Stacking Slabs
Created Outdoors Staff Member Deagan DeHarpart
The end of June is upon us, which means that the bluegill are biting hard. As far as fun to catch, it’s quite hard to beat a day of catching some bluegill. They are a great eating fish as well. They are not gamey tasting, and have a fluffy, flaky white meat.
Bluegill are one of the few fish that can live in just about any type of fresh water. You can find them in creeks, rivers, ponds, and lakes. They are relatively easy to catch also. They are the perfect species of fish to target with kids. Letting the kids participate in the whole process of catching, cleaning, and cooking the fish can help build memories. Also, the process opens up opportunity to share the word of Christ with the next generation. Share with them John 21:10-11 as it says, “Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So, Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.”. Much like the net, our love for our kids, and God’s love for us will always endure.
Some all-time favorite baits for bluegill are medium sized worms and maggots. Using a size 6 to a size 10 hook with 1/32oz or 1/16oz split shot is recommended for bluegill. Rig these with a bobber and let the fun begin! If you are in a boat, or a kayak then you can just drop these down to the bottom, reel up a few inches, and wait for the tug.
Photo By Created Outdoors Staff Member Derek Denlinger
You can use soft baits for bluegill as well. Jigging for bluegill from a kayak, canoe, or boat can be fun also. Using the oars can make it easier to get in close to some of the best cover, such as overhanging brush. They can be a great way to get in some exercise as you enjoy catching some fish on the water also.
Small inline spinners can be an exciting tactic. In the warmer weather. Bluegill can hunt some of the smaller bait fish, and bugs such as beetles. These spinner baits will mimic some of these motions. The vibrations will also create sound to attract the predator fish. There is not much that compares to the look on a kids face the first time that they feel a fish strike on a spinner.
There is just something about stacking some slab bluegill that makes you think about Peter, James, and John. Just think, they were fishing for a profession when Jesus recruited them to become disciples. We still have the opportunity to catch fish to feed ourselves and our families. The blessings that we have in common with the disciples that knew Jesus Christ as a man. It makes you wonder what our Lord God has in store for us? What is our purpose? In Mark 1:7 Jesus recruited them saying, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”. Until Christ enlightens you on what your path is, make the choice to seek and follow Jesus Christ, and be a fisher of men.
Until next time, fish hard, and pray harder. Become fishers of men.
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Written by,
Evan Gersper Created Outdoors Staff Writer