Can't get Sunnies/Bluegill on the hook!

[gotarheelz14]

Hey all. It might just be the type of lure I am using but I just cannot seem to get bluegill to lock onto my hook!!! It is really annoying because I get tons of strikes but they just won't get hooked. It is frustrating because as of now, my landing ratio on bluegills is only like 1/10.

I don't know if they just can't get their tiny little mouths around the hook.

I am using really small yellow grubs on small 1/32oz jig heads. Pretty small stuff. Can you guys recommend anything?

Tips please!

Carlos

PS. I have been on a panfish rampage as of late. I love to catch those little buggers and I usually average about 20 fish in the small amount of time that I go. It's a blast feeling like you're 10 again  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D

[Marty]

I never used jigs for sunnies, but I don't know of any reasons why they shouldn't be hooked on a jighead that small. I've had success with small Kastmaster spoons and tiny crankbaits, like the Rapala Mini Fat Rap and the smallest Countdown minnow. The Mini Fat Rap is my favorite, but that's a subjective opinion.

By the way, do you know if the fish you're missing are decent size?

[gotarheelz14]

Thanks for the advice on the lures. I am going to check them out.

The fish I am missing are actually probably of "decent size" nothing spectacular but nothing out of this world either. The 'gills I actually manage to land are almost usually always above average. 

I catch a ton and I mean a TON of crappie on these jigs. It's the blue gills that I can't get. It's actually making me pretty mad.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

Yo-zuri snap beans work pretty good too. 

[bass or bass ?]

I use foam beetles and chenille flies on #6 hooks with my fly rod and have great success hooking up. You could use a small float @ 2 feet above the beetle, or a small split shot same distance above the chenille fly for use on light spinning gear.

[Catt]

Live crickets, cork, light weight

[Marty]

I catch a ton and I mean a TON of crappie on these jigs. It's the blue gills that I can't get. It's actually making me pretty mad.

I don't think using tiny cranks will cost you crappie.

[J. M. Richardson]

If i can't hook a gill it's usually because it's too small for me to want to catch it. Also, if you are using a grub that hangs past the end of the hook (as most do) the small gills will just nip at the tail, causing you to feel a "bite" but they are nowhere near the hook.

I once had a bluegill attack the dressed treble on the back of my x-rap near the boat, they will hit anything with flash.

[rodreel155]

I have found that using smaller hooks and rooster tails work the best

[northern basser]

If i can't hook a gill it's usually because it's too small for me to want to catch it. Also, if you are using a grub that hangs past the end of the hook (as most do) the small gills will just nip at the tail, causing you to feel a "bite" but they are nowhere near the hook.

I once had a bluegill attack the dressed treble on the back of my x-rap near the boat, they will hit anything with flash.

^

My thinking also

[steveb1]

Rebel BumbleBug slays them!  Best color is beatle metalic green.

This is my alltime favorite for Bluegill.

[Hamby]

You must be using some VERY large hooks. I have no problem hooking bluegill. ;D

Joking aside, they're probably just tiny fish.

[gotarheelz14]

LOL omg how did you get that thing on there. You must be a master at fishing  8-)

[Hamby]

Ha ha, i felt a little tap and set the hook. The bluegill came flying out of the water on the hookset.

[CSimon2]

Carlos, I use the same set up as you with the 1/32 oz jighead.  What kind of float are you using if any?  I use the Thill mini shy bite.  They are small and really sensitive.  I have found them to be one of the best on the market for bluegills.  Also, when you bait your hook, make sure you are threading the bait on the hook instead of letting the bait hang off the hook, this way when they nibble on it, the hook comes with it.

Mini cranks are a ton of fun.  You should check those out sometime too.  Bass Pro has a line of mini cranks and they work great!

[gotarheelz14]

Hey man. I am currently not using any kind of float though I did think about it for a while. I did follow your advice about the tiny crank. I got out the smallest one I had, 1/8th oz. It worked really well for crappie but the bluegill are just not biting for me at this time of the year.

As soon as they start biting again, I am going to give the cranks and floats a try!

[trevor]

1/124 oz jig with one Power Maggot on it. Best sunfish lure ever.