need some help.

[slayerofthesea]

I live in Hoquiam and have read about people catching sole in the chelalis river and the mouths of the rivers around it.   what woukd be good for bait? smelt? clams? what set up should i use. i really dont know what im going do any help would be great.

[Smossy]

Herring. Half inch to 1 inch chunks.

[slayerofthesea]

alrighty what set up do i use? and were im fishing is brackish water so if thats any help. what size hook? 2/0?

[Smossy]

alrighty what set up do i use? and were im fishing is brackish water so if thats any help. what size hook? 2/0?

Not quote sure for where your fishing. Im usually on piers in the sound somewhere but your basic bottomfish rig should work perfect as long as you got enough weight. Tie a swivel to the end of your line. Throw a heavy weight on big enough to keep your line sitting on the bottom. Then id run a 8 to 20 pound leader off the swivels outer ring before the actual snap part of it. That way your bait is always sitting right on the bottom. Leader about 2 feet long should work. 2/0 hook is what i use usually. Never know whats gonna bite. Ive caught everything from starfish to dogfish sharks on this setup. Different pound leader depending on location and water conditions. Some of those starfish can weigh upwords to 15-20lbs. Then just throw a chunk of herring on the hook. If u have the rubber string for tying eggs id throw some of that on to keep it on there alittle longer.

[h20hunter]

While out crabbing we keep busy by sipping a beer and catching flatfish for crab/ling bait. My go to is similiar to Smossys rig......I slide a weight on the line and tie on a swivel. From the swivel I go about a 2 foot leader to a steelhead type jig tipped with a bit of meat...usually chicken or turkey. My theory is that when dragging the jib the maribou gives it action...the flatfish tear it up.

[Smossy]

While out crabbing we keep busy by sipping a beer and catching flatfish for crab/ling bait. My go to is similiar to Smossys rig......I slide a weight on the line and tie on a swivel. From the swivel I go about a 2 foot leader to a steelhead type jig tipped with a bit of meat...usually chicken or turkey. My theory is that when dragging the jib the maribou gives it action...the flatfish tear it up.

You guys got a boat out there h2o?

[h20hunter]

yeah....I have an 18ft North River that we take out. Maybe you and the future Ms. Smossy come down for a crabbing day this summer.

[Smossy]

yeah....I have an 18ft North River that we take out. Maybe you and the future Ms. Smossy come down for a crabbing day this summer.

Thats what i was thinkin. Maybe do some fishin n what not to. Ever fish for sixgill?

[h20hunter]

Kind of....went diving down by three tree point by Burien with a chum bag of salmon carcass on my hip. Never did see any to take pics of that night....mabye because every time I bumped my own ankle I sucked up about half the tank. I'd take you guys out....we'll chat more about that when the season gets here.

[Smossy]

Kind of....went diving down by three tree point by Burien with a chum bag of salmon carcass on my hip. Never did see any to take pics of that night....mabye because every time I bumped my own ankle I sucked up about half the tank. I'd take you guys out....we'll chat more about that when the season gets here.

For sure man. Im always trying to chase down creatures.

[h20hunter]

Well...once crabbing gets going let me get it dialed in a bit...then you and Ms Smossy can come on down. However, I must warn you....speedos and bikinis are required on the boat.

[Smossy]

Well...once crabbing gets going let me get it dialed in a bit...then you and Ms Smossy can come on down. However, I must warn you....speedos and bikinis are required on the boat.

Sounds like a party! What the heck do you need dialed in? Your chicken tying techniques?
 

[h20hunter]

Usually takes a couple trips to see where the crabbies are being caught....

[Smossy]

Usually takes a couple trips to see where the crabbies are being caught....

lol In the water, duh. 
Haha just kidding, I know how it goes. Our hot spot wasnt so hot last year. Virtually nothing there, the year prior it was like white girls on basketball players. Couldnt keep them out of our rings.

[Ripper]

Flounder will eat most anything. I catch them on herring pieces, sand shrimp, fish eggs, jigs, anchovies, worms........you name it. If they are in the vicinity, they will eat your bait.

Smossy, I'll get you and your lovely lady out this summer also.