Now your talking!

As far as your buddy the gear guy, small Vibrax spinners or Kastmasters will do wonders.

Flinging feathers... This time of year, you'll want to throw euphasid or amphipod patterns in small sizes (10-14). Some guys like a floating line, but line control in the currents and a clear intermediate with 10 to 12' leaders tapered to 4x (maybe 5x) will out fish the floaters. If you tie up a few, be sure to add a small silver bead. When schooled and feeding heavily, silvers tend to be fairly selective. Remember, that zooplankton will be floating mostly in the upper 10 feet of water and there are literally hundred of thousands of them.
That little bead does wonders.

My favorite pattern is a simple tie.

Hook: TMC 2457 (10-14)
Small silver bead
Body: Clear antron dubbed on orange or pink thread using the split thread method
Trim top and sides down so it not too fuzzy.
This pattern will work for both Euphasids and amphipods.. It is a killer!


You might find a few fish wanting to hit small Clousers... (Cutts especially) In which case, size 8 - 10 tied in pink or chart will put you in business. Baitfish patterns don't usually turn fish on until May/June.. Another pattern worth throwing at the Cutts is a Muddler....

Downriggin'