Bluegill Swap

[cheech]

I think I'm addicted to swaps. I've hosted 2 so far, and I've seen that there is a wealth of creativity out there. I want to get the ball going on a Bluegill swap. These suckers should get pretty crazy! I'm thinking 10 to 15 participants. Deadline could be the end of March. So far MWSpearo and I are in (even though he doesn't know it). Once this swap is out of the way, we can get a Tiger Muskie swap going.

[Jason]

Oh brother.

[MWSpearo]

Jason does that mean your in?

[Fred]

I would, but I don't need fifteen blue gill patterns.

[D-Bell]

OK, I'll bite. Count me in and I'll start trying to find some patterns....Bluegill? Should be interesting and definitely new. Let me know the details as they come available.

dkbell266@yahoo.com

[cheech]

come on Fred... Don't you hate it when you just can't seem to get a strike when you are Bluegill fishing;) If you have 15 patterns you can avoid this frustrating situation. When I am in creative mode at the vise, and I tie something that looks suspect, I think to myself.... A BLUEGILL WOULD EAT IT. Just submit some #12 hare's ears.

P.S. You all better hurry up. It's just a matter of time befre Trout4x and his buddies get wind of this one.

[Fred]

Hmmmm. Will this work?

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0018099314265a&navAction=push&navCount=6&indexId=cat380003&podId=0018099&catalogCode=ID&parentId=cat380003&parentType=index&rid=

[Caddfly]

The first of the cache valleyians is in. Tendra el mas exito con mi mosca! I got a good one!

[D-Bell]

Sounds like ya got some of that cheese stuck on your keyboard. Tendron el al osama....$#%*()!+ what?

[steelie]

I'm always up for a swap - count me in.

[D.C.]

What's next ? A Carp swap?

[Señorfish]

I'm in-

I have a sweet little Bluegill Fly that I was killing em on
at Saguaro Res. in AZ

[Wooleybugger]

You guys really fly fish for bluegill? hmmmmmmm I have always just used my little finger as the lure and a quick hand and bingo bango you have yourself a blue gill ......... ;0)

[baetis]

I'm in. I will think of something to tie. Maybe something with acetate floss.

[carpman]

D.C.......

A carp swap!!!! Now that would be worthwhile!!!!!!!

Wooleybugger.......

Try that trick on the Pelican lake bluegill, you might lose your finger!!!!!!!!!

[cheech]

So far we have:

Cheech- Reggae Lady Bug
MWSpearo- Gill Special
Baetis- Acetate something or other
D-Bell- Horsefly
Caddyfly- Deer hair popper
Steelie- Chartreuse Dredger
Senorfish- Tadpole
Jason-
Marc MWS's buddy-
Trout4x-
Dennis- Orange Butt Platinum
fishafly- Foam Spider

[steelie]

put me down for a chartruse dredger. do you think a size 10 is too big?

[D-Bell]

cheech, put me down for a Horsefly, black, sz 8.

[Jason]

Cheech, are you going to loan me your dremel? ;-)

Yah, I'm in. I'll see what I can come up with.

[MWSpearo]

cheech's bugs. I'm a little scared.

[MWSpearo]

Marc is in too.

[Trout4x]

What would I tie, wouldn't even know where to start.

[cheech]

T2X,
I'm thinking one of RAW's twisted foam hoppers in a bright yellow and Chartreuse. There you go. Where is the creativity factor here?

Jason,
You can borrow the Dremel if you want. You'll just have to pry MWS's grimy hands off of it.

D-Bell,
Size 10 is probably perfect.

We are almost at 10. I think I'll close the swap at the end of the week. I'm done with my flies. Maybe I'll have to do 2. I will update the list on this page

Maybe I can talk Dennis into tying an Orange Butt Platinum. I hear it is one of the best overall bluegill flies.

[D-Bell]

Cheech, Whew! I'm done tying 15 "Horseflies". They are really bug-eyed Wolly Buggers for the big deep slab sized bluegills.

Just need to know where to send them or what to do next as it's my first swap.

