Fun Fun Fun in that Florida Sun

[Micanopy]

Well it is Summer time round here and it gets into the low 90’s almost everyday now. My wife suggested that we stay inside yesterday and so I agreed to that. I would have said no if I knew that what she really wanted was for US to hang wallpaper. I hate hanging wallpaper.

She selected a particular wallpaper that had to be imported from England. 3 lousy rolls cost me almost $900. Now I know what you guys are thinking. No way right ? Well there is a way and it was her way. I asked do we have to go with this here particular motif ? Yup. It is based on a painting some chap in England painted in the late 1800’s called- Strawberry Thief. Birds in a garden of strawberries. Anyways it is famous and them folks over there are very proud of the paperings. Seems wallpaper is THE thing over there. You can’t just buy two rolls to see if it will make it, because if it doesn’t, and you need to re-order, you might not get a color match on the third roll. Also, you have to vertically match up the design as you go so there is a lot of waste.

To get a smooth blemish free finish, you have to lay down an underlayment of plain heavy paper. This covers bumps and such. My walls have little bumps and I think this was done to hide any blemishes.

So that was what we did yesterday. It goes on about like you imagine…….hard. It runs horizontal and then the real paper runs vertically over top of it. It was difficult chasing the bubbles around but when it dried it grew taught and smooth.

She wants to finish up and start the real wallpaper today. Did I mention it is going to be hot today ?



I like to make jigs when I get bored.










About two years ago I found some molds for sale for $25, unused. Do-It Ponyheads in 1/8th and 1/16th ounce sizes. I haven’t used them since, but did so early yesterday morning.

These are the 1/8th ounce size with the lead bait keeper trimmed away to make it about 1/10th ounce or so. I also sanded the sides smooth to eliminate the little bump you are expected to paint as an eye.






Mustad #2 hook. I used an undercoat of white, then chartreuse, then two coats of clear powder paint. Baked, then the eyes were applied with epoxy and then two coats of UV resin over top.

You can see that I did not use the #12 crane style swivel as is usual. Instead I used these special swivels that come with one of the swivel ends open. I like these as there is no need to apply a split ring, just insert and pinch close with pliers. They are not crane but rather roller swivels and spin very nicely.





Here I have one swivel fixed into the head and another to the blade, then joined. This allows the blade more movement. Freedom and spin even at slower speeds. The regular way to rig RoadRunners does not do that. They spin but no where near as efficiently. It also moves the blade further towards the rear where a stupid fish might expect to see some movement. LOL

I ordered yet another mold last week. Fat Boys BigEye Minnow without any bait keepers at all. This will be my fourth CNC mold and hopefully the last. LOL. $150 with shipping and a three week wait is expected by all who order.

I like CNC molds as there is far less slop to file away and you get a nice smooth finish if you use the right lead at the right temperature. I have molds that use the wire keepers, the lead keepers, and the corkscrew keepers. Each has advantages and disadvantages. The corkscrew is by far the most secure but not so good with skinny baits as it can be too wide for the bait. The single wire and the lead keepers tend to rip at the bait when pulled.

What I prefer to do is to assemble the lure by adding the plastic bait, slide it on to ensure it is fitted correctly, then slide it back some and add a drop of glue to the hook just ahead of the bait. Then slide the bait forward depositing glue along the hook length and inside the bait, then smoosh it tight against the head and hold for a few seconds. LocTite Super Glue Gel Control is my favorite. I can order two bottles with the squeeze applicator off Amazion for $4 delivered. One bottle will do many many jigs as I just ease out a small droplet.

I saw where Bartlows was having a clearance on their BooYah blades and got 100 of those. Many are they shiny and bright. Gold colored like a shad.

Really any jig can become an underspin by simply assembling the swivel/blade assembly and easing it over the hook before tying or adding a plastic bait. Two swivels will project the blade away to ensure it doesn’t get fouled by the jig body. Very easy to add a blade on the go as well if they are ready made and handy on the boat. If you see they are into blades, you can simply add them to your selection of baits, much like swapping colors is done.

I got out my crankbait selection and looked those over. I also have some spoons in there. It is time to start swimming those in the mix with the jigs. I do not catch as many fish on those as I do the jigs but suspect that has to do with my trolling speed. Too slow of the crankbaits, or too fast for the jigs. Probably should commit to one or the other and choose the speed that works best for that laure.

I had hopes that the Garmin Force Trolling Motor would come down in price but it’s not. I figure that would be a better buy for me than lithium batteries. Lithium allows more power for a longer period of time, but the Force delivers that same stuff with regular batteries. I also like the fact that I could add lithium batteries when the price comes down. I mean if it ever does come down.

I am so sad when I am in line at the grocers watching some woman trying to figure out what combination of cards she has will get her groceries paid for. All of this stuff was so totally needless.My puppy’s flea and wormer pill now costs…….wait for it….wait…..$40 each month. I thought $20 was outrageous. What are people doing to get by these days ? [ insert: political discourse here ]

I need to make more watermelon pickles. Hang more wallpaper. Make more jigs. Mow the lawn and get ready for Monday.

[DockShootinJack]

Prices are certainly painful these days. Hope the Pup is doing well.