Ethan Clarke
When fishing for bluegill, soft plastics are a powerful and versatile alternative to live bait. They can be used to mimic the natural food of the fish, such as small grubs, shad, twister grubs, and minnows, and can be rigged in various ways to match different fishing situations. While some anglers prefer to use bare hooks with coloured thread, others find success with soft plastics in various colours, such as Northland Impulse soft plastics, or Freedom Baitz Bonita, a split-tail baitfish imitator. Additionally, jig heads can be used to create phony larvae, with bright and visible bodies, that entice bluegill to bite.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 1 inch, 1-2 inches, 2-3 inches |
| Types | Grubs, split tails, shad, twister grubs, ribbed paddle tails, crickets, mayfly larva, micro finesse series, whip tails, beetle spins, jig heads, larvae style lures, minnow style baits |
| Colors | Bright, realistic baitfish colors |
| Other features | Scent, movement |
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What You'll Learn
Bluegill are attracted to bright, visible lures
Bluegill have a reputation for being small but aggressive fish. They are attracted to bright, visible lures, and soft plastics offer a combination of versatility, durability, and affordability when targeting these fish. When selecting soft plastics, it is important to choose a high-quality product that is soft enough to appear lifelike, yet durable enough to stay on the hook.
There are a variety of soft plastics that can be used as lures for bluegill, and anglers have had success with different colours and styles. One popular option is the Freedom Baitz Bonita, a soft plastic minnow-style bait with a split tail that exhibits incredible movement and has been known to drive bluegill wild. The Bobby Garland Slab Hunt R is another effective lure, specifically designed to be paired with live bait for a complete presentation of scent and durability. Anglers have also found success with small grubs and split tails, shad, and twister grubs.
When using soft plastics, it is important to consider the jig head weight, hook size, lure size, shape, and action. Hook sizes that fit half the lure's length allow for the best action, provoking fish to strike. Additionally, straight thin tails and fork tails can be effective, as they provide the right amount of flexibility that attracts bluegill.
While bluegill are known to bite on a variety of lures, bright and visible colours, such as red, can be particularly attractive to these fish. The addition of scent and action, such as a boost of colour or a split tail, can also increase the effectiveness of the lure. Experimentation is key, and anglers should feel free to try different colours, scents, and techniques to find what works best for them.
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Try Northland Impulse soft plastics
Northland Impulse soft plastics are a great choice for anglers looking to catch bluegill. These scented soft plastic fishing baits are designed to attract and catch panfish, including bluegill, all year long, even through the ice in winter.
The Northland Fishing Tackle Impulse Jig'n Tail Slug Bug is a top choice for bluegill. This 1.25-inch bait is perfect for slab bluegills and comes pre-rigged on a 1/64-ounce bug-eyed jighead for ease of use. The Slug Bug is designed with a soft, segmented torso, slugworm feet, and a thin, wiggling tail to entice bites from curious panfish. It is also infused with patented Impulse scents and flavours that attract bluegill and encourage them to bite and hold on.
Another popular option in the Northland Impulse range is the Impulse Mayfly. This plastic bait mimics the appearance of a mayfly, a common food source for bluegill, and its lifelike action can entice bites from hungry fish. The Impulse Mayfly is designed to balance well on a jig, allowing for a natural presentation that can fool even the wariest of bluegill.
For anglers specifically targeting larger bluegill, Northland's Mosquito Larva in white or black is a great choice. This plastic bait is designed to imitate the larvae of mosquitoes, which are commonly found in and around the aquatic habitats of bluegill. By presenting a food source that closely resembles what bluegill naturally feed on, anglers can increase their chances of attracting and catching these wary panfish.
Northland Impulse soft plastics offer a range of effective options for anglers pursuing bluegill. With their lifelike actions, enticing scents, and natural presentations, these baits can help anglers consistently catch bluegill and other panfish throughout the year.
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Grub and split tails work well for bluegill
Bluegills are a fun catch for anglers, and they can be caught with fly fishing, live bait, or lure fishing. One popular lure is the grub, which comes in many varieties and colours. The pliable texture of grubs encourages fish to hold the bait longer, making hook setting easier. The best grub tails for bluegill are usually short and stubby, with single or split tails. The whole lure, including the jig head, should be around an inch long.
The Mister Twister split double tail softbait is a popular choice for anglers. It can be rigged to a spinner, buzzbait, or weedless spoon, and anglers have reported catching many types of fish with this combination. The split double tail grub can also be used as a jig trailer, giving the lure the appearance of crayfish claws and adding bulk and flash. The split tails come in many colours, allowing anglers to match their lure to the jig.
The B-Tail grub kit is another option for anglers targeting bluegill. These grubs feature a moulded-in split tail and are soft, buoyant, and durable. The kit includes grubs in popular fish-catching colours. When using grubs for bluegill, a slow and steady retrieve is recommended, with occasional pauses in deep water.
