pondhopper

Because of where I work, I was able to "lab test" my rappala 50 lb. She was right on at 5lb, a little more than two ounces low at 10lb, and right on again at 15. Then a few days later she died. d**n thing.

Sort of what I thought. And it's probably not cost feasible to correct that.

Wonder why nobody has ever tried marketing a top self reel that would last many years.

Can any one tell me just why spincasting reals wear out so quickly? Not complaining, just always wondered.

I'm in central IN as well. Has not been a good year at all so far, but it is picking up. Also, I don't know how your ponds are, but on all of mine it has been the snotgrass year from hell. And it's only may!

Me too. Blond with a big rack.

The key to the summer bite is to be in the right place at the right time. Yeah, I know. Good luck!

Heck yeah! - i'd use one.

Hit U Tube and watch fly tying vids. This has been the best source I can find. You won't find many vids specifically demonstrating jig tying - though there are a few - but I think you will find lots of info concerning materials and techniques that will give you lots of ideas. After all, even a #22 dry fly is a jig.

cast net

I use rabbit skin. Pick a color you like, cut out any shape you like, leave or remove as much fur as you like. Any fly shop will have rabbit skins.

Worst pre-spawn I ever had.

What's this "lake" I keep hearing about?

Any paint other than powder will need to be epoxy coated. As a winter time model builder, I have used whatever paint I have on hand - acrylic/latex, lacquer and enamels - all work well. All these paints need to cure adequately (enamels taking the longest) before epoxy should be applied, making powder paints much faster.

What's with you guys? Us real anglers go after bluegill with artificials.