I feel that I am finally getting the hang of driftfishing for steelhead. My confidence level is at all time high. My main steelheading partner, more often than not still outfishes me. I am looking to learn the bobber and jig thing to add to my arsenal. Can I get some tips on type of jigs and mabey a technique or two. I fish from a sled and driftboat if that helps. Believe me all I am humbled for asking but I know it is very productive and it is time to learn. I am proud...not stupid. Hey Highliner, that wager that that always comes up.......you in? My thanks to all in advance...P

I learned one nice trick from someone. Instead of using a dink float and a lot of weight, I just use one of those MONSTER cheaters and the jig. I also use fluorocarbon leaders, about 2-3 feet, depending on the depth. Between the mainline and the leader I use a snap swivel in case I need to add a bit of weight to get the jig down quicker, but rarely have I added any weight.

I use a bamboo toothpick to secure the cheater, and you never cut one in half. The bamboo doesn't swell and stick as much as the standard toothpicks.

The monster cheaters also work as an effective float when fishing egg and float. Just the slightest pressure takes it down, and the toothpick is a good indicator of a fish rising after taking the bait, it falls over.

Andy

You have learned well my young apprentice

Another thing I like to do when fishing from a drift boat is to keep my float ahead of the boat, especially in low, clear water....this will minimize spooking fish

Good luck

Most important thing I learned is to keep my jig in the seam just in front of Cravens! :p Or for that matter FJ's :p !

Ah Yes I see you are learning Goose,
It's a very effective method .

someday when I get big I hope to fish with Fj too ....Os

That cheater as bobber tip is an excellent one for the smaller jigs and low/clear conditions. Pick up some Thill turbomasters too. And switch up your jig depth all day to fish the whole water column, especially in deeper buckets.

We were fishing the Methow back in October and I worked through a nice hole that held steelhead in the 4'-6' deep range the day before and came up empty. My partner came through after me down around 10' and got three before it was time to start corking him.

B

The moster cheaters are about 1.25" wide by 1.75" tall.

You have to have a small selection of different Floats,no one Float is the "Do-ALL".After many years I have narrowed my selection to 2 different styles,The S.A. adjustable weighted balsa (3-sizes)and a smaller version of the same.
being able to read the Float is the key,they don't always just pull the thing under .

Paraniod drop me aline or stop by,We'll talk Jigs......Os

Many times adding a small piece of raw prawn meat to your jig will make all of the difference. I also agree with the post about running your float well downstream ahead of the boat in low clear water. This is exactly what we had to do last weekend to get our fish. Good Luck!