Another effective technique for catching bluegill is Carolina-style rigging. This involves rigging a sliding bullet or egg sinker ahead of a barrel swivel and bead, followed by a leader of 18 to 36 inches with the lure attached. A small grub can be hooked lightly through the head on a short-shank bait hook. This setup is especially appealing to fish in heavily pressured waters and clear lakes. However, anglers should be aware that they may also attract larger bass with this technique.
In addition to grubs, split tails are also effective for bluegill fishing. The plain grub is usually the best option, but sometimes a spinnerbait frame can be more effective. The famous Beetle Spin is a good choice for a spinnerbait. When using split tails, it is recommended to use a wet fly and nymph patterns such as the Wooly Worm, Hare's Ear, and Pheasant Tail in sizes 8 to 14. Anglers should allow the topwater offerings to rest for 20 to 30 seconds after casting before giving them a slight twitch.
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Bluegill are not picky and will bite anything
Bluegill are not picky and will bite at almost anything, especially if it's small enough to fit in their tiny mouths. They are not as picky as some trout, so most fly patterns will work. The best flies are typically small and black. Bluegill have small mouths, so it's important to use small bait and hooks. Live bait works especially well for bluegill, and the most common baits are worms and night crawlers. When using worms, just use a piece that's enough to cover the hook.
Bluegill are also attracted to small insects, so an artificial fly resembling these insects is usually irresistible. They can be caught with just a plain hook, and some anglers have had success with bare red hooks. They can also be caught with lures, and soft plastics can be effective. A popular choice is the 2-inch Berkley curly tail grub, but any soft plastic kit with its own jigheads will work. Trout magnets, panfish magnets, and crappie magnets are all good options, and regular round jigheads will also do the trick.
Bluegill are found in water 12 to 20 feet deep, usually near underwater structures close to the bottom. They are less active in winter, so small baits and slow presentations are recommended. Using light tackle and line is essential, as bluegill bite very lightly in winter. Bluegill spawn in spring and early summer, and this is a good time to catch them. When water temperatures exceed 70°F, they can be found in shallow water. In late summer, they are often suspended in open water, so drifting across a lake with baits down 10 to 15 feet can be a very effective method.
While bluegill are not picky eaters, there are some instances where they may be more selective. In a discussion about fly fishing, some anglers noted that bluegill can be pretty picky, and you need to tie on the right fly. In another case, someone trying to feed wild-caught bluegill had difficulty getting them to eat "Pond Fish" pellets, even though they are known to eat just about anything. However, this may be because wild fish need to be trained to eat pellets, and it can take some time for them to adjust.
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Add plastic to live bait for a boost of colour
Soft plastics are a versatile alternative to live bait for bluegill, as they are durable and can be tailored to the specific conditions and preferences of the fish. They can be used to mimic the natural food of the fish, such as baitfish, and their lifelike action can be very effective.
When using soft plastics as bait, you can add a boost of colour by choosing a brightly coloured plastic or by adding colourants and powders to create a unique appearance. You can make your own soft plastic baits at home, which allows you to experiment with different colours and additives to make your bait distinctive. To get started, you will need a heating source, such as a microwave or hot plate, to heat the plastisol, as well as a mould and some form of protection for your hands and eyes.
When choosing a colour for your soft plastic bait, consider using colours that mimic the natural food of the bluegill, such as minnows or crawlers. You can also add a boost of colour to your live bait by threading a small minnow, leech, or crawler onto your hook and then adding a piece of brightly coloured soft plastic to the hook as well. This combination of live bait and soft plastic can be very effective in attracting bluegill, as it adds a boost of colour, scent, and action that can be irresistible to the fish.
Some popular colours for soft plastic baits include Green Pumpkin, Junebug, and Watermelon, which often have several versions and looks. You can also experiment with different powders, such as colour shift powders and mica powders, to create unique colour effects. Adding glitters, colourants, and other additives can also make your bait stand out and attract the attention of the fish.
Overall, adding a boost of colour to your live bait or choosing a brightly coloured soft plastic bait can be a very effective technique for attracting bluegill and increasing your success in fishing. By experimenting with different colours and additives, you can create a unique and irresistible presentation for the fish.
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Frequently asked questions
Black, red, and the colour of red blood worms are all good options for soft plastics to catch bluegill.
Small grubs, split tails, shad, and twister grubs are all good options for soft plastics to catch bluegill.
Ratso's, Shrimpo's, and Crappie Magnet grubs are all good brands of soft plastics to catch bluegill.
Experimentation is key when it comes to using soft plastics to catch bluegill. It's important to consider the jig head weight, hook size, lure size, shape, and action. Additionally, it's a good idea to bring live bait as bluegill can be finicky and have a great sense of smell.
