Bluegill Fishing in Illinois: The perfect fish to introduce youngsters to angling

Fishing is more than just a hobby; it’s a family tradition that fosters patience, relaxation and a deep appreciation for nature. For those looking to introduce youngsters to the joys of angling, bluegill fishing offers the perfect gateway. This hardy and plentiful fish is ideal for beginners, providing plenty of excitement with minimal equipment and a high success rate. Here’s everything you need to know to get started in Illinois.

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) are a small, freshwater fish native to North America. They are easily recognizable by their distinctive blue and purple hues on the gill covers and their yellow to orange bellies. These fish thrive in ponds, lakes and slow-moving streams, making them accessible to anglers across Illinois. Bluegill are also prolific breeders, ensuring a steady population and plenty of opportunities for young anglers to reel in their first catch. They have a good appetite in many seasons and will generally bite at any time of the day.

Gear Up: Simple and Effective

One of the greatest appeals of bluegill fishing is its simplicity. You don’t need expensive gear or a vast array of tackle to get started. Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need:

• Fishing Line: Consider a light line, typically 4- to 6-pound test, which is strong enough to handle bluegill while being easy for youngsters to manage. Many of the youth fishing packages you see at retailers are well equipped to reel in a bluegill or two.
• Hooks: Small hooks, size 8 to 10, are perfect for bluegill. They have small mouths, so a smaller hook increases the chances of a successful catch.
• Bobbers: A simple, small bobber helps keep the bait at the right depth and provides visual cues when a fish bites. The sight of a bobber disappearing under the water is sure to thrill any young angler. A bobber that is too big will mask the strike of a bluegill. Start with a ¾- to 1-inch bobber and pinch-on weight or split shot that will not sink the bobber, but will hold bait down to the level of the fish.
• Bait: Bluegill aren’t particularly picky eaters. Worms, crickets and small artificial lures all work well. Live bait tends to be the most effective and engaging for youngsters. Bait stores have packages of artificial baits that mimic worms, bugs and crickets. If all else fails, finding bait under a log is an option. You also can raid the refrigerator for lunch meat, hot dogs, sliced cheese or other human snacks to entice fish to bite.

The Best Time of Day to Catch Bluegill

Timing is everything when it comes to successful bluegill fishing. While bluegill can be caught throughout the day, the best times to target them are during the early morning and late afternoon. During periods when the sun is not directly overhead, bluegill are more active and feed more aggressively, increasing your chances of a catch. Look for them in shallow waters near the shoreline where they forage for food. As the sun rises higher, they may move to deeper waters, so adjust your fishing location accordingly. Many times you can see bluegill near the surface of the water off a pier. They’ll sit near the edge of the pier and swim out into the lake. Having this visual opportunity helps get youth excited for the sport.

In the spring you may find bluegill in shallow water with a lake bottom that looks like a lunar landscape. A series of ‘bowls’ are the nests of bluegill that are spawning. Fishing can be non-stop when you find these areas. This is a great time take a little one with you for hot fishing action during the spawn.

The Experience: Fun and Educational

Bluegill fishing isn’t just about the thrill of the catch. It’s an opportunity to teach youngsters about nature, ecosystems and the importance of conservation. Watching youngsters catch fish after fish, even if they aren’t keepers, provides endless excitement and valuable learning experiences. Bluegill are resilient fish. They return to the water well with a big splash and powerful thrust into deeper waters. They are hardy enough to allow a quick picture to be taken and then returned to the water strong enough to swim away.

1. Patience and Focus: Fishing requires waiting and watching, helping youngsters develop patience and concentration.
2. Responsibility: Handling fishing gear and learning to bait hooks instills a sense of responsibility.
3. Conservation: Teaching youth the importance of catch-and-release practices ensures future generations can enjoy bluegill fishing.
4. Family Bonding: You can bundle a fishing trip with a picnic, a quick game of catch and even a trip to the local ice cream shop on the way home. Many state parks and rivers offer other family activities when the bluegill bite slows down.

Checking Fishing Regulations

Before you head out to your favorite fishing spot, it’s crucial to check the local fishing regulations. Illinois has specific rules regarding fishing seasons, size limits, and daily catch limits to ensure sustainable fishing practices. You can find the most up-to-date information on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) I Fish Illinois website or by consulting local fishing guides or reviewing signage at fishing locations. Following these regulations helps preserve fish populations and ensures that everyone can enjoy fishing for years to come.

For further tips, visit the I Fish Illinois website Taking Kids Fishing and Places to Fish links. That website also has a section about bluegill that you will find useful.

Cleaning and Cooking Your Catch

Bluegill are fabulous table fare. You may opt to catch and release fish, or you may choose to keep a few for the table. Here’s a simple guide on how to clean and cook your bluegill.

Cleaning the Fish

1. Scale the Fish: Using the back of a knife or a fish scaler, scrape off the scales from tail to head. Rinse the fish under cold water to remove any remaining scales.
2. Remove the Head (Optional): Cut just behind the gills to remove the head. Some people do prefer to leave the head on for cooking.
3. Gut the Fish: Make a small incision along the belly from the anus to the gills. Remove the entrails and rinse the inside of the fish thoroughly. For more advanced cleaning you may choose to fillet your catch, with boneless or even skinless options available. An experienced angler can help you learn this skill.

Cooking Bluegill: Pan-Fried Bluegill Recipe

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to enjoy your fresh catch:

Ingredients:

• 4-6 bluegill fillets or scaled, whole fish
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. onion powder
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder.
2. Beat the Egg: In another shallow dish, beat the egg and mix in the milk.
3. Bread the Fish: Dip each fillet/fish into the egg mixture, then coat it with the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat until hot.
5. Fry the Fillets: Add the fish to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve: Remove the fish from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Making Memories

Illinois offers a wealth of beautiful fishing spots, from serene ponds in local parks to expansive lakes such as Lake Michigan and Carlyle Lake. Check your local subdivisions and forest preserves as well. This is our state fish and abounds nearly everywhere!

Remember to take a camera. Posting your first fish picture to social media or printing it and keeping it on the nightstand will enhance a lifetime of memories of bluegill fishing.