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Author Topic: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers  (Read 13526 times)

Offline 95powersmoker

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Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« on: January 10, 2016, 06:34:46 PM »
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.

Offline dscubame

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #1 on: January 10, 2016, 06:49:17 PM »
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.
It's a TIKKA thing..., you may not understand.

Eyes in the Woods.   ' '

Offline STIKNSTRINGBOW

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #2 on: January 10, 2016, 07:00:41 PM »
Try trolling with leaded line...
The mountains are calling and I must go."
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"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order."
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Offline dscubame

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #3 on: January 10, 2016, 07:07:32 PM »
I always thought most people trolling them are using the wedding ring.  Thought anyhow...
It's a TIKKA thing..., you may not understand.

Eyes in the Woods.   ' '

Offline sled

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #4 on: January 10, 2016, 07:13:43 PM »
I am getting into it this year.  Look on you tube.  Lots of info there.  Search lake Stevens Kokanee fishing.

Offline WSU

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #5 on: January 10, 2016, 07:25:57 PM »
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.

Offline 95powersmoker

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #6 on: January 10, 2016, 07:35:02 PM »
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.

Offline h20hunter

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #7 on: January 10, 2016, 07:52:50 PM »
Even with trout sized releases and very small rigger balls it's tough. I'm leaving the riggers at home next time out.

Offline hollymaster

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #8 on: January 10, 2016, 07:56:07 PM »
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.

Offline dscubame

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #9 on: January 10, 2016, 08:01:27 PM »
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.
It's a TIKKA thing..., you may not understand.

Eyes in the Woods.   ' '

Offline Fishnclifff

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #10 on: January 10, 2016, 08:14:53 PM »
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.
It's not true that I am good for nothing---I can be used as a bad example!!

Offline high country

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #11 on: January 11, 2016, 10:03:44 AM »
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.

Offline sled

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #12 on: January 11, 2016, 10:28:38 AM »
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?

Offline high country

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #13 on: January 11, 2016, 10:37:44 AM »
small poles and a chamberlain and you can't miss.

Offline 95powersmoker

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Re: Detecting Kokanee bites on downriggers
« Reply #14 on: January 11, 2016, 07:23:03 PM »
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?

 


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