RT's Prawn rigging

[Ramstrong]

Hey RT,

Are you sure the prawn rigging you highlighted earlier this year wasn't for steelies? So far this year on your method, Summer runs 3, Springers 0. Though I did lose a pig on Saturday. I had all the guys in the line around me were wondering how I rigged my prawns because we were slaying the steelies. So I demonstrated the rigging to them and referred them to this site. Hopefully they'll give it a look. Thanks for all the info Steve! Hopefully on the May reopener, I'll be able to put one of those, fin clipped of course, purple sided toads in the boat.

[Deleted User]

RS- SW Wash./AK guide Chris Sessions and I developed that unique rigging back in the 80's for slack water springer trolling, and refined from there for other areas. For those that missed it, click on the old Discussion Board under headliners at the top of the mainpage and on there scroll back down to Springers- Custom Prawn Curing and Rigging, part 1 & 2 (posted 2/29 & 3/1). RS, this hookup is deadly for the 'nooks if rigged right. It has a similar roll to a small whole herring action only slightly tighter. It can be challenging to rig because you have to work a loop of leader thru the braided line on the upper sliding hook, then gently snug the head/face to the upper hookshaft. You have to adjust the curve in the prawn BEFORE you loop the head down. Use a little more curve for slack or slow current and only a slight curve for faster current backtrolling. As you found out it is also a secret killer for summer steelhead. I think I was the only guide using this rigup in the Clackamas R. back in the 80's from mid-April thru mid-June for spring chinook. And not only the deep holes but in the faster slots too. While this hookup works for backbouncing, it's forte' is backtrolling with Jet Planers or anchorup plunking; because it has a nice constant proper action on it's own. It was backtrolling the faster slots where I discovered how effective it was for summer steelhead in all but the most gin clear or brown water conditions. Another advantage besides the better action than the head downstream hookups is that the hood stays on much longer. Keep trying this method in the Will. after May 1st (remember to cut the leader in close to natives that have swallowed the bait, prior to release); and also up the Clack. Depending on the fish's moods, the "twirling prawn" will often outfish sandshrimp. As for egg clusters, it depends on how good the cure is. For use in the clearer water of such as the Clack. or Sandy R., I cure them with less Pro-Glo coloring to a soft pink instead of bright red as out in the Willamette. Thanks RS and good fishing. - Steve

[This message has been edited by RT (edited 04-17-2000).]