Springer question

[Grits]

I know everyone is probably tired of us newbees asking all of these springer questions but if someone would be so kind as to tell me what oz weight to use when trolling herring and what size hooks they use I would appreciate it. Also should I use plug cut or whole herring? Thank you.

[Deleted User]

If I had only one weight to use - it would be an 8 ounce weight. Varies between speed and depth of 6 to 10 ounces.
As to hook size, I relate to size of herring. With red and green label, I usually use 4/0 hooks.
Troll slow and make sure herring spins, but not a crazy speed. GOOD LUCK!!!

[hound]

hey grits...

here is the way i do it..this year i've been running 6 oz of lead on about 3' of leader..the hooks i am using are 4/5 eagle claw slip tie..now if you've been reading people are saying don't use slip ties..but shoot i've been running these for about 30 years and i've never lost a fish because of slip ties...just make sure you sharpen them though..they don't do a very good job sharpening them at the factory...rigging your herring..boy here's a tough one some guys swear by plug cut some whole herring..i would say for starters go get one of those plug cutters and the instructions will tell you exactley how to do it..i use whole herring but there's a trick to doing it you will just need to practice..so take lots of herring when you go...oh yea i'm running about 5' of leader for the hooks,,and try and troll your line at about a 45 degees or a hair less..
good luck grits hope this helps..i've been out twice this year and i've caught 3 so far
26 to 30 pounds

[Grits]

Thanks for the info. I have question for hound or anyone else who can answer. I am a little confused on the 3' leader for the lead and 5 foot leader for the hooks. I thought you rigged main line to weight and weight to hooks? If some one could clear that up for me I would appreciate it.

[Jeffhead]

Three way swivel off of the main line, dropper to the lead and leader to the hooks/bait.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

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"Never be afraid to try something new."

Remember, amateurs built the ark.
Professionals built the Titanic.

[Grits]

Is that because of how shallow the Willamette is? When I have trolled buoy 10 it has always been with main line to weight, weight to hooks.

[Bait O' Eggs]

Grits - I think most people use the dropper so when the weight is ticking on the bottom, your bait is above the bottom the distance of your dropper line. Some people use a 3 way swivel, I like to use a custom spreader.

Bouy 10 is like 50 of 60 feet deep and most people are fishing no where near the bottom. So with an inline weight or a diver you can just let out enough line to get where you want to be. Usually 10 to 25 feet in that area of the river for falls/coho.

[Hookset]

Grits,

The idea is to always keep your bait from dragging bottom. If you start dragging bottom your bait will get torn up or the hooks will tear out or both. The other reason is to keep your hooks from hanging up on debris along the bottom. If you troll with your leader connected to your weight, you'll start losing more gear.

I've alwasy preferred using a spreader with swivels attached to each end when trolling for salmon. The 3 foot leader is a good rule, depending on water depth and clarity, I sometimes go to 5 foot for the lead dropper.

good luck,

hook

[hound]

oops!!!!! sorry about that grits

yea i use a pretty good size spreader
umm i'm trying to think how big it is i'm at work right now but it must be about 3" x 4"..
and on the weights on normal years i've been running 8 oz but shoot theres just no current this year..so thats why i went to a 6oz...good luck i'll be out there this sunday

[Pete]

Grits, good questions. In fact, they are questions a salmon fish asks themself continuously. You need enough weight to keep your bait down, but not so much that you are fishing right below the boat. The weight depends on your boat speed, current speed, proximity of other boats and whether you are going straight or zig zagging. Hook size is usually between 1/0 and 5/0. Whole or plug cut herring depends on your feeling of confidence (as much as anything) based on tradition, experience and what others are doing.

I'd say you've asked the right questions and you should experiment. It's probably a good idea to ask yourself these questions regularly, even while fishing. And, Hey, good luck!