Disciple Custom Fishing Rods & Lures

Finally some lake time this morning, been to much work and not enough fishing

Last week we talked about culling catfish in a managed lake and one of our followers asked about culling bluegill. The biggest rule I have when culling bluegill in a trophy bass lake is try to only cull males. This is because the male bluegill really provides little benefit to the fishery once they grow beyond 6 inches. At the larger sizes the male bluegill has likely escaped predation and are now honestly just taking up space. Larger female bluegill are still useful as their egg production increases with size and they will readily spawn with smaller males.

Identifying male vs female bluegill is much easier just before or during the spawn. Males are typically larger in size, have brighter vibrant coloration, and their opercular flap is as large or larger than their eye. During spawning males will also exhibit a head band which is a dark coloration on the foreheads.

I have two males and two females in this picture can you tell which if which?

Getting the kayak ready for a week long float/fishing trip in Missouri, Current River here we come. Got the custom Rods and lures ready.