No need to get complicated when seeking out these topwater sharpshooters.
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For many of us, bluegills conjure up childhood memories. We observed their behavior in clear ponds, studied how they approach a hook, beamed with pride when we caught our first.
Captain Debbie Hanson of Estero makes a living helping anglers of all ages reconnect with that inner child. Specializing in fly and spin fishing in the lakes and canals of Southwest Florida, she approaches panfishing with both sage wisdom and a curious spirit.
“From late spring through early summer they spawn and get super active and aggressive,” said Hanson, who grew up fishing the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with her grandfather. “The full moons in May and June are the best.”
Hanson’s forte is flyfishing with small poppers on her favorite 3-weight bamboo rod. She ties foam poppers resembling spiders or ants no bigger than a pinky nail. Silicon legs add extra action to elicit strikes between pops…