The Hidden World Of The Bluegill

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  • Опубліковано 22 лип 2022
  • A look at the hidden underwater world of the bluegill with a focus on male bluegills who have spawned and are protecting their nests. Information on spawning bluegill, catching bluegill, and keeping bluegill in a fish tank.
    Camera used to film this video.
    Fujifilm XP 140 Waterproof camera
    amzn.to/3jA9iFZ
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  • @NobzLovesOutdoors
    @NobzLovesOutdoors Місяць тому +109

    Thank you for making this channel! This is the first video that appeared in my feed and it just happens to be one of my main interests. Now my kids can enjoy too. Getting Magic School bus vibes as well with the playful production 😊
    Keep growing!

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +7

      Thank you so much. I appreciate your contribution to my success.

    • @KMS5280
      @KMS5280 25 днів тому

      😊😊😊😊😊😊oooooiooooooo oh ioci

  • @TierZoo
    @TierZoo Місяць тому +55

    amazing to see these familiar fish from a new perspective! I have a new respect for their fighting spirit!

    • @theamphibinator
      @theamphibinator Місяць тому +8

      It’s amazing to see, I overlook them all the time but they are often the backbone of a freshwater ecosystem
      (Also I’m a huge fan Tierzoo)

    • @nuip7936
      @nuip7936 Місяць тому +4

      hi tierzoo

    • @albatross115
      @albatross115 Місяць тому +3

      I love the amount of times I see Tier Zoo in UA-cam comments. You clearly have serious passion for all things biology

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +2

      They are truly an underappreciated species. Hopefully, this video helps them gain a bit more respect!

  • @thedeadfisher
    @thedeadfisher Рік тому +563

    Up until the mid 70"s Toronto's annual Royal Winter Fair had tropical fish competitions. One year a renowned South American aquarist was a guest judge and voted a bluegill, that had been entered as a joke, best in show. It's often too easy to forget the beauty of something so common to us. Thanks for the great video!

    • @tamarrajames3590
      @tamarrajames3590 Рік тому +17

      That is a wonderful story, and you are so right.🖤🇨🇦

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Рік тому +24

      That's awesome! Beauty is everywhere!

    • @tommycarrizal1656
      @tommycarrizal1656 Рік тому +19

      I know it may sound dumb but I'm always starting in awe at the blue gill in bass pro shop they got em so big there

    • @HntrSvrsn
      @HntrSvrsn Рік тому +12

      They should see long ear sunfish

    • @ryankane7177
      @ryankane7177 Рік тому +10

      The combination of the iridescent blue gill plates, and bright yellow bellies, make for a visually stunning fish. I used to exclusively catch these little guys to use as bait, but more and more I find myself catching them for fun.

  • @mbvoelker8448
    @mbvoelker8448 Місяць тому +9

    This is what nature documentaries should be.

  • @udonenomee2117
    @udonenomee2117 Місяць тому +64

    I brought a 5 inch blue gill home and put him in a tank. I didn’t have any other pets at the time and I wanted something starter level for kids and an apartment. This fish - “Gill” and I, became pretty good friends. He trusted me and was really smart. He knew schedules, like meals and sleep/ waking. He would watch me come down the hallway in the mornings and you could watch him get physically excited. He knew mornings were feeding and he knew if I had nightcrawlers in the fridge. I put minnows and crayfish in there sometimes too. He would take worms from my fingers. The fish could tell if you had been to certain stores or what you had in which bags. He would eat leftovers or other stuff if I didn’t have worms. I would tear slices of ham or other lunch meat and he would slam them. He was my buddy and I released him into the river when I moved. He went from about 5 inches to over 8 in about two years he was with us. As far as aggression and predictability it was like having a piranha. My kids still bring him up and it’s been almost 10 years.

    • @OnlyGamingClips
      @OnlyGamingClips Місяць тому +2

      Gill, lol

    • @VanillaCoke64oz
      @VanillaCoke64oz Місяць тому +2

      Do you live in a region where it snows and lakes freeze over winter? I want to take some home as pets for my 150 gallon aquarium but I don't want to have to simulate winter for them. Wondering if they adjust well

    • @udonenomee2117
      @udonenomee2117 Місяць тому +2

      @@VanillaCoke64oz yes I’m in northern Indiana, so it gets cold here. I would imagine it’s overall a bit stressful for the fish but as long as there are never any quick changes to temperature they would do ok.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +4

      Hi, thanks for watching the video and telling me about your experiences. What a great story! These fish really are very intelligent, and you're right they do have quite an appetite!!! I used to live in Merrillville Indiana for about a year. I'm now in Western Massachusetts.

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 Місяць тому

      ​@@TheDave333, There is a UA-cam channel called New England Forests that is put out by a guy who lives in Western Massachusetts; he has a 5-part series on his channel about beaver ponds. You would like it for certain!

  • @TheWinterShadow
    @TheWinterShadow Місяць тому +18

    For its size, the Bluegill is the strongest fighting fish on the line.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Possibly? What about pickerel? ua-cam.com/video/EL9P6oKM8Gg/v-deo.html

  • @Gen_Kael
    @Gen_Kael Місяць тому +15

    You may not like it, but the bluegill is what peak fishing with dad looks like

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +4

      As long as you're out of the house and spending time with your Dad it's all good. Appreciate the small things in life.

