Best bait and lures for bluegill

Preferred bait

Live worms or crickets are the best bait, either fished on the bottom or suspended below a float. Crickets, grubs, sand maggots or grass shrimp will also catch bedding bluegill. For artificial baits & a 1/8 oz.

Preferred lures

For artificial baits & a 1/8 oz. “beetle spin” with a white or chartreuse body on ultralight tackle is excellent.

Techniques

Live worms or crickets are the best bait, either fished on the bottom or suspended below a float. Crickets, grubs, sand maggots or grass shrimp will also catch bedding bluegill. Use a small hook, #6 or #8, with a split shot sinker about 6 inches up the line. Concentrate on water less than 6 feet deep. For artificial baits, a 1/8 oz. “beetle spin” with a white or chartreuse body on ultralight tackle is excellent. Image credit: © duane raver & jr.

Sources

Fish guide

Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.