San V report on 11/13/23

[Early release]

Hello all,

Headed out to San V with John W today. Got started around 0730, because it's cold and there's no hurry when it's windy in the morning. Plugged around most of the day mixing small hardbaits (me) and softbaits (John). Not a whole lot of activity. Did pick up an impressive bluegill that nailed an underspin. However the weight at first glance was underwhelming, since it said 0.53, but it was in kg, so converting to pounds, means that little fish was about 1 pound 2 ounces. Not a bad bluegill.

We found some busters not relating to anything while we cruised around, but they weren't interested in our offerings. Water temp was about 65 degrees, wind mostly calm and clear skies for the most part. Didn't see anyone doing much, but maybe back in some of the arms there was more happening?

Did practice with a new BFS baitcasting rod and reel, and that's really nice. Hard to imagine, but that nifty little setup outcasted my spinning rod. We sure had a nice time on the water too.

Metric system yields less impressive fish.

Lunker of the day, for us.

[JWall]

That is the biggest bluegill of the year, maybe all time that I have seen. Nice job with the underspin!

[JWall]

Another view

[CorsoEnthusiast]

Hello all,

Headed out to San V with John W today. Got started around 0730, because it's cold and there's no hurry when it's windy in the morning. Plugged around most of the day mixing small hardbaits (me) and softbaits (John). Not a whole lot of activity. Did pick up an impressive bluegill that nailed an underspin. However the weight at first glance was underwhelming, since it said 0.53, but it was in kg, so converting to pounds, means that little fish was about 1 pound 2 ounces. Not a bad bluegill.

We found some busters not relating to anything while we cruised around, but they weren't interested in our offerings. Water temp was about 65 degrees, wind mostly calm and clear skies for the most part. Didn't see anyone doing much, but maybe back in some of the arms there was more happening?

Did practice with a new BFS baitcasting rod and reel, and that's really nice. Hard to imagine, but that nifty little setup outcasted my spinning rod. We sure had a nice time on the water too.
thumbnail_IMG_0598.jpgIMG_1512.jpg

Which BFS Rod and reel did you get? Nice slab!

[Early release]

Hello all,

Headed out to San V with John W today. Got started around 0730, because it's cold and there's no hurry when it's windy in the morning. Plugged around most of the day mixing small hardbaits (me) and softbaits (John). Not a whole lot of activity. Did pick up an impressive bluegill that nailed an underspin. However the weight at first glance was underwhelming, since it said 0.53, but it was in kg, so converting to pounds, means that little fish was about 1 pound 2 ounces. Not a bad bluegill.

We found some busters not relating to anything while we cruised around, but they weren't interested in our offerings. Water temp was about 65 degrees, wind mostly calm and clear skies for the most part. Didn't see anyone doing much, but maybe back in some of the arms there was more happening?

Did practice with a new BFS baitcasting rod and reel, and that's really nice. Hard to imagine, but that nifty little setup outcasted my spinning rod. We sure had a nice time on the water too.
thumbnail_IMG_0598.jpgIMG_1512.jpg

Which BFS Rod and reel did you get? Nice slab!

I picked up a Kistler HE701ML and paired it with the Shimano Aldebaran 22. 9 pound braid with a fluoro leader. I was throwing a little SC shad from Daiwa that I think is about 1/8 ounce and it was no problem, even into a slight wind. I'm looking forward to trying some smaller stuff, but not on the first day trying that combo.

[Mcfish]

Another view

That's a fatty...wonder if it's actually a Red Ear? The busters are very finicky right now, I'm not throwing anything over 2 1/2", and you mostly have to land the bait on their heads!

[Early release]

Hi Mcfish,

I hadn't thought about it, but you might be right, it could be a hybrid redear with a bluegill, because those grow pretty fast and are stocky.

The busters still were a lot of fun, of course more fun if you catch them, but John and I were certainly amused by the chase.

[CorsoEnthusiast]

Another view

That's a fatty...wonder if it's actually a Red Ear? The busters are very finicky right now, I'm not throwing anything over 2 1/2", and you mostly have to land the bait on their heads!

https://thehookuptackle.com/products/wa ... 7184930983

[blackcloud9]

I hadn't thought about it, but you might be right, it could be a hybrid redear with a bluegill, because those grow pretty fast and are stocky.

That's a very nice bluegill. A pure 'coppernose'. The redear and hybrids have speckles on the lower half of the body and face. All types are shown clearly in this San V Panfish post if you're curious. viewtopic.php?t=360 They are a very fun and abundant fish to target here in SD, if you are so inclined!

(Pure bluegill can even get over 2 lbs there viewtopic.php?t=371)

[Early release]

I hadn't thought about it, but you might be right, it could be a hybrid redear with a bluegill, because those grow pretty fast and are stocky.

That's a very nice bluegill. A pure 'coppernose'. The redear and hybrids have speckles on the lower half of the body and face. All types are shown clearly in this San V Panfish post if you're curious. viewtopic.php?t=360 They are a very fun and abundant fish to target here in SD, if you are so inclined!

(Pure bluegill can even get over 2 lbs there viewtopic.php?t=371)

Thanks for the info. I see the facial speckles you are talking about. Those are some great fish you caught. I'm usually targeting the bass when one of these bigger bluegills comes along. I was thrilled this summer to catch large bluegills on a bass size popper. I switched to a lighter rod with a small grub that day and had a great time catching bluegills. I love bass fishing, but sometimes I think bluegills are the angriest fish in freshwater.