    • @sean4236
      @sean4236 Місяць тому +2

      Sand bass are a ton of fun, too. My pops can't get out anymore, but peak fishing with dad, would be fly fishing Siskiyou County.

    • @xXKingReptarXx
      @xXKingReptarXx Місяць тому +2

      Im a dad and i sure do like it lol

    • @vilkarmooringstead5346
      @vilkarmooringstead5346 Місяць тому

      I remember catching a few good sized bluegills with my dad

  • @tamarrajames3590
    @tamarrajames3590 Рік тому +7

    You have, yet again, captured achingly beautiful footage, and edited it superbly into into a compelling whole. These males are so bold in defence of their nests and young, they are committed to producing and protecting the future.
    I love that you have names for old friends under the water’s surface, and that you don’t distress them for long in your filming. Your lake is perfect for the filming you do there, and your commentary is always insightful and educational. Thanks again Dave.🖤🇨🇦

  • @JetsMakeWoosh
    @JetsMakeWoosh 29 днів тому +7

    The fish flapping it’s ears at you was the first time I have ever seen that very cool

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  29 днів тому +2

      I thought so too. I'm happy to have brought you something new and different. Thanks for watching!

  • @tarnishedknight730
    @tarnishedknight730 Місяць тому +10

    Many scuba divers call these things "Quarry Sharks". This is mostly due to how they will devour hotdog (weinersl or fish pellets.
    At the end of a dive, your are required to make a "safety stop" at 15 feet. This is to let excess nitrogen leave your system. During this stop you will often get surrounded by quarry sharks. Looking for food. This is a learned habit as almost every diver brings something to feed the sharks while on the safety stop.
    There was one gal that brought 2 packs of hotdogs with her. Having that much food, word got around, and at one point, she was surrounded by so many fish that only her fins could be seen sticking out of this massive ball of quarry sharks. It looked kinda like how the movies show piranha attacking.
    Not to worry though. The quarry sharks show no interest in human flesh. But it is kinda creepy to be surrounded by fish that are in a feeding frenzy, even if it is directed towards the hotdogs and not you.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      Wow! What an amazing experience! I'm so jealous! These fish really do have an appetite. Thanks for watching the video, and taking the time to leave such an interesting comment. Great stuff.

  • @shortyorc121
    @shortyorc121 Рік тому +13

    Beautiful my dude. Awesome job. I remember when I was a kid at my grandparents had 2 massive community ponds and you could see the blue gills nesting in the shallows.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Рік тому +2

      So many people have strong memories of these fish growing up. . . Thanks for watching.

    • @rodneygipson8087
      @rodneygipson8087 Рік тому

      EAt em up

  • @giantdanio
    @giantdanio Рік тому +5

    I worked at an American summer camp 20 plus years ago, the camp had a huge lake with huge horseflies to go with it! I swatted and killed plenty of those flies and dropped them to a fish that I was told was a blue gill. It took about 3 days for the fish to catch on. After that it would patrol up and down the floating dock waiting for me to drop the tasty corpses in. It had plenty of character and was a great ally that summer.
    I’m from the U.K so didn’t know the local wildlife but the memory of that blue gill has stuck with me.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Рік тому +1

      What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing. I too have swatted at my share of horseflies! :-)

  • @michaelogden5958
    @michaelogden5958 Місяць тому +13

    I used to practice SCUBA in a flooded rock quarry. There were tons of bluegills around a building down there. Those little suckers had no qualms about biting the human invaders. Most of the time it was just annoying and kind of funny, but now and then a bigger bluegill would manage a good chomp. I never saw anyone with actual broken skin, but they would definitely get your attention. Good times. 🙂

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      That does sound like good times. Brave little fish / protective fathers.

  • @furious2563
    @furious2563 2 дні тому +5

    For some reason or another, many anglers overlook the bluegill/sunfish as worthless or annoyance. I love this fish. Pumpkinseed fish are some of the most beautiful fish in freshwater NA.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  2 дні тому +1

      I agree 100% I think bluegill are thought of as a beginner fish, they strike at anything, so they're easy to catch, and they tend to steal the bait intended for larger species. But in my opinion those are all good qualities! They're brave little fish and they're beautiful. Pumpkinseed are especially pretty.

  • @BlackDragon41sbm
    @BlackDragon41sbm Місяць тому +11

    I've caught a bulegill on a folded piece of dead grass. Bluegill is my second favorite fish to eat, they're great with a good breading and garlic salt.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Love garlic salt with fish! That's creative thinking with the grass. I had a friend use the filter from a cigarette to make a small streamer to catch bluegill.

    • @sussekind9717
      @sussekind9717 Місяць тому +1

      I once broke off a piece of pussy willow growing on the bank, and fluffed it up a little bit, hooked it, and threw it out and slowly trolled it back, and it works.
      I bagged four of them that day. Three of them were keepers.

  • @rosswilliams7487
    @rosswilliams7487 Місяць тому +6

    I had a rough day at work and this video took me back to when I was a school aged kid and used to go fishing to let off steam whenever I was in a mental funk. My buddies always hated catching bluegills but for me when I couldn’t get a bass to bite I knew I could always toss out a small lure on the ultralight and I’d be able to snag a bluegill or other little panfish any day of the year and in any conditions. They’ve kept me from getting ‘skunked’ more times than I could count and even if they’re not the most exciting sport fish in the world, catching something is always better than nothing! They were the reliable friend you could always count on to be there when the going gets tough. Thanks for the video, glad to see these little guys get the recognition and appreciation they deserve!

