Sunday, February 23, 2014

Maybe Someday My Sunfish Will Grow Up

Do I love fly fishing for Sunfish, Bluegill, Crappie? Of course, I do! That is why I am known as the Pond Stalker.  I mean what a wonderful relaxing way to spend a few hours on the pond catching fish after fish on a good day.  I love it because just as my blog header says, I like to keep it simple because it works!

Now some of my Sunfish are like this one.

Obviously, many of my Sunfish are much smaller.  They border on the "runt" size, to tell the truth.  But, I love them just the same.

Now along comes an angler fishing on Lake Havasu in Arizona that puts into perspective what a really gargantuan size Sunfish is..
Angler Hector Brito pulled a 5.78-pound 17-inch redear sunfish from the waters of Arizona’s Lake Havasu. His catch may have set a new International Game Fish Association world record, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. 

Congratulations to Hector Brito!  Maybe someday my Sunfish will grow up....................................
Can anyone imagine what it would be like to hook this big Sunfish on a light weight fly rod?

14 comments:

  1. That would be the fight of a lifetime! Insane that these suckers get that big!!

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    1. I think your right, Juan. Especially, on light weight fly rods that we normally fish for Sunfish, Bluegill, and Crappie with. These bigger fish don't get that way by being "stupid". They probably hold in very deep water which would eliminate the use of most fly fishing gear. Just guessin'.................

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  2. If all panfish grew to that size they would put smallmouth to shame. We would be after them with 8wts and heavy flies. Not the ultralight gear most of us use now. Cool post mel.

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    1. Your right, John, what a battle it would be. I'd take my chances, though! Big Bluegill would be a real thrill even if they weren't that size. Love the fight of any decent sized Bluegill. Thanks for the comment.

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  3. They say there are a lot more in Havasu that size. Too bad it's so far to drive.

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    1. Yes, Mark, can you just imagine that. I am glad that it is too far of a drive for me. I am not sure my ticker would take a shock like that one. Guess you and I will just have to fantasize about big Sunfish!

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  4. Mel, I've got a couple of places that I know you'll enjoy fishing for bluegill and bass. I don't know about how big they are, but they sure are fun.

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    1. Howard, Can I get a personal un-guided trip from you or do I have to pay for the information. I hope you don't hold it for ransom because I a man of mostly empty pockets.

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  5. Nice post, I remember a great day of fishing years ago on Boyd Lake from a float tube for bluegill. We caught a ton! They can be a blast.

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    1. Thanks, Mike, I cut my float tubing teeth years ago on Bluegill and have not looked back. For their size, one of the toughest fish one can have on the end of a fly rod. Sure hope to have a good season with those pugnacious fighters.

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    2. Mel
      You are making very anxious to get out on the water. I hope to make a trip next week if the cold fronts and rain will end. I think all of us are ready for this winter to end. Thanks for sharing

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    3. Happy to help out, Bill, any way I can. I know you love Bluegill also, and, I am confident that we both are sick of the colder weather, ice and snow. You will get a crack at it before I do. We are still a few weeks, at least, away from stalking the ponds.

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  6. Mel that fish would make for an interesting fight on any tackle let alone light fly tackle. I am glad Hector brought it to hand and it didn't turn out to be the one that got away! Good for him! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I agree, my friend, it would be fun on any light tackle set up. Yup, there are a lot of stories about the one that got away. Makes for good fishing jabber among friends.

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