That is really surprising, considereing the water in our lakes is like mud. I would think that it would get boogered up over the years. I like muppumpers idea of eliminating it. It was so hard to get to if the ball got stuck.
only problem i have had is the spring broke, it rusted and from what i hear thats normal. i keep an extra spring and ball with me in case it breaks again. i have some shit get caught in there but thats not a big deal..............