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      I have very similar feelings about them. They're like a reliable friend that's always willing to hang out with you when you need them. These fish should be the official ambassadors for the fishing hobby. 🐠🦈🐟

  • @rageraptor7127
    @rageraptor7127 28 днів тому +7

    How have I never seen this before I wanna learn more about the ecosystems! I feel like I’ve taken these “ordinary” things for granted. It’s not until you really follow around these animals that you notice how beautiful and actually smart they really are.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  28 днів тому +3

      So true my friend so true. And the more we appreciate the natural world, the harder we will work to protect it. 🌻🌼🐝

  • @zippedydoo1
    @zippedydoo1 Місяць тому +4

    I grew up bluegill fishing with my grandpa, and a bluegill was my first catch. Always gonna have a soft spot for em. Nice video, fellow bluegill appreciator

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  29 днів тому

      Thank you so much. Grandparents are awesome, and I love it when one generation teaches the next. ❤

  • @stalecheerio1192
    @stalecheerio1192 Місяць тому +6

    me and my siblings would use butterfly nets to catch the tiny bluegills and sunnies in the shallows at my grandparents’ home. my grandpa especially taught me so much about them, like how they build circular nests out of pebbles and sand and to avoid stepping on the nests during breeding season.
    they’re incredibly underrated fish, and have such silly personalities. I could watch them chase each other around all day long.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      Thanks for watching the video. They're an amazing fish, and they deserve much more respect and appreciation than they get. They should be the ambassadors for the sport.

  • @russiaspyromaniac2423
    @russiaspyromaniac2423 27 днів тому +6

    "they can be quite aggressive and get large so set your tank up accordingly" fish bites camera

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  27 днів тому +3

      It's almost like I timed it that way intentionally. 😁

  • @Hmongboi228
    @Hmongboi228 Місяць тому +7

    It's May the 19th, 2024 and as a child, I used to fish for bluegills/sunnies. At that time, I never respected these fish and regarded them as trash. Now that I'm older and coincidentally educated in biology with an an associates degree, I have to come respect them more especially knowing that they are vital in the niche that they play for the ecosystem. You video further reinforced this stance and appreciation for these fish. Excellent narration and footage by the way.. 🤝👌

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      @Hmongboi228
      Thank you! These fish do serve a very important role in the lake, and they're definitely an underappreciated species.
      I really hope that this video brings people to have a greater respect for these beautiful little fish.
      I have lots of videos that go into depth on all sorts of aquatic creatures. Some are on the freshwater aquarium fish that I keep and breed, and others are on the wild creatures that we find outdoors. And since you're interested in biology, there are a lot of videos on this channel that you'll love. 🦈🐟🦐🦠 🐠🐝

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 Місяць тому +1

      ​@@TheDave333, I have caught yellow perch and crappie whose stomachs were stuffed to the gills with baby sunfish and bluegills.

  • @CoreyandCrew
    @CoreyandCrew Місяць тому +8

    I discovered this world as a young teen in the marinas of the colorado river in the suny arizona desert. I bought goggles and flippers from walmart, and they may have as well been my rocketship and space suit woth the world i discovered. So amazing. Need to get back into free diving

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      We sound like kindred spirits my friend. I love my time underwater, it really is like going to a different planet.

  • @randall517
    @randall517 Місяць тому +6

    I love fishing for these little guys. Love seeing a bobber go under. They make great catfish bait.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +2

      I love seeing that bobber go under too! It brings back memories of catfishing late at night.

  • @magicalchipmunk1137
    @magicalchipmunk1137 Місяць тому +9

    Very nice video. I am in fisheries management and they are a very important part of the ecosystem. Not often you see such good footage of their nests. Thank you for mentioning to leave the bluegill nest alone. Kinda goes for all sunfish but its better for the populations to leave them to their buisness.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      Thanks for watching the video and for taking the time to leave a comment. . . I agree 100% they are an important part of freshwater ecosystems. A key link in the food chain for many species.

  • @femboy_fishing
    @femboy_fishing Рік тому +7

    these videos are awesome! So cool watching these guys from a different perspective than we normally see them. Best fishy content on UA-cam ❤

  • @bentleysaelee5745
    @bentleysaelee5745 Місяць тому +7

    its bluegill season and the youtube algorithm never fails. Love your videos! They are amazing when you descale, gut, and defin them. Once you finish that you shallow fry in some oil and theyre like chips!!! delicious to eat with just seasoning salt, pepper, and rice.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      Bluegill are tasty! Thanks, now I'm hungry. . .

  • @brycep7093
    @brycep7093 Місяць тому +6

    I have always loved bluegill thanks for sharing the intricate and fascinating life of these incredible animals.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      You're very welcome. Thanks for watching the video and for taking the time to leave a comment. 😁😁😁

  • @RedExia
    @RedExia Рік тому +2

    I'm from South East Asia, & the most common 'first catch' species here is the climbing perch/Anabas testudineus. I've seen bluegill only in fishing simulators/v'games, so I really enjoyed watching this documentary about it. Thumbs up! 👍🏼😁

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Рік тому

      Interesting! Climbing perch must be quite common there just like the bluegill here. :-)

  • @newerafrican
    @newerafrican Місяць тому +5

    My sons grew up fishing in the creek behind our house. They both still fish and enjoy the outdoors. We kept several small Bluegills and small Bass for a time. Even when accidentally injured, they recovered quickly and we never lost one, so it’s always good to toss them back. Like “Slackjaw”, they can recover!

