With temperatures in the 60's and more moderate weather on the way, I was out checking my favorite waters and it's accesses. Then, today I receive several packages of Schlappen and a "little something" from Cameron at The Fiberglass Manifesto. I already plastered my Blazer and kayak with decals. I am soooo ready to hit the water for bass and panfish.
My anticipation wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't tied up some of these little popping bugs for bluegills.
I received a bunch of balsa bodies from my father's friend. He was closing up shop . . . some old place in Oklahoma that sold old lures, rods and other fishing tackle. Figured I was lucky. I did find some more popper bodies at Jann'snetcraft.
No, these flies aren't air brushed and they definitely aren't perfect but I have used this exact painted popper style to catch lots of bluegills in the past. I painted these with acrylic paint and sprayed them with a clear coat finish.
I used to have a lot of small foam cylinders to make a ton of durable poppers but used them all up selling flies on ebay. So, I used a larger cylinder for a bass popper and I'm sure a larger panfish will hammer it too.
I also tied up a "Shannendoah" popper. Somebody commented on Instagram that this fly would be awesome in the fall. I think it could be awesome any time of year. Folks seem to go on top in the fall. I guess it makes more sense to do it then with all the hoppers and what not . . . fish greedily filling up their bellies for winter. But . . . I seem to have luck with top water patterns most of the year (March - November).
As I have been saying lately, "stay tuned" because I am going to hit new water AND it seems that I am pretty good at landing bluegills and panfish. Or, is it that they like to slam whatever is thrown at them . . . not! Anyone chasing bluegills will know that they will be just as choosy as trout.
Spring can't come too soon!!!
Here's a pic of a bass having taken one of my small foam poppers.
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