Learn

What Trophy Bluegills Eat

For a better understanding on what bluegills eat throughout the year, take it from this devoted panfish guide

Trophy bluegills are anything but shy about eating. It’s how they grow double chins and helmet heads. The key for anglers becomes identifying what trophy ‘gills are eating and the seasonal location of their preferred prey. For every season there is a recipe for catching binging bluegills. Even when they’re spawning, big bluegills can still be aggravated into consuming a well-placed bait.

There’s no quicker way to understand what big bluegills are eating throughout the year than to ask a devoted panfish guide. Garett Svir operates Slab Seeker Guide Service in central Minnesota and one of his specialties is trophy bluegills. He’s been obsessed with giant ‘gills for more than 20 years. His rule is that every bluegill over 9 inches gets released, and his clients are supportive of that policy. They’re ready to take photos and order a replica mount of their trophy fish, as most are pursuing bluegills in that magical 10- to 12-inch range.

READ THE FULL STORY ON IN-FISHERMAN