Gills, I marvel at these little muscle fish

[Lunker]

I was fishing a small lake in the metro area today for bass. I was using a topwater popper about 3 inches long and my buddy was using a shallow diving crank run along the surface. We caught dozens of bass, but on every single cast there would be little fish hitting our baits. Every once in a while one of these "little" fish would slam our baits and we thought we were fighting a bass, and we'd bring up a 9" bullgill with this big old lure stickin out of its little mouth. We caught about 6 of these big gills. I am amazed at the aggressiveness and fight of these fish, and always have been. I'm gonna have to go back later and fish with smaller lures for just them. I love gills, the fight and the meal, although we released all of the big boys we caught today.

[Guest]

Lunker,

I love those Gills, I just moved here from West coast, and I also live in the metro area, mind to share what lake is that? Note that I don't have a boat at the moment, next year for sure. Thanks. R.

[Lunker]

RachelL, Yea, love those gills. i would be fine telling you the lake, email me at [email protected] and I'll respond, that lake is very small and already overfished so am not gonna post. Its in the metro, but is only accesible by boat because of private land every where but the access.

[RHW]

Here, here. Those gills are feisty little critters and ounce for ounce will give one heck of a battle. You can't beat them for table fare either. Would rather eat them then steak. Crappies are delicious but gills have a tiny bit more zing in their flavor. They are the beard and butter species of this country I dare say. The majority of men, women and children most likely got their start at fishing chasing these fantastic little fish. I am glad to see there are others who respect this resource for what it is. Also glad the DNR recognizes they need protection like any other species and are introducing new limits and sizes in order to keep.
Does anyone know where I might be able to get a nice print of a bluegill and who the artist might be?
Thanks.
Ron

[Deepinthewoods]

Have to agree on the muscle fish. They muscled my 9 & 6 year old yesterday on Independence.

Nothing huge, but they feel proud when they catch one big enough to keep. We kept a few and threw more back.

Found a likely spot, dropped a plain hook or ice fishing jig w/worm down 7 feet and bingo. Could hardly keep up taking them off. Caught over 20 in 20 minutes, then headed to the beach. Kids had a good time fishing and Dad was happy to put the kids on the fish.

Hope you all had a nice 4th weekend.

[Guest]

RHW.....the best fish prints I've ever come across are my the artists Larry Tople and Joe Tomelleri....both have excellent art work of bluegills and sunfish family(anyfish actually)....personal thing of course but I think Larry Tople's art work (does the front cover of the In-Fisherman magazine in the past) has the edge...his art work of fish is almost like a photogrph...amazing....just get on the puter and type in the 2 names....you'll get a dozen sites on there work...thanks....jon

[RHW]

Jon, thank you, yes I will look them both up.
My wife took be to one of those girly craft shows a few months ago. There is an artist out of ILL who does a beautiful job of gills.
$60 later, have a nice print on my wall. Got to thinking, I want more.

[RHW]

Jon, I must be doing it wrong. How would you recommend I enter their names to get to the prints sites?

[This message has been edited by united jigsticker (edited 07-08-2003).]

[Guest]

sorry about the postings of the bluegill art sites... no harm intended..only trying to help a guy out....I noticed the sites I posted have been erased...a picture of a blugill isn't what I would call indecent or anything....but...I tried....thanks..jon

[Guest]

united jigsticker...would it be ok to put up a site for the blue gill art for RHW?...certainly no harm was intended....just trying to help him out.... I certainly see I should have asked for permission first from the moderators....(i'm learning also..kinda new at all the in's and outs of the forums).thanks jon

[RHW]

Oops, I think I may have violated the posting guidelines when I typed in the names as unauthorized links. Sorry, I read the posting guidelines again. Will be more carefull in the future.
If acceptable my email address is rhwspectre@aol so if anyone can share where I can get bluegill prints.

[united jigsticker]

No problem guys.

Unless the link is for a MNDNR site or a direct FM link, you MUST ask before you post it. I am not always certain on what is ok or not myself.

The best way is to use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the main page, and ask Rick.

RHW: You should have gotten an e-mail with some assistance in getting to one of the sites you were looking for.

Good fishing

UJ

[Guest]

that's good info for the future ....Jigsticker......i'll certainly remember that...I've noticed quite a few links have been posted off and on ..just didn't realize the in's and outs I guess...will certainly ask in the future...thanks again...jon