Carl,I've fished both the big and small maribous and the crystal bead jigs in big and small and by far i believe the smaller jigs work best. And the way this year is starting out id say jigs are first on my list. I've always thought eggs were the best but i'm not so sure now. I always toss eggs first but now it seems the fish that are active take the jig right away if they see it. With the eggs it seems like 20-40 minutes pass before i get something or change. But i've had alot of few first cast fish on eggs too so i guess it all depends where you are and when. This is my simple setup. Macks slip bob on 8lb, swivel, 1-8ft 6-12lb clear leader depending on depth and clarity, #5 pinch weight 1 foot away from your jig. What jig? I like the Jigalous in solid orange, or orange/anycolor with a little shrimp oil. Work it by twitching it every few feet. BUT my last steelhead bent the hook and as i was picking her up it fell out and she kicked away and i got no picture. So i think i am going to tie up some of my own or look for a stiffer shanked jig. I tie a mean sandshrimp jig if ya wanna buy one LOL. The jigalous are a little too soft but work very well. John's jigs aren't too bad either. They have a stiffer shank and barbell head. John landed that 15 on one in a swift current so there pretty strong.

So are you saying that you didn't catch any at the Cowlitz? If so, it could be something as simple as leader size, and may not be corkie size. The guy at Shof's Tackle in kent says he often has to drop his leader weight as low as 4lb to get them to take a look at it in the Stilli because the water gets so clear. But you never know. I guess you just have to "be the ball".....na na na na na na...