Shell Cracker, Pumpkin Seed, Red Ear, all the same fish. Not a bluegill. There are hybrid bluegills that get really huge but that is another genetic monster.  We can almost always find one pounders in MN, if you fish certain lakes and those fish are nice bluegills with big neck humps. FisherbeckLLC

I have invented an easy threading ice jig for pan fish, especially big bluegills that is a lifesaver for cold hands or poor light in ice houses. It is called the Gillerbeck and we sell them on-line at www.fisherbeck.com. Check this out and you will catch more and bigger bluegills while being able to easily thread your light line through the eye of the lure. Follow me with tips and tricks to catch more and bigger pan fish on Twitter as fisherbeckLLC. I tweet daily and you can become a better ice angler by following my advice.  Doug Erbeck  PS. We are in down time now just waiting for safe ice, but a great time to buy stocking stuffers for Christmas. Free shipping on Gillerbecks until the first of the year.