Tackle Box

[toothy]

Well i'm brand new to salmon fishing after getting hooked when we caught a couple of 20# springs off of the Little Qualicum last year. I have a 37' ex commercial troller that I am planning to take to the central coast this summer I will be towing a 15" Arima Sea Hunter. My question to all the gurus out there is if you had a budget of around $400 what would you put in your tackle box, not looking for your best kept secret but just a general idea I have followed the Top 10 lures thread and there are some that keep popping up there but what else would you get. I am planning to target Salmon and Halibut (surprise, surprise) but am open to fishing for others as well. Looking forward to reading the replies.

Toothy

 

[nedarb2]

first rule is buy 2 of everything - theres nothing worse than if you have something thats working one day and you loose your only one. well worth the few dollars to buy two rather than 1 when youve spent so much to be out there for the day already.
As for what you buy, i would get maybe 4 to 5 different flashers to start off - oki golds, oki silvers, uv jelly fish, a glow, you can see what looks cool
Do some research of what bait is in there area your fishing, and buy 2-3 spoons (coyotes) in the colors of the different baits, and in probablly 2 different sizes.
Same thing for anchovy teaser heads,but obviously only in the 1 size.
If you use hoochies ( i dont) same things for them.

 

[JAC]

Hey Toothy


PopEye Marine in North Van sells used gear most of its junk but there is some nice stuff if you sort through it and its cheap!! If I had $400 bucks I would buy hootchies, coyote spoons, teaser heads and 5 flashers. GREEN is the color i would buy anything green works for me. I also like the Pilchard color plugs and spoons. Most important buy extra downrigger stuff you need a few extra clips at least one spare ball and maybe one spare belt. You have time before you make your trip up to the coast so shop around. There is a guy on craigslist that sell balls for cheap you might want to speak with him.

 

[Dogbreath]

For a long trip like that you'll have to decide whether or not to haul frozen Herring/Anchovy with you personally I wouldn't bother so that saves buying teaser heads.

first rule is buy 2 of everything - theres nothing worse than if you have something thats working one day and you loose your only one.

Good advice!

Spare siwash hooks, split rings, quality swivels are very important as well.

100 yards of 50# Maxima or the equivalent for leader line.

Halibut-lead heads in 8oz., 12oz., & 16oz. as well as some curly tails but remember a strip of Salmon or Rockfish belly is often just as effective.

 

[Haze]

I agree with the above posts buy 2 of whatever you get, if you are buying spoons you can try and risk getting the same color in two sizes as your "2" but that's just if you are getting down to the wire $400 goes fast.
The extra downrigger stuff is an absolute MUST, get an extra BELT, at least 1 if not 2 extra cannon balls, all the equipment you need to re-rig your rigger should you loose all the gear on one side, or heaven forbid both!

Bring an assortment of 4, 5, 6" spoons Tomic and Coyotee's would be my choice but it also depends where exactly you fish.
For Coyote's
Live Image Blue
Live Image Green
Cop Car
Mongoose
if on the budget get them in 4" and 6" models (1 of each of if you have the money 2 each)

Tomics has lots of wicked spoons again if I could only have a couple
232, 632, 512, 400, 500, 727, 530uv, 639bd in the 5-6" sizes

Hootchies and Flashers
If I could only have a few colours
Army Truck
Pistachio
Purple Haze
Jack Smith
- these seem to work most places but find out local colours to the spot you are going cause the hot colour can change pretty quick.

Tomic Plugs in larger sizes in the middle of the summer 6-7" or smaller in the beginning of the year 4-5" (search the forum "tomic plugs" great posts on where and when and how to use what).
I like Hot Shot flashers but obviously most flashers work, Green with silver, purple haze, red/orange with silver, and a green glow, all great colours and there are LOTS more great colours.

Oh it goes without saying I hope you have a quality net and fish bonker, a nice cooler stocked with ice goes a long ways too.
Talk to the people who directly fish the spot(s) you are going to at the time of the year you are going. Makes the world of difference.

Don't forget your hooks and fishing line and beads (or you can buy pre-rigged hootchies) as well leave money in the budget to buy bait just before you hit the water.
Hali gear extra

 

[Gypseas]

I would pay a visit to my friendly neighbourhood tackle store and ask for advice on techniques and gear.

Silver+green/red flasher and cop car spoons in couple different sizes should get you started for under $50. Provided you got a complete dowrigger setup.

Good luck,

 

[Reel Knotty]

Just don't forget to stock up on the often forgotten, spare hooks, swivels, leaderline, downrigger terminal tackle/clips/, hook sharpener etc... All important parts of the chain you need.

 

[Rockfish]

You are going to want at least 4 specialty tools in your box. They make working on your gear a lot easier.

1. A pair of very long thin stainless needle nose type pliers for removing hooks from fish to be released.

2. A diamond grit file for doing a quick touch up on hooks – won’t rust. I like the flat ones rather than the round ones with the groove.

3. Split ring pliers.

4. Large crimping specialty tool/pliers for working on downrigger cable if you use wire line. Expensive in the $25. to $35. price range but worth it if you use riggers a lot.

 

[Island Fish Lifter]

Well. it certainly looks like the bases have been covered. Now get out there and catch some fish! Sounds like you have a dream trip planned.

 

[searun]

Well. it certainly looks like the bases have been covered. Now get out there and catch some fish! Sounds like you have a dream trip planned.

x2 sounds like a very cool trip - i'm sure there are several guys who want to tag along as luggage...we promise not to eat too much, no trouble at all, we can wash dishes...please take us with you.

 

[Fish Assassin]

Don't forget to leave space for the extra's. Fireball and some...... As you should never be without.

Oh and don't forget the fishing rods......Hooks, leaders and worms.

 

[rsj1]

I agree with the above opinions but personally would not go without having a gold Betsy flasher , a 4" party girl Coyote spoon. a #5 wonder spoon ( half and half ) and a J-85 ( the turd ). Also buy your hoochies in packages of 5 and tie your own - that way if what you are using is working you have some back up.

 

[Dogbreath]

No need for a crimper for downrigger cable-any cable can be tied in a figure 8 knot and will hold fine-for that matter even an overhand knot will work.

 

[toothy]

Thanks for all the replies, keep them coming. It looks to me like i will have to dig a little deeper into the piggy bank but thats ok after all you can't take to with you. I will reconcile the replies and come up with a shopping list should be fun. Now for any suggestions as where to buy this stuff I am thinking Berrys, Nikka or Wholesale sports any other ideas?

Thanks Ross

 

[Dogbreath]

Nikka-and ask for a discount, then Pacific Net & Twine down the street great for bulk purchases and cheap older Tomics among other things