Planning the Ultimate Bluegill trip - need advice (opinions)

[Keith Homan]

Hello all,

My brother and I are trying to plan a fishing trip to target mainly bluegills, but crappie are also welcome lol. We are based in west central Ohio and are looking to head South into possibly the Carolina's, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, or anywhere in that general direction. Looking for a full service resort/outfitter that has nice lodging, and well outfitted boats to offer. As a "hobby", we are currently making custom jigs specific to panfish as well as custom rods for the same purpose. It's time we lay down the tools for a while and schedule a little time for a getaway.

If anyone on here could kindly direct us towards some great southern hospitality and bluegill fishing we would be very appreciative. Up until now, most of our fishing has been done in  Michigan, Indiana, and Canada. Our goal this year is to head south to try our luck and to see if the fishing in the areas previously mentioned is as good or better than the northern climates.

We are flexible on the best time of the year to take this trip so if you have any thoughts or opinions on where and when to get into some great Bluegill fishing, just toss it out there and we'll check it out.

Thanks in advance for any assistance anyone can provide and hope that all of you have a Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2016.

Thanks,

Boz

[LedHed]

If you think about the southwest;

Lake Perris & Lake Skinner for CNBG - all year - these lakes have good size REs too

http://bigbluegill.com/photo/lp-2015-iii?context=user

or

Lake Havasu for RE or BG - spring or fall (it gets really hot during the summer)

http://bigbluegill.com/photo/lh-04-20-2015?context=user

LP & LH produce some very big hybrid BG/REs also.

[Walt Foreman]

Hi Keith, I sent you a friend request so we can PM - I have a trophy bluegill guide service south of Nashville.  So far this year a 1.91 lb. and a 1.99 lb. bluegill have been caught by clients of mine. 

[Keith Ritter]

Hey Keith,  I live in North West Tennessee and there are several choices in this area. Reelfoot Lake has always been a destination for serious Bluegill fisherman and has plenty of guide services and accommodations. There are plenty of smaller waters you won't find guides or rooms around but offer great fishing. Kentucky Lake is a spot for large numbers of Bluegills and also has plenty of guides and more modern accommodations. The rule of thumb in this area is the Bluegill spawn around the first full moon in May, shortly after the Crappie get through and just before the catfish start up. Let me know if you need any more help. 

[Slip Sinker]

if i were in the position to plan the ultimate BlueGill trip it would have to be be one or two days at Richmond Mill

typed in google search images "Richmond Mill Bluegill"