Really looking forward to see what the other guys have come up with! Thanks for sponsoring the swap. Fifteen is just right. Can't imagine tying 50 of the same thing.... attention deficit disorder... terminal case.

D-Bell

[Trout4x]

What is your deadline?

I am really thinking about it. I could do a twisted bluegill hopper.

All depends on the deadline.

[Fish a fly]

I'll tie a foam spider.

[cheech]

D-Bell- As soon as I close the swap, I'll need all of the swappers to email me to confirm. Then I'll email you back with mailing info. When you send your flies in, be sure to send enough postage/$$ to get them back. Usually it's only about $1. Also it is good etiquette to send in a card/paper attached to each fly with the recipe.

Trout4x- The Deadline is going to be March 22.

If March 22 is too soon for anybody, let me know.

[steelie]

D-Bell, its always nice to throw in an extra fly for the swapmeister.

[D-Bell]

Stealie and Cheech, thanks for the ROE. I got five extras in there just in case and a "special case" for the swapmeister.

D-Bell

[cheech]

thanks for mentioning that Steelie. I like extras, unless they are from MWSpearo. Trout4X is usually good at giving extras. I think I wrangled up Dennis with some Orange Butt Platinums.

[MWSpearo]

don't have enough to share with you anyway.

[Trout4x]

I am a sucker for swaps! I think it is something that is in the water in the Cache Valley area.

I am in, I will figure something out for the little gills.


I will start with the twisted in mind and go from there!

[Dennis]

Cheech, I see you already put me on the list so it looks as though I'm committed now. Ok....Orange Butt Platinum

[cheech]

I usually wouldn't do that, but I know how fast you can tie. 15 of them should take you about 15 minutes!

P.S. I tied some Tokaruk specials that looked pretty sweet. I also ventured enough to tie a Tokaruk Willey.

[Dennis]

I'll bet the tokaruk Willey looks absolutely awsome!!!!

[cheech]

We will close out with 12 swappers. That means you will need to send me 11 flies and shipping by March 22. For those of you who haven't specified what you will be tying, please do so. Just post it right here. I will edit the the list of swappers on page 2. Please email me at bassonthefly@yahoo.com to confirm. I will respond with my address.

Thanks fellas.

Swap on!

[MWSpearo]

I will be tying a Gill Special.

[Trout4x]

What is the biggest hook size you would use for a bluegill fly?

[cheech]

It all depends. I think a size 8 would be the max, but I have caught them on a size 6 before (pelican lake), and MWS caught a gill on a #2 popper. It was BIG. The advantage of having a big hook is that you will keep the dinks off a little better. I fish a size 10 90% of the time.

[Caddfly]

I'll be tying a deer hair popper with marabou tail...it's awesome. Just to be nice, I'll throw in a very simple yet absolutely killer (at least for me, there's no guaruntee for you) fly. I think it was one of the first flies I ever tied.

Caddfly

[steelie]

I'll mail them this week, I changed patterns though - couldn't find the right materials for a down-sized dredger. I went with my standard panfish pattern, I think its called a bass bugger or bass-a-bugger, in this case a panfish bugger. I stayed with chartruese though.

[Dennis]

Cheech, Mine are done. They will go into the mail Monday

[cheech]

I'm already starting to get flies in. D-Bell, your box rocks. It got here fine. The flies look really good.

[Jason]

Mine are done. I tied a Green/White Pannie Popper. I'll get them to you sometime this week at lunch.

[Trout4x]

I sent them in the mail today.

Trout4x

[cheech]

After yours are in, I'll only need flies from Caddyfly and fishafly. Email me if you need my address.

Thanks,

Cheech

[Caddfly]

In the mail today they will be. About that extra fly I'm including (rather was including)...I lied. Sorry, you'll just have to come fishing with me and I can give you one.

CADDFLY

[Greg M]

I have to ask; do you guys really go after bluegill with fly's?

I ask this because my only experiences with bluegills are the hand sized ones that converge around my houseboat at Lake Powell.

You know, the ones that can be caught by dropping a bare hook into the water...after chumming with Lucky Charms or Trix... Lucky Charms work best, as the bluegill love the little marshmallow bits.

