The Dark Sleeper has changed the way I fish. I've never used something so effective. Especially in slightly murky water, it absolutely catches all the fish. There is something about the speed at which that little tail pumps that just makes them insane. They're also far more durable than I expected, as the one I'm using now has caught me about ~50 bass. Both eyes are gone and it looks beat up as hell, but it still catches fish.
Always loved the Dark Sleeper and when I saw your video of the Gill, I checked them out. Have 15 on order now and hopefully I will get them in before my next tournament. Can't wait to give them a shot
I agree with what he said about the depth. I’ve caught fish in shallow water up to 15-20 feet of water but nothing deeper. One of my favorite baits to use and they crush it!
Pulled up to a hump, first cast, I hooked the biggest bass I've ever had! Unfortunately I lost the fight😩. If megabass can figure out how to make the tail stay attached a little longer, it may be the best lure I've ever thrown
They also need to figure out how to stop the fin from tucking under the hook when it hits the water and how to attach the eyes more securely so they don't come off in the first few casts...
I bought 6 sleeper gills. First day I used them I got 3 fish on it. One was a nice one. Since then I have not had a bite. I'm about ready to put them away.
I threw it around a little bit but haven't gotten any action yet. To be fair though, I never really have much success with bluegill baits in general. The bluegill baits do a fine job of catching me the fisherman though 🤣🤣🤣
Yeah I got a bunch of vatalions from megabass and I can count on one hand how many fish I've caught on them. Mostly being pike. Who knows I'm prolly fishing it wrong.
Ok, I'm hooked. I subscribed. Really enjoy your videos Randy. You seem like an honest, down to Earth dude. I am a renewed fisherman. Haven't fished in decades, but, I always LOVED to fish. Like most Americans, I work very hard and work way too many hours. "Not enough time" was something I would say quite a lot. Well, not anymore. Took open heart surgery to wake my ass up. However, I am very lucky and have a second chance on life and I'm going to make the best of it, including fishing. Can't believe how much I've spent on all new gear. LMAO! Holy crap! But, I got some really nice stuff. I really fell in love with Megabass stuff. As I'm sure you know, "they ain't cheap". lol But, I bought a bunch of their lures and one of their rods (Destroyer Landsat). I also got the new Daiwa Exist 22 2500 spinning reel. That on the Landsat is a dream. I live in west Indianapolis, so, not a lot of good fishing places. I mostly go to Eagle Creek Reservoir. Trying to figure out how to catch those damn Walleye. lol Anyway, sorry for the long winded novel. lol I am just excited to get back to my favorite pastime.
I used these this past weekend. They worked for me. I caught more fish this past weekend in this than I have the past 2 weekend combined. My only complaint is they don’t seem to be as durable as I would want them to be. 2 of them lost their tails after less than 5 fish. 1-2’ Visibility 3-5’ of water over flooded mesquite/salt cedar.
I, personally have more luck on the original Dark Sleeper than the Sleeper Gill. On a private pond. Also caught more on the Savage Gear Structure Gill. So far, the Structure Gill seems a bit more durable.
I’ve never fished one of these fancy sleeper gills they look awesome but I do throw a bluegill looking bait. I don’t know who makes it but it does have good action close to what a fish would look like. I fish the shore with jigs, plastics or whatever then I clean up by throwing the bluegill parallel to the shore and seem to always entice a few bass into a strike. I imagine that the fish look at my first presentation and aren’t at all impressed but when that bluegill comes by they finally can’t take it anymore and hammer it.
I saw your video on the sleeper gill I've had couple in my bag for a few months. Threw one today 43 air temp 51 water temp my first cast 18 inch smallie 10 minutes later a twin to the first.
