Gotta Make A Foam Version Of THIS Hopper :)

[Daniel J]

I agree about the coloration being something more of a warning than an invitation.
I have had luck with very simple foam ant-hopper patterns in AZ and less luck with the "poison hopper" patterns and colors. (just like the little frogs)

I 'll probably stick with the chiro emergers and easily colored foam ants to catch fish in that part of the country...although still a fun challenge to get that coloration down.

[Ray Kunz]

I would suggest that the mottled coloration had evolved as a means of camouflage. Since I don't attribute much to a fish's intellegence, I would say they "learn" prey is not good only after having tried some. I've been told this is why bass don't gorge on tadpoles.

[Flyrodde]

I would suggest that the mottled coloration had evolved as a means of camouflage. Since I don't attribute much to a fish's intellegence, I would say they "learn" prey is not good only after having tried some. I've been told this is why bass don't gorge on tadpoles.

So the tadpoles don't taste good? But the adults do? Bass sure love them adult tadpoles!