Pearow's Bentback Spider

Recipe
Hook:  Mustad 3261 (Size 8)
Thread:  6/0 Uni
Body:  Brown Yarn or Micro Chenille
Legs:  Sili-Legs
Wing:  Buck tail
Head:  Thread

Here is one I found from Pearow on The Bass Pond.  Pearow caught some big bluegills on this spider, but I could easily see bass hammering it too.

The key is to bend a 15 degree angle in the shank.  Any more than 15 degrees and the spider will spin on the retrieve.  This is a very simple pattern that is just fantastic.  The hook rides up making this spider snag resistant.

Notice the bend in the bottom hook....slight bend is all you need.

Gibby's Skitter Bug

Gibby's Skitter Bug

Recipe
Hook: No. 8 Gamakatsu S-10 3F
Thread: 8/0 Uni Chartreuse
Tail: Marabou
Flash: 3-4 strands pearl Krystal Flash
Under-body: Pearl micro-chenille
Body: White foam
Popper: Large Sequin
Eyes: 3D prism eyes

This is one of my favorite bluegill patterns.  I happened on a good bluegill spot this morning and grabbed this pattern...had a blast!  The sequin adds a nice popping action to a very simple streamer.

This is one of Steve Gibson's fantastic patterns.  Steve's Myakka Minnow is another killer for bluegill!

Gibby's Myakka Minnow

Fly Box Hero - Bill Musky Modica

I know it's not Fly Fishing, but....

A few years ago I started interacting on a website dedicated to bluegills....BIG BLUEGILLS! After a few weeks I ran across Bill Musky Modica on the site and started interacting with him. Bill had a great spoon technique he was introducing to the group. I read about how he rigged his gear and ran to the store to pick up some spoons and swivels. Meeting Mod flat out changed the way I spin fish.

Bill's technique and rig are highlighted in the May issue of In-Fisherman. The article is titled "Spooning Bluegills on the Long Cast." You have to read Bill's article because the technique applies to everything that swims. I personally have caught bluegills, perch, bass, walleye, catfish, pike, carp, mooneye, drum, shad and crappie using Mod's technique.

Every once in a while someone comes along and revolutionizes a method or pattern. In my book Bill Modica has been added to the Bob Clousers and Kelly Galloup's of the world.

If I spin fish I have a Blue Fox Rattlin Flash Spoon or a Swede on my line - Thanks again Bill!