How can I get the little guys to GO AWAY!!!

[Jacob Hill]

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?

[Goose Pond Monster]

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

[Jacob Hill]

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

[Jacob Hill]

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

[Tony Livingston]

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......

[Jacob Hill]

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.

[Tony Livingston]

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?

[Jacob Hill]

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

[Leo Nguyen]

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.

[Jacob Hill]

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

[Leo Nguyen]

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

[Allen Morgan]

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

[Jacob Hill]

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