Hey Derrick,

     After reading your post I had to check your page and see where you live.  I was surprised to see you are in my former "home town". I was born and raised in Mn and currently live here but had a 7 year stint in NC 4 of those were in Statesville.  I am sure you are familiar with Look Out Shoals lake, that is where I fell in love with blue gill fishing :-)  As far as lakes go in the area (in my opinion) it has some of the healthiest gills in the.  Try the north "fingers" off the main body of the lake in the spring and site fish for those spawning gills. That is the easiest way to start learning their seasonal movments.  If you really want the 2.5+lbers, start befriending the local pond owners, I have fished a few that have the potential of hitting that 3lb mark.  Wish I could show you in person, I love to share with fellow Gill lovers!  Good luck!!

Wish you loads of good luck. I know the lake has changed lots since last time I fished it but a good spot may be the hot hole the power plant discharge area water was always warmer there and we always done good there.

Too bad you don't live closer you could partner up with me for some Bluegill tournaments as well.......Lot of fun and we do it in the afternoon when the days are longer.....Normally just three or four hours to fish so you feel pressure and anxiety to produce.......Nothing wrong with bass either! Let us know how you do.....