By Steve Weisman

For years and years ice fishermen from across the Midwest have headed to northwest Iowa’s West Lake Okoboji to sight fish the finicky bluegills for which West Okoboji is famous. Late ice toward the end of February and into March was incredible.

However, for the past two to three years, the water clarity just wasn’t there. The bluegills were there, but anglers were having to use their cameras and flashers to mark the fish. It was still fun fishing, but the water clarity just wasn’t there.

Now, in February of 2020, it’s back. Yup, the water is gin clear, and the bottom is the “greatest video game on earth,” and, yes, the bluegills are just as finicky as ever. Plus, there are lots of fish from 8-9½ inches in length. Yup, I consider these bluegills to be pigs? Ice is still holding but a week of 40-50 degree temperatures would really affect our accesses. At this point, however, all is good.

Oh, but it is so much fun figuring out what will induce those darned fish to bite. I think that’s it…there is nothing embarrassing about getting “schooled” by a big bull bluegill. When you get one to actually bite, it’s time to celebrate. Everyone who fishes these fish has their own strategy, and I’m not here to say my way is better or anything like that. This is just what I’ve found works for me over the years, and, as a result, I have confidence in my strategies. Whatever you do, you have to have confidence in what you are doing. Here is what I have learned over the years.

• First off, I have gone to mono that is as small as one-pound test, but more often I use two-pound test until late in the winter. For years, I used a spinning reel, and ultralight rod and a spring bobber. However, with the coils from the spinning reel, I had trouble with my lure spinning. I could get it to stop, but it was a pain to be working on that when a big gill was sitting down there. So, I’ve gone to a Dave Genz Spooler Gravity Elite reel matched with a 22” ultra-light action. The spooler, like a fly reel, releases line out the front which helps alleviate the lure spinning.
• There are lots and lots of lures out there. I like the tungsten jigs because they are heavier, yet smaller and fish light. During much of the winter, I can use the1/32-ounce  Clam Dingle Drop. I think the little chain is a great attractor. Glow red is my favorite color. Now, though, when the gills get really finicky, I go to the glow red 1/64-ounce drop jig.
• Early in the season, I can put 2-3 silver wigglers or maybe a wax worm on the end and they work well. Late season, though, I often will go to a piece of blood red Maki Plastic Polli. However, I adapt it a little by taking off the head and thread it over the hook up to the head of the drop jig and then have it come straight off the end of the hook shaft, leaving the barb of the hook free. I will even take off some of the end, if it hangs too far off the hook. Too much and the gills don’t get to the hook. Sometimes, to add a change of pace, I will keep the plastic on and tip the jig with one wiggler. This combo can often trigger a difference.
• As for presentation, I’ll be fishing anywhere from 8-15 feet of water. It is important to fish just off weeds. They might be down or just partially standing, but they offer important habitat and protection. There are both pike and some big muskies roaming these bays. So, before fishing, I will punch some holes and use my Scout Underwater Camera to survey the bottom looking for those patches of weeds. If I’m lucky I might find some bluegills in the distance.
• Now, it’s time to set up. I like to use my Clam Pro; it’s very clear, and I can see everything. So can the bluegills, and that’s what makes it so crazy. Bluegills can appear at any level and come from any direction. Once the lure is down in the water column, make sure the lure does NOT spin. Usually, a consistent subtle jiggle, jiggle, jiggle is my normal presentation. If a bluegill enters the picture, keep doing what you are doing. Any change, slip up or stop, and the bluegill will move away. You just have to continually be watching for responses from the fish.
• There certainly are levels of frustration. I’ve had huge gills bump the jig with their nose-mouth closed and then watch it dangle there. I’ve had them take just the tip and hold it in their mouth. No way I can set the hook. Then, I’ve had them put the head of the jig in their mouth, hold it there and then just spit it out. But that’s the fun of it!
• On a recent four-hour trip, I would guess I saw close to 100 bluegills. Some were just moving through heading somewhere else. Some paused to look and moved on. Over that time, I caught several small 5-7 inch fish, but over that four-hour time span, I caught 10 gills, all 8½ to pushing 10 inches! I know I did blow half a dozen bites by setting the hook too soon or a little too late or they got off at the bottom of the hole…that’s always normal for me.
• If you are interested, these areas are largemouth bass areas, and they will readily bite those tiny baits. I’ll often let them go after the bait, lift it up and then drop it on their head! Sometimes, I’ll be a little off, and they will inhale the jig. Oops! My grandson loves to fish for these big gills and also targets those bass!

I know there are other ways to fish these bluegills, and those presentations work well.

This is just the way I do it. And, wow, is it ever fun! Greatest video game that ever existed!