Took your advice Randy and went and got the dark sleeper in the color you suggested for lake Ouachita. Haven't had a chance to try them out but I already feel confident in them.. lathered them in bait fuel as well 😂
@@richardbossman9875 I feel ya but I'm not worried about it. As Forest Gump would say "shit happens". But I tell ya this; I was drinking when I started applying and I had to spend the last 2 days removing rust from quit a few of my baits 😆. I don't even know why I applied it to my cranks, spinners, and top waters but I did... Anyway I fish some pretty dang clear water so milky isn't that big of an issue like it would be in stained. My favorite lake (Ouachita) the fish are more accustomed to translucent or vibrant light colors in the actual forage so unless it turns my lure black (which will only make it better at night) I'm really not stressed about it. I was taught by a big fish fisherman so even if my soft plastics swell I'm only convinced they will catch bigger fish . Thanks for the input tho and God bless
I could see this bait really excelling at pitching holes in the heavy grass and weed Flats on the lake I fished yesterday. A lot of bluegill and perch in this Lake also . I'll have to find out once I get my hands on some
Sleeper gill looks awesome for sure. I already have a bunch of dark sleepers & some savage gear bluegill baits that are same size. So until I run out of savage gear bluegill baits I will hold off on sleeper gills. The sleeper gills definitely has a bigger paddle tail& more color options but the savage gears have been catching largemouth for me. So once I loose the last couple then I'll try those out
I just got three sleeper gills in recently. I was surprised how small it was. Great looking bait and I like the hook and the void pocket by the hook to help with hookups. The dark sleeper doesn’t have that void and a smaller hook so harder to keep the fish on. I will say the sleeper gill does have a large paddle tail with a skinny amount of plastic connecting to that tail. I feel this will get bit off fairly easy. So I’m glad they’re coming in at only $9. That being said the Savage Gear Gill baits in RTF, line through and weed less, are the better lures by a long shot. More realistic, stronger plastic, larger hooks, and has more customization. Only $8 per bait until you hit the 5-1/2” gill at $15 and that baits a steal in the world of big bluegill baits.
@@GwenStefaniGuild I still have some older savage gear bluegill baits that are discontinued, similar size to sleeper gills 2.75". Idk why they discontinued them because they are keel weighted & swim great, more realistic color patterns & came 3 in pack for $10. Their almost identical to sleeper gills except exposed top hook & paddle tail is little smaller. Once I run out of these I'll probably get couple sleeper gills. But for know it's hard to buy something else when these already work so well. Down to my last 3 pack & I wish I would have bought more now knowing u can't get them!
Believe it or not Randy I like the agent ease but the thing is the front of the rubber if it hits any type of metal or any type of rock setting it tears the rubber up if it doesn’t have a sand bottom or a grass bottom they’re not worth to jump around like a jig and swim it now the 13,000 fish that has the little hook that throws itself up out of it there needs to be a contest between the dark sleeper the girls sleeper and a 13,000 fish or 10,000 fish swim bait certain ones or not for certain areas like you said everyone’s made for a different condition an application thank you Randy
No luck on it yet..hitting the ponds in Florida.. the kissimmee river..and lake okeechobee rim canal...guessing it's the wrong time of year here to use this bait water temp is around low 90 here still summer dog days are real
My first day fishing the sleeper gill I caught a big rock bass... That's it lol. I caught way more fish on a small plastic worm bite the gill definitely catches bigger fish in deeper water
I kill largemouth and smallmouth in the Adirondacks on the st regis river most of them coming off a piece of cover close to a stretch of Phragmites that goes for miles I hope I get a chance to hook a few with the gill!
Got a couple, but colors I wanted (those shown in this video) weren't available so I got what I could get. Only fished them a little here in FL then some storms rolled in. Got a couple bites but missed the hookset. All in all, I think its a good bait but I can't give a fair review yet.
I’m not a megabass fan boy my any means. I never had luck with the dark sleeper. I went out yesterday and couldn’t buy a bite on anything. I tied one on and put some smelly jelly in the top fin covering the hook. I was about to give up when a 4lber came out of no where and destroyed it. I know I’ll keep using it. Love the action.
These are so hard to get a hold of right now. I paid 2x retail to get one off ebay, and have gotten skunked so far on it. It looks awesome, and I am probably fishing it wrong but not producing for me so far.
It happens every cast because the bait lands on its side and the force of it hitting the water pushes the fin through. Haven't caught anything with it and no bite on multiple trips. :/ Its almost like these guys making money by selling us stuff. Weird
Anyone having issues with the paint scheme (after a caught fish) scraping off??? Really good suggested lure not doubt! That said, couple lures now at $10-$15 each - really bad paint durability appears. Curious if others notice this? Megabass too good of a company to allow this to happen my opinion. Kevin / Michigan
These things are junk. Sorry if that hurts anyone's feelings, but they are. I've been trying them fairly heavily for the past few months. At least 3 out of every 5 casts, the hook comes out of the fin when it hits the water and it swims on it's side the whole way back to the boat and I've had 7 so far that have lost 1 or both eyes within the first few casts. Of the ones that have worked, the only fish I've caught was a 26" pickerel...
