whole herring trolling setup advice wanted

[dog]

Wanted. any ideas for setting up a three hook, whole herring setup, possibly with a stiff 3 to 5 inch wire inserted down inside the bait to hold a suitable bend. Was thinking of trying 3 single hooks, one small one near the front to tow it, the other two big ones in prime hook-up spots on either side. Not sure if the small front tow hook should be in the side or top of the head to get the spin right. Just thinking that head-on, no holder, might be worth a try. I hope to be slow trolling something like this around Malcom Island for a big one in about 10 days, using freshly jigged herring.

 

[Dogbreath]

It's possible to use such a rig but it means passing the two back hooks through the tow hole in front and wrapping the leader around the herring.
Nevr found a need for anything metal in the bait.
I've tried it with brined Herring in the past you get a good spin but overall I prefer a teaser head.

 

[explorer]

Hey dog
for the freshly jigged herring how do you do this? are there little lures that the herring bite on? And do you just fish anywhere it looks like there might be bait?
thanks alot

 

[dog]

Yes herring jigs are available anywhere. It is a string of 5 or 10 little hooks with tiny beads and feathers. Never tried it locally, but one cast in the right place can bring up a little brat flipping on every hook. One time on Dundas Island West of Rupert I could not believe my eyes. First cast, 5 fat ones flipped off the hooks into the bottom of the boat. They were so big, cutting off a head was like carving a roast. Since there has been so much surface bait locally lately, I was thinking of trolling a herring jig next time I get out locally, from Steveston. Havent mooched with live for over 10 years.

 

[oguard]

Those little herring jigs work like a hot dam.My kids have great time catching 3 or 4 fish at a time.

Mike

 

[battaglino]

My wife and kid both would rather stay at the dock and catch bait the go out and troll after salmon. I guess it is a lot more action. We caught a 1.5 lb sardine last year from the dock at neah bay those jigs work great. We thought about cooking it up but the 50 lb hali we caught with it seemed like a better use of it.

 

[fishbait]

Where do you buy these herring hooks.And do they have a certain name.Thanks fishbait

 

[Barba]

Hey Dog,

try this site:

http://www.leadertec.com/tipsandtechniques/rignatbaits_index.html

 

[Dirtdog67]

From one dog to another, using a smaller hook will increase the chances of sinking the small trailer down deep.. If you can't hookup with a tandom say 5/0 setup then you have been cleaned..
Experiment with herring teasers as well as anchovie heads. You would be amazed at what a bastardized teaser head, some wire, and a medium herring will do.. Good luck-dirty