Difference between revisions of "Catch Salmon"
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| − | Salmon is a popular fish due to its versatile taste and nutritional value.<ref>http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-salmon</ref> And what could be better than eating such a healthy meal fresh from the stream? Fishermen have long made use of the migratory habits, and the challenge of catching this fast, powerful fish is enjoyable in its own right. To give yourself the best opportunity to catch salmon, you'll need patience, the right gear, and knowledge of the habits of salmon. | + | Salmon is a popular fish due to its versatile taste and nutritional value.<ref name="rf1">http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-salmon</ref> And what could be better than eating such a healthy meal fresh from the stream? Fishermen have long made use of the migratory habits, and the challenge of catching this fast, powerful fish is enjoyable in its own right. To give yourself the best opportunity to catch salmon, you'll need patience, the right gear, and knowledge of the habits of salmon. |
[[Category:Fishing]] | [[Category:Fishing]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Learning Salmon Fishing Techniques=== | ===Learning Salmon Fishing Techniques=== | ||
| − | #Try your hand at drift fishing. This method is frequently utilized by angler fishers, who will cast a line from a stationary spot and allow it to drift. As the line drifts, the angler slowly reels in his line to get ready to repeat the process. This kind of fishing is most commonly done in a river with a current upon which your bait can drift.<ref>http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/resourcecenter/driftfishing.htm</ref> | + | #Try your hand at drift fishing. This method is frequently utilized by angler fishers, who will cast a line from a stationary spot and allow it to drift. As the line drifts, the angler slowly reels in his line to get ready to repeat the process. This kind of fishing is most commonly done in a river with a current upon which your bait can drift.<ref name="rf2">http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/resourcecenter/driftfishing.htm</ref> |
#*Cast your line and bait at 30 - 45° upriver and allow your it to ride the current of the river. When your bait reaches an angle of approximately 30 - 45°, you should reel in your line and prepare to cast again. | #*Cast your line and bait at 30 - 45° upriver and allow your it to ride the current of the river. When your bait reaches an angle of approximately 30 - 45°, you should reel in your line and prepare to cast again. | ||
#*You should weight your fishing setup so that it bounces along the bottom of the river touching at intervals of about a foot. | #*You should weight your fishing setup so that it bounces along the bottom of the river touching at intervals of about a foot. | ||
#*Generally, you should equip yourself with an 8½ - 9 foot rod. | #*Generally, you should equip yourself with an 8½ - 9 foot rod. | ||
#*You should fish for Chinook salmon 20 - 25 lb line. | #*You should fish for Chinook salmon 20 - 25 lb line. | ||
| − | #*Pink salmon can be effectively fished for with a 10 - 15 lb line.<ref>http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/salmon/howtocatch/freshwater.html</ref> | + | #*Pink salmon can be effectively fished for with a 10 - 15 lb line.<ref name="rf3">http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/salmon/howtocatch/freshwater.html</ref> |
| − | #Practice the art of plunking. This style is comparable to drift fishing, with the exception that instead of casting your line over a wide swatch of river, you instead cast into a migratory path or area known to hold salmon. Once your gear is cast, you should wait for the fish to strike, or reel in your line to change your setup.<ref>http://www.how-to-fish.com/how_to_bank_fish_coast_rivers_for_salmon.htm</ref> | + | #Practice the art of plunking. This style is comparable to drift fishing, with the exception that instead of casting your line over a wide swatch of river, you instead cast into a migratory path or area known to hold salmon. Once your gear is cast, you should wait for the fish to strike, or reel in your line to change your setup.<ref name="rf4">http://www.how-to-fish.com/how_to_bank_fish_coast_rivers_for_salmon.htm</ref> |
#*Your mainline should be rated between 40 - 60 lbs and tied directly to your lure. | #*Your mainline should be rated between 40 - 60 lbs and tied directly to your lure. | ||
