2014 TROPHY BLUEGILL QUEST

[Slip Sinker]

My Master Angler quest for a 10 inch plus northern strain gill in Michigan continues in 2014... 

[Slip Sinker]

Led head...
that's where I got the screen dump of Wixom lake it is old and outdated. I'm going to upload my data as soon as I make more progress. Once that's done the community could see it in a week.

[LedHed]

Ken - check out;

http://webapp.navionics.com/?lang=en

I use it for Lake Perris - excellent detail. I've got some spots on Lake Havasu marked out that I want to try.....

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I see what you mean about the precision.
It's obvious they must, at least, exist. But your personal makes it much clearer.
It's a good thing those systems are so expensive!

[Slip Sinker]

this is the generic lake map loaded on most depth sounders. impossible to locate exact intersections of creek channels etc

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Nice!
There has to be a channel there - it's awesome to see!

[Slip Sinker]

wixom lake - expand map exposing creek to main river channel connections. this will be great info for late fall drop shotting and deep jigging with spoons.this creek channel is a major spawning site for crappies and bluegills in the spring.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

That sonar rules!
Between you and that device, I'm getting an education!

[Slip Sinker]

090614-- new lake today smaller resevoir. found the fish in three spots deep along trees (crappies... not my target) peeking over the main break into deep water and on the flats. the largest but less concentrated bluegills were on the flats up to 8.5 inches. drop shot and gulp alive 1" minnows and pink maggots.

crappies in the trees

hanging at the break

[Slip Sinker]

McScruff ... this is the weedy flat i was fishing that day. the only weeds left are the eel grass and it is densely packed. typically i noticed and i have heard this is not the preferred weed for bluegill to roam around in. but it has one thing going for it. it is packed with food. snails and all kind of bugs attach themselves to the broad based leaves. bluegills roam the edges and pick when feeding such as the sonar image below.

the bluegills school around the edges feeding. im picturing bluegills tucking themselves into the weed mass not to roam and feed but just lay dormant or hide out for awhile.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

What are the options?
Deep shelter?
Shallow shelter?
Suspended somewhere?
In between?
I tend to think in these terms, generally.
I don't really know enough to figure out more! LOL