Knowing the best hook size for Bluegills can be very beneficial to anglers of different calibers, especially during the fishing season when it is highly needed. Most anglers find it very hard to make perfect bluegill catches because they have neither the proper hook size nor an idea of what the proper hook size should be. With the right knowledge, anyone can make an excellent bluegill catch.
The bluegill is a favorite fish among professional and amateur anglers alike. They are widely available around the country and are enjoyable and exciting to catch for people across various levels of abilities. While it’s possible for novice anglers to capture bluegills, they are difficult to capture and always put up a fight once hooked.
Read on to discoverthe proper hook sizes and techniques to capture bluegill.
What is the best hook size for bluegill?
As much as there are myriads of fishesand other water bodies in the river, there are likewise numerous hooks of different shapes and sizes for catching them. The bluegill fish is not left out in this category.
The bluegill fish is mainly referred to as copper nose, bream, or perch. The name might vary amongst natives and anglers. The adult fish measurebetween 7-12 inches and are found in freshwater areas. They are known to have smallmouth structures, making them quite tricky to catch. Because of this, it is quite crucial to know the right hook to catch them.
The recommended hook size for catching bluegills is hook size 8. People have also been able to catch bluegills using sizes 12 and 6.
New anglers should note that the hook sizes don’t depict the logical size using a numbering system. In the case of the hook sizes mentioned above, the largest is hook size six, and the smallest is 12. It is important not to mix them up.
Types of Hooks for Bluegills
Bluegills have a way of stealing baits leaving anglers with an empty hook with nothing caught. Therefore, it is essential to know the right hook size and the appropriate hook type to use. There are several hooks used in capturing bluegill, such as
- Jig hooks: Bluegills can be caught using a method known as the jigging technique. Jigging is a fishing technique that includes impaling (piercing) fish with jig hooks. Jigging requires jerking the line to pierce the fish with sharp weighted hooks that, when pulled, have enough momentum to penetrate the fish and keep them from escaping.
- Worm hooks: It is a type of hook that uses worms as bait. It is very important to note that bluegills love to eat worms. The wriggling nature of these crawlers tends to instantly attract the bluegill from miles away.
- Baitholder hooks: This type of hook makes it possible to use many insects as bait, insects like grasshopper, crickets, or even worms. Its versatility is one to look out for definitely. This kind of hook is not just for bluegills but is suitable for other fishes.
How to Hook a Bluegill- Tips and Tricks
Interestingly, for you to catch a bluegill fish, you don’t only have to be a pro at fishing, but you need to think like one. There are tricks to getting bluegills and some of them are to:
- Keep moving until you get to a particular spot where the bluegills are located. Bluegills are known not to leave a specific location for some time. When this location is found, you just might hit the jackpot. This doesn’t mean that they are stuck in one place forever. Sometimes, weather conditions or temperature variations might make them change locations.
- Sometimes all you need to do is change the lure or bait. The same trick is not guaranteed to work every time.
- You need to pay attention to nature. Bluegills can go undercover when the sun is scorching. Other days in cloudy weather, they tend to roam the upper surfaces of the water. Not only that, sometimes currents take them to different spots.
- One significant thing to note is that bluegills have small mouths. So it would help if you used the appropriate hook.
- While descending your lure for a catch, endeavor to drop slowly. It gives the fish time to react naturally.
- When fishing in a deep lake, ensure to descend the lure deep into the lake.
How do you stop bluegills from swallowing hooks?
To prevent bluegills from swallowing hooks, you must use the correct type and the right size. You have to know what hook size is most appropriate forbluegill. The circle hook is hard for the fish to swallow, which makes it a very good option.
- You have to set it after the lure is taken to avoid the fish from consuming it.
- Sometimes, the fish is known to steal the bait, therefore, it is crucial to be observant to know when to set the hook.
- If you don’t want to use circle hooks, squish down the barbs on normal Jig hooks to reduce injury to the fish.
- If you hook the bluegill a bit deeper than you desire, this allows you to get the hook out with less harm.
- Barbless hooks are commonly believed to capture fewer fish but this is not the case for bluegill. There’s no reason for it to pull out if you retain steady tension on the line.
- Anglers might develop other means to stop bluegills from swallowing hooks, therefore it is advisable to check with a veteran angler for consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Often, people have questions about the bluegills fish and how to go about capturing it. There are specific solutions to these problems and some of them are listed below.
Do you set the hook on bluegill?
Yes, it is essential to set the hook on the bluegill once the bait is taken. It prevents the fish from escaping and also from swallowing the hook.
Can you use circle hooks for bluegill?
Yes, you can. The circle hooks are most appropriate for catching bluegills because this hook is hard for the fish to swallow. People who fish for sports can also easily unhook the fish from the circle hooks without causing damage.
How do you grab bluegill?
To hold a Bluegill properly, make sure your hands are wet first. Then, starting at the mouth and moving toward the belly, slip your hand down the fish. Keep your fingers on top of the fish and your thumb beneath it. It will force the fins downward, preventing them from poking you. Don’t overgrip the fish, instead, apply the same amount of pressure as if you were holding someone’s hand. Bluegills will usually flip or wiggle for a few seconds before settling down. Reduce the time a fish is out of the water before releasing it to ensure its safety.
Can a bluegill sting you?
No, bluegills have no stings on any part of their bodies. They are a species of fish known to be caught by anglers and are pretty friendly. Some fishes that sting are jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals.
How do you pick up bluegill?
Picking up bluegill is almost the same as grabbing it. You have to be careful while lifting it with the line so the hook does not damage the jaw. Then hold the fish by keeping your fingers on top of the fish and your thumb beneath it.
Final Thoughts
Catching bluegills fish is fun, but this fun can be farfetched if a person does not know the proper techniques to go about it. Hence, it is important to know what hook size is best for bluegill.