Micro,

I think my problem that day was using a stiffer and heavier rod than I normally use... and that extra weight got heavy after a while. Once I knew I was slapping my fly I started my forward cast sooner.

Also.. I thought the next time I did that I'd take my lighter rod. Normally I use a 5wt SP but that day was using a 7wt RPL+ loaded with a 9wt line.... still very stiff.

Mini-leeches are on a Tiemco 200R hook in size 12... about an inch long. It's also a pattern name.. so they're not tiny woolly buggers.

I have a friend going over to the seep lakes Friday at noon. Me, I thought the earliest I'd be able to leave would be 6PM... and I sat and thought.. and thought.. now I think I'll take Friday off on vacation and beat him over and also get to fish on Friday.

I even offered to take TM to my "secret spot" but he has "obligations" this weekend. I would have instructed him in the art of "zen and leech madness", or whatever other fly he wanted to put on.

Actually I tied up some big brown beadhead chronies to play with, and I have damsels with me in case they begin to show.

I re-read your post and it looks like you aren't an orphan either.. and mother's day is catching up with you.