Steelhead and Jigs

[fishcrazy]

challenge of drift fishing??? whats the challenge? think its harder to get one floating a jig then drifting a nice bait through a hole

The challenge comes when the water is ultra low and clear and 99% of guys can't catch one without training wheels (jigs) The 2# or 4# line allows the presentation of a tiny home brewed bait with out the float. Getting a steelhead is not really a challenge. Like I said they would eat a rock if presented right.

I'll even run the 4# in the winter just for fun. surprising how many more fish I hook and land just because of dropping line sizes.

I'm not mocking jig fishing you just won't find me doing it. I've  had 1 or 2 days on the water when a jig fisherman actually out fished me. but I was pretty new.

Funny thing is I love to run a gob of eggs under float for kings.
I enjoy looking at jigs that are hand made. Some guys make them soooo fishy looking!
I have tied some of my own but made them with no lead and made them float so I could drift fish them. HANG ON!!!

Kris

[BLUEBULLS]

hey Mr Mykiss....

I saw that article too. I actually just took a bunch of money from the guy who wrote it...

Terrible dice player.

by the way, good article and pictures.

[turbociv922001]

pretty sure 2# and 4# is nothing new. thanks though.

[huntnphool]

I'm not mocking jig fishing

No, not at all

99% of guys can't catch one without training wheels (jigs)

[tmike]

For me the challenge is reading the water a matching the method to best fit a situation. I used to walk and float by some great water because I was a die hard drift fisherman. Now I always have a float, spoon, or plug at the ready. The take while drift fishing is still the ultimate for me though.

[fishcrazy]

pretty sure 2# and 4# is nothing new. thanks though.

Who said anything about being new?   
No it's not new but to me more of a challenge and fun than jigs. What ever floats yer boat and catches fish as long as a guy is having fun. That is what we are all out for isn't it?

They work and work great if it's what a guy wants to use. I enjoy seing people get fish on them

I use to know a guy that made jigs that you would swear were alive. Not sure what ever happend to him. I think he  called them Osprey jigs or something like that. I don't fish jigs so I never kept up with him.

why the nit picking on what I have said? somebody got a bone to pick? Go fishing use a jig and let off some hot air.

Oh and salad shrimp are about as new as 4# line and summer runs.
Kris

[Bofire]

Jigging and bobber jigging, It is just one more way to fish, my all time favorite way to fish  is small low water with a small spinning rod and 4-6lb test.
I also like my ambassaduer level wind and drifting bigger faster water. Sometimes a big spinning set up is the key.
Carl

[turbociv922001]

fishcrazy ur great, anytime u wanna meet up and see whos better im down.

[tmike]

If I were you I'd worry about the state our Wild Fish are in, not who's method is better. Name a system that  met escapement last year. If you love steelheading look at the big picture. Merry Christmas

[Turkeyman]

I agree fishcrazy. Jig fisherman are people who never learned how to drift fish. My bet is on fishcrazy. A good drift fisherman will out fish a jig guy day in day out. Been there done that.

[turbociv922001]

thats the funniest thing ive heard

first of all i first learned drift fishing. works great
also use bobber and mostly worm

drift fishing WILL NOT OUTFISH BOBBER FISHING ANYDAY. AND THATS THAT.  pretty wierd when u drift bait through a hole numerous times and get nothing. then float a pink worm or jig or whatever then land a 20lb steely then a 15. but what do i know.

[Turkeyman]

 

[fishcrazy]

Who really cares!!!

Like I said. I don't fish jigs. They are boring!!! I have caught hundreds of fish behind jig fisherman and probably had them catch hundreds behind me. 

I could care less if some one is better than me. OK big deal!!  I know that when I go fishing I have fun and when I catch fish I respect them and don't drag them out of the water flopping around on the sand just to get a glory shot so I can brag and say "look at me" and put them back. I handle them with care. I have done volunteer work on rivers to help wild runs.

Fishing is not a competition for me. And Jigs don't take the skill level that drift fishing does. plain and simple. I have buddy's that fish them right next to me in my boat and catch fish. I enjoy seeing people catch fish if it's bait, corkies, jigs or on a fly.

Every dog has his day and it don't make them better than the one that's not.

Go fishing!!!! or hunting or what ever it is you do.


Anybody got picks of a favorite jig pattern they can post? maybe help out some of the guys intrested in trying them?

Kris

[Shootmoore]

LOL.....seasons are starting to slow down I see.  Drift fishing is good, jig fishing is good, spoon fishing is good.....ok ok even plunking can be good at times  .

They are all different tactics to use fishing and some like one better than others.  Some people like having different techniques in the toolbox depending on the situation.  I carry at least 2 rods, one with drift gear and one with a jig, sometimes a third rod with a spoon.  All good and ethical tactics.

Instead of mine is better than yours, and yours sucks, how about we just spread the wealth of information on tips and tricks to each other then pick and choose which ones we want to try.

As someone else said above I think a bigger concern should be the lower escapement numbers and the reduction in production from the state in steelhead and salmon numbers.  There is such a huge swing towards "native" fish only in the wdfw and if it continues with the current budget crunch neither technique may be viable in 10 years.

Merry Christmas and go bend a rod!

Shootmoore

[tomy salami]

Gits sporty around here, from time to time........

Every method can be handicapped, mostly by whoever holds the rod.

Drift fishing can be handicapped, with the wrong amount of weight and size of drift bobber.

Jig fishing can be handicapped, if you have no idea hows to keep the riggins plumb.

Plug fishing can be handicapped, if you try using a chartreuse and silver Magnum Hotshot SE, for steely brats on Christmas Eve morning...........