Page 25 - Outdoor Oklahoma - May/June 2021 Issue

out of traditional baits, I’ve used everything from pieces of
plastic worms to bare lead-head jigs to strands of boat carpet
tied to a hook. HEATHER DEL MORAL/ODWC
Small jig/grub combinations are great choices for artificial
baits because bluegills readily attack them, and you don’t have
to re-bait after catching every fish; just unhook your catch and
chuck your bait right back into the bedding area.
Since I’ve already professed my love of bluegills, I guess I
wouldn’t be out of line to offer a personal sunfishing tip. One
of the simplest, most-effective bait systems I’ve found involves
a small round bobber and a small ice-fishing jig tipped with a
few wax worms. Though not readily available locally, both
can be ordered through a number of mail-order catalogs and
through classified ads in the back of some fishing magazines.
I’ve also seen both at bait shops near some of the state’s des-
ignated trout fishing areas (see the current fishing regulations
to locate them), since they work well for trout, too. It’s a dyna-
mite set-up for spawning sunfish, and because wax worms are
tough, you can catch many fish without rebaiting.

Where to Go for Bull ‘Gills

Based on biological surveys and reports from anglers, several And if you’d really like to introduce your spouse to bluegill
Oklahoma lakes have proved themselves as perennial produc- fishing but really don’t want invest $25 for the annual fish-
ers of big sunfish. Stilwell City Lake in northeastern Oklahoma ing license until you know if he or she likes it, just plan an
is a good bet, as are Eucha and Spavinaw lakes. Farther west, outing for June 5-6, 2021. These two days are designated as
Lake Thunderbird is regarded as a top sunfish spot, as is Oklahoma Free Fishing Days, and state residents need no
Wintersmith Park in Ada. In the southwest, Lake Burtschi, south license to fish during that weekend. But keep in mind that all
of Chickasha, offers good bluegill fishing, as does Doc Hollis other regulations still apply. Kids and grandkids also should
Lake on Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area. be at the top of veteran anglers’ invitation lists.
Additionally, bull ‘gills are found in farm ponds statewide, Action always equates to fun, especially for youngsters. And,
but always make sure you have permission before entering it’s often just as much fun to see the excitement in a kid’s eyes
private property. when landing a bull ‘gill as it is to catch one yourself. This
spring, when the bluegills are on their beds, ask someone to
Bluegills for Beginners go along and help them give it a try.

There probably isn’t any type of fishing more tailor-made for
introducing a newcomer to the sport of angling than fishing To Filet, or Not to Filet?
for spawning sunfish. The weather is usually mild, there’s very For my money, nothing beats fried bluegill filets. When
little equipment required. Even first-time anglers can usually my wife and I clean our catch, we like to scale the fish
catch a bunch of fish. first, then cut down along the spine and around the rib cage.
Excellent fishing opportunities are readily available close to The result is two boneless, bite-sized filets.
home, so finding productive fishing waters doesn’t require a If filleting is a more labor-intensive process than you pre-
lengthy drive. In many of the state’s urban areas, the Wildlife fer, bluegill also can be simply scaled and cooked whole after
Department offers Close To Home Fishing areas that have removing the head, tail, fins and entrails. After baking or fry-
sunfish for the catching. Go to www.wildlifedepartment.com/ ing, the meat should flake away from the spine and ribs with
fishing/wheretofish/cth to learn all about these areas. a light touch of a fork.
Farm ponds, which dot Oklahoma’s landscape in profusion, The texture and flavor of fish are affected by what happens
are the perfect testing ground for budding fishermen. They to them after they are caught. Fish should be kept alive in cool
usually feature easy access and almost always have lots of water until they are ready to be cleaned. For boat anglers, that
hungry fish. In farm ponds, you can expect great sunfish- means running your livewell often and adding enough ice to
ing for most of May and June. Even if the fish aren’t on the keep water temperatures down. If you don’t have a livewell
beds, they’re usually in shallow water near the shoreline. or are fishing from shore, put your fish on ice immediately.
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