A newcomer to ice fishing can locate the best spots by looking for a congregation of fishermen over traditional hotspots. Bluegills are tightly schooled during winter months. Use your spud bar or auger to cut a hole through the ice. An axe, often tried by novices, works poorly except in the thinnest ice. After the hole is drilled, clear the ice chips with your dipper, lower the baited lure to within a foot of the bottom, and set the bobber at that depth.
Big bluegill tend to hang close to the bottom in winter and bite ever-so lightly.
You must watch your float closely for bites. Often the float will rise and lie on its side as a fish picks up your bait. Set the hook immediately and pull the fish to the surface. The bluegill is everybody's fish. Excitingly easy to catch, they are ideal for beginners but equally fun for experienced anglers.