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      Fish are resilient, amazing creatures! And that might explain why I have 22 fish tanks in my house. 🦈🐟🦐🦠 ❤🐠🦈🐟

  • @bluewatersnipe2227
    @bluewatersnipe2227 Місяць тому +8

    Let's hear it for SlackJaw Pete. What a trooper.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      I'd have to say he was my favorite out of them all. 😁😁😁

  • @tracybowling1156
    @tracybowling1156 Місяць тому +5

    I have an extra soft spot in my heart for injured/disabled animals. There is a tailess squirrel in the neighborhood. Still living the good life. Just like those strong, handsome Bluegill!

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +3

      I have a soft spot for the special creatures too. It must be very hard for a squirrel to hop around in trees without it's tail to balance it. ❤❤❤

  • @julie-nm6lv
    @julie-nm6lv Місяць тому +5

    Great footage of the blue gills and nice a knewt dropped in, having fished for blue gill most of my life its wonderful to see them in their habitat

  • @HazelVsTheWrld
    @HazelVsTheWrld Місяць тому +8

    I used to have a pet bluegill. He was so friendly... by himself that is. He would greet me and follow me around the tank. Too bad he got a fungal disease and passed😢

    • @yearginclarke
      @yearginclarke Місяць тому +1

      We had some too when I was a kid. We had one larger sized one (compared to the rest) that ate or killed most of the others in the tank. He/she was eventually the lone survivor and later wound up dying.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Sorry to hear about your friend the fish. . . They're such beautiful fish, but they can be very aggressive, get big, and they have a huge appetite. A large tank (55 + gallons+), regular water changes, and good filtration really help to keep them healthy. After a while, they start to recognize you and respond when you enter the room. It's awesome.

  • @snakehandler87
    @snakehandler87 Місяць тому +14

    I worked at a pet store where the feeder goldfish and minnows would accidentally sometimes have baby bluegill or similar mixed in and I took one of them home and it turned out to be a pumpkin seed bluegill and he was so freaking awesome he grew from a little half inch indistinguishable fish to about a foot-long chonk of a beauty, I had him about 3-4 years but he mysteriously died and I was absolutely devastated because he made me so happy he would go ape s*** every time I got home from work or from a walk or whatever he would be so excited literally splashing water out of his tank

    • @NikeaTiber
      @NikeaTiber Місяць тому +5

      I'm always been endeared by fish that are personable.
      One of my friends in college had a mbu puffer that was like a puppy, he would always be as close to people as his tank would let him.
      I went up to his tank once and he went to the surface and rolled over, belly up. Looked almost like he was playing dead.
      "What is he doing?" I asked my friend.
      "Oh, he wants you to pet him."
      "Seriously?"
      "Yeah, give his belly a little rub. He'll like it."
      So I did. Only fish I've ever seen that wanted me to pet him.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +3

      @snakehandler87
      @NikeaTiber
      I love how some fish have a real personality, people don't give them enough credit. I had an Electric Blue Jack Dempsey that recognized me and only responded when I entered the room. He would ignore everyone else but me. And when I entered the room he would rise to the top and beg for food. Fish are much smarter than we give them credit for.
      🐠🦈🐟

  • @mud074
    @mud074 Місяць тому +5

    Love seeing this video get boosted by the algo out of nowhere, you deserve it.

  • @thomashaapalainen4108
    @thomashaapalainen4108 Місяць тому +11

    They are boney but they do have a great taste and texture in my opinion. Better than large mouth bass. Great pets if you have a 120 gallon tank and aren't to focused on keeping live plants apart from floaters like water lettuce or frog bit. They're a lot like oscars in behavior but don't require tropical temperatures, which saves on the electric bill.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Totally agree! Way better tasting than bass. And they eat like little water pigs, so it's good to get them used to taking prepared food like cichlid pellets early on. Not having to heat them is also a real plus!

  • @hookon3
    @hookon3 Рік тому +4

    This vid was so educational! Love it. Can you do more?

  • @StinkinFilthy-ks6ds
    @StinkinFilthy-ks6ds Місяць тому +4

    What a terrific video….a look into the busy lives of remarkable little fish. This was a pleasure to watch.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      Thank you so much. 🐠🦈🐟

  • @jameskiker4128
    @jameskiker4128 Місяць тому +11

    please make a video on crappie thats my favorite fresh water fish

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      Unfortunately, I don't see enough of them to make a video about them. But when I do I will.

  • @lazerbeam134
    @lazerbeam134 Місяць тому +4

    This makes me so happy on a basic level I can't even express it thank you for making this video

  • @tobyjoe7672
    @tobyjoe7672 Місяць тому +4

    I appreciate the nicknames assigned to the bluegill. Shout out tin man

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      Thanks, and they all have their own personalities. They're such characters.

