Bluegill

The bluegill is an aggressive fish found in just about every Kentucky lake. it is also an easily identifiable fish. The bluegill has blue coloring on the chin, a solid black opercle flap, a small mouth and a dark spot at the rear of the dorsal fin. The body is normally flat and has from five to nine dark vertical stripes on the sides. Length: up to 13 inches. Weight: up to and rarely over 4 pounds. The State record is 4 lbs. and 3 ounces, caught by Phil Conyers in 1980.

This fish will eat anything it can get into its mouth. Insects are a favorite food of the bluegill. Other favorite foods and baits are worms, nightcrawlers, grubs, and small fish. Grubs are extremely effective when fished on the bottom. They can also be caught using corn or hot dogs. I have even caught them on a bare hook when you find an aggressive group.

The species is gregarious so when you catch one there are likely others in the immediate area. Bluegills can be found near any dam, structure, or weed bed.