A buddy does it from shore, he uses a 10-12 surf rod heavy action and a level wind reel. He uses the same setup as I do on the river from boat in regards to line and leader. Anyhow I use 55-65 braided, on oversized rods use 100lbs braided. Use the plastic slider with weaker swivel (Reason, when you hook up the bottom with 2 lbs of lead the plastic breaks or the brass swivel snaps, versus fighting 65lb braided line, my hand is proof it works) I got tons of lead thanks to Robodad... Anyhow it is a slider rig, with a bead or two in front of the knot, that area takes alot of pounding from heavy lead. I use a marine heavy duty snap swivel then another barrel swivel to the 100lb leader with either a 7/0 j barbless hook or a 9/0 circle hook also made barbless. Weights anywhere for 12 ounces to 32 ounces depending upon weight of bait and flow of water. The triangles do seem to hold better in sandy areas like Astoria, but balls are great in the rocky bottom near the dam.... Bait fish like anchovies, smelt, herring go through the body first, mid section pull hook all the way through and then put the hook in the firm part of the bait fish head so it stays put. Do a loop with the leader around the tail of the bait to control the flopping of the bait. I then use magic thread and wrap the crap out of it so it is on there tight and is squeezing stuff out of the inside. Sand Shrimp (large ones) I hook through the head and reverse the body up the leader and then secure again with magic thread, maybe add another on top. Sturgeon are about scent not presentation, so I do wear gloves, might not be needed like Salmon but I do it anyhow.... Cast it out, pop a cold beer and begin the BS session... till fish on...