  • @woodsplitter3274
    @woodsplitter3274 Місяць тому +6

    Pound for pound (or perhaps ounce for ounce) they are great fighters. They are fun to catch when you're young or when you're old.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +2

      I agree 100% = dependable fish!

    • @DrDoom931
      @DrDoom931 27 днів тому +3

      Use a micro setup and it'll make it fun for you again I promise

    • @AK47BLACKice
      @AK47BLACKice 27 днів тому +2

      @@DrDoom931, yup, I let my little nephews use my ultralight setups, 4.5’ rod with 4lb test.

  • @johncerk2618
    @johncerk2618 Місяць тому +5

    Caught 75 Bluegills yesterday.Could see them in the shallows getting ready to spawn.All were released.

    • @user-qo9tz8pq3d
      @user-qo9tz8pq3d Місяць тому +2

      Fun to catch, they put up a good fight. Good job releasing them, people catch and keep way more than they ever eat.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      Nice work my friend! Bluegill on light tackle never disappoints.

  • @banba317
    @banba317 Місяць тому +4

    Fascinating video and very well filmed. As a lifelong freshwater fisherman, I have caught many hundreds of Bluegill while fishing for Bass and Pike. Even though they are a bit of a nuisance they are fun and feisty little guys.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks for watching the video, and taking the time to leave a comment! Be sure to watch my videos on the Chain Pickerel and the largemouth bass as well.

    • @banba317
      @banba317 Місяць тому

      @@TheDave333 On it!

  • @kayc_x3
    @kayc_x3 Місяць тому +3

    A part of our beautiful world that I’ve never seen before. Every creature doing their part. Thank you for sharing!

    • @psychodelic1457
      @psychodelic1457 Місяць тому +2

      Everyone accept humans

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      You're very welcome, and thanks for watching the video. I'm glad that you enjoyed it.

  • @tthappyrock368
    @tthappyrock368 Місяць тому +4

    We used to feed the bluegills at my grandma's lake place. They liked Wonder bread. We could catch them with our bare hands! Your video is beautiful and informative!

    • @slapdat.byteme
      @slapdat.byteme Місяць тому +1

      My wife, daughter and I feed bread and cooked oatmeal to bluegill in a pond near our house almost every day. They’re so conditioned to this feeding that they swarm to the shore as we approach, spotting us when we’re still 20-30 ft away. Easily 500-600 bluegill feeding!

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Thank you so much. They really are beautiful little fish.

  • @semperfidelis1550
    @semperfidelis1550 Місяць тому +9

    If Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood were a lake….

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Then we would be neighbors . . .

  • @emwitzcrackers1845
    @emwitzcrackers1845 Місяць тому +3

    Need more diver dave episodes to guide me through the lakes this summer!!

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      There will be more soon enough! 🐠🦈🐟

  • @brettdufrene_yt6698
    @brettdufrene_yt6698 Рік тому +3

    Some of the best footage of bluegill I’ve ever seen, God loves you bro

  • @brendanfarrior1914
    @brendanfarrior1914 22 дні тому +7

    seeing how much work a bluegill puts into his nest makes me sad to catch one :(

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  22 дні тому +3

      They do okay as long as you don't hurt them and you put them back. They'll return to caring for the nest.

  • @AnthonyZiblis
    @AnthonyZiblis Рік тому +2

    Wow what an amazing shot, the bluegill flairs at you, a chain pickerel and then a wild newt appears!

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Рік тому

      And I'm starting to grow gills. . . :-D

  • @Rainkit
    @Rainkit Рік тому +2

    I spent my whole 24 years of life thinking that the term "blue gill" came from the black spot.
    Also as a note for anyone wanting to keep them, the minimum recommended tank size is 100 gallons. I was thinking of getting some but after learning how big they got I realized I couldn't keep them.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Рік тому

      I wish a had a tank big enough to keep them! I guess I'll have to settle for an entire lake. . . :-)

  • @joshnoi1804
    @joshnoi1804 5 місяців тому +5

    Those are some pretty and good sized blue gill. I love sun fish and think they're just as beautiful as any aquarium fish.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  5 місяців тому +1

      I agree! They are spectacular fish.

  • @Triaz357
    @Triaz357 Місяць тому +4

    This was so interesting. Bluegill have always been interesting to me. creek wading for bluegill is still my favorite way to fish. An ultralight, pack of trout magnets and a good creek makes for an awesome day.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      It sure does! I like topwater fishing with ultralight gear using poppers in the early morning or late afternoon.

  • @stevehill6062
    @stevehill6062 25 днів тому +5

    Can't tell you how many times that i have waited to fish gills on their beds. When they bite, they turn that slab of a body sideways and fight with all of the protective aggression that you have just showed us all. Enjoyed this battle on ultra light gear, but after watching your fine presentation, feeling kind of guilty for my interruption of their dedication!
    But golly, there isn't much of any other fishes that beat the flavor of pan fried bluegill fillets!
    Even though knowing all that you showed us before watching, it's a great treasure watching these brave fathers challenge something many times larger than themselves!!

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  25 днів тому

      Bluegills really are such cool fish, brave, protective, great fighters, always biting, and they taste great too. Fish responsibly and we'll always have them to enjoy.

