Just got back from Smithville lake after about 6 hours of fishing. I could see around the shore they were feeding pretty heavily. I tied on a number 10 grasshopper that looks exactly like the “reel” thing that i picked up at bass pro the other day for an arm and a leg. As soon as i cast i was getting all kinds of strikes…the bluegill were in a feeding frenzy and playing with the grass hopper like it was a toy. I think the hook might have been a little big though. i did end up catching 5 or 6 good size gills. I might end up going back to that spot again this evening. Wasnt a great day but it hit the spot
David
Cool! I think part of it is they just like to swirl on stuff. They seem to do it a lot on topwater baits to pull it under. That’s what I’ve observed anyhow…
… for the first report of a fish on a hopper this season, David. ( Assuming I haven’t missed something ?? )
From all accounts, this year could produce the biggest hopper infestation in the past thirty or more years. Hope you got a lot of arms and legs to spare - or that you find a pattern you like and can tie.
John
I will have to learn to tie em. I think i paid four dollars for it. it was the only topwater i had that had some mass to it. then the wind picked up it was hard to get it out there. I think im meeting a buddy up there in a few hours. if theres no wind maybe ill teach him a little fly fishing
David
No luck with the wind. I did manage to lose that grass hopper in a tree going after the elusive tree fish. After that i got no hits for 5 hours. I guess Im going back to Bass pro. this time Im buying two and one i will save and try to tie more.
They sure are proud of those flies, aren’t they?
Maybe try a Gurgler? Easier to tie than most hopper patterns, and 'gill’s love 'em. Since Gurglers are somewhat tapered near the hook bend, I think bluegills have an easier time getting the hook into their mouths. They are probably lighter and easier to cast than some of the heavier hopper patterns.