From the category archives:

Techniques

Boat Winterization Tips

by JD on December 9, 2009

Post image for Boat Winterization Tips

Winter’s here and if you’re one of the many folks who don’t use your boat through the cold months, it’s important to properly winterize it before storing it. Take a little time now to care for your rig so that you’re not that guy who’s stuck on the ramp on opening day next spring, with the cowling off and nowhere to go.

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Side-Drifting with Flatfish

by JD on December 9, 2009

flatfish

Let’s face it, there are times when steelhead just go off the bite. Maybe they’re getting pounded by boats or are reacting to a something like a sudden change in barometric pressure. Whatever the reason for the lull, you can sometimes turn stale fish back on by showing them a little something different.

One of our favorite old tricks under these circumstances is side-drifting with F7 Flatfish. I know, sounds kinda crazy, but it works!
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Sage advice from Sabiki!

by JD on November 24, 2009

Sabiki
Okay, so if you’ve ever used a Sabiki rig to catch baitfish, you know A) Sabikis are deadly and B) It’s almost impossible to get one out of the package without it turning into a useless, tangled bird’s nest. So, I got a good chuckle the other day as I was struggling to remove a Sabiki rig from it’s packaging…and noticed this little informative tidbit printed on the back side…

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Pink Worms on the Klamath?

by JD on November 5, 2009

JD,

I’m 13 years old and love to fish for salmon and steelhead. I do most of my fishing on the upper Klamath. The late winter steelhead can be very picky and I was wondering if you’ve ever used pink plastic worms up here?

Thanks, Eric

Hey E,

Many 13 years old and catching salmon and steelhead…sweet! At your age, most of us hadn’t yet graduated from bluegill! Anyway, yes pink worms can be very good for late season steelies. I’m not sure how you like to fish, but I have done well drifting them with a Slinky. Perhaps even better for the upper Klamath, which as you know, can be pretty snaggy, try fishing them under a float. If you can get somebody to take you out in the drift boat, backtrolling them behind divers is also deadly. Good luck! Here’s a video that may help get you started: RIGGING PINK WORMS FOR STEELHEAD

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Lake Almanor Map with Hot Spots??

by JD on October 26, 2009

J.D.

I enjoy fishing Lake Almanor and reading the fish reports in W.O.N. Usually the articles say where they are catching fish. Example: the A-frame, El Dorado Inn, rec 1, rec 2, the springs. None of the maps I have of the lake show where these spots are. Do you know of a map that I can buy that will show where these spots are located on the lake? I would appreciate any help you can give me.

Larry P.

I’m not sure of a specific map, but the Lake Almanor Fishing Association can hook you up with all that info.

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Clackacraft 16SSG Driftboat

by JD on October 20, 2009

“Fear No Rock” is Clackacraft’s motto. I recently took a 16SSG (Salmon & Steelhead Guide Model) on a grueling three week test ride during salmon season in a boat-eating stretch of river to see if I would end up a believer…or would I come home with an extreme case of Rockophobia?

Clackacraft 16ftSSG

Specs

• Centerline Length: 16 feet+
• Bottom Width: 57 inches
• Beam: 83 inches
• Side Height: 23 inches
• Max Capacity: 4 Adults
• Weight: Approx 500 lbs.

Features

• GulfStream® bottom
• Tunnel Hull Technology
• Rolled gunwale edge
• Adjustable front bench passenger seat
• Two Swivel Fold Down Padded Seats
• Molded-In rod storage
• Three sets of raised oarlock positions
• Oarsman’s adjustable rowing bench seat with comfortable tractor seat
• Storage under both benches
• Level floors front and Rear
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Bass Baits for Fall Trout

by JD on October 17, 2009

Fat RainbowIn autumn, when the weather and water temperatures start cooling, big trout begin to shake off their summer lethargy and become active. The dropping water temperatures get the fish salivating like Pavlov’s dogs and they move in close to shore to feast before the onset of winter.

 That’s exactly what makes the upcoming several weeks the most productive time of year to hook a monster.
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The Most Dangerous Bass Bait!

by JD on October 14, 2009

Snake Bait

Okay, so Shane Davies of River Run Guide Service in Texas (214-418-9786; s.davies@sbcglobal.net) has stones the size of Cowboys Stadium. Need some proof? Check out his tale from a recent kayak trip on the Brazos River. In his own words:

“In 20 years of fishing the Middle/Upper Brazos River, I can honestly say that I have never encountered a venomous snake (pit viper) within the riverbed,” he says. “However, as I tell my clients, go outside the riverbed and that can be a very different story. Obviously, just because I have never come across a venomous snake in the river, does not in any way mean they are not there. In fact, I always remain vigilant and on the lookout knowing that I’m simply overdue for my first encounter. The way I look at it, Texas , venomous snakes and the outdoors will always go hand in hand. So, I wasn’t too surprised when I observed a juvenile rattlesnake headed accross the river while I was in my kayak flipping a jig for bass.”

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