This is a good conversation. You guys are pointing out the examples where baby bass and bluegill patterns work. But think about the examples given. Otay, LMV, Delta.

I'd surmise that the bass in all of those locations don't have good options at the times when they are feeding on other bass.

LMV doesn't have shad as far as I know. I don't know how the trout fare in the warm months but I assume that's when the bass switch to eating bluegill and other bass more.

The Delta has shad but they aren't present in many areas or during all times of year.

Otay has shad but when that good Baby Bass Slammer bite was going, those bass looked pretty lean and mean to me - perhaps indicating a lack of shad? It was fun netting that 8lber for you years back Matt :)

Think about DVL right now. Loaded with trout and shad. Anybody heard of those fish getting on a killer baby bass or bluegill pattern bite lately?

I'm going to stick with the notion that if a bass can get something nice and soft like a shad or a trout, it's going to pick that every time over a baby bass / bluegill. I think they only go for that stuff when their back is up against the wall so to speak.

This post makes me want to go fishing at LMV for some reason.