Two 60-degree days generated the hope of locating some active bluegills in a small pond. The water was still chilly, so I chose a 5-wt. bamboo rod figuring that if the fish were uncooperative, I could at least maximize my enjoyment of casting. I knotted a white size-10 Bully Spider knotted to a 9-foot leader. White is a good color for early spring because the cool water is clear, and sunlight penetration easily reveals a light-colored fly to the fish. Bullys’ flexible legs pique the bluegills’ interest. As expected, the fish were widely scattered and suspended at a depth of 3 feet over deep water. They were soaking up the warmth of the sun, which accelerated their metabolisms and, consequently, their need to feed. Strikes were infrequent and very difficult to detect. Most hits came on the vertical drop as the fly dropped at 4 inches per second toward fish-holding positions. Line-watching was critical. I met even the slightest twitch or hesitation with a strip hookset. I missed a few but enjoyed the throbbing circular vibrations of a dozen bluegills of various sizes. No two were caught in the same location, so it was important to keep moving and casting over different water to increase the chances of strikes. I confess to being addicted to the “beautiful vibrations” of bluegills.
It Isn’t Freezing! Go Fishing!
