I fished pearl tubes downstream in early March, right after his presentation at the Blowout. I was holding the tubes tight to the remnant water willow clumps along shore in decent current and I was rewarded with a couple very nice smallmouth. It was a nice way to start the season.
I fly fish 95% of the time now, and I mostly fish whatever way I can. I guess it didn't stick, but thats not to say it isn't effective.