fish.

Fishing with the bait suspended below a bobber is always exciting, especially for children, because you actually get to “see” the fish bite.

For those who are looking to improve their fishing skills, fly fishing is another option. Some consider this a rewarding way to catch fish. Bluegill typically eat small insects in or on top of the water and artificial flies are used to imitate these insects. A small nymph fished below a dry fly works very well.

Some good flies to use are the Hare’s Ear, Prince Nymph, small Woolly Buggers, Adams dry fly, Elk Hair Caddis, and small poppers in a variety of colors.

“Many fishermen have childhood memories of catching bluegill or sunfish with their family or friends. This is a great way for kids and even adults to get started fishing,” said Santee.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for the restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources, and the promotion of boating safety on Nevada’s waters. Wildlife offices are located in Las Vegas, Henderson, Ely, Winnemucca, Fallon, Elko, and Reno. For more information, contact the agency web site at www.ndow.org.