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Giant bluegill using the Modica spooning method.

Here's a massive bluegill caught on Bill "Musky" Modica's spooning method. This method has been heavily featured lately by In-Fisherman Magazine, both in print and on their nationally acclaimed fishing show.

This fish was over a foot long, and looked like it was taking steriods. I'd love for Bill to describe this particular spoon and why he likes it so much. Bill recommended I use this setup, and it worked like a charm.

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Comment by Bruce Condello on January 19, 2012 at 4:26pm: Wow...604 views of this thread! That's nuts!

Comment by Israel Dunn on January 19, 2012 at 3:28pm: Wonderful catch! Very impressive!

Comment by Jim Gronaw on January 18, 2012 at 5:51pm: I have a pretty good idea where this is at, actually, a couple ideas. But I'm keepin' quiet 'cos I don't want to blow my one chance that I might fish there one day!

Anyway, that spoon gig is for real! I had exceptional success with it two summers ago when the monster hybrid sunfish at my favorite monster hybrid sunfish lake had lockjaw and just wouldn't hit anything. Spoons did 'em in and I got fish that approached 2 pounds...little compared to these freaks! But trophies to me, non the less.

I think we are all overlooking a slight but subtle phenomena in these photos. Look closely and you will notice some gray chin hair on Bruce...a classic trait for monster bluegill slayers, nationwide. Those Southern Cal dudes have been letting the razors alone for years, and their giant bluegill catches have improved, dramatically.

I shaved for my 35 th anniversary this past fall, but I am sick and tired of catching nothing but dink gills as a result. Therefore, I have begged Linda to allow me to go back to my standard-issue, gruffy and grissled look that everyone had come to know and love. And the results were fantastic! I think that by the time spring arrives I will really be catching some giant gills!

Anyway, those are astonishing fish, Bruce! Congrats!

Comment by John Cachel on January 18, 2012 at 9:26am: Very beauitful BIG bluegill and nice show spoon on mouth! Great job!

Comment by cal okeefe on January 17, 2012 at 11:06pm: bruce from the looks of the photos there is no cross snap connected to the spoon.. did you tie your line right to the spoon or did you use braided line,fluroleader barrell swivle and all that.. the masters recipe

Comment by Greg McWilliams on January 17, 2012 at 5:36pm: John, She might beat me but get nothing!!!!! But if she offer fried chicken,mashed taters and cream gravy I am afraid I would tell all!!!!!

Comment by Bruce Condello on January 17, 2012 at 4:26pm: Leo, I'm not sure which species of filamentous algae. I always tell people, "I'm a fish guy, not a plant guy". :-) But I know I should be better with my macrophyte ID's.

Greg, and John...I needed a good laugh. Thanks. It's been a long day...

Comment by John Sheehan on January 17, 2012 at 2:01pm: Greg- Your momma gonna beat it out of ya? HEHHeh!!

Comment by Greg McWilliams on January 17, 2012 at 12:06pm: Bruce , I understand not revealing the location!!!!! I don't even tell my MOMMA where I catch CRAPPIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

Comment by Leo Nguyen on January 17, 2012 at 11:47am: Bruce, what type of moss and filamentous algae species grown near/in that pond? Did you introduce the algae into the pond for oxygen enrichment purposes? The photos is not high res, so, I can't tell the reflectivity index of the water surface based on the density of the plant growth/pond bottom's. But, the glassiness of the pond actually an indicator of an excellent oxygen loaded aquatic environment. There must be tons of microbes and insects that thrive in that crazy pond. You might want to introduce water lilies and native tules to enhance phyto-toxins filtration that may be generated in summer months by high eutrophication processes. It may stunt the fish growth as high as 30%.