The Running of the 'Gills!
Written by Dale Y the Fishin' Guy, Monday June 01 2009
That's what I'm talkin' about, right here!
We have a saying from where I come from that describes the big male bluegills coming into shore to make nests or ‘bedding’ as it were. We say that, “The bluegills are running” or that this is the time for the “Running of the ‘gills.”
I’ve never known where that saying has come from. I mean, I have certainly heard of a little fish on the west coast called a grunion, and when they school into shore to lay eggs, it is said that “The grunion are running.” I assume then, that this same term is applied to the bluegills when they also school into shore in order to build nesting beds and lay eggs.
Regardless, right now is just about the time where in smaller ponds, the bluegill are going to be running. This occurs scientifically at about the same time that the water temperature reaches about 65 degrees. Practically, it happens somewhere around the last couple of weeks in May or the first couple of weeks in June, depending on how deep or shallow the water is, the thermocline of the lake, and various other factors like structure, bottom composition and days of sunlight.
When the gills are running, you can just as easily land near trophy sized gills from the boat or on the shore. Male bluegills become extremely aggressive during this period, and virtually anything thrown out in their proximity will get attacked! Worms, spinner baits, top water bugs, they all work and work incredibly well. You don’t even have to aim for this one, just point and shoot.
In the hormonal frenzy that powers these male suitors, they will chase any other fish away from their nests, and hit lures that are as big as they are! I have thrown bass frogs into shore, only to be smashed by a big male bluegill looking to chase it out of its territory. I have heard stories that during this time, bluegills will even drive muskies away!
That’s what happens during the running of the ‘gills, and it is one of my most favorite times to fish. Throwing a little surface fly or popper will result in giant bluegills coming out of the water, as ferocious as any bass ever could be! And fight? There may be no greater thrill than catching a big bluegill on an ultralight rod and reel, and I have mistaken many bluegills during this time as a keeper bass because they pull so hard.
So, if you are looking for the best in bluegill fishing, from shore or boat, this is just about the time when the bluegill start running. Look for sandy areas on the northern sides of a lake shore, and when you find that, you’ll also find some monster ‘gills!
Thanks for joinin’ me!
Tags:
Leave a comment
Not So Fast! To publish your comment, you have to login
Not Registered? Register now as it only take 20 seconds!
Click here to browse
0 comments