Looking for decent size sunfish in northern Illinois

Knee is shot so I haven't been able to walk the rivers much near me in Naperville. I am hoping to get out in the kayak and fish for some nice size red ear, bluegill, hybrid. All I have seen around the Chicago area are stunted bluegill. I would greatly appreciate some guidance on some relatively small lakes within an hour or two from me. Small enough that I can cover a good portion of the lake. I would guess that would be most lakes with 9.9 limits or trolling motor only lakes. Also wouldn't mind finding a few lakes with big crappie to catch from the yak. I don't expect anyone to give me their best lakes, but somewhere I can catch some size. I am guessing redear are the biggest but I may be wrong there. Thanks to any help.

mmvikes, you are exactly 2 hr drive from Antioch IL and the Chain O'Lakes. Nice crappies and bluegills through out the system.

Slab will chime in there soon, he got a little ‘sperience up that way. Welcome from Central Florida.

Thanks

Yeah. I used to work in the Chain of Lakes area and hung out up there a bit. The chain had a lot of traffic on it. I was thinking it may be a little hairy being out there in a kayak with all the boats flying around. I know the fishing can be very good though.

Shabbona has crappie and bluegill. (And everything else) Lake can get busy but it's a 9.9 lake so it shouldn't get too bad in a kayak. It's a bit over an hour from Naperville.

Mike

I am hoping to find some less pressured lakes. That is why I am thinking I may have to go up to a couple of hours away. I have found some info online, but I am not sure if the articles are accurate or just "advertising " for the public lakes listed. I have a boat also, but really enjoy kayaking on a relatively small lake for fish. It is very peaceful. I fished sunfish and crappie quite a bit in my younger years in the Mississippi backwaters around La Crosse. Makes it a lot easier when you know the water.