| − | #*Your leader will attach your weight to your setup. It should be tested for 15 lbs, and should be from 18" - 30" long. You will likely need between 1 and 8 ounces of lead to attain the best depth.<ref | + | #*Your leader will attach your weight to your setup. It should be tested for 15 lbs, and should be from 18" - 30" long. You will likely need between 1 and 8 ounces of lead to attain the best depth.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Fish while you float. Float fishing, also referred to as bobber fishing, is a somewhat new fishing strategy used by American salmon fishermen. The basic rigging that you should use for your float fishing setup should include 12 lb test line, a bobber, a bobber stop, a bead (usually included with your bobber stop), a barrel swivel, and a lure.<ref>http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/resourcecenter/floatfishing.htm</ref> | + | #Fish while you float. Float fishing, also referred to as bobber fishing, is a somewhat new fishing strategy used by American salmon fishermen. The basic rigging that you should use for your float fishing setup should include 12 lb test line, a bobber, a bobber stop, a bead (usually included with your bobber stop), a barrel swivel, and a lure.<ref name="rf5">http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/resourcecenter/floatfishing.htm</ref> |
#*These parts can be found at most sporting goods or fishing supply stores. | #*These parts can be found at most sporting goods or fishing supply stores. | ||
| − | #Rig your bobber setup for float fishing for salmon. This requires tying your bobber to your line and then fastening your bobber stop, which must be done according to the style of bobber stop you have purchased. Some use rubber bands, others can be knotted into the mainline, but after you have affixed your stop:<ref>http://www.troutsalmonchar.com/Pages/FLOAT_MAIN_About.php</ref> | + | #Rig your bobber setup for float fishing for salmon. This requires tying your bobber to your line and then fastening your bobber stop, which must be done according to the style of bobber stop you have purchased. Some use rubber bands, others can be knotted into the mainline, but after you have affixed your stop:<ref name="rf6">http://www.troutsalmonchar.com/Pages/FLOAT_MAIN_About.php</ref> |
#*Thread the bead that came with your stop, or any other bead that fits your line without slipping over your bobber stop or being large enough to get catch your bobber. | #*Thread the bead that came with your stop, or any other bead that fits your line without slipping over your bobber stop or being large enough to get catch your bobber. | ||
| − | #*Slide your bobber onto the mainline, tie a size 7 barrel swivel into your line, and add weight recommended for your lure to your leader line, a thinner, 18-24 in length of line beneath your swivel.<ref | + | #*Slide your bobber onto the mainline, tie a size 7 barrel swivel into your line, and add weight recommended for your lure to your leader line, a thinner, 18-24 in length of line beneath your swivel.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*Keep in mind that salmon prefer darker areas; you will likely want enough weight on your rig to place your lure at an appropriately dark depth. | #*Keep in mind that salmon prefer darker areas; you will likely want enough weight on your rig to place your lure at an appropriately dark depth. | ||
| − | #*Float fishing is ideal for rivers small or medium in size, with moderate deepness and medium to medium-fast current.<ref>http://www.fishonbc.com/articles/autumn-salmon-fishing-strategies/</ref> | + | #*Float fishing is ideal for rivers small or medium in size, with moderate deepness and medium to medium-fast current.<ref name="rf7">http://www.fishonbc.com/articles/autumn-salmon-fishing-strategies/</ref> |
| − | #Troll the water for salmon. Trolling is a kind of boat fishing where you periodically move your boat up and downstream instead of anchoring in one spot. This can be beneficial when catching salmon since salmon tend to move with the current of a river or stream rather than staying stationary. Within trolling, there are three main types of boating technique: motor mooching, diver trolling, and down rigger trolling.<ref>http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/salmon/howtocatch/trolling.html</ref> | + | #Troll the water for salmon. Trolling is a kind of boat fishing where you periodically move your boat up and downstream instead of anchoring in one spot. This can be beneficial when catching salmon since salmon tend to move with the current of a river or stream rather than staying stationary. Within trolling, there are three main types of boating technique: motor mooching, diver trolling, and down rigger trolling.<ref name="rf8">http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/salmon/howtocatch/trolling.html</ref> |
