This time of year, the workshop is maxed out in the clutter and mindless repetition of inventory replenishment - Production.
I love the production cycles of the job. Production keeps the hands busy and fuels industry.
Assembly also offers time to think deep thoughts, sort problems, and reflect - all to the rhythm and beat of components shuffling, the snap of stainless being trimmed, and rise, fall and grind of wire former rotation.
Pull them components. Assemble them Armadillos. Twist them R bends. Bag'em. Repeat...
Mind numbing repetition can be a healthy stress reliever. Production cycles rock!
Yep, I've tested this water and like it.
However, what I've found is that monotony lurks at the fuzzy edge of mindless repetition.
In my opinion, one side's good, the other's bad.
Crossin' the border - to catch a Leprechaun
Production demands an ever-present jolt of awareness - the sub-conscious monitor that prevents the mistakes.
The jolt that lets me see I just put two blades on the same clevis, missed a bearing bead, missed a wrap on a knot or on the 'safety' side of things - was about to stick a hook deep into my thumb - OUCH.
Leprechauns at work, just sayin'.
Beep! Earth to John.
Where the hell am I going with this?
Whew, thanks. Sorry, I kind of got wrapped around the axle.
Charging the jolt
The fun part of being prepared while restocking inventory with production, brings about demands for new models - a chance to hone the creative edge - e.g. charging the jolt.
That means taking a break in the production routine to try a few experiments; asking product-improvement questions and having some component fun.
One thing about spinners, there's sure lots of shiny stuff to tinker with.
Finally -
Eye Catchers -
I've come away from experiences with walleye rigs, prism eyes, and flat glass beads, with an appreciation for this 'component set' as becoming exceptional fishing swag.
They catch fish and look good in a package, on your line, and in a fish lip = Potential.
So, over the first hurdle (finding the inclination), I've decided to try using them on other inline spinners and fish species.
Because of variations across species, several sizes and colors of the beads and eyes would work best and provide some flexibility as time passes. You just don't know, what you don't know. Ya know?
First things first, I tracked down a source and ordered more then I'll likely need. One can never have too many choices, right?
Got to get more in the water if you want them to put a catch on, you know what I mean?
Got an order of glass and decided to make a new model, I'll call Eye Catchers. Three sizes. These are the first and smallest at 1/16oz.
Each model will have the unique flat glass tail bead with a prism eye, sized to match the bead, lacquered to it on each side.
Blade and hook substitutions can be made to your preferences.
For Small blades; #2 Colorado, #2 Indiana, #2 French, and small Propellers. Maybe a couple others if I look around at the painted blades.
Hooks; #10 brass Trebles or #6-8 black nickel offset single hooks. I also listed the bait rig on these to see if there's any interest.
These spinners will catch stream fish and work fine in places where controlled shorter casts are needed; lots of brush, flip casting, side casting, etc.
Here's a few pictures.
Check the web store Eye-catchers for all color, blade, and hook choices.
Oh yeah, watch out for those Leprechauns!