    • @Magikarp-4ever
      @Magikarp-4ever 25 днів тому +1

      @stevehill6062 you damn well got that right, bluegills are delicious and IMO comparable to bread grown catfish or stocked river trout, absolutely fun as hell 🥰

  • @minorthrFPV
    @minorthrFPV Місяць тому +4

    This showed up in my feed today, nothing like I usually watch but I'm glad it appeared. I live in California and although not native to these parts, bluegill thrive. First fish I caught was a bluegill, like all fish I catch I threw him back. I mostly fish for largemouth bass (also not native but prevalent here) when they're not biting I'll play with the bluegill, they always seem to be hungry.
    I subscribed to your channel and am looking forward to going through your library, off to watch your video on largemouth now, thanks!

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      That's awesome thank you so much for subscribing! 🐠🦈🐟

  • @simpindulgence6384
    @simpindulgence6384 28 днів тому +4

    I loved catching these with my late grandfather.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  28 днів тому

      So interesting. I've had so many people say the same thing! I think grandfathers and bluegill fishing go hand in hand. ❤❤❤

  • @jsmythib
    @jsmythib Місяць тому +5

    Where I live in CT they were always considered a junk fish. The out breed most species and would be considered evasive except they are one of our only naturally local breeds. Once you get past that, they are fun to catch, plentiful, and as tasty as game fish if your ever in need - imho :)

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      I agree 100% Many people don't realize that most of the game fish that they're after are not native to New England.

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 Місяць тому

      Baby bluegills and sunfish are food for Yellow Perch and Crappie; I've caught Perch that were stuffed to the gills with small bluegills. I'm in CT as well and our most "invasive" freshwater fish are landlocked populations of White Perch (a relative of the Striped Bass), alewives and gizzard shad, all of which disrupt the ecology of lakes and ponds.

  • @MichaelEMJAYARE
    @MichaelEMJAYARE Місяць тому +3

    As a casual angler here in central Minnesota - seeing these freshwater fish and learning about them is so fascinating! Thank you for all the info. Videos are insanely relaxing, also.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Thank you so much I really appreciate the kind words. I see you're a guitar player as well! Awesome. 😁😁😁

  • @tresjolieme81
    @tresjolieme81 Місяць тому +6

    makes you want to put the fish back in the water seeing how dedicated they are to their own lives and the babies

    • @crumbopulis
      @crumbopulis Місяць тому +3

      But they just taste so good

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +4

      A little compassion goes a long way.

  • @skipsnapdoesfish8457
    @skipsnapdoesfish8457 9 днів тому +3

    I love bluegill not for just fishing, but also they make really good aquarium fish. I built a 200 gallon North American River biotope with a buddy and it has some really nice bluegill from our local creek. Such an underappreciated fish

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  9 днів тому +1

      A North American biotope would be fun to set up. So many great choices! And the bluegill would be right at the top of my list. 🐠🦈🐟

  • @fnerXVI
    @fnerXVI Місяць тому +3

    There was a pond in my neighbor's yard I'd fish in when I was a kid. Well, he was a older guy and after he passed another person in the neighborhood took all of the sport fish from that pond and brought it to theirs.
    The bluegill had no natural predators and they got HUGE.
    Like dinner plate size huge.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      That's awesome. I love big bluegills. Too bad about the neighborhood thief taking all of the sportfish from the pond and bringing them to his own place. Not cool!

  • @mmal7982
    @mmal7982 Місяць тому +6

    greatest fish on earth. blue marlin number 2. thats a huge statement

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      That is a huge statement. I'd have to go with the Bull Sharks on this one. They're been found in the Mississippi River as far inland as Illinois ( 1700 miles!!! )

  • @chaosopher23
    @chaosopher23 Місяць тому +6

    It was very hot one day, so I took a dip & sat on a submerged rock. It didn't take much time (They were already there) for the bluegills to discover me. I sat still to watch them, no ear display or anything like that, one got brave enough and tried to take a bite out of my leg. I thought it was isolated behavior and that one would give up when it figured out I wasn't food. Nope! A few more joined in. Lesson: Don't sit still in fresh water. All it took to keep them from biting me was a little movement. But sit yoga still, and I was considered fair game within 60 seconds. Pawtuxet River, Rhode Island. It's the same place where I think our common snapping turtles are ankylosauruses.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Wow, what a great experience. I lover quiet times down by the water. You may want to watch my video on the snapping turtle! ua-cam.com/video/cy6TEzb9-0I/v-deo.html

    • @chaosopher23
      @chaosopher23 Місяць тому

      @@TheDave333 Those - I'm not afraid of, in the least. One of my fishing rocks is also a turtle rock. They pick the next one if they see me. Not the bluegills! "Is it dead yet? Does it matter? What does it taste like? Bring out your inner piranha!"

    • @32clove
      @32clove Місяць тому

      I love fishing the mighty Pawtucket 🤗 Also from Rhode Island 🤞🏽

  • @mothra4445
    @mothra4445 Місяць тому +3

    My wife and I love fishing Bluegills, the meat is mild yet sweet. They are easy to filet. Cut a shallow slit behind the gill and another just in front of the tail. At a very slight angle slide the blade towards the gill between the meat and the bones. Try not to dislodge any bone, takes a little practice. Flip the meat over so it is up and slide the blade between the meat and skin. There’s your filet. Flip the fish over and repeat. When you get good at it you can clean a lot of fish quickly and cleanly. This technique works on any number of fish.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +2

      Thank you so much for the filleting advice! I'm always willing to learn new techniques, and I was never very good at it.

