What size hook do you use for Shrimp & Bobber Fishing for Steelhead? I have heard that there are many ways to hook the shrimp. What suggestions do you have to put the Shrimp on your hook to make the best presentation to the fish? Any info would be greatly appreciated

Sambo:

I'd use a #1/0 down to a size 2. I fold the tail over....put that in the "egg loop", then run the hook thru an area around the head.

Why don't you just use a "jig"???? Put part of the shrimp on the hook, works great. Better yet, why use shrimp at all??? Prawns work very well, stay on MUCH BETTER, and if you buy them on sale they are "cheaper" than sand shrimp...2-3 pounds will last a whole season, for most people. Just keep frozen, take out what you need for a days fishing.

"Worse day sport fishing, still better than the best day working"....

Sambo:

For summer run steelies try using a sliding dink float! Thread the dink float on your main line, next put on a sliding pencil lead rig, bead, swivel, and then 2-1/2 feet of 8# test to a size 1 black gamakatsu (my favorite).

I only use fresh shrimp tails and then the heads after the tails are gone. Put the hook point through the under belly of the tail, poke the hook out the other side and then push hook point back into the bottom portion of the tail. Next, add a small piece cerise (hot pink) yarn or wool (aye!).

The important thing is to make sure your shrimp tail is not spinning . A fixed lead setup will often cause the spins, this is why I use a sliding piece of hollow core lead.

Ideally you want to have your rig tap the bottom every 3 feet or so. Once the float goes down don't worry about immediately setting the hook (summer steelies usually aren't in a big hurry to spit a fresh sand shrimp tail out of their mouth). Wait for the current to slowly work the belly out of your line and gently lift up your rod tip, if you feel Mr. Rock don's sent the hook, if you feel chomp! chomp! drive it home. A long rod of 10-1/2 feet tremedously helps when fishing with floats (Love my 10-1/2-foot Loomis STR1263C!).

Eggs work great with this rig too!

Hope this helps, good luck!

[This message has been edited by Bobber Down (edited 07-13-2000).]

I always use a threader on my shrimp when I am fishing them under a float. I hammered them this winter in several areas that no one else could fish because of the type of water it was! For summers I agree with Bobber Down--stick with the tails unless your fishing big water-tiny shrimp are alright though. I thread those bad boys on and then throw a half-hitch around their tail near the end to keep them hanging straight(important.) Hope that helps!! Oh yea....I usually use a 1/0 or a #1

PS Been spankin the Springers on the Sandy using this technique!!

Crayfin

[This message has been edited by crayfin (edited 07-13-2000).]

anyone tried sliding bullet weights?
Basically its like a jig but you get to choose the hook you want to.
under a float of course

When using a jig use a small dental rubber band to hold the shrimp up towards the head and away from your point. In clear water conditions use a casta bubble filled with water (so you can longer distances), glass beads for weight(to sink the bait) and flourocarbon line (for line shy fish) for the ultimate subtle presentations. When using sandshrimp I usually go no smaller than size 1 and will go as large as 3/0 on a single rig with big shrimp. I prefer to use lively shrimp on a two hook rigging in the clear water. If the shrimp moves when a fish is inspecting it.....Fish on!!
Tight Lines

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Marty
Steelheader.net marty@steelheader.net

[This message has been edited by smilesforu (edited 07-15-2000).]

[This message has been edited by smilesforu (edited 07-15-2000).]

Castabubble. Thats what they call the clear bobber the bobber masters were using. Thanks for the info Marty.

the othodontic rubber bands are an excellent idea!
I swallowed many of those during my daolescance!

Thanks for all the tips. I will be able to practice some of these until I find what works best for me.

Sambo