Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 12:53:35 PM

Title: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 12:53:35 PM: Okay so I dont have a steelhead pole but I do have a 6 foot ugly stick that i have used for seabass and bottom fishing but will a 6 foot ugly stick medium action pile work for steelhead? I was thinking about putting 20 pound braid on it but wasent sure if i could use the pole for steelhead.

thanks
dd
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: D-Rock425 on May 14, 2013, 12:57:19 PM: 20 pounds a little over kill. I have 10# and 12# on all my stealhead rods.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 14, 2013, 12:59:38 PM: That's what I run on my steelhead rods. My main line is 20lb power pro. My leaders are 12# pline.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Goldeneye on May 14, 2013, 01:00:33 PM: You can use that pole. It'll just have less backbone than your average steelhead rod which means you'll have less control of the fish once hooked. 20# line is overkill for most steelhead purposes. I usually run 12# test mainline. Leader is usually a little lighter based on water conditions.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 01:17:40 PM: well I figured that since I dont have a longer pole i would use 20 pound braid. the line dia of 20 braid is 6 pounds I think. I might just try to find a cheap 7 or 8 foot pole for steelhead and salmon. I am just now getting innto fresh water fishing so im not sure what to use. I salmon fish the hump with spinners but other then that I really dont know what to use.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: D-Rock425 on May 14, 2013, 01:19:40 PM: You can get a nice 8 1/2 foot spinning rod for pretty cheap. Under $50 .
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: gator626 on May 14, 2013, 01:23:09 PM: all I use is 8foot ugly stick with 15 or 20 lbs test in high water but 12 should do ya fine
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 01:33:35 PM: Can you use a 6' rod? Sure but you can also use a stick with a piece of line tied to it. The point I'm trying to make is that you can use it but it will not be effective. The reasons steelheaders use such long rods are to keep the line off the water, mend the line and cast smaller lighter more fragile baits further. You can use it for any type of steelhead fishing but it is not going to be effective as I said before, espically when float fishing. I the only place I can see it being mildly semi effective if bobberdoggin or float dragging.
As for line u typically run 50lb braid on my float rods with leaders varying anywhere from 6-17# depending on the water conditions and time of year. For my drifting rods I run 12 to 17lb mono with leaders anywhere from 6-15# again depending on the conditions.
I won't make it to you neck of the woods til Sept or Oct but I have an 8'6" rod you can have to get you started. I caught my first few steelhead on it a long long time ago.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 02:32:42 PM: Quote from: D-Rock425 on May 14, 2013, 01:19:40 PM
You can get a nice 8 1/2 foot spinning rod for pretty cheap. Under $50 .

okay any brands that are better then ugly stick? Thats the only brand I use for the ocean.? how big do steelhead get and what do you use for bait/ lures?
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: WSU on May 14, 2013, 02:36:37 PM: Get an Okuma SST for an entry level rod. There is a wide variety of bait and lures that work. Some work better than others at various times. The one thing I would suggest is to pick one and learn it well. Don't try to figure out 10 different techniques. It will make your learning curve years longer. If it were me, I'd start by learning to fish jigs well (as in, spend a year or 3 doing only that).
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 02:41:28 PM: okay do you run a jig under a bobber?
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: D-Rock425 on May 14, 2013, 02:45:06 PM: Yep its very effective. Sounds like nubbs has a rod for you.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: WSU on May 14, 2013, 02:47:33 PM: Quote from: ddjj1991 on May 14, 2013, 02:41:28 PM
okay do you run a jig under a bobber?

Enough info to get you started is here: http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/resourcecenter/floatfishing.htm (http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/resourcecenter/floatfishing.htm)
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 03:09:40 PM: Thanks for the offer if I dont buy one before I will take up your offer.

I have used slip bobbers before for catching seabass.

what brand of jigs work well? I see so many brands and colors.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 03:21:57 PM: Can't go wrong with pinks, purples, and oranges. Get 1/8 oz jigs, they work well in all water conditions
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: h20hunter on May 14, 2013, 03:23:40 PM: Don't forget the classic pink worm. You can rig it a ton of ways and it has resulted in many fish in the net.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 03:24:13 PM: If your gonna buy a rod go with a 10' best all around length imo
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: WSU on May 14, 2013, 03:25:37 PM: Quote from: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 03:24:13 PM
If your gonna buy a rod go with a 10' best all around length imo

Or better yet, get a 10'6" rod if you are going to take my advice and stick to float fishing for a while.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 03:29:59 PM: If your going to stick to strictly float fishing then :yeah:
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: snowpack on May 14, 2013, 03:45:56 PM: I think the rod can kind of be determined by the river. Lots of the areas I've fished are so overgrown that I have to sidecast a 7ft, but the rivers can be so narrow that even less would get the rig across.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: WSU on May 14, 2013, 03:46:52 PM: Quote from: snowpack on May 14, 2013, 03:45:56 PM
I think the rod can kind of be determined by the river. Lots of the areas I've fished are so overgrown that I have to sidecast a 7ft, but the rivers can be so narrow that even less would get the rig across.