Am I missing something?

Greg M

[steelie]

I have read several places that bluegill are pound for pound the strongest fish, fresh or salt. I don't know if there has been an actual scientific study, but I believe it, they sure are strong. No the ones that are the size of pringles don't get me excited, but those 1.5 - 2 pounders that are 10-12" long and an inch and a half thick sure do............and as an added bonus - they're real tasty.......

[Trout4x]

To answer your question, I have not. I was suckered into the swap.

[Fish a fly]

Sorry for taking so long. My flies will be in the mail by tomorrow.

[cheech]

GregM and T4X, why are you giving bluegill a bad rap? There are times when fishing for monster gills at Pelican is a lot more fun that going up to fish the green. I think too many people are stuck on trout. " if it aint trout it's trash" That's the attitude I see sometimes. Bluegill happens to be my favorite fish to chase (behind smallies). If you haven't tried fishing those 10" gills with a 3 wt. rod, don't knock it!



I should be sending out the flies by next week. I've been really busy with work, so sorry for the delay. We probably won't need them for a month anyway.

[Caddfly]

we just may, down by the bay, and maybe eat some hay (for goat boy lets say.)

sorry cheech...your last paragraph just rhymed and I just wanted to lengthen it out a bit.

[cheech]

I'm a poet and I didn't even realize it.... or something like that.

[Greg M]

Slow down there, I did not intend to "knock it" I was serious when the only bluegill fishing I had seen was at Lake Powell for little fish.

Have fun.

Greg M

[cheech]

I guess it's hard to tell emotions etc. through written word. I thought you were talking bad of my favorite little gills. I wouldn't like fishing for them if it were just for stunted dinks, but I guess Pelican Lake gives Bluegill fishing a different reputation. No hard feelings, to each his own I guess.

[Trout4x]

I have to agree you need to slow down, did I knock it? No I did not. Greg asked if people fished for them, I replied I have not. All I said is I was suckered into the swap. I am a sucker for most swaps. Never did I knock bluegill fishing.



Relax a little,

Trout4x

[cheech]

You guys really thought I got mad... It just sounded like you guys were putting it down is all. I may have jumped the gun a little to have even said anything. I could just sense the anti-anything-but-trout attitude. I was wrong.


T4X- How is one suckered into a swap? "Suckered" to me kind of has a negative tone. I would hate for you to enter a swap where you would receive flies that you wouldn't be able to use. It's all good. If anything else, you will have a dozen more flies. Your Rainbow Hopper is going to be a killer. It would be a shame for you not to use it.

[steelie]

Uhhhh - you guys are getting all worked up over panfish ........LOL

[Trout4x]

Cheech glad you are ok with it, I was starting to like you and MWSpearo hoping to meet both of you some day. Name my kids after you etc.

I will use the flies, need to find the bluegills first, but I will use them.

To me suckered isn't bad, I go to a fly shop and I get suckered for sales and tying material that I may not need but think it would be nice to have.

Can't wait for the flies, if my RH works for you I have plenty of material.

Trout4x

[cheech]

Steelie- I wouldn't call it worked up... I would call it PISSED OFF!! Don't mess with my bluegill ;)

[steelie]

LOL, kind of ironic though, Goat Boy and Goatee Boy buttin' heads for no particular reason - just like a couple of barnyard billies.........

[Trout4x]

What is the status on the swap, are all the flies in?

[cheech]

I'm actually ready to send them out now. I have had a crazy couple of weeks.

[D-Bell]

I'm chomping at the bit to wet some of those beauties. Just went out yesterday and bought a pontoon boat (Dave Scadden Expediation) so I can play on the still water. Looking forward to Curtis Fry's camp-in in the Uinta's in July!! Live on Pineview so hope to try the early Crappie run to break in the new toy first warm day. Did I do good buying a Scaddin Expedition? Seemed better than the ones at SW IMHO (Trout4X - acronyms just for you!)

Minor Minnow

[Trouty]

I have the Expedition and love it. I suspect there will be varied opinions about pontoons though.

