SHALLOW WATER SUNSET BULLS

By: Ice Team Pro Ryan Salemi

Avid panfish anglers are well aware of the magic crappie bite that can occur at dusk and often last well into the evening... but did you know there can also be an insane Bluegill bite that occurs up in relatively shallower water just before and during sunset hours?

Bluegills are often notorious for providing lots of action throughout the ice season, at times, non-stop action for anglers of all ages and skill sets. However, there are Bluegills and then there are Bull Bluegills, gills that can push the tape measure 9.50” to 11.50”...true predators in their own right! Though the term “predator” is usually associated with larger species

AS THE SUN BEGINS TO SET, THESE BIGGER GILLS MOVE UP ONTO SHALLOW MUD FLATS (TYPICALLY ANYWHERE IN THAT 6 TO 11FOW RANGE) AND SHALLOWER WEED LINES IN THOSE SAME RELATIVE DEPTHS AND BEGIN TO STALK THEIR PREY. THIS FEEDING WINDOW IS SHORT AND CAN HAPPEN VERY QUICKLY SO IT’S BEST TO SET UP A PRE-GAME PLAN IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

such as Walleyes, Northern Pike, or Lake Trout...there’s no question that these special breed bulls earn the title of predator seeking out and punishing larger shallow water bugs and at times, even small baitfish during prime feeding windows. One of the best times to search out and hook up with these bulls is during the sunset time frame.

As the sun begins to set, these bigger gills move up onto shallow mud flats (typically anywhere in that 6 to 11fow range) and shallower weed lines in those same relative depths and begin to stalk their prey. This feeding window is short and can happen very quickly so it’s best to set up a pregame plan in order to be successful. I always start by drilling my holes on these mud flats and weed lines as the clock approaches 3:30pm. You’ll want to drill yourself a zig zag line grid spaced out between 3’ and 5’ apart (approx. 10 to 15 holes long) in order to keep pace with this quick paced bite. I will then let the holes settle and come back to fish them about a half hour later, closer to sunset. I then start pounding the bottom with my favorite bug plastic or a juiced-up wax worm (a wax worm pinched so the internal juices are coming out) this creates an irresistible scent and presentation in the water that big gills absolutely love. Working your grid thoroughly and paying attention to detail during these peak feeding hours can result in some of your biggest gills of the season!