Jackson on fishing: Think small in the pursuit of bluegills

Barry T. in Arlington Heights is a regular reader, and he often sends emails about his fish-catching prowess.

And his latest missive struck a populist chord with me:

"I know there are many different techniques and live bait I could adapt to my needs, but I personally want to distill the process of lure selection for bluegill fishing. And the big question centers around my collection of ice fishing jigs and spoons. How do you think the ice jigs and spoons would work for bluegills and other panfish?"

I go through this routine almost every year, and with all the information out there in this area as well as on the internet, I can't help but continue to be amazed at how many people fish for America's No. 1 fish.

That's correct - it's not largemouth bass or catfish. It's the bluegill, with a second-place finisher being the redear sunfish.

Because many of us have seen ponds and some of the smaller lakes loaded with small sunfish and 'gills, we sometimes have a hard time imagining where to look or what to use to entice the bigger fish to bite. We can usually catch as many small ones we desire. It's the big fish that often ignore what we toss in the water.

Bluegill and angling guru Spence Petros teaches those in his fishing classes how to find and catch fish. He also touches on some of the top bluegill baits he recommends that could very well dredge out the "monsters" from their deeper hiding places.

"I like small leeches on tiny hooks for the big 'gills," he noted.

I started using a Ukrainian or Russian line of tiny jigs called Mormyshka for ice fishing applications.

Former Schaumburg angler John Plaza swears by these tiny metal-and-hook rigs for his bluegill and crappie fishing.

And my research has indicated this lineup of minuscule jigs is highly favored by ice and soft-water fishermen throughout Europe.

So with that noted, my answer to Barry for the good bluegill lure would be that lineup of jigs in either 1/64- or 1/32-ounce sizes.

But I rarely use a jig without some kind of "enticement" on the hook.

And in previous columns I stressed the importance of using fresh bait, if available, to tip the hook on the jig.

The live bait addendum choices include waxworms, maggots, pieces of nightcrawler or red worm and small leeches.

On the other hand, there have been times when I discovered pods of jumbo, hybrid bluegills running to 11 inches. Those "monsters" preferred live minnows over any other live stuff tossed their way.

By backup lure is a Cubby Mini-Mite, 1/64-ounce jig and tail, which is usually a white or chartreuse color.

Experience has shown me the larger 'gills can usually be found in a little deeper water. Of course one can see the smaller fish close to shore, cruising for an easy meal. I look for a deeper spot right off the outside weed edges.

There are occasions when I'll use a tiny float above the jig. I will also make sure I tie on a 5- or 6-foot-long fluorocarbon leader as well so as to make the line as invisible as possible.

But - and the key word is but - some anglers have their own favorite panfish lure that works exceptionally well for them.

Who am I to argue that point?

• Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, catch his radio show 7-9 a.m. Sundays on WGCO 1590-AM (live-streamed at www.1590WCGO.com) and get more content at www.mikejacksonoutdoors.com.