I like to fish this way as well, seems to produce more. We always do this when catching bait for Catfish trips.

As far as the BG/HBG I have the opposite issue. I go out trying to catch CC using Liver, Guts, Stink Bait or anything you would think the CC's would like and I cannot get my bait past the BG as they hit it on the way down.

Whatever it takes to catch them I hope it picks up for you.

Keep us posted.