When I first got into making spinners, I was going to hardware stores to purchase make shift components and came across the PVC tubing. I bought a few inches of several types in different colors and fashioned a couple spinners from each type of tube, cutting them into 3/4 inch lengths. One type, the braid enforced brand reminded me of fish scales. The PVC was clear with white mesh and had some weight to make a bigger spinner. I used a #4 brass french blade, centered the tube on the wire using 10MM red plastic beads on either end, and twisted on a #4 treble hook. I couldn't wait to try out. By some coincidence we drove up into Wyoming to Miracle Mile on the North Platte (6 hour drive) and set up camp. It was a beautiful sunny summer day and the water was high. I couldn't wait, and was out on the bank on the inside of the bend below the Kortes dam in no time. The river is probably over 100 ft wide on this big 90 degree bend and moving fast. I found a stable rock and caste my new creation across the water, letting the current bring it back to my side of the river. I kept my rod tip up and could watch the spinner arch across the current with the sun reflecting off the polished brass blade and white meshed PVC. On the second caste, just as I had my retrieve under control with the spinner about ten feet into its arch, a monster trout came up to strike on the far side of the river. What a rush! The big fish controlled the situation and ran upstream effortlessly in strong current, with my spinner well hooked in its lip. I was able to keep my line taut and watched this beautiful creature eventualy tire and arch back to my side of the river where I scrambled downstream to bring it into my reach and release it. The fish was a big beautiful hook-jawed Brown trout, probably over twenty-five inches and about 3-4 lbs. I wish I had thought to grab the camera in the rush to get to the bank! Needless to say, this experience re-opened my eyes to what can catch a fish, and I was 'hooked' for life on the passion of making alternative spinners. More stories to come, lets hear yours!

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