Fished yesterday from 7:30 til 5:30 in Gail force winds...10-20 mph. Water temp was mid to high 70s & lake water level was full pool. Not that many boats on the water...they probably saw the wind forecast & had enough sense to stay home. Started out fishing reed beds...no luck. Tried several different reed areas for over 2 hours, but could only get bass. Last year they started showing up in the reeds on April 16th, and were there from then til end of summer??? (Tried the reeds again later in the day with same results). Finally gave up and moved to the "not so secret", secret spots. The bass & red ear bite was exceptional...ended up with around 30 bass, 20 red ear, and 60 bluegill & bluegill mixes. Gulp Alive again was the bait that did the trick. Tried a new color this week (Emerald Shiner) & it worked great. Had planned on doing lots of side scanning, (in search of new "secret spots") but the wind said no to that effort. Special THANKS to the young guy who helped my get my boat on the trailer in the wind...we both got wet, and I really do appreciate the help ! I might still be there if not for this guys unselfish generosity....

Solid post and nice pics of some hogs!

Awesome post and some "Super Chunks" Good job Steve!



Side Note: Was thinking about you on Fayette. The wind was even brutal for me and I was fishing a creek from the bank!

Some gorgeous perch on this trip Steve ! And bigguns !!

30 bass on 1" Gulp Alive in one day. I'm going to be
using this bait exclusively on my next fishing trip.
And I have some of those in Emerald Shiner in stock.

Totally Agree but may I add an Ice Cold Modelo!

Awesome post as always! Also Super job Vogey! Especially on a VERY WINDY day! How did that trolling motor work? It has to be a GAME CHANGER!

Thanks all for the replies...Chuck...I prefer a Bud Light, but know what ya mean. Curtis...The trolling motor is the biggest game changer I have ever seen in my fishing years. Push a button & you stay in place no matter what the wind. Now I just need to figure out how to load the boat in Gail force winds by just pushing a button...

Those Fayette SLABS are looking "Mighty Good"! As always super post and a super job.



Side Note: What is your recipe for frying fish? What type of batter/fish fry do you use?

Gitter...I mix 1 egg & a splash of milk in a bowl...mix it up good. Coat the fish in that, then dip into another large bowl that has Zataraines Fish Fry (Crispy Southern mix) ...fry it in Canola oil for about 5 minutes one each side or til golden crispy, then have at it

Yes Sir. Nothing beats a plate of fresh fried Bluegill and a ICE COLD BEER! Life is GOOD!

Hooray ! My Gulp Alive shipment came today...good for another month !

I see you went for the Free Shipping !!

Are you fishing that gulp alive under a slip cork on a jig head? Or just a straight cast and reel on a jighead? I've always fished earthworms under a slip cork for bluegill. I would be interested to know a different way to attack them without worm dirt and guts ground all into my boat.

gillom...I fish it on a drop shot set up (using spinshot hooks) and a 1/8 oz sinker about 6 inches below the hook...on the bottom...no float...