Winter Steelhead Fishing, How We Roll! Whats in Your Pack?

[Chinook SSSF]

In the interest of starting a discussion regarding the coming winter steelhead season, I am wondering how and maybe where we are planning to fish. No need to give up the farm or spill the well like me but whatever you are willing to share will be fine. There are a million trade secrets in steelheading and we will certainly not cover them all. There are no rules and there is no right or wrong for the open minded in steelheading if someone is confident and successful in the methods they fish.

Please understand there are always variables and different ways to fish for steelhead and that is exactly what I am hoping to talk about in this thread. In April when we are done we can compare our notes and see what worked best for us.

[I]I will start us off with what has come to be my stand-bye go-to winter steelhead gear after 26 years of bank fishing for steelhead from California to Canada. My recipe for 100 steelhead a year.

I roll pretty light with the exception of my Nikon and a bottle of water. I pack every thing into a backpack or chest pack. I have 2 packs for the different ways I fish from small streams to large rivers. I always have my yellow lens solar bat glasses and a license to fish in Oregon and Washington.

http://www.smallstreamsalmonfishing.com/sssfimages/hostedimages08/wintertackle1.jpg

In the Winter I fish 2 different ways related mostly to the size of the stream or river I will be on. I often carry 2 rods when I fish medium to large size rivers such as the Sandy or Clackamas rivers. The first rod will be a jig and bobber rod of 10 feet in length or more with a 1 oz inline float system strung on 15 or 20 lb fluorocarbon or 30 lb Power Pro. I use this rod to cover steelhead jigs, pink worms and bait under a float. This rod has a good solid backdone with a fast taper for line control and hooksets from across a larger river. The second rod will be an 8'6" to 9'6" spinning rod with 12 lb that I will use to roll R&B's through every piece of faster water I see.

http://www.smallstreamsalmonfishing.com/sssfimages/hostedimages08/wintertackle6.jpg

http://www.smallstreamsalmonfishing.com/sssfimages/hostedimages08/wintertackle5.jpg

On small streams such as Eagle creek or the North Fork of anywhere I will fish a 7 or 8 weight fly rod with a custom trout bead, a tag of yarn and possibly a strike indicator. A floating line is always fished on this rod. In this type of small water fishing the bead replaces the corkie. This same fly rod can also serve up flys, yarnys and micro jigs. During periods of high water, on certain streams I may also carry one of the other 2 rods to cover the tougher conditions. For small stream fishing with this fly rod I load a chest pack with universal tackle to fly fish or drift fish. The large corkies shown are used only as a strike indicator when beading during periods of low water.

http://www.smallstreamsalmonfishing.com/sssfimages/hostedimages08/wintertackle3.jpg

http://www.smallstreamsalmonfishing.com/sssfimages/hostedimages08/wintertackle2.jpg

The second larger river pack is outfitted with spinners, spoons, and enough 1 oz float gear to cover several different methods of float fishing.

You might be wondering why there is no drift rod or corkies shown here.....I do drift fish in a few places but for all of my small to medium river applications I use the fly rod shown above to 'drift fish' lightly with yarn and beads. In large rivers I feel I can really cover alot more water with the hardware and float rod without loosing much gear for day of fishing.

[Globugger]

You guys will think I carry a ridiculous amount of gear... I am planning on sorting my stuff out so I can use a vest and maybe a lil bag. I have like 2 plano ones and then a couple smaller ones.. I'm thinking about limiting it to split shot hooks swivels globugs.. Some yarn and float and jigs.

[Mr. R & B]

This will be a fun thread for sure and more fun to come back to later.

When I can, I like to roll with two rods. One float and jig rod tipped with T&T Jigs. I may also be adding some new worms to the end of that rod as well.

The other with my latest favorite spinner or spoon for the conditions. Lately it has been white silver and black #4 but I have a big urge to cast this spinner again
http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq252/RBLureCo/IMG00048.jpg

RB

[klamathsteel]

New guy here so i guess i better introduce myself. Name is Barry and i live right on the Cal / Ore border (Cal side). Home waters are Klamath and tribs, Rogue, Eel, Chetco, and Smith. Probably 80% of my winter steelheading is on the middle Rogue, i absolutely love that piece of water. Last year was fabulous, i hope this year is as good. When it comes to winter steelhead i am a died in the wool sidedrifter using mostly eggs but last season started useing yarn balls with good success. I'm trying to get away from relying on eggs so much because to be honest i really don't like to eat fish very much and i feel guilty killing fish just because i need eggs even though they are hatchery fish. Don't get me wrong i never waste a fish, i have many friends and neighbors who love to eat em. This winter i will be trying EZ EGGS, they look like they should work. The Scott river (Klamath trib) runs right by my house and when i fish it i'm useing a small glo bug shrimp pink with a red dot. If it's a little high and off color i'll thread a Jensen egg on the leader above the glo bug. Same goes for the Salmon river (also a Klamath trib). Late fall and early winter (like now) plugs are killer on the middle Klamath. I'd have to say my best producing plug on the Klamath is a Brads "lil" wiggler in Michael Jackson color with a red butt. Second would be a copper #30 hot shot. Last winter on the middle Rogue many fish were hooked on a silver and pink Kwikfish, K9X.

So there ya have it. Looks like you have a very nice site here and i have seen many of Mathews videos, they are Awesome. I am a long time member of, and on the Pro Staff of www.salmontroutandsteelhead.com, also a very nice site. We cover Southern Oregon and Northern California. Lots of great people and info. That's it for now.

Klamathsteel

[TailOutSwingin]

Matthew-

Are you pegging that trout bead above the hook and yarn?

[Chinook SSSF]

Klamath,

I have fished the Klambake a few times myself...had access to R-Ranch from a friend for a while growing up, love that river! such a different world, like the Deschutes kind of....To bad about the salmon crash. I know the Klamath used to get like 80,000 fish in the fall...

I must come south for Half Pounders next year...




Matthew-

Are you pegging that trout bead above the hook and yarn?

It is a sillicon bead peg. I like this kind because it does not injure the leader.

[klamathsteel]

1/2 lbers = Somes Bar down in september. ;)

[Chinook SSSF]

1/2 lbers = Somes Bar down in september. ;)


Totaly noted.

