I regularly fish a small reservoir that has an abundant population of gills and a few largemouth. A big gill would be 7.0 inches.

Today I decided that I would target nothing but the bass to start with and then if that didn't work go for the gills.

I had tied up some boa leech flies and went to work. After several casts I got a good take and set the hook. The fish fought good and I figured it was a small bass, maybe a foot long. I was quite surprised when the fish turned out to be an 8.5 inch gill, the biggest I have caught on this water. I continued to fish for another hour and did get 4 largemouth from 10 to 14 inches. It still amazes me that the gill took the leech.

Boa Leech: Hook#6 Mustad 3665A with lead wrap. Tail: Two strands of black boa yarn 4 inches long. Body: Orange chennile. Hackle. Black Boa yarn palmered over the chenille.. Overall length about 5.5 inches.

Tim