  • @kenturkey1971
    @kenturkey1971 Місяць тому +9

    Bluegill would be terrifying if they were 30+ inches. 😀

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Agreed, especially that Slack Jaw Pete. 😁

  • @backatitagain4649
    @backatitagain4649 26 днів тому +3

    In the intro you’re absolutely right, my BF never went fishing before and I took him to a pond stocked with bluegills because I knew he’d be able to catch ‘em 😅

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  25 днів тому +1

      Ha that's awesome! Gotta keep it simple for the men. 😁😁😁

  • @BugzNBeanz
    @BugzNBeanz Місяць тому +7

    I have a giant green sunfish the size of my hand living with a slightly smaller hybrid (a green sunfish + bluegill ) and a juvenile jack Dempsey cichlid. I have them trained so well, they’re giant water puppies always lining up together for food. Water pigs more like 😅

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      That's awesome! Love me some aquatic pork. . . 😅

  • @paolo7237
    @paolo7237 Місяць тому +5

    I once caught a bluegill the size of my
    Hand- which is huge around where I live. Biggest they get is like 5 inches long

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +2

      They can get a lot bigger than 5 inches in some places. Still, a 5 inch bluegill is a nice fish! 😁

  • @MrWelch-of7mr
    @MrWelch-of7mr Рік тому +4

    Thank you for this. I am a biology teacher and fishing coach and we are working on local species. This video was very helpful.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Рік тому

      Excellent. I love science, nature, and biology. All of my video tend to get a little geeky with the science / biology info.

  • @DennyMK007
    @DennyMK007 Рік тому

    Can't have enough of your videos Dave! Keep them coming!

  • @shnoogums1
    @shnoogums1 19 днів тому +2

    love this video. the pacing and narration are so relaxing. thanks man

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  19 днів тому +2

      you're very welcome. Thanks for watching.

  • @UnseemlyGenie00
    @UnseemlyGenie00 Місяць тому +8

    Bluegills are good eating, almost as good as largemouth bass. If they get too numerous they will grow up stunted.

    • @AtSafeDistance
      @AtSafeDistance Місяць тому +2

      Almost as good as bass? They are far superior in taste than bass. MHO. ps, when he points out the pumpkin seed ... THAT is the blue gill.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      They're way better than bass!!! Have you ever tried Chain Pickerel? They're tasty too. ua-cam.com/video/EL9P6oKM8Gg/v-deo.html

  • @AK47BLACKice
    @AK47BLACKice 27 днів тому +8

    One time me and my friend stopped at an unknown pond by the highway and caught some HUGE bluegill, about a foot long and fat. Some of them had such beautiful colors, purple, blue, and super bright deep orange. Pretty sure one of them was a state record but we didn’t want it to die so we released it.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  27 днів тому +2

      That's awesome! Bluegills are beautiful fish, and they deserve way more appreciation. They're always biting, they can get pretty big, and they put up a great fight. Lots of fun on light tackle.

  • @flackobeenfishin
    @flackobeenfishin Місяць тому +4

    Something about this video just makes me happy

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +2

      That's a great compliment! Thank you, and I hope you have a beautiful day. Be sure to watch my video on the largemouth bass, it might make you feel the same way. ua-cam.com/video/0okCEpCKGsU/v-deo.html

  • @meredithgrubb4497
    @meredithgrubb4497 Місяць тому +6

    The best tasting fish I have ever had was blue gill. It takes a lot to make a meal but man they r good eating when u have someone who can filet them good and fry them right.

    • @jsmythib
      @jsmythib Місяць тому +3

      2-3 of them 5-7 inches, and one potato :) Pan fried, then deboned, lemon and butter :)

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      They do require some skill to to filet and cook, but I agree great tasting fish. I feel the same way about chain Pickerel.
      ua-cam.com/video/EL9P6oKM8Gg/v-deo.html

  • @marvincanalles10
    @marvincanalles10 Місяць тому +4

    Beautiful work Dave!

  • @kerriborlowski
    @kerriborlowski Місяць тому +3

    I caught a bluegill 4 years ago and he is still alive now in a 55 gallon tank with 4 mid size goldfish.
    He is twice the size from when I caught him.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      They do grow fast, I'm surprised the goldfish are still around. 😁

  • @TraphouseTCG
    @TraphouseTCG Місяць тому +6

    This goes so unbelievably hard

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +2

      Thanks! It was a fun video to make.

    • @TraphouseTCG
      @TraphouseTCG Місяць тому +1

      @@TheDave333 hope you and Slackjaw Pete have a great summer

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks, you do the same.

  • @mikeydreadmastalski4345
    @mikeydreadmastalski4345 26 днів тому +2

    Great footage, and great commentary! Thanks for uploading

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  26 днів тому

      You're very welcome. Thanks for watching. 😁

  • @brettr6895
    @brettr6895 Місяць тому +4

    This is the best video on bluegill! Very interesting, thank you for sharing!

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      Wow, thanks! I appreciate the love.

  • @StormiidaeBlogspot
    @StormiidaeBlogspot 26 днів тому +3

    Nice to see freshwater underwater footage.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  26 днів тому +1

      Thanks. This one was a lot of fun to film and put together. 😁

  • @kleetus92
    @kleetus92 Місяць тому +1

    I've seen a lot of different shots of fish growing up and playing in lakes and ponds, but I have never seen bluegill eggs before. Thank you for capturing this unique shot!