[mikebraun]

I've been drift fishing for almost 30 years and gone through many phases. I can remember when I carried a tackle box around for a year, but then that wouldn't hold enough stuff. I then bought a vest with the biggest and most pockets I could find, because I thought I needed all that stuff to up my odds. After a few years I realized that I was carring half the store with me but rarely used 75% of it. Now at this point in my life I just like to keep things as basic and simple as possible.
Some things that I don't carry anymore are- slinkies, pencil lead, swivles, corkies or any other drift bobbers, pretied leaders, hardware, jigs and many other things. What I do carry can all fit in one pocket unless I also have bait. I carry a pack of hooks, bag of split shot, beads and assorted colors of yarn. In my fanny pack I have water, couple different plastics, sissors and pliers. I never carry a second rod for steelhead, 90% of the time if they wont bite this then they wont bite that.
To me it's a much more enjoyable day when you can walk and fish without being weighed down, another reason why I release most all fish (it's all fun till you kill one, then it's work). So weather I've got my fly rod on small water or the drift rod on big water I fish the same.

[Chinook SSSF]

I never carry a second rod for steelhead, 90% of the time if they wont bite this then they wont bite that
.

A surprising statement coming from you Mike, IM surprised really...Sure you dont want to re-think this? Not the part about the 2 rods. The part about the steelhead only being interested in 1 thing? I dont think for one second even you believe this to be true....not one second : )

Thats one of the major variables. This rule does not apply to larger rivers such as the Sandy were 2 rods is very much a key to my success.

This is totaly based on the type and size of water we each prefer to fish most often.


It also depends on who your with and were they want to fish. Wilson river for example, if the person your with only knows how to drift fish pocket water and small holes in a few places and is going to take you there to drift fish, your float rod and spinner rod become totaly useless and extra dead weight. Yet everyone knows the Wilson has some 400 bobber and jig holes in the non pocket sections of the river where the partner could reign supreme.

The variables, lol




....

[p8ntballrman]

most of my time is spent on the coast rivers during the early part of the winter in my drifter. In a driftboat it's a lot easier to carry gear so the whole tackle box goes in plus 4-5 rods.( drift, bobber-jig,bobber-bait, plug, spinner rods ). Most of the time I give each one atleast a little time in the water at most of the holes I come to.

If I'm banking the rivers I carry 2-3 rods ( bobber rod, drift, and spinner ) but leave the tackle box at home. instead I use a vest with as little gear as i can get away with ( bobbers, jigs, Slinkies, swivels, spinners, some pretied leaders, and yarn and corkies ). Sometimes switching it up as proved deadly for me in the past so I like to be prepared.

Good luck to everyone and see you on the river.

[seamslayer]

Matt,
I have to agree with you; I love chest packs. Just like Mike had done, I went throught the progression of tackle box, tackle box and vest, just the vest, and also a day pack. As time passed I found I was carrying to much, and even when I had my vest the conventional designs were a hassle to acess and when full I find them to be constrictive when I cast. Enter, the chest pack, which I recieved as a gift. It is a fishpond, and has the chest pack with a day pack. They are detachable so you have the option of litening up on the river. Over the years I have found that float fishing is one of the most productie methods, and this is primarily what I fish. Although, I do carry a good bit of hardware, followed by some drift rigs, and even a plug or two. Two rods acompany me at all times. One float rod and one other, which can toss metal, drift fish and even throw plugs. I like to pack only the gear that is easily rigged. In times of petrol-perril I wan't to devote my time to fishing and observing, not tying. I am willing to sacrifice gear that is cumbersome, if it means I will be fishing more. Anything that is not in the fromt chest pack is packed in plastic boxes according to the techniqe. Drift gear has a box, as does hardware, etc. Check these out
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3025620118_d9561bfded_t.jpg
They hold eight drift rigs very well and come with their own box. I load them with different types of rigs (low water, straight yarn, etc.) and grab the ones I will be needing. Much preferd over the pip's box.
In adition to tackle, I use a headlamp to get first water. It is amazing how much effort is put into finding secluded creeks and how quickly my secret spots get found. I find that I have to get there at dark to hold my spot, then wait 'til dawn to actually fish. My camera goes with me everywere. I don't like being questioned about the fish I catch, and a picture in hand is much more believable.
For extended trips or serious drive times I have a large bag. Then and only then do I bring almost all of my tackle. Once there I split up the mound into usable gear, and hit the water just as lite as befor.
I will have pics later, as I am having issues with the camera.
Oh, I think some Strike Rite jigs would round out your tackle nicley.:D Give me some info if you would like to try some. Feed back is greatly appreciated.

[uofodux]

I have used an old vest for years, but now (thanks to Ampersat), I hope to have a new belt/pack to use instead (xmas gift from the wife if I dropped enough hints). I used to only bring one rod, but now I usually always have 2. One strictly for pitching spinners, which used to be nothing but blue fox that has since changed to R & B products! The other I use for bobber and eggs or jigs, which I just started using. I will definitely be giving the old pink worm a chance this year as well. Used to drift fish alot with corkie and bait, but just got to be too cumbersome losing gear or changing out bait every 5 minutes.

I can only hope to sniff a portion of Chinook's 100 fish count, but at this point in my life, the thrill is definitely in getting into the graet outdoors and trying to chase down one of nature's most beautiful and elusive creatures!

[hamfish]

I hate to admit it but I still wear a vest. It is not really loaded all that bad though. I mostly fish the North Coast rivers/creeks and only pack one rod. However I will carry several more in my truck just in case! I mostly drift fish, but after being a member of this and iFish I have tried many other methods with varying success levels. I am not afraid to experiment however. One of the largest steelhead I caught last year was on a Pink Worm that the big feller just could not resist. (Fishing Vest now has pink worms) :D

I do carry just enough Pencil Lead for the day and not the whole roll.....I still use slinkies as well. On one river I use the slinkies, and on the other pencil lead or split shot.

I need another vest pocket for my eggs and I mostly drift fish with bait, and another pocket for (TP) Just in case....:rolleyes: I have too many shirts missing their front pockets! :p I am thinking of creating a new shirt with velcro pockets so they can be replaced. You should be able to find a 6 pack of them soon in your nearest store. :eek:

Corkies are my mainstay lure and always are on my rigs that I tie myself. I usually tie up several dozen on a piece of packing styro from shipping boxes.

Oh yeah I always bring my friend Rick, except he cant quite fit into my vest...

I am looking forward to a great season and I will share my pix with you all.

Last Year...Rick on the chase

http://www.west-tech.com/Rick.JPG

And the reward....

http://www.west-tech.com/Hen.jpg

[klamathsteel]

Klambake :confused: :confused: Never heard that one ?

