STORY BY P.J. PEREA
PHOTOS BY CHAS. J. DEES

Hot weather forces many bluegill to seek refuge in deeper water or retreat underneath docks, stumps, root wads and weed beds. Even in the dog days of summer, fish need to eat. Warmer water for these cold-blooded fish means a higher metabolic rate and a need for increased fuel. It's either eat or lose weight, so most fish will feed more during hot spells.

"When the sun is high and the fish have lockjaw, the dropshot rig is a basic, yet effective technique," said Larry Bowman of the Williamson County Tourism Bureau. "It is a variation of an old crappie technique."

The dropshot allows the angler to present the bait tight to structure or suspended off the bottom. As long as the sinker can clear an obstruction, the hook and bait will not be far behind. If the sinker hangs up, a quick tug will cause it to release. Hence the name "dropshot rig." The bait stays in the strike zone longer as the angler simply wiggles the bait, rather than moving it.

"Dropshotting is a light-line, finesse presentation also known as controlled-depth fishing," Bowman stated.

The rig is very useful in the stumps, vegetation and fish-holding structures found throughout the well-known bluegill lakes in Williamson County, including Crab Orchard, Devil's Kitchen, Little Grassy and Lake of Egypt.

Bowman gave some instructions and tips on how to fish the set-up for bluegills:
• Use 4- to 6-pound test line and No. 6 to No. 10 long-shank hooks for the rig.
• Thread a piece of worm on the hook.
• Cast, jig or drift the rig.
• Do not move quickly. Wiggle the bait, don't jerk it.
• Cast the rig out, and let the bait sink. Watch the line between movements.

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Tying the rig: 1. Pass line through eye of hook with barb of hook facing upward. 2. Double line through eye of hook and leave a 3- to 9-inch loop in the line, depending on how far off the bottom you want the hook to ride. 3. Grasp loop and tie a simple overhand knot. 4. Pass loop of line over hook. 5. Tighten knot. Pass tag end of line through eye of hook from top to bottom. 6. Fasten weight (split shot or pegged barrel weight). Add knot to tag end. 7. This is how the rig appears to the fish in the water.
• Shake the rig occasionally, causing the worm to twitch. "Fishing for these members of the sunfish family is a great way to introduce children to the sport and to bring home some tasty meals," Bowman said. The next time you are having trouble coaxing a bite from tight-lipped panfish, try a dropshot rig and heat up your summer panfishing.

High-tech upgrade Fishing rigs constantly are evolving. Here are a few upgrades to the basic dropshot rig for panfish that will increase its effectiveness. Line—Try the next-generation Spectra superiines. These low-stretch, high-tensile braided lines transmit even the softest nibble far better than monofilament line. When paired with the light-wire hooks, the angler can easily straighten the hook when snagged and retrieve the rig. The 4-pound diameter line has the break strength of 20-pound test monofilament. Visit www.finsfishing.com for more information on braided fishing line. Hooks—Light-wire, long-shank gold hooks allow easy extraction. Razor-sharp points increase positive hook-ups and mean fewer fish lost. Plus the metallic flash of gold hooks also has been shown to attract fish that think they are seeing the glint of baitfish scales. Visit www.trutumhooks.com for more about panfish hooks. Weights—Environmentally friendly weights now are available through Bullet Weights. Anglers concerned about losing lead shot, especially in areas used by waterfowl, can use steel sinkers that biodegrade (rust) without harm to fish or waterfowl. Steel also transmits vibrations far better than lead weights. Anglers can easily tell what type of bottom they are fishing and stay in contact with their rigs. Visit www.bulletwts.com for information on Ultra Steel dropshot weights. Bait—Worms, crickets, waxworms, maggots and other live bait work great for panfish. When live bait is unavailable, paste bait is, at times, just as good or better than the real thing. These artificial morsels also are great for tipping small panfish jigs. Visit www.berkley-fishing.com for panfish bait.

Bluegill hotspots Bowman encouraged anglers to call the Williamson County 1-800-GEESE-99 fishing hotline for the latest in fishing information, fishing guides and local attractions. Anglers also can access the website at www.wctb.org or email wctb@midamer.net. A recent poll of DNR fishery biologists found a few more places where anglers can find big bluegill: Lincoln Trail—bluegill up to 10 inches. Walnut Point—bluegill up to 9 inches. Eagle Lake at Peabody River King SFWA—bluegill up to 8 inches. Mermet Lake—bluegill up to 8 inches.

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