[Trout4x]

The thought made my day.

If you are happy with your purchase then that is all that matters. You should try it out on Mantua as well.


Can't wait for the flies to arrive.

[Dennis]

Bluegill swappers and anyone else going to the outing at Pelican. I talked to my brother-in-law, who lives in Vernal, on my way home from Grand Junction. We are welcome to put up tents, etc in his backyard if we want. He said the biggest bluegill to come out of there last year was aomost 5#. He said Pelican has some of the largest Bluegill n the state. I'm really looking forward to the outing now.

[cheech]

I separated the flies, and was about to send them out, but I realized that I'm missing 2 sets of flies. I will do some following up and the flies will be sent out shortly. Sorry for the delay.

Cheech

[Trout4x]

Send me the names and I will track them down. LOL

[Trout4x]

Cheech will we have these in time for 5-16? LOL

[Junge]

I may need to borrow your enforcing services before you head to the slammer. Maybe I can just borrow your UTOF brass knuckles while you are using soap on a rope.

[Trout4x]

Junge I am still laughing, brass knuckles & soap on rope. Ya'll are making this easier for me to deal with this. I have never even had a speeding ticket in my life before.

I will help you with whatever legal thing you need.

[D-Bell]

I got a parking lot of up to fifteen vehicles on the West end of my property staying until after dark pounding those black crappie spawning in thr rocks of the old South Fork road leading to the West end of my property. I'm just busting to see some of those flys and try them out. Will join Trout4X in jail if necessary. Come on guys whoever you are and get off your dead arses.

[steelie]

D-Bell, have you heard of any musky activity yet? I'm itchin to get down there and will as soon as the road from cache valley opens (takes too long to drive around)........

[Jason]

Cheech, were are my flies??????

[cheech]

I made ________ come over last night to tie his portion of the flies. I will get them out later this week.

[Trout4x]

My guess is it was _____________ or _____________.

You are a lot nicer than I am when it comes to late flies.

I am looking forward to the flies can't wait to see what they all look like.

[D-Bell]

Haven't heard of any big time Muskie catches yet. When they are going for it I usually notice the "big boys" in their big time fishing rigs patroling around the South Fork shallows. I have seen some very big swirls in the shallows tho and they are usually made by the big Tigers feeding on the nesting crappie and such.

Not a big Muskie fisher myself. Can't figure out how to release them.

[Trout4x]

It is now later in the week, am I safe to assume that the flies are in the mail.

[D-Bell]

Go get'em swap Natzi!

[Trout4x]

I am getting ready to drive and pick them up. LOL

[Trout4x]

Has anyone else not received their flies? Or am I the only one? They were supposed to be mailed out the end of last week.

[steelie]

I got mine like 2 weeks ago, funny thing though, I got 2 sets. There was some note in there to give something to Trout4x.........I didn't read the whole thing though......Oh well.......

[cheech]

This experiment has gone on long enough. They are in the mail

[steelie]

Got my flies today, they all look great. Thanks to everyone.

[Crosby]

Going to Hyrum Sunday morning on the gill search- though it will be down and deep.

[Caddfly]

Mmmmmm....Bluegill flies. They're lookin pretty darn good. Mmmmmm.....

[D-Bell]

Cheech the flies made it today. I dropped a couple on the way back from the mail box and two 3 lb. blues jumped plumb out of Pineview after them. With flies this good those big gills in Pelican don't stand a chance!

Thx,

D.

[Trout4x]

I am impressed! They look sweet. I guess better late then never.

Thanks Cheech for the swap, look at it this way you don't have to hear me ask where they are any more.

Great Job to all!

Now I have to use them!


Trout4x

[Dennis]

Soooooo Cheech, Did you send mine or are you delivering them when you come to get more stuff????? The way others sound, I can't wait to see them.

[cheech]

I used a couple of the flies that were submitted in the swap at Pelican last weekend. Mitch stole most of them, but some of the most productive were the orange butt platinum from Dennis, and the slick little fly that Steelie submitted ( Girdle bug looking thing). I actually had to hide the extras from Mitch so he wouldn't steal them.