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What is the best bait for salmon fishing?
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Salmon eggs are the top choice for bait, although sand shrimp are very popular for chinook salmon. Some anglers like to fish both at the same time. Marabou jigs (Photo 10) can be used instead of bait and can be especially effective on pink salmon, or other salmon when the water is very low and clear.
One of the best ways to catch salmon is to use live bait such as roe (eggs). Other options include “cut bait”, which is a strip of fish, usually a herring or a smelt or using a “spoon” which is a thin, artificial lure that mimics the movement of fish when it moves. Some fishermen use flashtrap spinners as well.
The most common method for taking catching salmon in California waters is trolling – pulling a lure or bait through the water using boat movement. Since salmon (especially kings) are often found 10 to 100 feet below the surface, methods must be employed to take bait or lures to these depths.
How do you set up salmon fishing?
Tie an 18- to 48-inch fluorocarbon leader to the open side of the swivel. Thread a corky (a small, round bobber) onto the leader and then tie a hook on the end. Tie a short length of colorful yarn to the hook, stick a single fish egg on your hook—and get ready to fish.
What is the best bait for salmon fishing? – Related Questions
Is salmon fishing easy?
Salmon have a seriously thick and tough jawline, and if your hook is dull, catching a salmon can be very difficult, even when it bites. Make sure that hook is razor sharp to increase your chances of a catch.
Do you need bait for salmon fishing?
Minnows are always a good choice, as almost any freshwater fish are attracted to and eat them; just make sure they are lively when you bait the minnows on your hook. Sand shrimp are another option. Sand shrimp usually are the best bait for catching salmon, but they are also the most expensive and hardest to rig.
On a floating line where you’re fishing a high fly in the water column a leader of between 10ft & 12ft is generally more than adequate.
What size hook do you use for salmon?
Sizes 6 & 4 are a good general size. For Salmon or larger trout use 4 or 2. Size 8 for pressured or finicky trout.
What leader should I use for salmon?
As a rule of thumb, don’t use Trout Leaders to fish for salmon or steelhead. Or if you are casting large heavy streamers, a Salmon Steelhead Leader is your best bet. Rio Salmon/Steelhead Leaders match up very well with Maxima Ultragreen Tippet or FC Sniper Fluorocarbon Tippet.
Should leader be heavier than Main Line?
A leader is a length of monofilament line tied to the end of the main line that is on your fishing reel. It can be a metre long if you fish for bream and whiting or it can be 6 or 7 metres long if you gamefish. It can be lighter than your main line or it can be much heavier than your main line.
Do you need a wire leader for salmon?
A wire leader is needed when targeting predatory freshwater or saltwater fish with sharp teeth. As such species will have no problem biting through conventional fishing line, using a wire leader will effectively ensure that you won’t lose your hook, lure, or fish.
How much leader do you need for salmon fishing?
There seems to be as many opinions on leaders as fishermen, however in general, leaders for a floating line should be 9 – 12 ft.long and tapered. The section of the leader that attaches to the flyline should be approximately 2/3 the diameter of the fly line and be made from stiff material.
Rod length – 9’6″ allows you to mend line in both float and drift fishing applications which are the most popular techniques for salmon fishing in rivers. 10’6″ is ideal for float fishing, but 9’6″ will work in many conditions and is more optimal for drift fishing.
Can you use braided line for salmon fishing?
We recommend strong 10-15 lb mono or 15-30 lb braided line. You can then tie on a lighter weight fluorocarbon 2-4 foot long leader. For salmon fishing you will want a 7-9 ft. Line weight 15-30 lb medium to heavy action rod.
What color line is best for salmon fishing?
I use green but clear and hi vis are both good choices. I run braid for a lot of fisheries but still prefer mono for salmon trolling. Whatever you do- all braid or all mono.
What kind of rod do I need for salmon fishing?
As a general rule: Nine weight rods that are 9-10′ long and have a medium or light action for fish under 25+. Ideally, A medium action would serve most salmon anglers well. it has enough strength to handle most big fish and will also handle thicker line and heavier lures.