Farm girl I don't get paid enough to be a master.
I try and answer some questions and agree with some of the other posts.
River Direction- Bank fishing I usually fish from the top down. Exception to the rule is ultra clear water and site fishing. I find it far easier to wade downstream without a disturbance than up. I am careful when fishing to cover water that could hold fish I might spook. I have had instances where I have waded between fish and the shore on accident while wading downstream. Now that will wake you up!!!
SandShrimp Rigging- My fiancee likes to call the bait loop a seat belt for the sandshrimp.
There a number of ways to rig shrimp depending on number of hooks, style of fishing(jigs,drifting, bait divers). There is a great product by Beau Mac that is a bait rigging tube used for single hooks. When I use doubles for shrimp I like to separate the hooks a little more so I can bait loop the top portion of the shrimp and stick the bottom half of the with the second hook.
Gear management- I use a vest, pretie my leaders stored in a pips leader container. small snap boxes for my swivels. I have a link to what I carry in my vest. I can rerig standing in the water with out losing my spot.
http://www.steelheader.net/steelhead/steelhead_vest.htm Landing a fish- First you have to hook them!!
I deal with the second part after that. But I do recommend not wading over your comfort zone. I also carry a wool glove in case I am in a tight spot trying to land the fish. It can really help you control the fish long enough to release it unharmed.If you can reach down and unhook it with pliers without touching the fish. (Try running a marathon then hold your breath for a picture) If you are having trouble wading get felt soled bottoms on your boots. (Huge diffence while wading)
Soft water- Steelhead lay in all types of water depending on the river size and current flow. One of the most important parts of steelhead fishing is the ability to read water. More casts in productive water means more hookups and more fish landed. Many fishermen spend excess time fishing dead water. It is a art form reading holding water.
Spoons- heavy spoons get to the bottom where fish live and bite. Spoons will trigger aggressive and subtle strikes from fish. Most spoons are to light for the water they are used in. Spoons need to be fished (bounced along) bottom of the river. They can also be used to draw fish out of there protective cover for a strike. (boulder field or log jam)
Hope that helps......
Tight lines
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Martywww.steelheader.net marty@steelheader.net
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