If they remove the dams it surely will be a Klambake. :mad: :mad:

[Chinook SSSF]

Yes Klamath..lol..Removing the Klamath dams will certainly change the face of that river forever, all over again!...




Ray looking forward to your winter photos : )

[ampersat]

How I roll is based on a couple of things:
1. all of my fishing gear should be accessible using one hand to retrieve, replace and work the zippers
2. you can futz with gear in the nice warm, well lit and dry area of your home but you can only fish when you're at the river

That said, I just moved into this belt after having lived in my last one for over five years. I'm still working the kinks out and dialing it in but here's what I've got.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_i5OiHXcKJUs/STddxUjhjYI/AAAAAAAABNA/K7Vq7c1nABI/s800/IMG_2727.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_i5OiHXcKJUs/STdd7P9m6II/AAAAAAAABNI/ZKfRDiokXiY/s800/IMG_2728.jpg

All of my yarn is precut and sorted, there are swivels in abundance and a small selection of hooks and etc.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_i5OiHXcKJUs/STdd8Kt76kI/AAAAAAAABNU/52lFXtHBKbU/s800/IMG_2729.jpg

Corkies in the other side with a small bit of etc. A spool of lead fits nicely into a smaller zippered pocket on the front.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_i5OiHXcKJUs/STdd-5urqgI/AAAAAAAABNk/kPqo8wFTgnw/s800/IMG_2732.jpg

The other pocket is for jigs. The small pocket in front is good for a bottle of scent or two.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_i5OiHXcKJUs/STdd9UK_-PI/AAAAAAAABNc/6n8u00hmAJM/s800/IMG_2731.jpg

The center pocket is good for a lot of etc. That green thing with the colored up clear plastic pockets is my leader wallet. It keeps 12 leaders very organized, accessible and flat. I'll be adding a second one of these to my setup very soon.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_i5OiHXcKJUs/STdeBVdMjcI/AAAAAAAABNs/EbymK-cGkkI/s800/IMG_2733.jpg

There's a water bottle pocket on one side that currently holds my pliers and knife.

It goes on over my waders and wading belt. The wading belt should be cinched tight but comfortable. The gear belt can be loosened or tightened as needed. When fishing, I'll loosen it up a bit so I can spin it around; I can get into every pocket and when I'm done I can spin it around out of the way. This also serves the additional duty of putting the weight on your hips where it belongs as any backpacker will tell you. My ex-wife bought me a vest and I used it because she got it for me but I hated it as all the weight was transferred to my back and shoulders. A few pounds of gear gets to weigh a lot over the course of a day of fishing.

As for rods, I always carry two. I met a guy coming out of Cedar this fall frantically asking where the closest place he could buy a rod would be after busting his own (probably reefing on a snag). Always carry backup. I'd hate to have to call a trip because of a malfunction, especially if the fishing was good.

[Chinook SSSF]

Great selection there Amp, lots of fish killers...thats a cool way to have the yarn for mixing and matching colors!

....Had any fish take that green worm yet?...I wonder how that one would work on say --- spring chinook. I released an old nook last week on a pink worm under a float but I admit I laced it with sardine oil : P

[ampersat]

No takers on the chartreuse worms but you've got to fish them before they'll get bit.

[mikebraun]

A couple things I forgot to mention. A sharpening stone for my hooks, I don't like files because they rust. A small red/white clip on bobber for when I need to change my presentation. A pen and my Oregon, Washington and Alaska lisence's and tags. And lastly a seamstress tape for a quick measurement on big fish.

[Wilsonriverfisher]

I roll cheap I take my boxes from the tackle box and put it into the backpack and a couple hardware boxes filled with size 3-4 blue fox and panther martin metallic series lures...This year I will be adding much corkies and yarn like amperstats setup...

[Chinook SSSF]

Switch over to R&B spinners as well, your catch rate will climb, I think you already know IM not just saying that....

[williesteal17]

When sidedrifting for steelhead is it best for your slinky or pencil lead to be fixed at a your swivel or as a slider on your mainline?? I've seen both ways done not sure if it makes a dif or not any opinions out there??

[seamslayer]

Took a bit, but I was finally able to take some pictures of my gear.
This is my newest toy:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/3096247880_73d7b24bfb_m.jpg
I like to carry a small amount of tackle in the chest pack with surpluss in the day pack.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/3095408211_d9e9613f73_m.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/3095407413_70b1228db2_m.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/3095406713_ec9311b28c_m.jpg
These go in the day pack:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3096249396_602ed447a6_m.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3096248572_9a300882d0_m.jpg

I also stow my rain coat in here but it is saoked right now.I carry the garbage bags for hatchery fish or, if it is a fisheless day, I spend time hunting for trash. River clean up is supprisingly fulfilling, and unfortunatly much more productive than fishing.

A side note: I was thinking that it might be cool to do a product review in tandem with this gear post. We could select a new product that is sold in WA & OR and give feed back over the course of the winter steelhead season. Taking a look back at the response to the product should yeild a good review, not to mention a fun project.:D

[Chinook SSSF]

NIce setups, I can clearly see you know what you need and what you want to fish : )

Love the long leachy looking jigs. Ohh those are a colored worm imitator type jig?

PM me with more about your idea please, for a review, would like to hear more.

Thanks

[seamslayer]

Those worms are great. They come in a few colos, and are the right length out of the pakage. Great jig heads as well; you can't beat that sickle bend. I haven't put in the hours with them yet, but I am hoping for some serious native action.;)

[Chinook SSSF]

Did you design those or are they someone else product?

[seamslayer]

They are made by Rvrfshr, and the worm and jig quality is outstanding. These are the jig heads I use.If you're into the worm thing they make a sweet 6" worm that comes with matching drift bobbers and hooks.

[Chinook SSSF]

Thanks for the info :cool:

[RollinontheRvr]

I generally fish from my drift boat so I carry a tackle box with tons of stuff but if I fish from the bank on a quicky day then I wear a vest that I drop on the bank....:D....I don't have any pics right now but I will get some soon. I use Lamiglas Certified Pro rods cuz I like the feel, West Coast floats with inline swiveled weights and either bait or jigs that I tie myself. If I am drift fishing, it is corkies and yarn or a corkie with a bead under it with slinkies.

[Twise95]

Alright, this is a really cool thread Matt!!!

I was thinking about starting one like this a while back but I never got around to it.

