Forgot to mention that when fishing top water with big bushy flies...much like when using a hula popper...a wise technique is to make your cast, let the fly land, and then briefly pause before starting to "twitch" the fly back to you in short erratic sequences. Sometimes let the pause between twitches be different. The same technique would also hold true for most underwater presentations...although certain streamers work best when a steady twitch and retrieve is done, with an occasional short "sweep" of the rod tip to impart some extra "fleeing" action. If you fly fish for other species, it is all ultimately the same idea...catch a fishes interest, then entice and tease to make them react!

Once in a while I have happened to land the fly within a few feet of a hungry bass, and the thunderous reaction from below can catch you right off guard! Be ready and enjoy!

If you buy a fly that has a "weed guard" in place, and your water body is free of surface vegetation, you might consider clipping it off. Sometimes that stiff mono can potentially hinder a bite...but that is rare.

Final comment...and sinker rig mentioned this...time of day can be crucial. Early mornings and approaching evenings tend to be best in small pond settings from my own experience...like a few hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset....depending on the period we may be on the calendar (as days get longer and shorter). Mid day can be great too, but if the bass are on a specific feeding schedule they are less likely to pursue something edible if they are feeling lazy and just want to swim around.

We will be anxious to hear how it goes!