Best Bluegill Lure

[rFisherk]

As research for articles, I spend a lot of time testing and comparing various baits. (Someone has to do it, right?)

My tests are extensive and somewhat scientific, and for decades I've tested various panfish lures. For most of that time, my favorite lures were Mepps Ultra-lite spinners, small Road Runners, Paddle Bugs and tiny tube jigs (pretty much in that order) but a few years ago, I was asked to try Strike King's Bitsy Minnow. It has become my hand's down my favorite.

Not only does it catch more panfish, but it doesn't require the finesse necessary to get the most from Road Runners or the trick necessary to keep the little spinner spinning on the Mepps. You simply cast it out and crank it back slowly. I do, however, like to fish it was momentary pauses. It has an almost neutral buoyancy, so it dives to about four feet and suspends when you pause. The tiny hooks hardly ever get hung up in brush much either.

[fishinwrench]

Southern pro Tiny worm! BLACK.

On a 1/64-1/32 jig head that thing is serious business for gills. Unbeatable.

[Kayser]

Those cranks will catch crappie if you troll them. Hot pink or white preferred.

[bs1827]

As always, great shot! I will definitely be adding this to my arsenal. Any love for the beetle spin?

[jdmidwest]

Great idea. But my favorite panfish lure is a fly. Or a fly of many type. Some dry, some nymphs, some wet, and all time favorite is a popper.

Second is crickets, third is a wax worm.

[Johnsfolly]

By far I have caught the most bluegill on a green/black trout magnet jig under a float. I've caught nearly 300 bluegill using that combo over the last two years.

[stlfisher]

I would have to go with a olive chenille body and some rubber legs. Add a little lead wire. Strip it, float it under an indicator whatever. It is all I ever need really. Rubber legs are the ticket.

[Greasy B]

I would have to go with a olive chenille body and some rubber legs. Add a little lead wire. Strip it, float it under an indicator whatever. It is all I ever need really. Rubber legs are the ticket.

Yeah, I like white legs on a slow sinking spider. If I have a hard time seeing the fish take the fly I just wait until the fly disappears. If the light isn't right for sight fishing I'll do a slow strip or switch to a popper.

[DaddyO]

Terry Wilson's Bully Bluegill Spider

[stlfisher]

Yeah, I like white legs on a slow sinking spider. If I have a hard time seeing the fish take the fly I just wait until the fly disappears. If the light isn't right for sight fishing I'll do a slow strip or switch to a popper.

I use very similar methods...sometimes I can only catch them with them a slow trip. My surface fly preference is a small foam spider size 12 or so. I like it when the back of the bluegill's break the surface going after your fly. Kinda look like mini sharks too me