Driftfishing bite-feel-hookset: Detecting a Steelhead pick up drifting bait or plastic bobber is not as difficult as some veteran fishers would have novices believe. If you become reasonably proficient at drift presentation (covered above), periodically check and resharpen hooks, use appropriate bait/lure for the water conditions, and steelies are present you will learn soon enough how to detect bites. In colored water use an 18" to 20", 12# leader (deslackes quicker and the fish won't be distracted by the lead rigup). For medium water use a 22" to 24", 10# leader. For clear water use a 26" up to 30", 6 to 8# leader. My problem with some how to articles is then the novice will go out "setting the hook" every few feet- often disturbing fish &/or stripping your bait off the hook. The only time to set it is when you are fairly sure a fish has the bait in it's mouth (as when it hits hard or immediately head shake jerks- you'll obviously know). Because fish often pick up a drifting bait gently I recommend what I refer to as a "lift-poke-set" method. It does take some experience to feel the difference between the river bottom or a fish stopping your baitdrift. Immediately when this happens smoothly lift the rodtip a little. This usually will pull your lead around a rock without causing a commotion. If it is a fish then you have "poked" the hookpoint. You'll quickly feel movement or a head shake so instantly wristsnap the rod back to "set" the hook deep! "There-ee-is". Keep the line tight so the fish won't slack it and have fun!- In deeper water, Steelhead (and especially Chinook) will often nibble at a bait. Be patient until they pull the line down or apply a very gentle "lift-poke-set". Sometimes in this situation slight backbounce twitching will entice a strong take. Tight lines. - Steve