Great action, but no durability. Less than 10 minutes had had two hits. Missed the first one, second fish tore the tail off. Really? 10 bucks gone in 10 minutes. This was a pond with only bass and bluegill. I usually fish areas with both chain pickerel and bowfin. After seeing how fragile it is with bass, it's a no-go anywhere else. Definitely a shame, it has fantastic action.
Over rated Pond bait at best. I said this on a few channels that i follow and i will say it here, until i see a pro throw it in a tournament or name the lake they are throwing it on, i will stay with the lures that work.
The Dark Sleeper has changed the way I fish. I've never used something so effective. Especially in slightly murky water, it absolutely catches all the fish. There is something about the speed at which that little tail pumps that just makes them insane. They're also far more durable than I expected, as the one I'm using now has caught me about ~50 bass. Both eyes are gone and it looks beat up as hell, but it still catches fish.
Always loved the Dark Sleeper and when I saw your video of the Gill, I checked them out. Have 15 on order now and hopefully I will get them in before my next tournament. Can't wait to give them a shot
I agree with what he said about the depth. I’ve caught fish in shallow water up to 15-20 feet of water but nothing deeper. One of my favorite baits to use and they crush it!
Pulled up to a hump, first cast, I hooked the biggest bass I've ever had! Unfortunately I lost the fight😩. If megabass can figure out how to make the tail stay attached a little longer, it may be the best lure I've ever thrown
They also need to figure out how to stop the fin from tucking under the hook when it hits the water and how to attach the eyes more securely so they don't come off in the first few casts...
You’re one of my heroes Randy! Happy 4th to you and your family.
I got a couple but the weather has not been cooperating this holiday weekend. Rain and lightning. Can’t wait to test it out
I bought 6 sleeper gills. First day I used them I got 3 fish on it. One was a nice one. Since then I have not had a bite. I'm about ready to put them away.
Yea, gotta remember, he is sponsored by MB. So he wouldn't dare say anything negative about their new show horse
I threw it around a little bit but haven't gotten any action yet. To be fair though, I never really have much success with bluegill baits in general. The bluegill baits do a fine job of catching me the fisherman though 🤣🤣🤣
Well sad Total agree !!
I agree, even in ponds/lakes with only gills I tend to do better with shad looking baits 😅
LOL. Tru dat
Yeah I got a bunch of vatalions from megabass and I can count on one hand how many fish I've caught on them. Mostly being pike. Who knows I'm prolly fishing it wrong.
Ok, I'm hooked. I subscribed. Really enjoy your videos Randy. You seem like an honest, down to Earth dude.
I am a renewed fisherman. Haven't fished in decades, but, I always LOVED to fish. Like most Americans, I work very hard and work way too many hours. "Not enough time" was something I would say quite a lot. Well, not anymore. Took open heart surgery to wake my ass up. However, I am very lucky and have a second chance on life and I'm going to make the best of it, including fishing.
Can't believe how much I've spent on all new gear. LMAO! Holy crap! But, I got some really nice stuff. I really fell in love with Megabass stuff. As I'm sure you know, "they ain't cheap". lol But, I bought a bunch of their lures and one of their rods (Destroyer Landsat). I also got the new Daiwa Exist 22 2500 spinning reel. That on the Landsat is a dream. I live in west Indianapolis, so, not a lot of good fishing places. I mostly go to Eagle Creek Reservoir. Trying to figure out how to catch those damn Walleye. lol Anyway, sorry for the long winded novel. lol I am just excited to get back to my favorite pastime.
Thx man!
He is everything he represents and more , just one fine individual
Hey man. You are right, he really does seem like a really down to earth dude I ran into him in town and he really is kind man.
thx Randy just saw them ordered 2. looking forward to trying great info as always 👍
Thank you for taking the time out of your 4th of July weekend to give us more information.
Glad to get your experienced opinion Randy. Looking forward to giving these a go. Thanks
Same with the same color... It does wonders... My absolute favorite lure it catches big bass for sure...
I used these this past weekend. They worked for me. I caught more fish this past weekend in this than I have the past 2 weekend combined. My only complaint is they don’t seem to be as durable as I would want them to be. 2 of them lost their tails after less than 5 fish. 1-2’ Visibility 3-5’ of water over flooded mesquite/salt cedar.
I, personally have more luck on the original Dark Sleeper than the Sleeper Gill. On a private pond. Also caught more on the Savage Gear Structure Gill. So far, the Structure Gill seems a bit more durable.