Not too many of the rivers in the OP's neck of the woods fit that description, especially ones containing steelhead you can retain.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 03:54:54 PM: Is there a reason why a longer pole is better? Can i make my own jigs? I have some round jig heads I use.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Goldeneye on May 14, 2013, 03:58:10 PM: Quote from: ddjj1991 on May 14, 2013, 03:54:54 PM
Is there a reason why a longer pole is better? Can i make my own jigs? I have some round jig heads I use.

The longer the rod, the easier it is to keep line up and off the water, reducing downstream drag.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 03:59:25 PM: Read my post above it explains it. Yes you can tie your own jigs they can be simple or very complex, just make sure the hook is heavy enough that it won't bend out.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 04:19:40 PM: would something like this work?
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 04:26:01 PM: Most definitely
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: WSU on May 14, 2013, 04:32:41 PM: You might do better with some of the other materials that have more movement in the water (marabou, etc.). However, those will catch fish.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 04:37:39 PM: Im in luck i got a bunch of the jig heads haha. I just used egg yard and sewing thread.

were can you get the proper stuff to tie jigs?
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 04:41:53 PM: Any fly shop. I recomend working with chenielle bodies and marabou tails to begin with. I've been tring for a long time, if you need any tips let me know.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: WSU on May 14, 2013, 04:42:14 PM: Somewhere that sells materials for tying gear for fly fishing.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: WSU on May 14, 2013, 04:43:12 PM: Beat me to it, but good advise on marabou and chenielle. A little flash helps at times too. Also, don't put scent on your marabou.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 04:44:10 PM: :yeah: big no no! My jigs are too pretty to even put prawns on. :chuckle:
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 04:47:56 PM: Quote from: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 04:41:53 PM
Any fly shop. I recomend working with chenielle bodies and marabou tails to begin with. I've been tring for a long time, if you need any tips let me know.

okay cool thanks for the advice. do I have to have a vice? can I make one?
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 04:51:16 PM: you could probably do it without one but it would be a pita! you can find them cheap
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 04:55:19 PM: it will be a necessity once you get more advanced.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 05:01:21 PM: Another one I just tied. I was looking on the web and got the idea to tie this.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Bullkllr on May 14, 2013, 05:17:49 PM: I have been through the whole jig making thing since the early 80s.
While it is fun to make and fish with fancy jigs, its hard to prove they catch more fish than the simplest ones.
Keep it simple and cheap and don't worry about losing them. The 3-4$ ones are designed to catch the fishermen 1st.

Quote from: ddjj1991 on May 14, 2013, 04:19:40 PM
would something like this work?

Yes! How many steelhead have been caught on straight yarn...? thousands...millions..?
But, from the looks of it the hook is weak. None of the jigheads made for bass/panfish will hold up for steelhead. You may get lucky and land a few, but they will let you down and break your heart when that 20#er you almost bank straightens the hook and swims slowly away. Use only quality hooks.

Easiest jig to make ever: jig head/hook; pipe cleaner(chenille stem) body wrapped over a yarn or feather tail. Your choice of colors. Soak with scent.
Also, just fish a grub tail on a jig hook- they come in tons of sizes/actions/colors.

Don't invest in a lot of equipment until you're sure that's what you want to do. You may just want to buy a few jigs at first. If they work - copy them at home :twocents:
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Bullkllr on May 14, 2013, 05:20:46 PM: Quote from: ddjj1991 on May 14, 2013, 05:01:21 PM
Another one I just tied. I was looking on the web and got the idea to tie this.

I like that one a lot. Bead/yarn (old Leo) are my favorite jigs ever. Try another bead or 2. For lower water use less yarn- but you've got a good basic design.

Again.. hook looks weak...
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 05:23:33 PM: okay I will buy better jigs. Last one im tying today
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Bullkllr on May 14, 2013, 05:32:15 PM: The body is a little too full on that last one- reduces area for hook to "bite". Keep it sparse, especially for summer.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 05:38:00 PM: okay. can I use the jigs I made for trout fishing? If i put a worm on the jig would it work?
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Bullkllr on May 14, 2013, 05:41:32 PM: Might work for trout. Definately can't hurt to try 'em.
Are those jigs "trout size"? Can't tell from pics.

