Yes - your absolutely right if your in the "Combat" zone - go big or go home braided Dacron in 35-50lb range with a heavy action rod, but I thought he was going for fun.......... Meat runs are normally associated for the residents, I mean with the cost of going up on a plane, renting a car, staying at a hotel to fish in the Combat fishery is a waste of money for that crazy experience.... Spend a couple extra bucks and get out to one of the remote systems, you'll never ever fish a combat zone again, well maybe.... And you'll normally get a quality guide, an incredible time and tons of fish.... I only have the med/light rods and Abu Garcia 6001's or my 7-8# fly rod and rarely lost a fish with that system using 17lbs.... Trick is not letting them spool you before they get out in the current... Find a spot along the upper river and fish the way fishing is supposed to be-FUN..... Stay on the shore and look for the green/blue water meeting the murky gray/green water the fish (Reds) will follow that line everytime.... Too many people try to wade out and the fish are right behind them 90% of the time. Used to walk the river and spot catch fish (Polarized Glasses) from behind people all the time.... To fun when you start targeting certain fish.... I would also sit and wait for some to catch their limits after a long time then pop in when they are leaving and catch two or three while their trudging up the embankment....
But if your strictly after aka "meat" then get a 2 x 4 and attach a 12 foot section of 100lbs halibut line, put on a 6 ounce sinker 18 inches above a legal hook with one thread of any color on it and start flipping, oh don't forget to yank hard on your follow through, you'll get your fish and won't lose any but what fun is that and to boot AST will nail you big time for snagging, use to go with my bud when he did under cover trips, first thing he did was look to see who had the meat rods and who was flipping aimlessly........ oh yea for got to mention, get really, really drunk, cut people off, change your clothes after your first limit and maybe speak alittle German or Russian, brag about where your buddy hooked you in the chest with his hook or forehead for that matter... all while carrying a big freaking gun.... Besides, think of all the friendships you'll develop along the way... Ahhhhhhh what do I know, I only lived, ate and breathed Reds and Coho's for 10 years......... I'm out of here, a couple beers and I'm rambling on forever....
