Bluegill - Big Bluegill

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Alright I'm in a somewhat unique situation over here in the midwest but I hope there's a solution. My favorite bass (yes tony i said it) lake is filled with bluegill from tiny to very big. It is gin clear and I can see down to the beds. There is one problem... the big guys hang out with the little ones. These elusive 8-10" gills are not huge but definitely worth catching. Every time I throw anything that looks relatively edible in, the 4-7 inchers eat it like they haven't seen a meal in years. Is there any possible way to get the lure past the little fellas without throwing something outrageously heavy?

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Get a bucket, catch the little guys and throw them in the bucket. 

Haha thanks for the reply but I think that would be a long term solution to a short term problem.

Oh and I forgot to mention they prohibit the use of minnows in this lake

Acme alligator decoy? Seriously though, I've been there and feel your pain. How deep are these nests? Are you using artificial, or live bait? This is a long shot, but what about a jig made from  tungsten, like those used in ice fishing? Very heavy metal would allow a quick sink rate, but still keep the physical size small......

Haha gator decoy sounds good at this point. I could use crawlers but I mean I would neat to make them look unnatural because the nests are about 8 feet deep. I can see everything so  I know that the big fish are interested, it just seems that every spot I try, the slow sink picks up an entourage of feisty little guys who eat anything they see.

Since you're sight fishing, perhaps you don't need a slow sink. Can you tightline a heavier bait or lure rapidly to a foot or so above the nests, then switch to  a slower fall into the nest by using your rod?

Thank you I will try a larger jig and tight line it once it gets down. I'll let you know how I do!

ROFL Tony with his ingenious approaches. If allowed by DNR, why not place a feeder on the opposite of the casting direction. This way,  you can catch the targeted fish, while feeding the hungry little buggers.

Aha Leo with a great idea!!! I have a feeling that the DNR guy who roams the lake every day will consider it a "trap" and therefore not let me use it but I will try tomorrow morning. Thanks

Manage to find a way to deviate the munchkins from eating your baits before the big boys hammer them?

Are there any Northern Pike or Muskies in that lake?  Any other large predators?

Tons of pike and big bass roam through that area. Mostly bass this time of year

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