Trout take jigs. I've caught cutthroat on steelhead jigs fairly regular. Bait worm/shrimp tail would probably help.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 05:44:54 PM: yeah I think. They are like an inch and a half long.

last one. I enjoy making them lol
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 05:46:42 PM: i wouldnt go all out exploning tryin to find new water all the time either. kinda going off what wsu said about the techniques earlier, pick a spot where you know steelhead are and just pound that hole until you really get the hang of things. Black creek has steelhead ;)
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 14, 2013, 05:53:29 PM: Okay. when do steelhead start running?
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 14, 2013, 05:57:35 PM: summer fish will be there june 1 when it opens
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Kola16 on May 14, 2013, 06:59:46 PM: A little late throwing in my :twocents: , but I love using a 6'6" light action rod with 10# test for steelhead :tup:
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: huntnnw on May 14, 2013, 11:24:04 PM: 20LB is overkill? on a leader yes...I run 65lb power pro braid as a main..u must like losing alot of gear
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: viva_che1363 on May 14, 2013, 11:48:30 PM: im still learning the finer points of fishing for steelhead, but if you can get out when the river is high but with ok visibility, fish close to the shoreline with a float and jig and you should be able to get into a few fish
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: WSU on May 15, 2013, 08:28:34 AM: Quote from: huntnnw on May 14, 2013, 11:24:04 PM
20LB is overkill? on a leader yes...I run 65lb power pro braid as a main..u must like losing alot of gear

I usually run 30 lbs power pro on all my float rods.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: kisfish on May 15, 2013, 08:48:56 AM: tag
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: 7mmfan on May 15, 2013, 08:10:30 PM: I run 30# power pro at least, and am thinking about 45# power pro for this next season. Here is the reason. The lighter lines are very limp, and when using them on long limber rods, the limp lines tend to wrap around the tip CONSTANTLY. I've broken the tip off of a few rods because of it. 30# is the lightest I will go because of it.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Smossy on May 15, 2013, 08:16:26 PM: I use 15lb Maxima Mono. I live and die by Maxima Brand. For those of you who use 20-30lb + :bash: wth? Whats the point of fishing.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 15, 2013, 08:18:12 PM: Quote from: Smossy on May 15, 2013, 08:16:26 PM
I use 15lb Maxima Mono. I live and die by Maxima Brand. For those of you who use 20-30lb + :bash: wth? Whats the point of fishing.
To not lose floats :dunno: just the main and its typically braid.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: 7mmfan on May 15, 2013, 08:25:44 PM: Quote from: Smossy on May 15, 2013, 08:16:26 PM
I use 15lb Maxima Mono. I live and die by Maxima Brand. For those of you who use 20-30lb + :bash: wth? Whats the point of fishing.

Its not for muscle my man, its because braid is the best line for float fishing (floats, no stretch, small diameter), you also don't lose many, if any, floats which run 2$-4$ a piece. 30# Power pro is the diameter of 8# mono. If you use 12# or 15# braid it is so small that it cuts into the spool with any amount of pressure (big fish, hung up on bottom) and it is way to limp for my liking. That is why I use 30# - 45#.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: snowpack on May 15, 2013, 08:43:10 PM: I use the 65# power pro, like others mention...no stretch and good sensitivity. Also, with a baitcaster when I've used the smaller diameter it will dig into the spool and cause issues during subsequent casts or free spools. That is just the mainline, for the leader some good clear 12# mono.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Smossy on May 15, 2013, 08:52:20 PM: Makes sense. I never use baitcasters either. Forgot braid floats to.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 15, 2013, 08:59:54 PM: Works just as good on spinning reels too
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Smossy on May 15, 2013, 09:32:43 PM: Quote from: Button Nubbs on May 15, 2013, 08:59:54 PM
Works just as good on spinning reels too
I try to stay away from braid these days fishing rivers. People complain then I tell them to shut up then we all want to start fighting and thats never good. Bunch of grumpy fisherman with filet knives. :chuckle:
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Fishaholic on May 16, 2013, 12:31:47 AM: Quote from: Smossy on May 15, 2013, 09:32:43 PM
Quote from: Button Nubbs on May 15, 2013, 08:59:54 PM
Works just as good on spinning reels too
I try to stay away from braid these days fishing rivers. People complain then I tell them to shut up then we all want to start fighting and thats never good. Bunch of grumpy fisherman with filet knives. :chuckle:

you gotta know were to go so you dont have to combat fish. I can spend all day on a river bar and not see anyone. Its great. I love salmon fishing the hump.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: Houndhunter on May 16, 2013, 01:23:22 AM: Fire line crystal 20lbs with 10lbs-8lbs leader, you can drift fish it or bobber dog it. 9'6" Is the best all round length, 8-12lbs rod. That's the set up for a do everything steelhead rod.
Title: Re: steelhead
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on May 16, 2013, 02:47:32 AM: Guess it all depends on how and where your fishing ...If your in a boat you can get away with lighter line because you can go to the fish if he decides to leave ...But if I am on the bank and need to have some back bone in my rod and line then I like 20# Trilene Big game on my main line and 12 to 15 on my leader...that Trilene Big Game is my favorite line and it is seriously tough :tup: