During May and early June a was catching some nice 8+ inch gills in 4-10 on some rock riprap. Now the fish are all but gone, and when I do find one they are small. I'm fishing a lake marina with slips. Have my bluegills gone to the crappie miles in 10-20. I use gulp 1" minnows. Should I buy some red wigglers? Help me please

Try fishing in a water 10 to 15 feet deep in those dock slips. Also during the "Dog Days of Summer" I not only fish structure 10 to 15 feet deep, I also fish shaded areas by over hanging trees, grass beds by drop offs, and at the ends of flowing currents, especially in creeks. I always use worms on a size 8 cricket hook. During this time of year I mainly fish off the bottom with a slow retrieve. Different types of water bodies require different techniques. Sunfish patterns can also be different in certain water bodies and areas.


Side Note: You also might have to start looking for them.

Kev...It is possible that in May & early June they were in that particular area to spawn. Like Chuck said...every lake is different. I would definitely try deeper, but in the same area. When I started fishing for this species it was all trial & error. Learning the patterns takes time. On the bright side when you find one, you usually find more, and when you figure out their patterns problem solved. As far as the bait goes...they feed on a variety of things...if your lake has an abundance of small minnows (like mine does) the Gulp Alive should work fine...but the tried & true worm is what I would use to find them...it is dependable of every water body year round...good luck.

If they're not in spawn, they should be on cover. I’ve caught them on brush piles and in the weeds. The gulp alive still works but you might try worms or crickets.

Thanks everyone. Oh I'm looking for them alright. Tonight after work the hunt continues! Gonna try brush in 10-20 ft at the crappie house with worms and gulp. I'll let y'all know how I do