Its so awesome to see how you guys equip yourself for battling the winter slime rockets... for someone like me who is now officially starting his second winter steelhead season it is so helpful to be able to take knowledge and tips from other fishermen and apply it to what I already know and have tried. Any time spent on the river is very valuable and it is much better spent finding and hooking fish than searching for an eternity in your tackle bags looking for spare lead or a swivel.

So far after a few trips I have narrowed it down to carrying all of my steelheading gear into one small tote-like bag. Its extremely unorganized inside the bag but until I get a more organized pack i guess it works... haha. I use two rods for steelies, a 8'6'' Berkley IM7 spinning rod for pitching spinners and drift fishing, and I recently purchased a 9' IM7 casting rod that I will use for bobber fishing and probably some drift fishing too.

Winter Break in 2 DAYS... cannot WAIT to get home from college and whack some steel!

~ Teddy

[seamslayer]

Sounds like you have the bug. I really like being organized and streamlined. With gas were it is now I want to fish not tie.

I remember my first seasons on the river. I had this rediculous tackle box that was so heavy and packed my hands would go numb.:p Once you develop your own style and preferd methods everything comes together.
And remember, there are no rules to fishing. Nothing is constant or written in stone, less the intense passion steelheaders have. Create your own presentations or adaptations to techniques; if it is likeable you may be able to sell it:D
I firmly believe that fish caught with ones ingenuity, trumps those caught by acquired knoledge.

[Chinook SSSF]

Ohh he's hooked alright......

Teddy, how long is your break?

Can you get over to this side of town?

[Twise95]

Hey Matt! My break lasts from December 11th (i'm coming back tomorrow mid-day) until January 4th... should be plenty of time to try and get some steelheading in! :D

[seamslayer]

Come on. This thread can't be done yet. Other people have to have new or different ways of fishing. Lets keep this going; I think it will be cool if we get lots of people to give input.

[Osmosis]

I usually fish the Clackamas, and mostly drift fish when im on the bank. There are some bobber days, and tons of spinner throwing days dont get me wrong. On the average day where I have to hike this is what I carry with the addition of my knife and a jar of bait or two.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/lordmardoc/fishing08026.jpg

I pack everything I need into a very lightweight wading jacket.
Every bank trip I take a small 3-4' section of cord with a loop in one end. I grab a stick at the river to use for the handle. It makes carrying fish much less of a headache.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/lordmardoc/fishing08027.jpg

The bag of yarn I grab changes with the species and conditions. I also have it mostly pre cut.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/lordmardoc/fishing08022.jpg

When I fish creeks and am not bait fishing, I carry these and a bunch of split shot:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/lordmardoc/fishing08016.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/lordmardoc/fishing08015.jpg

I usually carry only one rod while on the bank even though it can be conditionally limiting. It's just easier to deal with.

[GW]

I do virtually all my fishing from a boat, but I'm big on being organized. I think it pays great dividends.

I keep all my tackle in the same sized plano boxes this way they stack well. Everything is divided by species and/or technique. This way, depending on where I'm headed I can just grab the boxes that I'll need that day and toss them in the boat.

http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_3355.jpg

Side drifting tray and some leaders
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_3356.jpg

Float tray
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_3360.jpg

Leaders. My favorite way to keep them stored.
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_3358.jpg

I'll take two or three tubes and just toss them in the dry box for the day. When one gets empty we just replace it with a full one. Those battery trays are riveted down, but work great for keeping everything seperated when the electric motor is at home. Gloves, Oarlock, the de-liar, food for the day, drinks, and 100' or rope. If you dont have a need for 100' of rope in your drift boat, then you're not using it for what it was built for.
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_3359.jpg

Spinners
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_3361.jpg

Steelhead plugs
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_3369.jpg

Some of the rods
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_3363.jpg

I keep all my bait frozen and I perfer to store it one of two ways. Vacuum packed or in zip locks with all the air out. Zip locks are the easiest and I generally store bait this way if I'm planning on fishing it within the next few months. If I get some eggs that I decide to put up for 6 or 9 months, I vacuum pack them. The thing about it is you have to freeze the eggs before you vacuum pack them and puncure the bag before you thaw them. Otherwise, you'll explode the berries. I tried storing eggs in different jars or containers and it just didnt work well for me.
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_3364.jpg

I always bag it up in what I deam "a days worth of bait" This way I'm not unthawing a whole tub of eggs over and over again.
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_3365.jpg


What I'm not big on is cleaning the boat. If it's not stinking up the garage, then it's clean enough for me. I hose her out every few trips just to let her know she's loved.

[Chinook SSSF]

:eek: wow nice stuff guys! Thats what IM talkin bout!

[RollinontheRvr]

I am curious about on thing you said.....The part about the 100' of rope and not using your boat the way it is supposed to be used. Would you be willing to explain by any chance??? I have a drift boat and the only thing I use my rope for is pulling the boat out of the water at Dabney park so I don't get my truck stuck in the sand...Thanks, the curiousity is burning me up....:D

[GW]

I was trying to say when I bank fish I pack light. where did you get 100 feet of rope from?

Osmosis - I wasnt' directing that at you. You were simply the last post on this thread so when I wanted to post I clicked on yours.

RollinontheRvr - The rope is for launching or retreaving the boat from off the beaten path locations. Either slides or just places on the side of the road where you pull the truck over, jump out, and push the boat down the hill.

[Osmosis]

sorry guys. misunderstanding on my part evidentally.

[Chinook SSSF]

Weekender, if I ever have a garage, yours will be my inspiration to keep organized.

[ryank]

I just had to bring this post back to the top since we are almost back to this season and there is just to much good info on this thread to have it buried at the bottom. I took about three hours today re-organizing all my tackle and kind of taking inventory, and getting prepared for winter steelhead. GW I am all envy about your garage......very, very nice!
Ryan

[Rock,Rock,FISH]

I don't leave the house without at least 20 pre-tied leaders. After elk season I will post pics. My pack is stupid full. 2 rods but I must admit I rarely ever bobber fish anymore. To me it's all about the hook set while drift fishing. There isn't anything better. RRF

[GW]

Thanks guys. I stepped it up during the off season

http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_0362.jpg

The pegboard works out really well. Should have done it a long time ago. And yes, I'm strickly fish VISION hooks for Winter steelhead. Guys make all kinds of faces when I tell them what I fish, but I'm very happy with the way they perform.

[Fishnfool]

GW if this were a contest you are diffently the winner!:D I'm going to pull apart my pack for some pics to post.

[Gabe]

Man, I'm not gonna take pictures of my mess....."which pocket did I put that in again?"

