Bluegill Fishing in July and August

The days right now are long and they are hot. There a few activities to do outside around this time, but most of us probably prefer to stay in the A/C or to get out swimming somewhere. Personally for me during the hottest parts of the summer months I have found that bluegill fishing can be one of the cheapest, easiest, and most fun ways to spend part of the day. The equipment for bluegill fishing is often something a fisherman will already have in their kit or it can be bought for only a few bucks at a store near them. Bluegill are abundant in many bodies of water across the United States and accessing them is not a problem that is hard to solve. Bluegill fishing is something that does not take much skill to be good at and is a great way to bring family or friends out for some fast paced fishing fun. I am writing this post to help those who are looking for something that can get them out of the house and enjoy the outdoors this time of year.

One of the great things about going bluegill fishing is how inexpensive it can be. I know when I am looking for a great way to spend my summer days that money can play a big factor in what I do. Especially when the activity includes more than one person. Bluegill fishing offers the opportunity to go out and have fun without having to check the bank account first. Most fishers already have what it takes to get out there and catch these delicious fish. The basics are some light fishing line, a float ( or bobber as some call them), a split shot weight, and a small hook. Get some live bait like night crawlers and that is all that is needed! If you don't already have these things lying around then they can normally be acquired at a local shop for cheap.

Bluegill have a major fault and that is how easy they are to catch, but that's an advantage for us fishers. During these hot summer days the fish can be found in shallow water and are most likely to bite in the early to mid-mornings and mid to late evenings. When I go out for these I target any type of structure such as docks and submerged trees. In creeks or moving water it is good to look for those places where the water is more calm and in lakes or ponds shade can be your ally. When I find a spot to fish I can normally see whether there are bluegill there immediately, but if the water is not clear enough to see the fish then a few test casts will normally give an answer. If I don't get a bite from a spot in 5 to 10 minutes of fishing I will change spots or depth of my hook. These fish do not wait long to strike this time of year and if they aren't biting your hook pretty quick then chances are that they aren't there.

When I talk to my friends and family about my bluegill adventures, many of them wonder why I target such a small fish. My answer is two things. The first is that they really are tasty and the second is that my goodness is it fun! Bluegill fishing is one type of fishing where quantity is almost guaranteed. It is a great activity to bring new fishers or inexperienced fishers on because there is always a lot of action. There is no better way to get someone hooked on catching fish then to take them out and have them hook a fish almost every cast. I like to keep any bluegill over 6 inches as these make a great dinner after a fun day on the water.

If bluegill fishing is something that is interesting to you then I highly recommend it at as a trouble free pastime this summer. I know I will be out there at least a few more times before this heat ends. While you are out there make sure to take some time and look around you at nature and be thankful for the experiences it has to offer. Each fish you catch is a gift and a memory.