Hi all I am Don The Wild Outdoorsman and new to this bb some of you might have seen me on other bb's.
The one thing I have noticed on all the boards is the topic on fishing lines. It is my conclusion that it's not as mutch the line as it is the fisherman/woman.
I use on a norm 8 lb main and a six pound Extra limp leader.Obviously this would not work for pulling plugs for that I use 12 lb main line.With this combination. We have put over 100 Steelys to the boat.This year and what a year it has been.And I challenge one all to top that for the winter fish I am thinking of going to a 4lb extra tough leader anyboby care to join me? Talk about a fight!
May the flow be with you !!!!
Wild Outdoorsman

How about doing it in late feb/March??
Keith

Most of us who have been discussing lines have not really been doing it to find ways to icrease our hookup/landing numbers. What we are looking for, for example, is a line that provides high visiblity when plugging or float fishing. Or a line that floats on the surface better than another for mending the line while float fishing. Or a line that won't bird-nest on you every cast, ect...

As far as using light line for steelhead/salmon - many of us do that and do it well. Just be sure you are not over-playing a fish that you plan to release...

As for trying to compare catch numbers - that's going to be tough. Usually you are comparing apples to oranges. For example, a guy on a OP zipperlip may be able to catch 10 fish a day out of his favorite hole in an hour. But that same guy might not be able to catch a cold trying to fish a more pressured river like the Sky. Trying to use numbers to compare fisherman only works in a situation like the 'Flotillas' (organized fishing parties) where everyone is basically on equal ground...

Anyway - welcome to the board and have fun!!

I'm still trying to acertain what it is that you are challenging us to?

To use 4# leaders?

To catch over 100 steelhead?

I will say that it doesn't take 6# or 4# leaders to catch steelhead. Some excellent drift fishermen I know use up to 20#.

Are you going to keep over 100 steelhead? If so, please tell us where you can get a punchcard with that many slots?

If not, playing a fish out too long on light line is definitely not in the fish's best interest.

I'm sure that your post is meant to be friendly, and so I too welcome you to the board.

[ 01-04-2002: Message edited by: 4Salt ]

4salt,,I think that the challenge is to use lighter line then normal. In WOD profile it says he is a guide so I really don't think that he has kept all those fish for him self...
I am up for the challenge..this 50lb that I am using is just to easy to get them in on,,,JK.

EGG'S

How about I just go for my first...we'll get the other 99 in due time.

i'll take the challenge. i've been using 6lb leader(Damn gin colored water!) shouldnt be that big of a difference.
tyler

thats nothing man. i have caught over 100 steelies in two days. could have done it in one, but i got tired.

Ok guys/gals seing all the post . Im lining up with Berkley XL 6lb with a 4lb leader lets see if I can get my foot stuck in my mouth. see ya on the river
Good luck to all and May the flow be with you!!!!
Wild Outdoorsman

bardo - fish caught on Cook Creek, the Salmon River or the Quinault don't count!

They don't fish down there - the CATCH down there!

I hear ya about getting tired on a 50 fish day! Don't think I would want to do that for a weekend!

parker, while the quinalt rivers are good, most of the really good rivers are in british columbia and vancouver island. if you can find a way to get to the really good rivers, you can fish by yourself all day and not see another fisherman.these are all wild fish, so it is all catch and release.

Personally, I think the challenge of landing a steelhead on 4 # test would have everything to do with the size, contour and available cover of a particular hole along with the softness of the rod, and less to do with the fisherman. It doesn't sound all that interesting to me, anyone can baby a steelhead. I hope people using 4 # leaders are targeting hatchery fish. Many of those great rivers' steelhead runs are mostly or entirely native and I think fishing 4# test would not be ethical there.