[Mr. R & B]

Thanks guys. I stepped it up during the off season

http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_0362.jpg

The pegboard works out really well. Should have done it a long time ago. And yes, I'm strickly fish VISION hooks for Winter steelhead. Guys make all kinds of faces when I tell them what I fish, but I'm very happy with the way they perform.

I need you to come organize my production shop!:rolleyes:

[GW]

I need you to come organize my production shop!:rolleyes:

You can blame it on the customers if it's messy.:D

Dang customers, always moving stuff around.

[ryank]

Man, I'm not gonna take pictures of my mess....."which pocket did I put that in again?"

That's exactly why I reorganized today! I could not find anything, now I am ready to go:cool:
Ryank

[todd_brooks555]

Thanks guys. I stepped it up during the off season

http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/IMG_0362.jpg

The pegboard works out really well. Should have done it a long time ago. And yes, I'm strickly fish VISION hooks for Winter steelhead. Guys make all kinds of faces when I tell them what I fish, but I'm very happy with the way they perform.

Wow on a lot of accounts, nice info for sure. On this whole thread. Its reassuring that I don't have near the problem I thought I had, what an armature I am. GW I don't even know what to say but wow and I think theres a name for what you seem to have.:D

[Twise95]

Haha Spade, that's definitely me too buddy... Haha..


And GW.. Holy Crap! I guess when you decide to give up fishing you already got yourself a store! Hahaha. Like that's going to happen. Thanks for sharing I'm jealous :D :cool:

[WILLIS]

I try to pack light but some of the places I fish are way off the regular path of travel so you need to be ready for a full day of being gone, for steelhead I carry a couple plano boxes with lures, jigs, etc I carry it all in a backpack.I mainly drift fish eggs with a small amount of yarn but I would like to use more methods but only like to carry one rod and if I am changing methods all the time I loose a bunch of fishing time, some of the places we hike are mad crazy and two rods would be a huge pain. Most of my weight comes from some of the survival gear that I carry into the remote locations I take it out when fishing close to the car.

[Chinook SSSF]

That's exactly why I reorganized today! I could not find anything, now I am ready to go:cool:
Ryank

Thats what happens to my pack after about every 5 trips out. Go through jacket pockets and clean up the backpack........By then I am on some new area and the packs contents ajust a little. This is what creates the mess on the shelf....Then you have to do what GW did :p

Some day I will photograph the messy side of things : P

[JJBass]

I like how you roll. Thanks for this thread even though I am a year off in responding. Heheheheheee:D

I backpack it myself and from the looks of it have the same stuff you do. I really have stepped up the yarn egg loop technique you showed. But spinners are my go to.

Love making the leaders or the spinners, and doing so saves $$$.
Anyways, safe fishing
Jeff

[Gabe]

Thats what happens to my pack after about every 5 trips out. Go through jacket pockets and clean up the backpack........By then I am on some new area and the packs contents ajust a little. This is what creates the mess on the shelf....Then you have to do what GW did :p

Some day I will photograph the messy side of things : P

Yeah, that's why I'm in the situation I'm in. I've been randomly targeting stuff and changing techniques each time that I repack almost every trip. My benches are a mess with crap all over the place. Yes, I said benches, it's really quite sad. LoL The only good thing is the spinners are neatly hung for drying after cleaning....other than that, everything is EVERYWHERE.

[Chinook SSSF]

I know! They need to engineer these runs last longer or stay in one section for longer........Ohh yea, the coho run...right...forgot about that ;)

[seamslayer]

Is this thread coming back to life? Lets see some 2009 winter run gear. Anthing new or cool your trying this year?

[GW]

Is this thread coming back to life? Lets see some 2009 winter run gear. Anthing new or cool your trying this year?

Myself, I'm ditching the corkie and eggs for side drifting this winter and switching to yarnies and eggs instead. I fished yarnies a few times last year and I think it's going up my numbers.

[ryank]

Myself, I'm ditching the corkie and eggs for side drifting this winter and switching to yarnies and eggs instead. I fished yarnies a few times last year and I think it's going up my numbers.

I fish with a guide on the umpqua for winter steelhead, He does great with just shrimp pink yarnies, I have also had good luck with these for sandy summers. it is a good way to conserve bait! that if for sure. What are your guys favorite color combos for yarnies?
Ryan

[RollinontheRvr]

I fish with a guide on the umpqua for winter steelhead, He does great with just shrimp pink yarnies, I have also had good luck with these for sandy summers. it is a good way to conserve bait! that if for sure. What are your guys favorite color combos for yarnies?
Ryan

Isn't a yarnie kinda like a glo bug only fluffier? If so, then I like shell pink but when I tie them I tie in some white yarn to make it look like skein. It's is pretty cool lookin' out of water not sure what it looks like underwater buit the winters earlier this seemed to like it...:cool:

[kirkster]

Very cool thread so awesome to see all the different ways people go about steelhead fishing. As a kid I grew up on the molalla river and have peddled many miles on a ten speed chasing steel. I was young and not alot of funds. what cash I did earn mostly went towards tackle. I didnt have a vest and at that time I wanted one so bad as I carried all my stuff in my school back pack. One afternoon I found a camo shirt My mom had bought me at an army surplus. It was the long sleeve one that had four pockets on the front. I cut the sleeves off and wore it for years. The pockets were bib enough for the plano boxes. The point of my long drawn out story is here it is 35 years later after buying fishing vests, and other packs to cary gear. I still use the same style old army shirt as I did as a kid. If your on any kind of budget there super cheap. I also had my mom sew a pocket on the back like a store bought vest has it carried my lunch and misc. items. Sorry if this post was boring But I just wanted to share it with ya. Its amazing the memories that role through my mind to this day every time I throw on my homemade vest.

[RollinontheRvr]

Very cool thread so awesome to see all the different ways people go about steelhead fishing. As a kid I grew up on the molalla river and have peddled many miles on a ten speed chasing steel. I was young and not alot of funds. what cash I did earn mostly went towards tackle. I didnt have a vest and at that time I wanted one so bad as I carried all my stuff in my school back pack. One afternoon I found a camo shirt My mom had bought me at an army surplus. It was the long sleeve one that had four pockets on the front. I cut the sleeves off and wore it for years. The pockets were bib enough for the plano boxes. The point of my long drawn out story is here it is 35 years later after buying fishing vests, and other packs to cary gear. I still use the same style old army shirt as I did as a kid. If your on any kind of budget there super cheap. I also had my mom sew a pocket on the back like a store bought vest has it carried my lunch and misc. items. Sorry if this post was boring But I just wanted to share it with ya. Its amazing the memories that role through my mind to this day every time I throw on my homemade vest.