I’ve never fished one of these fancy sleeper gills they look awesome but I do throw a bluegill looking bait. I don’t know who makes it but it does have good action close to what a fish would look like. I fish the shore with jigs, plastics or whatever then I clean up by throwing the bluegill parallel to the shore and seem to always entice a few bass into a strike. I imagine that the fish look at my first presentation and aren’t at all impressed but when that bluegill comes by they finally can’t take it anymore and hammer it.
I love it, awesome where there is bass feeding on bream.
I saw your video on the sleeper gill I've had couple in my bag for a few months. Threw one today 43 air temp 51 water temp my first cast 18 inch smallie 10 minutes later a twin to the first.
Heard some issues from other guys on durability of the bait, Randy. What is your take?
I've been keeping up with you since you was in bass your an awesome fisherman
Took your advice Randy and went and got the dark sleeper in the color you suggested for lake Ouachita. Haven't had a chance to try them out but I already feel confident in them.. lathered them in bait fuel as well 😂
Careful, people have complained that bait fuel has stained the colors and caused them to go milky when simply slathered in it.
@@richardbossman9875 I feel ya but I'm not worried about it. As Forest Gump would say "shit happens". But I tell ya this; I was drinking when I started applying and I had to spend the last 2 days removing rust from quit a few of my baits 😆. I don't even know why I applied it to my cranks, spinners, and top waters but I did... Anyway I fish some pretty dang clear water so milky isn't that big of an issue like it would be in stained. My favorite lake (Ouachita) the fish are more accustomed to translucent or vibrant light colors in the actual forage so unless it turns my lure black (which will only make it better at night) I'm really not stressed about it. I was taught by a big fish fisherman so even if my soft plastics swell I'm only convinced they will catch bigger fish . Thanks for the input tho and God bless
I’ve caught a few nice bass on them. Pond fishing. Dunno how it would work at a lake
I could see this bait really excelling at pitching holes in the heavy grass and weed Flats on the lake I fished yesterday. A lot of bluegill and perch in this Lake also . I'll have to find out once I get my hands on some
I really like them too, love the action.
Glad I ordered some. Happy 4th Randy.
Sleeper gill looks awesome for sure. I already have a bunch of dark sleepers & some savage gear bluegill baits that are same size. So until I run out of savage gear bluegill baits I will hold off on sleeper gills. The sleeper gills definitely has a bigger paddle tail& more color options but the savage gears have been catching largemouth for me. So once I loose the last couple then I'll try those out
Same.
I just got three sleeper gills in recently. I was surprised how small it was. Great looking bait and I like the hook and the void pocket by the hook to help with hookups. The dark sleeper doesn’t have that void and a smaller hook so harder to keep the fish on. I will say the sleeper gill does have a large paddle tail with a skinny amount of plastic connecting to that tail. I feel this will get bit off fairly easy. So I’m glad they’re coming in at only $9. That being said the Savage Gear Gill baits in RTF, line through and weed less, are the better lures by a long shot. More realistic, stronger plastic, larger hooks, and has more customization. Only $8 per bait until you hit the 5-1/2” gill at $15 and that baits a steal in the world of big bluegill baits.
@@GwenStefaniGuild I still have some older savage gear bluegill baits that are discontinued, similar size to sleeper gills 2.75". Idk why they discontinued them because they are keel weighted & swim great, more realistic color patterns & came 3 in pack for $10. Their almost identical to sleeper gills except exposed top hook & paddle tail is little smaller. Once I run out of these I'll probably get couple sleeper gills. But for know it's hard to buy something else when these already work so well. Down to my last 3 pack & I wish I would have bought more now knowing u can't get them!
Man I’ve killed on Lake Chickamauga on the sleeper bull around grass and like Randy stated, lay downs, socks and points.
I took the hooks out of them and gave them to my nephew for toys LOL
My only gripe about the sleeper gill vs paddle tails on a swimbait hook, is the amount of grass that hangs into the sleeper.
Haven’t tried these… but I’ve tried the Berkley Gilly… nothing yet, but I just haven’t given it multiple tries yet. Can you do a review of it Randy?!
