Reel'n strategy ...

[GetMeAFish]

As a newbie who hasn't caught his first salmon yet ... I'd like to ask a pretty simple and possibly a bit goofy question.

Once you get a salmon on the hook ... and you really just want to get your first one in ... anyhow ... anyway ... is it best to simply have a high test line wound in the reel and just horse the sucker in without 'playing it' ... hoping the line wouldn't snap ... or would this rip the hook right out of the fish?

I've read opinions on getting the fish in fast to reduce the trauma to it if it will in fact be released ... some say 'yes' and others say 'no, play it' ... for myself ... I want to have success at getting my first fish into the boat with the least amount of complication.

Once I have gained success and experience at catching one ... I would then start thinking more sportsmanlike ... and lower the line strength ... requiring more 'play' with the fish to be successful.

So what do you say ... if I can actually find a salmon ... should I just start a reel'n or does that effectively guarantee to rip the hook out?

 

[Kramer]

Do not horse them in. Loose drag, let them take line when they want it and just keep tension on the line. Let the rod and reel/drag (depending on what kind of reel you are using) do the work, do not touch the line. They'll eventually come in. Just keep tension on the line and do not let it go slack. You will lose very few fish this way and your first will come soon enough.

 

[HSM542]

Let them run! A large salmon is alot easier to handle or net at the boat if they tire themselves out away from the boat. Enjoy the fight and remember there are more fish in the sea. If it is your first remember it won't be your last. Let them run, jump, or just fight as you really will not be able to stop them anyway, and then when they are near the boat you will stand a much better chance of landing them if they are tired out! It only takes one green fish around your boat to know what i'm talking about.

 

[daddystoy]

Like a say to guests, what's the rush? The faster you get the fish in the sooner you're just going to go get back sitting waiting for the next one.
Take your time ENJOY it! That is why it's called sportfishing! Play it, let it run. It's a blast. It's what keeps us all coming back for more.

 

[Karma-Kazi]

I would strongly suggest trying a mechanical reel rather then a single action for your first few fish, you will then get a feel for what its really like to have one on the line, and have a much better sence in when the fish is about to run!

-Steve

 

[Sushihunter]

quote:Originally posted by fishflyguy89

I would strongly suggest trying a mechanical reel rather then a single action for your first few fish, you will then get a feel for what its really like to have one on the line, and have a much better sence in when the fish is about to run!

-Steve

I would suggest the opposite.

If you learn to use a single action mooching reel from the beginning, you will greatly enjoy the sport. Trying to learn after you have been using a levelwind you will want to hang on to the handle and will lose fish and gear.

I grew up using single action reels since I was a young kid - it is second nature to palm the reel. I've also used the occasional levelwind - I don't like them - you can't feel what the fish is doing as well and if the drag isn't smooth you get the worst feeling of all.

Try them both and see what works for you.

Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250

 

[GetMeAFish]

Thanks for the responses ... lots to learn ... getting out there and doing it ... learning as I go ... and the help on this forum certainly gives me some starting guidance.

Put the boat in the water last weekend just to run it through its paces before going on a 'salmon hunt' ... French Creek will be the first trek ... gonna try the 'fingers' as well and if I get the nerve to go West coast ... well ... first things first ... gimme one salmon outta French Creek/Qualicum and I'll be a happy camper.

 

[porcupine]

The best advice that I can give a newbie is go on a guided trip. You will learn more in that short time that you spend with a guide than you will in your first year of fishing. Most guides will teach you, if you ask them, and the money that you spend is way less than that you will spend in time on your own. Been there, done that.

 

[Fishing Guide]

Cheers GetMeAFish,

Fishing around Nanaimo is hot right now. I had a charter yesterday where we hooked 6...lost 2 big ones due to guests fishing inexperience...landed 4...released one small one...kept a 14 lbs, 28 lbs and 30 lbs.

Fishing is anywhere around the Fingers...140-160 feet...coyote spoons (anything in green) and around 2.2 - 2.8 mph. Look for the parking lot of boats out there...and follow their pattern of fishing.

Good Luck

Fishing Guide

PS If you ever need more info...or a charter....

 

[happy hooker]

quote:Originally posted by fishflyguy89

I would strongly suggest trying a mechanical reel rather then a single action for your first few fish, you will then get a feel for what its really like to have one on the line, and have a much better sence in when the fish is about to run!

-Steve

salmon fishing with a levelwind is for *******.

22' Hewescraft Searunner

 

[GetMeAFish]

FishingGuide ... do you have a webpage for your charter services and/or can you E-mail me details of a charter ... dollars per person/group ... times ... min/max no. of people ... etc.

I'm very interested in learning the ropes in the Nanaimo area via an experienced guide ... preferrably an outing of just myself and 1 or two of my friends.

Thanks.

 

[Karma-Kazi]

quote:Originally posted by happy hooker

quote:Originally posted by fishflyguy89

I would strongly suggest trying a mechanical reel rather then a single action for your first few fish, you will then get a feel for what its really like to have one on the line, and have a much better sence in when the fish is about to run!

-Steve

salmon fishing with a levelwind is for *******.

22' Hewescraft Searunner

Hey Happy Hooker! Awsome Post! Thanks for the input, You really know what your talking about!!!!


I was thinking from the standpoint of somone who has just posted about trying to horse the fish in with heavy line! Im assuming that he (GetMeAFish) has zero experience. I know using a levelwind is not the best way to catch a salmon, but for a newbie, it might be a good way to learn the true power and ability of a chinook salmon with a better sucess rate for his first few salmon. I lost the first 4 springs over 20 pounds i hooked as a kid because i dident know the feeling of when the fish was going to take a run, and forgot to take my hand off the reel. I myself did not use a levelwind for salmon ever in my life! I learnt the hard way by loosing a few beauties.

I also sugest the guide, He will help you more then you can imagine! I have fished for 11 years and i just booked a guide in Port Harsy, as i have never fished the area before, and know it may take me a few years to succeed in those waters without the knowledge of a local!

Good luck GetMeAFish!

-Steve

 

[happy hooker]

quote:Originally posted by fishflyguy89

quote:Originally posted by happy hooker

quote:Originally posted by fishflyguy89

I would strongly suggest trying a mechanical reel rather then a single action for your first few fish, you will then get a feel for what its really like to have one on the line, and have a much better sence in when the fish is about to run!

-Steve

salmon fishing with a levelwind is for *******.

22' Hewescraft Searunner

Hey Happy Hooker! Awsome Post! Thanks for the input, You really know what your talking about!!!!


I was thinking from the standpoint of somone who has just posted about trying to horse the fish in with heavy line! Im assuming that he (GetMeAFish) has zero experience. I know using a levelwind is not the best way to catch a salmon, but for a newbie, it might be a good way to learn the true power and ability of a chinook salmon with a better sucess rate for his first few salmon. I lost the first 4 springs over 20 pounds i hooked as a kid because i dident know the feeling of when the fish was going to take a run, and forgot to take my hand off the reel. I myself did not use a levelwind for salmon ever in my life! I learnt the hard way by loosing a few beauties.

I also sugest the guide, He will help you more then you can imagine! I have fished for 11 years and i just booked a guide in Port Harsy, as i have never fished the area before, and know it may take me a few years to succeed in those waters without the knowledge of a local!

Good luck GetMeAFish!

-Steve

Hey ffg, take a pill. I'm not saying your advice isnt sound, just stating the obvious. I say good luck as well, hope he gets one.

22' Hewescraft Searunner