That's pretty innovative actually. Needs turned into innovation. Dull? I don't think so, what I heard is a kid that had a love for fishing and did what he had to in order to be able go. :cool:

[Metal Slinger]

Myself, I'm ditching the corkie and eggs for side drifting this winter and switching to yarnies and eggs instead. I fished yarnies a few times last year and I think it's going up my numbers.

ditto that! I will still use the old cheater/yarn setup but I am definatly going to try plain yarnies during low water.

[Gabe]

Is this thread coming back to life? Lets see some 2009 winter run gear. Anthing new or cool your trying this year?

This is what I'm gonna be rollin' with.
Size 4s across the top, 4.5s in pink, and the others are 5s.
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss219/Spaded_Z/P1070628.jpg

[spactrukn]

I love the sicle siwash hooks. I have several in my box as well. I really need to add some life to this reborn thread. Gunna have to take a couple pics.

[stephan009l]

This is what I'm gonna be rollin' with.
Size 4s across the top, 4.5s in pink, and the others are 5s.
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss219/Spaded_Z/P1070628.jpg

Very nice, mind tellin me where you got those bud?

[Gabe]

Very nice, mind tellin me where you got those bud?

R&B Lures ;) You can make an order for them assembled or for the parts and assemble them yourself.

[worm slayer]

Tracy says those won't work.:D

[RollinontheRvr]

I will have my fish room done and I will take pic's to put on this thread. I have a storage room downstairs in the basement that I have been wanting to turn into my prep room for things like tying jigs and leaders and such. A place where I can leave the stuff out and not have to worry about it being in the way. I hope to get in into shapre by the time winter steelhead season starts to pick up.

[Gabe]

Tracy says those won't work.:D

He's probably right....but it will be because of the fisherman, not the spinner. :D

[salmonsteelheadsam]

Very nice, mind tellin me where you got those bud?


the black on whites look really interesting, cop car spinner, aint never seen won ah them before

[jadedbat]

Let us not forget our old friend Mr. Nightcrawler and corky for winters. Old school but very effective.

As far as my backpack, its generally organized chaos. BUT along with water I always carry some Cliff bars or something. We tend to forget to eat while out there so I pack those as they are easy to eat without touching them and good for energy.

[Gabe]

the black on whites look really interesting, cop car spinner, aint never seen won ah them before

Yup, large change in contrast as the spinner "changes" direction according to the fish but really it's just a different angle.

[Shortbus]

Ok, I'll play. I also like to say semi organized and will organize shops for training on how to spinner fish ;)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e116/goulet73/tackel4.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e116/goulet73/tackel5.jpg

I also carry the Plano waste pack like Amp. It packs quite a bunch of product and doesnt get in the way. I had the vest but overpacked because of all the pockets, by mid day i was pooped from packing the extra weight.

Middle pocket carries -
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e116/goulet73/tackel3.jpg

Side pockets carry -
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e116/goulet73/tackel2.jpg

Water bottle holder is tool box -
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e116/goulet73/tackel1.jpg

I carry two rods, one for bobber jig and one for sidedrifting / spinners (I need to learn to use the spinners really bad)

[youngbuck307]

ok so now you guys are making me take some pics of my stuff and put it up!! kirk nice to see you over here man think you will like it here! I know I do!

But for now this is only my second year fishing winters and got a late start on them last year.... I only carrie one 9 foot cheap field and stream drift rod right now that i use for everything but thats only due to the cash flow. one thing i havent seen to many pics of or evan talked about that i use and know work are COON shrimp... good way to help save eggs. I also use a vest like somany of you other guys... I have one small box i keep with me to hold everything small on one side and then spinners and jigs on the other.


BTW most of you guys seem to have 100 times the stuff i do!! i wish i could have 1/4 the stuff you guys got. I see a lot of poeple have pink worms in there bag how well do them work i have tossed a few but never had any luck (but with only one fish hooked up last year nothing really did lol)?? I know this will be the winter i kell my first chromer wont stop till i get one once they show up.

[GW]

Pink worms work well, but for myself at least I only like to fish them in faster water. Fast pocket water where the fish has to decide in a split second to hit it or not.

[RollinontheRvr]

people like the pink worm. I have only seen one fish caught on a pink worm and that was by a guy drift fishing the Sandy at the Oxbow boat ramp. He said that the worm is one of his mainstay's. I am planning on giving them a better run this year to see how well they work for me.

OBTW, I don't want to forget Shortbus. That is a cool looking work area you have there. How did you get the plans for my work area, hmmmmmmm??? ;)

[GW]

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e116/goulet73/tackel4.jpg

That's a great looking work area, and I see a springer killer sitting on that bench. It's stacked four high...

[dizzy fisherman]

For me personally I've found that the more experienced you are the less you need to carry. I carry a back pack now, but it's mainly for my rain coat, gloves, lunch, thermos, etc. I don't carry a whole lot of tackle because over the years through trial and error I've figured out what works and what doesn't for me.

[Ed Fast]

took me a minute, G dub, but now I see the cans!:cool:

Ed

[ryank]

I caught my first two steelhead drift fishing a pink worm and a small corky earlier this year, and I hooked four summers on 3.5" pink worms on a jig head under a float I am a believer, and I will be using them quite a bit this season. And I agree with dizzy, that the more I learn the less I carry. but I always carry a bunch of spinners because you never know how grabby the river will be:rolleyes:
Ryan

[worm slayer]

A backpack is a good idea if you are at Cedar cause them you have a way to carry your fish out and not kill your arm, Tracy takes one for that reason it is nice when you have 3 10+lb.ers to haul out of there.

[ryank]

A backpack is a good idea if you are at Cedar cause them you have a way to carry your fish out and not kill your arm, Tracy takes one for that reason it is nice when you have 3 10+lb.ers to haul out of there.

