hook size?

[slayerofthesea]

What size and brand hook do you use for winter steelhead?  Any advice on  tactics? Will worms under a bobber work?  Maybe the fake pink 4 inch worms? I have done alot of research  but wanted to know what works well in the NW.

[snowpack]

yeah those pink worms work pretty good, just need to get the right depth and presentation.  Hook size varies with river/visibility.  Some of the rivers you can get away with smaller baits.  There are methods to matching the hook to a bait, like for a corky, I make sure that if you were to draw a cone around the corky, that the hook fits just right inside that cone.
I kind of like the sickle hooks and octopus hooks.

[Button Nubbs]

Kind of a loaded question but for most things I will use a #1. If the rivers dirty you can go bigger but if its clearer you may need to go smaller. Most time I will use either a #2 or #1 but have been known to drop to #4's and go up to a 2/0 depending on conditions and technique. Pink worms will work but they are more of a run and gun type bait. If a fish is in the hole and wants it they will usually hammer it in the first couple casts. Jigs work fantastic as well as sand shrimp, Corkies and yarn, and yarnies, there's a bunch of stuff you can try. If your just starting out I would pick one presentation and stick with it until you get a good grasp of what your supposed to be doing. If you see people around you catching fish don't be afraid to ask what they are using. Pay attention to the small details, sometimes they make the biggest difference. If you have any more questions don't be afraid to ask.

[Button Nubbs]

Oh and I've used damn near every hook out there and I keep going back to the gamakatsus.

[Button Nubbs]

yeah those pink worms work pretty good, just need to get the right depth and presentation.  Hook size varies with river/visibility.  Some of the rivers you can get away with smaller baits.  There are methods to matching the hook to a bait, like for a corky, I make sure that if you were to draw a cone around the corky, that the hook fits just right inside that cone.
I kind of like the sickle hooks and octopus hooks.

For matching corky size to hooks I will slide the dorky in between the shaft and point of the hook if it passes through you ave the right size hook if it dosent you need to pick a bigger hook. Octopus hooks are really your only choice. Remember though steelhead seem to prefer smaller baits. Sorry for all the info but I am getting jacked and can't wait. In all reality were only about 3 weeks out. Just need a gullywasher or 2.

[slayerofthesea]

Would plunking spin~n~glos and corkys with yarn work work? What size line? I have 15lbs test. Also will a 8 foot pole work? ( Bait caster). I have a 10 footer but its a heavy action and would look goofy on the river bar.

[slayerofthesea]

Also can you use a 3 way swivle with a long leader and throw a spoon on the end? Will the spoon work with the current or would it just sit in on the bottom?

[RadSav]

Great advise from Button Nubbs   Can't really disagree with anything there.  I love Owner and Diachii hooks, but now that we've been forced to barbless Gamu really has that one nailed.

I've caught the majority of my steelhead on 8' rods, but the 10' will really add to your ability to work bobbers properly.  Who cares what others think about your heavy rod.  Just catch more fish than them and they will give it a rest.  15# is fine.  I use it a lot on the Vedder where I might accidentally hook into a large King and not want to lose my gear.  Though in local rivers I prefer 10 or 12#.  Especially when trying to keep line above a bobber out of the drift.  But, again, if you are catching fish who cares what line you are using.

I do not like plunking with corkys.  Much prefer going large with Spin-n-Glo and a cocktail trailer if you plan to plunk.  It's very effective if you know how to read the water.  The superior self proclaimed ethic angler snobby experts will give you more grief for plunking than just about anything else, in my experience.  But, when I guided, we had a good number of retired guys that just could not drift all day.  Interestingly enough they caught the most fish from the bank year in and year out.  Only plugs from the drift boat out produced plunking.  I find it boring, but it most definitely is productive when placed in the right spot.

[snowpack]

spoons usually need some good fast water to get some good lift and spin/wobble going.  With plunking you usually find the hole where the water starts to slow down and cast just upstream and let the bait/setup work into the hole.  I guess a light enough spoon might get some action going, not sure.  spin-n-glos float so they work well in that low flow part of the hole. If using the three way swivel it is generally recommended to use a lighter line to the weight in case you have to break it off, you still have the swivel/spin-n-glo/hook.

[Button Nubbs]

Plunking is typically done with bait. The scent travels down stream and the fish will follow the trail up to get it. Some may disagree but I'd stay away from spoons for a while as its not the easiest technique to master.

Its really hard to beat handing someone new a float set up and let them get used to that. Float goes down set the hook. Its that easy. Of course you want to make sure your mending properly so you can get a good drag free drift. Braided line really helps with mending.

Where are you from?

[slayerofthesea]

I am in Westport but  plan on fishing  humptulips and areas around GH.

[Button Nubbs]

I am in Westport but  plan on fishing  humptulips and areas around GH.

 Best steelhead fishing in the state is to your north. Try to find a buddy who really knows what he's doing and go with him. Hang on every word theu have to say...

[Houndhunter]

I liked owner hooks for my single hook set ups, vision for my doubles. I use a 1 or 2 for my single set ups, 4's on the double hook set up. I always went 12lbs main line, 8lbs leaders and rarely 10lbs leaders. Get a 9'6'' rod, best overall size.

The pink worm can be magical, i liked the 5-6in baby pink with a dull finish. If you use a bobber, which is what i typically did with worms, tie a short leader and have a weight at the swivel where you tie the leader too. Run your bobber above your swivel, basically side drifting a bobber if that makes sense. I hardly ever fished a bobber "normal" always "side drifted" them but i was usually in a boat too.

Research yarn balls, they'll be your new best friend

[slayerofthesea]

Okay so I figured out that yarn balls are used alot but how do you  fish them? Drift them with a 36inch leader with a weight like you do eggs? Float it under a bobber set up?

[duchunter]

Button Nubs info is good, here is a site to go to for more info,
good luck

http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/resourcecenter/index.htm