- 1). Rig the rod by tying a bait hook to the end of the line. Clamp two split shot sinkers 12 inches above the hook. Bait the hook with a worm. Crickets and grasshoppers also work well for bait.
- 2). Anchor a boat in front of a short dam on the upstream side. Cast the bait downstream and let the current sweep the bait into the pocket of calm water behind the dam. This gives the bait a natural presentation and any waiting bluegills will take the bait.
- 3). Bring a boat around to the downstream side of a longer dam and cast into the slower current alongside the dam. Let the bait swirl around in the current, watching your line as the bait moves downstream. If nothing takes the bait, reel in and cast again, but watch the drift.
- 4). Cast from shore into the calmer water and watch the line as the bait sweeps downstream or swirls around in a backwater pool.
- 5). Attach a bobber to the line, 2 to 3 feet above the bait, and cast into the calm water. Watch the bobber. When a bluegill takes the bait, it will pull the bobber under the water. This technique can be used from shore or a boat.
- 6). Tie a small tube or feathered jig onto the line without the split shot sinkers. Cast the jig into the calmer water or a backwater pool and retrieve it with short jerks reeling in the slack as you move the jig back to you. Large bluegills will take a jig fished like this.
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