I always carry a back pack for that reason, Especially on the deschutes it would be very hard to carry a fish for 5 miles on your bike:eek: My back pack also has 2 trekking pole holders on it and they work perfectly for holding 2 different rod set ups, that way I dont have to set down and pick up my rod every where I stop it really makes a difference. And I can carry as much or as little gear as I want to also.
Ryan

[Gabe]

I always carry a back pack for that reason, Especially on the deschutes it would be very hard to carry a fish for 5 miles on your bike:eek: My back pack also has 2 trekking pole holders on it and they work perfectly for holding 2 different rod set ups, that way I dont have to set down and pick up my rod every where I stop it really makes a difference. And I can carry as much or as little gear as I want to also.
Ryan

Robo-Ryan :D

[dizzy fisherman]

When I'm bank fishin for Steelhead the tackle pictured below can usually be found in my pack for the day. Of course I also have the other essentials: pen, camera, hook file, license, ziplocs, lighter, food/drink, bait, pliers, measuring tape, knife, hat, gloves, rain coat, scissor, and polarized glasses. It sounds like a lot, but it really isn't since most of the items are very small. I keep everything including my waders and boots in a plastic bin. That way I never forget anything and I can just throw the bin in the back of my vehicle and take off.

http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab267/dizzyfisherman/P9040112.jpg

[Gabe]

When I'm bank fishin for Steelhead this is the tackle that can usually be found in my pack for the day.

:confused: You're missing spinners. :D

[dizzy fisherman]

:confused: You're missing spinners. :D

You just can't see them in the pic. That small clear container in the lower left corner has a compartment on the other side which is filled with spinners and spoons. ;)

[Gabe]

You just can't see them in the pic. That small clear container in the lower left corner has a compartment on the other side which is filled with spinners and spoons. ;)

Ah! I typically will carry about 10-15 spinners with me per day. I usually lose about 2-3 but just incase I lose more I have them.

I'm fairly certain I'll be working 4 things this year. Spinners, pink worms, jigs, and shrimp.

[dizzy fisherman]

Ah! I typically will carry about 10-15 spinners with me per day. I usually lose about 2-3 but just incase I lose more I have them.

I'm fairly certain I'll be working 4 things this year. Spinners, pink worms, jigs, and shrimp.

I bet I can guess your preferred technique for catching steelies :p

[Chinook SSSF]

Thats funny to because every once in a while I leave the house with nothing but a box of spinners. One day while fishing around dodge park I fished 50 or 60 casts through a tailout with no strikes...with a brass #4....'These 2 dudes' walk up and so I move up river to allow them to drift fish the tailout, since I already had covered it. They then proceeded to go 3 for 4 with nothing but a red corky slow drifted on the bottom inside of an hour............Careful what you wish for.....:confused: One day I did the same thing to 3 guys whom had been fishing large gobs of eggs for an hour with no bites in the garbage hole. I walked up to bat with a single orange corky and took their spot as they left. I hooked 2 and landed 1 before they could get their gear in their car...like 3 casts..they had a very confused look on their face......thats ok, so did I..It took me a while to figure out that those 2 steelhead had prolly been eating the single eggs that fell off their gobs for most of that hour........:D .but now I always have corkys, beads and spinners with me every place I fish.........and yes some yarn.....

The real truth is most switch up days like those are directly related to water temps.

[Gabe]

I bet I can guess your preferred technique for catching steelies :p

My preferred technique for catching anything. ;)

Matt, awesome story....I just really suck at drifting. I have no patience for it. I wonder if others are fishing eggs like you just said....how would a single trout beed do under a bobber with the weighted bobber/drift setup Ryan posted about a while back.....hrm...it's not like drift rigs are heavy to carry.

[dizzy fisherman]

Thats funny to because every once in a while I leave the house with nothing but a box of spinners. One day while fishing around dodge park I fished 50 or 60 casts through a tailout with no strikes...with a brass #4....'These 2 dudes' walk up and so I move up river to allow them to drift fish the tailout, since I already had covered it. They then proceeded to go 3 for 4 with nothing but a red corky slow drifted on the bottom inside of an hour............Careful what you wish for.....:confused: One day I did the same thing to 3 guys whom had been fishing large gobs of eggs for an hour with no bites in the garbage hole. I walked up to bat with a single orange corky and took their spot as they left. I hooked 2 and landed 1 before they could get their gear in their car...like 3 casts..they had a very confused look on their face......thats ok, so did I..It took me a while to figure out that those 2 steelhead had prolly been eating the single eggs that fell off their gobs for most of that hour........:D .but now I always have corkys, beads and spinners with me every place I fish.........and yes some yarn.....

The real truth is most switch up days like those are directly related to water temps.

I had a similiar experience some years ago on the Sandy. I arrived at the pipeline hole mid week only to find it elbow to elbow with anglers. I decided to at least make a few casts since I was there. As I started walking towards the tailout to find an opening I noticed two things...every single person was drift fishing and nobody had a fish. I finally found a spot at the extreme tailout and made the decision that I was going to show the fish something different. I cut off my drift gear and tied on a spoon. My very first pass through I hook a nice buck about 12#. I didn't hook another, but it was fun walking past the parade of fishless anglers scratching their heads. I agree with Matt the water temp had a part to play and so did being observant of the surroundings.

[worm slayer]

Nice, I love those stories.

[ryank]

I had a similiar experience some years ago on the Sandy. I arrived at the pipeline hole mid week only to find it elbow to elbow with anglers. I decided to at least make a few casts since I was there. As I started walking towards the tailout to find an opening I noticed two things...every single person was drift fishing and nobody had a fish. I finally found a spot at the extreme tailout and made the decision that I was going to show the fish something different. I cut off my drift gear and tied on a spoon. My very first pass through I hook a nice buck about 12#. I didn't hook another, but it was fun walking past the parade of fishless anglers scratching their heads. I agree with Matt the water temp had a part to play and so did being observant of the surroundings.

That is very cool! I guess sometimes you just have to give 'em some variety or show them something that has not been offered yet.

[RollinontheRvr]

I had a similiar experience some years ago on the Sandy. I arrived at the pipeline hole mid week only to find it elbow to elbow with anglers. I decided to at least make a few casts since I was there. As I started walking towards the tailout to find an opening I noticed two things...every single person was drift fishing and nobody had a fish. I finally found a spot at the extreme tailout and made the decision that I was going to show the fish something different. I cut off my drift gear and tied on a spoon. My very first pass through I hook a nice buck about 12#. I didn't hook another, but it was fun walking past the parade of fishless anglers scratching their heads. I agree with Matt the water temp had a part to play and so did being observant of the surroundings.


Every knows the Coffee Drift on the Clack right? I stopped there to fish one day and there were a couple of guys there fishing the bottom end of the hole where I wanted to fish. As I watched them, I realized they were fishing the wrong line and sat down to wait for them to move out. I knew they were fishing the wrong line because of an old guy named Rooner that fished the Clackamas for years. If this guy didn't know it no one did. Bank wise that is. Anyway, the two guys left and I moved into their spot and by the time they got up to their car and were putting their gear away I had a fish on. Two maybe three casts was all it took. I yelled out fish on from excitement and the two guys looked down at me fighting the fish and then gave me the finger as they got in their car and left after I lost the fish at the waters edge.