| − | #Discover the joy of mooching while you troll. Motor mooching is where you troll in a boat using the same kind of sinker as drift moochers, called a mooching sinker or banana sinker. Many fishermen will troll for salmon with plug cut herring lure or a small spoon similar in shape, changing the speed of the engine to vary depth, speed, and the action of the bait.<ref>http://www.how-to-fish.com/mooching_for_salmon_how_to.htm</ref> | + | #Discover the joy of mooching while you troll. Motor mooching is where you troll in a boat using the same kind of sinker as drift moochers, called a mooching sinker or banana sinker. Many fishermen will troll for salmon with plug cut herring lure or a small spoon similar in shape, changing the speed of the engine to vary depth, speed, and the action of the bait.<ref name="rf9">http://www.how-to-fish.com/mooching_for_salmon_how_to.htm</ref> |
| − | #Use a diver on your mainline when trolling. Divers have long been a part of the fishing world. A diver is an attachment that can be added to your mainline, which causes your line to cut beneath the surface of the water as a function of your boat speed and current speed.<ref>http://www.leeroysramblings.com/Diver_Trolling.htm</ref> | + | #Use a diver on your mainline when trolling. Divers have long been a part of the fishing world. A diver is an attachment that can be added to your mainline, which causes your line to cut beneath the surface of the water as a function of your boat speed and current speed.<ref name="rf10">http://www.leeroysramblings.com/Diver_Trolling.htm</ref> |
#*With a diver, there is no need for a sinker to achieve your fishing depth, and when a fish bites, its extra weight should tip the diver down allowing you to reel your catch in without resistance. | #*With a diver, there is no need for a sinker to achieve your fishing depth, and when a fish bites, its extra weight should tip the diver down allowing you to reel your catch in without resistance. | ||
#Utilize a downrigger for trolling. A downrigger is a mechanical attachment that consists of a winch and weight. The weight carries your line and lure down to a specified depth, allowing you to more precisely target the optimal feeding zones of salmon. To set your downrigger: | #Utilize a downrigger for trolling. A downrigger is a mechanical attachment that consists of a winch and weight. The weight carries your line and lure down to a specified depth, allowing you to more precisely target the optimal feeding zones of salmon. To set your downrigger: | ||
| Line 29: | Line 29: | ||
#*Monitor the line counter (usually recorded in feet) and set it to your desired depth, tightening the clutch when you've reached your depth. | #*Monitor the line counter (usually recorded in feet) and set it to your desired depth, tightening the clutch when you've reached your depth. | ||
#*Apply your drag clicker and reel in your line until there is a slight bowing in your rod. If you feel a fish on the line, you should take you rod from the holder and lift to activate the line release. | #*Apply your drag clicker and reel in your line until there is a slight bowing in your rod. If you feel a fish on the line, you should take you rod from the holder and lift to activate the line release. | ||
| − | #*Once you've reeled your catch, retrieve your weight by loosing the clutch and reeling up your downrigger crank until it surfaces.<ref>https://www.bigjon.com/basic-downrigging.php</ref> | + | #*Once you've reeled your catch, retrieve your weight by loosing the clutch and reeling up your downrigger crank until it surfaces.<ref name="rf11">https://www.bigjon.com/basic-downrigging.php</ref> |
===Picking Your Lure=== | ===Picking Your Lure=== | ||
| − | #Select spinners for success. Spinners are a kind of lure that have metal blades that spin while the lure is moving through the water. This causes the lure to catch the light, creating a flash similar to the scales of a real fish in addition to giving more realistic movement to your lure. Spinners have four basic designs:<ref>http://www.fishingtipsdepot.com/salmon-fishing-tips/</ref> | + | #Select spinners for success. Spinners are a kind of lure that have metal blades that spin while the lure is moving through the water. This causes the lure to catch the light, creating a flash similar to the scales of a real fish in addition to giving more realistic movement to your lure. Spinners have four basic designs:<ref name="rf12">http://www.fishingtipsdepot.com/salmon-fishing-tips/</ref> |
