Hey fishing enthusiasts!
Welcome to fishingreload. It is almost summer and bluegill fishing is on the forefront of your mind. But wait! Before heading out for a great fishing day, prepare 
your equipment carefully.
Yes, we know that these fish has a reputation for being super easy to catch, but without the appropriate bluegill fishing tackle you will not be able to hook a fish.
Relax, we have done all the research for you. Here is a little tip before we start. The key to success is lightweight gear.
In this article, we would like to focus on the reel because you will have to use lightweight lures and baits. The “smarter” the fish, the more important the reel becomes. Believe us, bluegill fishing can be tricky especially for newbies.
Moreover, we have done a research and tested some of the best bluegill fishing reels.
Where to catch bluegill? Perfect water body
Just to start out with, you can find bluegill all across the country and many anglers call it panfish, perch, bream or brim (if you come from the south). In fact, bluegill belong to the panfish family and many people target them because they are fun to catch. They prefer shallow, weedy waters where they can hide and wait for their prey to pass by.
Additionally, they are found is small schools under a tree trunk or heavy vegetation.
Tip: You don’t have to spend many hours and wait for bites. Try different spots. If there is no fish, move on, and you will definitely find them.
Best bait
Moreover, they feed on insects which fall in the water like flies, small fish or little shrimps. Obviously, live bait is a really good option to attract them. If you don’t have a bait shop nearby, you can also catch your own bait. To learn more about growing your own night crawlers checkout this article: Growing Your Own Nightcrawlers
Bait shops sell worms or Missouri minnow but if you have a small net, just catch your own fish.
Growing up in a fishing family, Bluegill was my first, and favorite fish! They are not aggressive and not really big but you could catch them with everything you find on the water. The only thing you will need is a small fishing net which you will use to catch insects or small bait in the weedy waters.
Or just search the ground for small earthworms. Even the best bluegill fishing reel will not work perfect if you don’t have the perfect bait.
On the other hand, you can use spinnerbaits which produce some kind of “underwater” sound and attracts them. You could try to spin close to a fallen tree which is the perfect hiding spot for them.
Want to learn about catching bluegill then read this article: 6 Tips on How to Catch Big Bluegill
Bluegill? Sunfish or Panfish? Whats the difference
The Sunfish Family
The sunfish family consists of several (38) sunfish species including the bluegill. You should know that the sunfish family includes eight genera which is a taxonomic rank in biology. One of the eight genera includes the “Lepomis” Genera where you can also find the bluegill.
All fishermen know that they are really easy to catch but it could be tricky to locate them. They live in schools of fish and usually prefer shallow waters. In addition, they live in freshwaters and prefer warm and “calm” waters.
The Best Bluegill Fishing Reels
Undoubtedly, live bait is effective but without the right reel that can support delicate lines you will return home with an empty bucket. Most anglers suggest using spinning reels. In fact, baitcasters are also good.
It goes without saying that a spinning reel can cast the lure better but the right baitcaster could be even more effective. Keep in mind that you will use small lures-baits.
Honestly, when I was a kid I used only spinning reels but when I bought my first baitcaster, I totally forgot what a spinning reel is and I will not switch back to a spinning reel.
There is another reel type which is a MUST-HAVE item for every panfish angler. To my way of thinking it is the best bluegill fishing reel for many reasons.
The spincast reel which is something between a baitcaster and spinning reel and combines their benefits. You will see a spincast review in the following section.
The reason why we included three reel types is that bluegill can be caught in different ways!
If you are a baitcasting reel fan, the Abu Garcia is the best option to chuck light lures. Abu Garcia is producing 
durable fishing tackle and will never let you down. We have tested this reel many times on the water and the result was surprising.
The ergonomic design provides accuracy while casting lures and even after 100 successful fishing tours the reel is like new. The smooth drag is a great advantage when it comes to bluegill fishing. Unquestionably, this is a must-have reel if you target bluegill, crappie or even bass.
Personally, I like the design of the spool which allows the line to slip off smoothly. You can’t go wrong with these 4 powerful stainless steel ball bearings. As we have already mentioned, the number of ball bearings does not indicate the smoothness of the reel.
->Why you should buy this bluegill baitcaster- Quick look
- Super lightweight-perfect for bluegill
- Ergonomic design
- Smooth casts
- Can be used with small lures and live bait
Undoubtedly, a spinning reel is the most popular reel type for panfish. But we are not talking about a simple reel. The Shimano Sedona FL is designed to withstand corrosion and will be your fishing buddy for many years.
We included this reel in the list with the best bluegill fishing reels for the following reason.
It is very easy to use and you can combine it with almost all rod types rated for small lures. One great feature I would like to point out is the upgraded drag system and sealed spool design.
It weighs almost 8.6 ounces and features 28.8 inch retrieve per crank. Shimano is a leader brand when it comes to fishing. The first thing I noticed when a tried this reel is the control over your lure.
I felt this control only with a baitcaster, but this is a reel that combines both accuracy and cast length.
->Why you should buy this bluegill baitcaster- Quick look
- Also lightweight
- Cast Accuracy
- Spool design that protect the reel bearings
Would you like a reel that combines the benefits of a spinning reel and baitcasting reel? Do you like bluegill fishing 
with both types of reels? If the answer is yes, you should definitely take a closer look at the Pflueger President Spincast reel.
First of all, the aluminum frame encloses a fixed spool and the fishing line slips off delicately from the spool providing the accuracy you need.
Additionally, it is designed for medium-size fish like bluegill and features 5 ball bearings for a flawless retrieve. It is a reel that will last a long time due to the aluminum frame.
->Why you should buy this bluegill baitcaster- Quick look
- It will last longer than normal reels due to the protected spool design
- Casts easily small lures and even live bait
- Affordable
- Unique Design
This is what I would consider a good spinning reel for perfect hook settings. There are different sizes of these ceymar reel, btu for bluegill I would choose the C-100yd-4lb model which utilizes a 5 lbs drag system.
If you are a weekend angler who needs a reel for panfish, bass or even walleye, this would be the perfect match for you. There is no doubt that the feature that stands out is the elliptical gearing system and oiled drag system.
Additionally, it is a well-built small spinning reel with outstanding performance and holds a good amount of line. Spool it with fluorocarbon if you are fishing in clear waters.
This Okuma reel has an EVA foam handle and a graphite frame which minimizes the weight. It might cost a little more than other spinning reels, but I can ensure you that it is a good investment for every angler.
->Why you should buy this bluegill baitcaster- Quick look
- Durability
- Reliable
- Outstanding drag system for small and medium size fish
- Great line capacity
Tip for bluegill fishing:
Choose a small diameter fishing line but not too small. The fish will not clearly see the line because you will be fishing in weedy waters. If the water is clear, you can use a fluorocarbon line (not fluorocoated). 2-4 pound test line
Final Verdict
During the coronavirus pandemic, you should follow all the guidelines for fishing safely. It is known that fishing has a lot of health benefits and especially these days are perfect to escape from your daily routine and try to catch some fish.
Bluegill fishing is fun for everyone and this is a good season to find them. We mentioned the 4 best bluegill fishing reels.
However, it is not all about the gear. Fishing is one of the best outdoor activities to disconnect and spend some time in the Great Outdoors! Thank you for reading. We would be more than happy if you would like to share your experiences with us.
Drop a comment in the comment box below.
Stay tuned for more fishing updates…