[dizzy fisherman]

Every knows the Coffee Drift on the Clack right? I stopped there to fish one day and there were a couple of guys there fishing the bottom end of the hole where I wanted to fish. As I watched them, I realized they were fishing the wrong line and sat down to wait for them to move out. I knew they were fishing the wrong line because of an old guy named Rooner that fished the Clackamas for years. If this guy didn't know it no one did. Bank wise that is. Anyway, the two guys left and I moved into their spot and by the time they got up to their car and were putting their gear away I had a fish on. Two maybe three casts was all it took. I yelled out fish on from excitement and the two guys looked down at me fighting the fish and then gave me the finger as they got in their car and left after I lost the fish at the waters edge.


Priceless :D

[GW]

And I thought I was the only one that people give the finger to.

[here2fish]

As you can see I like jigs.:D

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz233/alxire/IMG_1165.jpg

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz233/alxire/IMG_1166.jpg

[Gabe]

Nice setup! It's inspired me to put mine together sooner than later.

[seamslayer]

As you can see I like jigs.:D

Just wait until you have a different box for each color. The first step is admitting you have a problem. Hello, my name is Alex and I am addicted to marabou;).

[Gabe]

Just wait until you have a different box for each color. The first step is admitting you have a problem. Hello, my name is Alex and I am addicted to marabou;).

Hi Alex.

LoL, different box for each color....I'm gonna start working with 5's, take 5 sets of each color/item on a trip. Just have to remember to restock the box when I get home. :D

[here2fish]

Nice setup! It's inspired me to put mine together sooner than later.

thanks. Getting ready to fish, tying jigs, twisting spinners etc. etc. is almost as fun as fishing itself......almost:D

[RollinontheRvr]

And I thought I was the only one that people give the finger to.


Oh no, I get the finger all the time and not necessarily on the river...:eek:



Just wait until you have a different box for each color. The first step is admitting you have a problem. Hello, my name is Alex and I am addicted to marabou;).


ROFLMAO!!! I need the address to that meeting...:cool:

[spactrukn]

Well, I sure hope this works, Here's what I drag around on my back. The items in the big box and the plugs I rarely use but they go with me just in case I need them. The spinner box is a little light these days as I lost quite a few of them this past coho season. The other box is what I use most often, Small corkies, mostly peach, pink and darker colors. Snap swvels and surgical tube for the way I like to rig my pencil lead ( I don't lose much tackle drift fishing) Anyway, I travel to heavy, but if I need it I probobly have it with me.
http://http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy144/kaponas1/HPIM1793.jpg

[spactrukn]

Let's see if this works,
<a href="http://s786.photobucket.com/albums/yy144/kaponas1/?action=view&current=HPIM1793.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy144/kaponas1/HPIM1793.jpg" border="0" alt="Fishing Gear"></a>

[Ed Fast]

.......first to reply!!:

dang! nice tackle shop! I think you got your bases covered. You even have the 2 sizes of lead!

Sweet.

Ed

[steelminer]

I couldn't help noticing the pro-cure in lower right of the pic. I am a big fan of pro-cure scent but have not used the garlic plus scent. I've been thinking of trying it on catfish rags. I'll bet it works.......

[worm slayer]

Sweet corn is a good one for steelhead too.

[Gabe]

I've always been a fan of shrimp oil I just like how it smells. :)

[spactrukn]

I have my best luck with the shrimp oil. The garlic has not yet produced for me yet. I also use the pro cure shrimp stuff too but I'm out right now. As for the lead. I use the 3/16 the most.

[RollinontheRvr]

Not much luck with that stuff yet. I have better luck with Mike's Lunker Lotion in the sand shrimp. I got a nice 18 lb steel head at Cedar Creek a couple of years ago. I squirt it up the hole of a corky so that it doesn't get all over my yarn.

[stephan009l]

I think we all can agree, even if we arnt fishing, just messin with our stuff seems to get us pumped n havin fun, or am I the only 1 here??:D

[RollinontheRvr]

Even though I do like to mess around with my gear, I would much rather be fishing than working on my gear. But...there is the need to keep things in shape for the next trip.

[stephan009l]

Very true! but its still fun to mess with it haha, like they say, "Getting there is half the fun":)

[Chris Nordling]

I squirt it up the hole of a corky so that it doesn't get all over my yarn.



Interesting....most would say/think that you would want it on the yarn, why do you try to keep scent off the yarn? Is it because it can change the color of the yarn????

Just curious.

Chris

[Ed Fast]

I'm going to guess it's about the way the yarn puffs out. Some guys comb their yarn out fluffy and don't want it to matt up. Did I get it right Dave?:)

Ed

[worm slayer]

That or hes thinking the smell will last longer because water doesn't get in their to easy.

[Chris Nordling]

I'm going to guess it's about the way the yarn puffs out. Some guys comb their yarn out fluffy and don't want it to matt up. Did I get it right Dave?:)

Ed

Interesting. I just buy puffier yarn !:D

[steelminer]

I use UV scent so I like to cover my yarn in it for visibility near the bottom. I typically cut my yarn off at the bend of the (sz. 4) hook. Wet and covered with scent it resembles an egg pattern or glo bug. It fishes well by itself or with a small bead. If the bottom is snatchy I'll fish a corky usually by itself to give it some lift off the bottom. To each their own though. I've seen guys catch winter steelhead with the most obnoxiously huge and busy terminal gear and I've seen them caught on a bare pink gamkatsu hook. I think that the neatest thing about this thread, besides that it has survived for a year, is that everybody is sharing what they are confident and comfortable with. It might get a one trick pony like me to try something new once in while. Thanks for all the great posts and info.

[coho crazy]

I think we all can agree, even if we arnt fishing, just messin with our stuff seems to get us pumped n havin fun, or am I the only 1 here??:D

i totally agree :D

[OregonSportsman]

TTT......

Thought this could get brought back up. If nothing else some of the new guys might find it interesting.

[hamfish]

Glad you brought it back up. Just one problem. That guy with the perfectly clean garage and poles arranged so neatly...... Just sayin.......

[spactrukn]

This was a great thread... I have since ditched the daypack and roll with a fishing vest now..I just plan for the day now, not for what ever I may need.. I can cover more water more quickly this way..