Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers

[95powersmoker]

Hi guys,

I've been out multiple times last spring/early summer and am looking forward to another season of Kokanee fishing. I have definitely gotten hooked on these little buggers. I still haven't caught one though. My girlfriend (first mate) has caught a couple. I just steer the boat. I would like to get your guys tips on detecting the bite. It seems as though these fish can't break the line loose from the downrigger releases and the motion of the boat rocking and waves makes it hard for me to see the rods showing a bite. If you guys have any advice, I'd appreciate it.

[dscubame]

Super soft mouths.  Super super light bite.  I started slaying them when I put my spinning reel on my fly rod, found the thermocline, flashed my glow hook and focused intently for the slightest movement on the end of my fly rod.  I outfitted a buddy the same way and he still had one heck of a time noticing the bite.  Man I chuckle when I look back at his frustration as I limit.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Try trolling with leaded line...

[dscubame]

I always thought most people trolling them are using the wedding ring.  Thought anyhow...

[sled]

I am getting into it this year.  Look on you tube.  Lots of info there.  Search lake Stevens Kokanee fishing.

[WSU]

Hi guys,

I've been out multiple times last spring/early summer and am looking forward to another season of Kokanee fishing. I have definitely gotten hooked on these little buggers. I still haven't caught one though. My girlfriend (first mate) has caught a couple. I just steer the boat. I would like to get your guys tips on detecting the bite. It seems as though these fish can't break the line loose from the downrigger releases and the motion of the boat rocking and waves makes it hard for me to see the rods showing a bite. If you guys have any advice, I'd appreciate it.

Pm me your phone number and I will help big time.

[95powersmoker]

We've been using lamiglas glass downrigger rods. They are very sensitive rods but it's still tough for me to detect. ive been looking at different releases which have adjustable tension on the hook side of the release.

Wsu, sending pm now.

[h20hunter]

Even with trout sized releases and very small rigger balls it's tough. I'm leaving the riggers at home next time out.

[hollymaster]

I always thought most people trolling them are using the wedding ring.  Thought anyhow...

I've had the best luck with mini squid in pink variations and a sling blade dodger.

[dscubame]

I always thought most people trolling them are using the wedding ring.  Thought anyhow...

I've had the best luck with mini squid in pink variations and a sling blade dodger.

Good deal.  Do you find the thermocline?  Curious if that is a common part of the formula for success.  It was imperative on the lake I would frequent.

[Fishnclifff]

I run 4oz cannonball on a slider. to a lake troll, large blade setup, 12-18" leader with mini squid with a wedding ring blade in front--double hooks.
On the front hook I use a cured salad shrimp, on the back hook a pink maggot  or corn.

Put 422 fish in the boat last year.

Same setup for Riffe lake for silvers.

[high country]

look at the chamberlain release. I use snubbers and a slingblade with a short 12" leader to a pink hoochie and corn works well. for detecting the bite, our fish go 16-24" so its pretty obvious when you get one on, but the chamberlain can be set to release uber light.

[sled]

Even with trout sized releases and very small rigger balls it's tough. I'm leaving the riggers at home next time out.

. What kind of poles do you use?

[high country]

small poles and a chamberlain and you can't miss.

[95powersmoker]

look at the chamberlain release. I use snubbers and a slingblade with a short 12" leader to a pink hoochie and corn works well. for detecting the bite, our fish go 16-24" so its pretty obvious when you get one on, but the chamberlain can be set to release uber light.

That's the one I've been looking at. Are they worth the $20 per release?