Believe it or not Randy I like the agent ease but the thing is the front of the rubber if it hits any type of metal or any type of rock setting it tears the rubber up if it doesn’t have a sand bottom or a grass bottom they’re not worth to jump around like a jig and swim it now the 13,000 fish that has the little hook that throws itself up out of it there needs to be a contest between the dark sleeper the girls sleeper and a 13,000 fish or 10,000 fish swim bait certain ones or not for certain areas like you said everyone’s made for a different condition an application thank you Randy
Looks like a sassy shad from the 1970's
No luck on it yet..hitting the ponds in Florida.. the kissimmee river..and lake okeechobee rim canal...guessing it's the wrong time of year here to use this bait water temp is around low 90 here still summer dog days are real
My first day fishing the sleeper gill I caught a big rock bass... That's it lol. I caught way more fish on a small plastic worm bite the gill definitely catches bigger fish in deeper water
I kill largemouth and smallmouth in the Adirondacks on the st regis river most of them coming off a piece of cover close to a stretch of Phragmites that goes for miles I hope I get a chance to hook a few with the gill!
What’s the best rod/reel/line setup for this??
Randy what baits are the best for NIGHT fishing. I’m talking pitch black. Nothing but the moon. Maybe you can make a video on this? Thanks.
Got a couple, but colors I wanted (those shown in this video) weren't available so I got what I could get. Only fished them a little here in FL then some storms rolled in. Got a couple bites but missed the hookset. All in all, I think its a good bait but I can't give a fair review yet.
This seems like sn awesome post spawn bait
If you are using a megabass perfect pitch for the sleeper gill, are you also using that rod for the dark sleeper?
I’m looking to get some megabass baits and I was curious what are your 3 favorite baits are
What knot do you use to tie it???
Loop knot??
Looks like you use a regular non-loop knot on that pumpkin seed in the video???
I’m not a megabass fan boy my any means. I never had luck with the dark sleeper. I went out yesterday and couldn’t buy a bite on anything. I tied one on and put some smelly jelly in the top fin covering the hook. I was about to give up when a 4lber came out of no where and destroyed it. I know I’ll keep using it. Love the action.
The hook up
Do you think this would work on Lanier
Great baits. But for 10 dollar lure, all my lures got tore up first bite. Lures dont hold up at all
These are so hard to get a hold of right now. I paid 2x retail to get one off ebay, and have gotten skunked so far on it. It looks awesome, and I am probably fishing it wrong but not producing for me so far.
If you have dicks sporting goods, they typically carry them.
I bought one and the fin that covers the hook always pulls down to the side exposing the hook….any thoughts? Anyone else have this issue?
It happens every cast because the bait lands on its side and the force of it hitting the water pushes the fin through. Haven't caught anything with it and no bite on multiple trips. :/ Its almost like these guys making money by selling us stuff. Weird
Anyone having issues with the paint scheme (after a caught fish) scraping off???
Really good suggested lure not doubt!
That said, couple lures now at $10-$15 each - really bad paint durability appears.
Curious if others notice this?
Megabass too good of a company to allow this to happen my opinion.
Kevin / Michigan
Mixed reviews for sure
What rod do you use
Sounds like a 747 over your place. I've got an airport not far from the house also.
Randy how do these last when catching fish?
They're pretty durable IMO, especially if you keep mendit or super glue on hand. I've caught up to 10 fish on a single bait without glue.
It holds water put talc or baby power in the box 😅
Overpriced from DAY ONE.
Over $20 each for a 4” soft plastic
👍
These things are junk. Sorry if that hurts anyone's feelings, but they are.
I've been trying them fairly heavily for the past few months. At least 3 out of every 5 casts, the hook comes out of the fin when it hits the water and it swims on it's side the whole way back to the boat and I've had 7 so far that have lost 1 or both eyes within the first few casts. Of the ones that have worked, the only fish I've caught was a 26" pickerel...
There is no asset bubble. People are still working, buying cars and buying homes.
Great action, but no durability. Less than 10 minutes had had two hits. Missed the first one, second fish tore the tail off. Really? 10 bucks gone in 10 minutes. This was a pond with only bass and bluegill. I usually fish areas with both chain pickerel and bowfin. After seeing how fragile it is with bass, it's a no-go anywhere else. Definitely a shame, it has fantastic action.
Still fishing it still ain't caught one, I'll keep trying
Over rated Pond bait at best. I said this on a few channels that i follow and i will say it here, until i see a pro throw it in a tournament or name the lake they are throwing it on, i will stay with the lures that work.
Lee Livesay Call over 100 pounds of basson it last year at lake fork in won the elite series tournament on it
@@randyblaukatintuitive thanks Randy Information like that is extremely helpful ❤️ otherwise it just comes across as another lure.
caught some nice bass off the bed in Lake Marion using these