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      You're very welcome. Thanks for watching the video and taking the time to leave a comment.

  • @somenamelessdude8095
    @somenamelessdude8095 Місяць тому +11

    They do make great pets, but theyre pigs, and you better get them used to fish food early, or start a worm farm.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      So true, they do love to eat and they can get big and mean too!

    • @somenamelessdude8095
      @somenamelessdude8095 Місяць тому +1

      @@TheDave333 I spent so much on nightcrawlers lol. Those things can EAT

    • @TheWmalernee
      @TheWmalernee 8 днів тому +1

      I have always wanted to say that I have worms lol

  • @yortsemloh1156
    @yortsemloh1156 Місяць тому +3

    I had one in a 20 gallon aquarium and fed it mosquito larvae. It went crazy for them. It grew so much that I put it back in the small creek where I caught it.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      They're little water pigs, they get big real fast! 😁

  • @maxwell1891
    @maxwell1891 Місяць тому +5

    This video is relaxing, informative, entertaining, and overall beautiful. Thank you for sharing this video and wonderful information alongside it!

    • @rosedubiskas4862
      @rosedubiskas4862 Місяць тому +1

      exactly. it's like david attenborough meets joe pera talks

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. 🐠🦈🐟

    • @maxwell1891
      @maxwell1891 Місяць тому

      @@TheDave333 Of course! I hope your videos gain the recognition that they deserve.

  • @stevensmutko1408
    @stevensmutko1408 Місяць тому +1

    Wonderful video love the narration and subtle jokes thrown in. Hope you do well and keep growing. In only one video you have earned my sub now I have to go back and watch all your others.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      That's awesome! Thank you so much for subscribing and taking the time to leave a comment. This video is taking off lately, and I'm so thankful that people are appreciating my work. 🐠🦈🐟

  • @Egglicks7
    @Egglicks7 Місяць тому +1

    Loved the video. I feel like this is going to be my next little obsession. I can’t wait to spend the next three days going through all of your videos and reading Wikipedia for days about fish.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +2

      This is awesome!!! Now, I feel like a fish ambassador! Fish are amazing and fishkeeping is a very addictive hobby. I'm always here to answer any questions that you might have. Thank you so much. 🐠🦈🐟🐠🦈🐟🐠🦈🐟

  • @shiny_popcorn
    @shiny_popcorn Рік тому +3

    This gives me a whole new perspective, this is really cool

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Рік тому

      Thank you it was a fun video to put together.

  • @kamikaze2613
    @kamikaze2613 Місяць тому +6

    Imo this is better than Nat geo with their overly edited docs.

    • @mgoh1984
      @mgoh1984 Місяць тому +1

      And the music they always play like everyone watching are big fans of the opera too.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      Thanks! I really appreciate that. 😁

  • @InletKayaker
    @InletKayaker Місяць тому

    Great camera work,thanks for posting this....

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      You're very welcome and thanks for watching.

  • @tonys7845
    @tonys7845 Місяць тому +2

    That was the coolest thing I saw today. Thanks for sharing.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому

      You're very welcome. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to leave a comment.

  • @BigDizzad
    @BigDizzad Місяць тому +4

    I'm not smart enough to know why this year old video is getting the business all of the sudden but I'm here for it all the way my friend. It did take a sec to get over the kid show like delivery (Which is GREAT but I'm in my 50's) Subbed. I cant wait to see how this channel grows because it will. Bravo. Now I have some backlog to watch😉

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      Thank you so much for the kind words and for subscribing. There's lots of good material here. I film and breed freshwater aquarium fish, as well as outdoor stuff. 🐠🦈🐟

  • @JoseMartinez-df2db
    @JoseMartinez-df2db Місяць тому +8

    When I was a kid I had a pet blue gill and I named him Blue Gill. 😊😂

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      I can see that you put a lot of thought into that! Nice work. 😁😁😁

  • @user-nd7rg5er5g
    @user-nd7rg5er5g Місяць тому +1

    Excellent and beautiful work! It's so fascinating seeing fish do their thing in the wild where it's normally hard to see them.

  • @jannooosthuizen6588
    @jannooosthuizen6588 Рік тому +2

    Fascinating as always

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Рік тому

      The fish did most of the work! :-D

  • @corerod1996
    @corerod1996 Рік тому +4

    Beautiful documentary. Bluegill are very underestimated by anglers but to me, they are the gatekeepers of fishing.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Рік тому +1

      Totally agree! I use light tackle and its a lot of fun.

  • @laurelcook9078
    @laurelcook9078 Рік тому +6

    The trash in the lake is heartbreaking. We impact so many organisms with our filth. :(

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Рік тому +2

      So, true. I do a special "clean up" dive every year. :-)

  • @arthur3545
    @arthur3545 Рік тому

    I love this so much! Can't wait to see the next one

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Рік тому

      Thanks for watching the video and taking the time to leave a comment.

  • @mirrorblue100
    @mirrorblue100 Місяць тому +4

    Great photography - very informative - thanks.

    • @TheDave333
      @TheDave333  Місяць тому +1

      You're very welcome- thanks for watching!