#*''Standard inline'', where the blades of your spinner will revolve around a straight wire. | #*''Standard inline'', where the blades of your spinner will revolve around a straight wire. | ||
#*''Spinnerbaits'', which have a design closer to that of an open safety pin and will come with lead molded to the lower arm and the spinning part attached to an upper arm. | #*''Spinnerbaits'', which have a design closer to that of an open safety pin and will come with lead molded to the lower arm and the spinning part attached to an upper arm. | ||
#*''Buzzbaits'' have a special propeller shaped spinner to raise your bait to the surface. This is likely not an ideal lure for salmon fishing. | #*''Buzzbaits'' have a special propeller shaped spinner to raise your bait to the surface. This is likely not an ideal lure for salmon fishing. | ||
| − | #*''Live bait'' spinners position the spinner in front of hooks intended for live bait, like night crawlers or minnows.<ref>http://learninghowtofish.com/fishing-equiptment/fishing-spinners/</ref> | + | #*''Live bait'' spinners position the spinner in front of hooks intended for live bait, like night crawlers or minnows.<ref name="rf13">http://learninghowtofish.com/fishing-equiptment/fishing-spinners/</ref> |
| − | #Corral your catch with winged bobbers. These are considered to be a staple for bank anglers.<ref>http://www.tnscommunications.net/spring-chinook-tactics.html</ref> In addition, these lures can add some buoyancy to your setup, which can help with snags.<ref>http://www.fishingmagician.com/Stories/New-to-Steelheading--Here%E2%80%99s-Some-Basics.aspx</ref> Size zero is recommended for spring Chinook salmon, as these fish are quite large, and spin-and-glow lures are effective for boat fishing, though some fishers report having better luck with spin-and-glow lures from shore.<ref | + | #Corral your catch with winged bobbers. These are considered to be a staple for bank anglers.<ref name="rf14">http://www.tnscommunications.net/spring-chinook-tactics.html</ref> In addition, these lures can add some buoyancy to your setup, which can help with snags.<ref name="rf15">http://www.fishingmagician.com/Stories/New-to-Steelheading--Here%E2%80%99s-Some-Basics.aspx</ref> Size zero is recommended for spring Chinook salmon, as these fish are quite large, and spin-and-glow lures are effective for boat fishing, though some fishers report having better luck with spin-and-glow lures from shore.<ref name="rf14" /> |
| − | #Employ Kiwi fish or Flatfish lures. These are a specific brand of lure, currently very popular among Chinook salmon fishers for sizes ranging from K14 - K16.<ref | + | #Employ Kiwi fish or Flatfish lures. These are a specific brand of lure, currently very popular among Chinook salmon fishers for sizes ranging from K14 - K16.<ref name="rf3" /><ref name="rf14" /> Many anglers wrap Kwikfish lures with a sardine to increase effectiveness. This can be accomplished by: |
#*Cutting a rectangular piece of meat from a bait sardine and attaching the meat to the bottom of the lure. You should be sure that the skin of your bait goes against your lure. | #*Cutting a rectangular piece of meat from a bait sardine and attaching the meat to the bottom of the lure. You should be sure that the skin of your bait goes against your lure. | ||
| − | #*You should consider changing your wraps regularly; some veteran anglers recommend doing so approximately ever 45 minutes, though your bait should hold up, with reduced effectiveness, for as many as 3 hours.<ref>http://www.ketchikanalaskafishing.com/fishing-tips-techniques/</ref><ref | + | #*You should consider changing your wraps regularly; some veteran anglers recommend doing so approximately ever 45 minutes, though your bait should hold up, with reduced effectiveness, for as many as 3 hours.<ref name="rf16">http://www.ketchikanalaskafishing.com/fishing-tips-techniques/</ref><ref name="rf14" /> |
| − | #Fish with plug cut herring. "Plug-cut" is a kind of bait preparation that has the head sliced off. Herring, in particular the plug-cut, is considered the tried-and-true lure of preference for lower Columbia, CA, for salmon fishing, though success is also reported with whole herring.<ref | + | #Fish with plug cut herring. "Plug-cut" is a kind of bait preparation that has the head sliced off. Herring, in particular the plug-cut, is considered the tried-and-true lure of preference for lower Columbia, CA, for salmon fishing, though success is also reported with whole herring.<ref name="rf8" /> |
