Hiked in for 2 lakes today

[Olegiller1]

I made a different wheel set for pulling my float tube, The handle is a willow that passes through a small available opening under the bow and jambs under the seat. (it works.) lol
This is the first time I have fished this water this year.
Our fisheries biologist does his job well and I'm pretty certain this is one of his seed lakes for stocking adult fish. It would also explain the size and population swings.
There are lots of gill-crackers here. I can usually tell when I hook one as they bring the Red Ear fighting with them. Most of the larger ones were 8 1/2" +with a 9" once in a while. I used all the jigs pictured but the clear winner was the orange legged one with the sparkle chenille body. The Auto type jig worked well but would have been much better if I hadn't been short of red worms . There was not much of a pattern. Size seems to follow what I seen on the finder . One method I like is to find a big flat 20+ft deep with nothing of the finder. I drop a legged jig with a red worm or 2 and suspend it just off the bottom. I've nailed a bunch of our larger red ear that way .I think they are storming in from the side.
I hooked a gill on a long cast towards shore I charged straight at me. When he got to me it didn't slow down and shot between my fins. The med size bass that had almost caught it was real surprised to see me sitting there. lol The bass barely got turned before hitting my fin.
There is another smaller lake a short walk from this one .I checked it out and found most was very shallow .but a little 12-14" water along part of it. I did catch one 10" red ear but most all were small bluegill and somewhat stunted looking .
This is a tough way to fill a 10 fish limit but was a great day and well worth the effort. Since there are few spawning ,I had the place to myself .

[Tn Johnboy]

Good report and pics Mike.

["G"]

good job Mike

[RetiredRR]

Looks like I may have dropped my bug box on the trail and you found it. Those are the kinds of flies I tie too. LOL Bet it would be fun kayaking those waters. Good report.

[VaCrappieMan]

Good report and nice looking fish... Ever had the float deflate out there? I'd worry about that but I'm sure that would be a lot of fun and very neat way to fish

[no luck]

Where do you find them jigs?

[Olegiller1]

Where do you find them jigs?

I tie them. At the bottom center is a little pink head jig with a #10 fly hook. It has been a good jig under most all conditions , and seldom on the water without it.
If you would like some of those look up Grizzly Jig Co and get the Bill's Water Flea. They are reasonable. Just overlay the threads with Sally Hanson's clear polish to make the tie last a bit longer. I used them for years before I started tying.

[no luck]

I didn't see the jig you are talking about. do you sell any of your jigs?

[Olegiller1]

I would suggest giving the shop a call. I can't imagine them discontinuing that jig. I make mine using solder to form the heads. . I do not sell jigs.

[wilbur]

Looks like Mazonia.