hmm...the bottom of the fly is for bouyncy (sp) not for durability, although I am sure it will help. I dunno about doing the hole fly though lol. Heck what do you have to loose? Yes body hair is the right hair to use but there is different parts on the body, the belly hair is 2nd best and the most used, the best hair comes off of the backs closer to the flanks! I tell ya, you have to spend a couple bucks and get that video.....it has EVERY thing you would ever want to know on there! The bluegills shouldnt destroy it I wouldnt think, maybe pull a few hairs out here and there...also what kind of thread are you using? Rod wrapping thread works, dont use kevlar as it has a tendancy to cut the hair, if I remember right the stuff I am using is dynabraid? Same stuff Chris has in his vid..its a little harder to find but it works much much better! Packem tight, use the right materials and you will do fine...oh and get that video LOL!