| − | #*Some recommend you leave entrails in your plug-cut herring to give it a better scent and potency while being used as bait.<ref | + | #*Some recommend you leave entrails in your plug-cut herring to give it a better scent and potency while being used as bait.<ref name="rf14" /> |
===Readying Your Equipment=== | ===Readying Your Equipment=== | ||
| − | #Keep your hooks keen. Because of the fact that salmon have such a thick jaw, the sharper you keep your hooks, the better your chances of getting a salmon on the line. It is recommended that you keep your hooks razor sharp for best results.<ref | + | #Keep your hooks keen. Because of the fact that salmon have such a thick jaw, the sharper you keep your hooks, the better your chances of getting a salmon on the line. It is recommended that you keep your hooks razor sharp for best results.<ref name="rf12" /> |
#*You'll need a hook sharpener to achieve best results, which you should be able to purchase at most sporting goods stores. | #*You'll need a hook sharpener to achieve best results, which you should be able to purchase at most sporting goods stores. | ||
#*Pull the hook sharpener across the point of your hook, keeping the sharpener parallel to the shank. With quick strokes to each side of the hook, your hook should be sharpened. | #*Pull the hook sharpener across the point of your hook, keeping the sharpener parallel to the shank. With quick strokes to each side of the hook, your hook should be sharpened. | ||
| − | #*Test the sharpness of your hook by drawing your hook across the nail of your thumb at 45-degrees. If the hook sticks to your nail and doesn't slide across, it is sufficiently sharp.<ref>http://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/choosing-equipment/equipment-articles/475-how-to-sharpen-a-hook</ref> | + | #*Test the sharpness of your hook by drawing your hook across the nail of your thumb at 45-degrees. If the hook sticks to your nail and doesn't slide across, it is sufficiently sharp.<ref name="rf17">http://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/choosing-equipment/equipment-articles/475-how-to-sharpen-a-hook</ref> |
| − | #Fish in the clouds. Not up in the clouds but below them, as salmon prefer low-level light. Overcast days are going to offer the best success for your fishing efforts. Dawn and dusk are also times that salmon are quite active, and if you are fishing for salmon, these conditions might improve your final catch count.<ref>http://www.nesportsman.com/articles/article19.shtml</ref> | + | #Fish in the clouds. Not up in the clouds but below them, as salmon prefer low-level light. Overcast days are going to offer the best success for your fishing efforts. Dawn and dusk are also times that salmon are quite active, and if you are fishing for salmon, these conditions might improve your final catch count.<ref name="rf18">http://www.nesportsman.com/articles/article19.shtml</ref> |
| − | #*If the sun comes out when you are out salmon fishing, don't give up hope! Since salmon prefer lower light conditions, targeting deeper, darker water, like the shadowed areas around sandbars, can still yield results.<ref>http://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/salmon-fishing-on-the-columbia-river-is-as-hot-as-the-weather/</ref> | + | #*If the sun comes out when you are out salmon fishing, don't give up hope! Since salmon prefer lower light conditions, targeting deeper, darker water, like the shadowed areas around sandbars, can still yield results.<ref name="rf19">http://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/salmon-fishing-on-the-columbia-river-is-as-hot-as-the-weather/</ref> |
| − | #Bait for the best. Live bait can also give you a strong advantage in your search for salmon, but better yet is roe (fish eggs).<ref | + | #Bait for the best. Live bait can also give you a strong advantage in your search for salmon, but better yet is roe (fish eggs).<ref name="rf4" /> Many sporting goods stores will sell this kind of bait cured, which will work well for you fishing endeavors. |
| − | #*You can also harvest and cure your own roe, if you're feeling adventurous, or even use artificial lures. Many fishing aficionados recommend spinning lures, called "spinners."<ref | + | #*You can also harvest and cure your own roe, if you're feeling adventurous, or even use artificial lures. Many fishing aficionados recommend spinning lures, called "spinners."<ref name="rf12" /> |
