Finally able to get out after being sick from mid Nov. through almost the end of Feb. Stubborn case of the "crud" that I just couldn't shake. Had abnormally warm weather last four days running about 15 degrees above normal; but, accompanied by 20-30 mph winds. Used a Prince nymph almost exclusively. Nothing much else was effective. Yesterday a big carp happened to slurp up the Prince and we danced up and down and across the river for a bit. Estimate it at about four pounds; not too large, but plenty good for the 6x tippet. Now tying with or de-barbing my hooks and haven't lost any that I'd attribute to that reason. Easy removal without even touching the fish. And, even better when contemplating a possible me own self hook up and need to remove! Sure feels good to get out and fish again; now, if it'll just rain some and fill the river a mite.