I recall back in the 80's off Kitsap Peninsula it was a hot Puget Sound chinook fishing technique. I know it still is today to an extent. Folks were getting fresh into it I think then in the early 80's, Canadian intel spread south possibly ? Anyhow I was pretty young and it was awhile back and I don't really care where it originated. I've read about it here and there through the years but have to be brutally honest that nothing I've read to date on the subject really makes much sense.
I know allot of experts still employ the tactic. It's something not easily learned I bet? I mean herring brine techniques alone can be humbling, expensive, gives mixed results and time consuming.
I think I understand what tackle and bait is used for motor mooching but maybe not.
Is the base technique to maintain speed slow enough to keep the bait near the bottom or in the intended target zone but while moving fast enought to maintain spin on herring is this the forumula for success? Am I close here...?
I would imagine that tiller control on the kicker motor gives you plenty of chances to trigger strikes with lil thrust gooses here and there.
Direction of kicker thrust mission critical / backing into the current stern first or slow forward thrust with the tide bow first? Or would a typical day emply both?
Let's get this technique back into the minds of Puget Sound salmon fisherman before it dies and goes the way of the Lucky Louie wooden salmon plug.
I think allot of trollers could do their repertoire good by trying some new techniques. The hands on aspect alone should get some folks attention here.
I saw a great spin off on motor mooching in Canada mid 90's Painter's Lodge Campbell River. Live herring motor mooching with 30' leaders.herring pinned through the nose w/ a single small treble.. strike when the rod goes up, not down... that was the coolest set-up I've seen to date personally. cool stuff there...
Lofty
_________________________
Seaweed Happens