Wow, I thought I was the only struggling Rookie (Smolt)!! I've been fishing almost everyday for Chum since November, and finally caught (in the mouth, anyways) my first 3 a week ago. I was going down to Mud Bay (McLane Creek) after work/weekends till it closed (Nov. 30th), and never landed a single one. Hooked a bunch, but no victories. Very frustrating when the guy next to you lands 3 in 10 minutes. Well, Mud Bay is now closed so I've been going back to my hometown Carbon River on my way home from work. By the sewer plant you can actually SEE millions (?) of them--out in the river and right up to shore. However, I have never got one that I could see make a move. One theory is that Chum die quicker than Silvers/Kings upon reaching fresh water, and therefore the ones we see are old and tired--not in any mood for chasing corkies!! However, I have seen a lot caught-all on corkies with or without yarn. Orange and/or yellow/charteuse seemed to work the best. I had some green mixed in my offering when I caught mine. Man, they DO fight. Took me 10 minutes to land a 16 pounder on my spinning reel. Tried a pink/white marabou this weekend, with no weight OR float, and snagged 3 very quickly. Disappointing to spend the time cranking them in to see my jig in their fin! Anyways, I'm just like you--a beginner (1st year salmon fishing), so maybe some of the vetrens can offer more help. They have helped me a lot. Email me, and maybe we can hook up for a Rookie Fish Fest!! Fish on!!