#Acquire your stamp or permit. You'll need a permit to fish just about anywhere, but you might not know that in addition to your permit, you'll likely need a special stamp or an additional permit to fish for salmon legally.This will protect you from being fined, and potentially having your equipment seized or incarcerated, when you are salmon fishing. | #Acquire your stamp or permit. You'll need a permit to fish just about anywhere, but you might not know that in addition to your permit, you'll likely need a special stamp or an additional permit to fish for salmon legally.This will protect you from being fined, and potentially having your equipment seized or incarcerated, when you are salmon fishing. | ||
#*The permit/stamp fee you pay is important not only to the continued general health of the aquatic ecosystem, but also for stocking and conservation programs. | #*The permit/stamp fee you pay is important not only to the continued general health of the aquatic ecosystem, but also for stocking and conservation programs. | ||
| Line 72: | Line 72: | ||
#*List of recreational salmon fishing areas:<br>http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/salmon/whenwhere/area.html | #*List of recreational salmon fishing areas:<br>http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/salmon/whenwhere/area.html | ||
#Track salmon statistics. Your local natural resources or fish and wildlife office tracks salmon migration and regularly posts these numbers online for the purposes of conservation and management. Use this information as a guide or ask a local fishing veteran which way the salmon run. | #Track salmon statistics. Your local natural resources or fish and wildlife office tracks salmon migration and regularly posts these numbers online for the purposes of conservation and management. Use this information as a guide or ask a local fishing veteran which way the salmon run. | ||
| − | #Check the forecast. Remember your salmon research! These fish prefer overcast days and waters close to 55° Farenheit. <ref | + | #Check the forecast. Remember your salmon research! These fish prefer overcast days and waters close to 55° Farenheit. <ref name="rf18" /> If the weather is against you and you find yourself fishing in bright weather, you should choose a bright lure to fish with. Darker weather can benefit from darker lures. |
#Know your game-plan. Maybe you plan on starting with bank fishing and then meeting up with friends to troll fish by boat later in the day. Certain lures work better for certain techniques, and you may also need specific equipment to switch up your style. It'll be difficult for you to go float fishing if you don't have a bobber! | #Know your game-plan. Maybe you plan on starting with bank fishing and then meeting up with friends to troll fish by boat later in the day. Certain lures work better for certain techniques, and you may also need specific equipment to switch up your style. It'll be difficult for you to go float fishing if you don't have a bobber! | ||
| − | #Fish at the right time of day. Expert anglers recommend fishing for salmon early in the morning, dusk, or evening hours. It's true, you can catch salmon at any time of day, but salmon are generally more active during these times.<ref>http://www.fishingaustralia.tv/post/essentials-of-spinning-for-australian-salmon</ref> | + | #Fish at the right time of day. Expert anglers recommend fishing for salmon early in the morning, dusk, or evening hours. It's true, you can catch salmon at any time of day, but salmon are generally more active during these times.<ref name="rf20">http://www.fishingaustralia.tv/post/essentials-of-spinning-for-australian-salmon</ref> |
| − | #Try your hand at fishing holding areas. A holding area is a spot along the migration route where salmon slow down or stop before continuing upstream. These areas are ideal to fish for salmon, because the fish will be plentiful and they will all be focused on eating instead of migrating.<ref>http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37926.html</ref> | + | #Try your hand at fishing holding areas. A holding area is a spot along the migration route where salmon slow down or stop before continuing upstream. These areas are ideal to fish for salmon, because the fish will be plentiful and they will all be focused on eating instead of migrating.<ref name="rf21">http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37926.html</ref> |
#*Salmon are attracted to bright colors, so use lures and bait that will catch the attention of the fish and make them want to bite. Master anglers recommend red, blue, fluorescent pink and fluorescent orange as colors that will most often attract salmon. | #*Salmon are attracted to bright colors, so use lures and bait that will catch the attention of the fish and make them want to bite. Master anglers recommend red, blue, fluorescent pink and fluorescent orange as colors that will most often attract salmon. | ||
