The Natives Are Restless(PICS)

[dejawho75]

Well,

I was able to talk the ball and chain :argue: to let me go fishing this morning for a few hours. I wanted to take the boat out to the Willy, but figured with the Big C closed, the Willy might be packed and lot of pressure. So, I decided to hit the Wilson.
Was out the door by 5am and on the river by 6am ready to fish. Hit my first favorite spot. Tied the pink worm that I had soaked all night in some soy sauce :grin: on my 8'6" Lami and tossed her out in the soft water just across the fast seam....bump bump...WHACK! Fish on.
Darker fish, but nonetheless, a very fun battle. Put up a good 10 minute battle. Hooked it right on the corner of the mouth. Tailed him and got some nice pics. A native fish, about 26". Released to continue it's journey.
Pink is always hot :redface:
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/7401Fish_1.jpg

Got to love those Rosey Cheeks :blush:
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/7401Fish_1_A.jpg

Couldn't resist an opportunity to pose with a Celeb :bowdown:
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/7401Fish_1_B.jpg


I then drove down past Jones Creek and pulled over on the side of the highway and saw some nice water :bigshock: and said, there's fish in there. Just grabbed the camera and my pink worm rod again. Walked down. Looked and scoped out the water. Saw a nice creek pouring fresh water into the mainstem. That is where I am going to cast and let pink do it's work. 1st cast into the streaming creek water...I can see the worm drift and drop into the green darker water...the worm starts dancing :dance: and doing it's thing. I release some line..tug tug..wait...wait...tug tug tug...I crank the rod back...Fish ON! The fish immediately rips line and I could feel his weight and this was no small fry. I play him out for a bit. He had the upper hand, as my leader was only 8lb test. I had to work the drag just right, so I wouldn't snap the line. This thing was flopping all the over the place and thrashing. There was no way, I was going to leave on hand on the rod and try to grab my camera for action pics. I was too afraid he might rip the rod out of my hand. This was a 2 hand fish or the rod would be in the tank. After a good battle. The fish pretty much just gave up. I reeled in against the current to get him close enough to look. Native. A big sucker. Darker and had some white spots. But, sure did give a good fight. I didn't have the net and where I was standing, there was no way to bring him up. So, I got a quick snap shot and cut the line. Watched him swim off into the green depths of the Wilson. I guestimate he was at least 30", if not a bit bigger. You can see the pink worm and the hook on the corner of the mouth in the picture.

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/7401Fish_2.jpg

I had about 1 an hour left to fish and decided to head back up river and fish one more spot. As I got to it, the sun came out and the water was gorgeous. I hiked down to the hole with rod and camera only again. Tied on a new pink worm, rubbed it with some anease scent. Put on a little weight. Fished 2 drifts, that seemed a bit on the fast side. Nada :shrug:. So, walked down river and found some softer water. Casted upstream..see my line swing below me, cranked the reel a few times to take off the slack....by the time I got the slack off, the line was heavy...Fish was already on...go figure...slack bite on the pink worm..first time I have had that happen. I barely even had to set the hook, he had it swallowed was what I figured. Anyhoot, another battle. Another Native fish to the bank, hooked on the corner, so I was wrong..but trying to figure how the heck did that hook bury it's self on the corner, I didn't even feel it :shrug:. It was another good size fish. Measured it at 31". I was fishing near Elk creek, so a group of hikers passed by and watched me the whole time. I didn't have my tripod, so asked one of them to come down and take a snap shot. They were excited and all came down to look at the fish. And took a snapshot of me holding the fish. And I even showed them how to release the fish. After a minute of reviving it, the fish swam gingerly back to the current and was back to it's journey.
I was stoked and excited after going 3 for 3 in 2 hours of work.

Another victim of the Pink Worm. Mr. Pink would be proud.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/7401Fish_3.jpg

He smiled for the camera :grin:
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/7401Fish_3_A.jpg

The natives are in and if you're not into battling crowds on the Willy. The coastal streams are full of natives and the fight is well worth the drive. I saw maybe 2 other fisherman the entire stretch from the deadline down to Jordan Creek. 3 for 3 in 2 hours of work..imagine if you had all day to fish...that will be some sore arms and a huge adrenaline rush! Good luck and tight lines!
Made it home in time to help the wife with yard work :cheers:

Deja

[Jaeger]

WOW Dood :bigshock:

Nice, job well done for sure.
Thanks for the pics!!
Goes well with the coffee n breakfast!!
:applause: :applause: :applause:

[Codfish]

Great job!I always enjoy your stories and pictures! Keep them coming! :cheers:

Codfish

[letsfish]

Vu,
Hmm, I just may bring my rods down for some post clamming action. Thanks for another great post.
Jim

[Sir Fishalot]

As always, sweet pics and a great story! :cheers:

You've got me sold on wanting to do more pink worm fishing. I was wondering what size worm do you use, and also how exactly do you rig it? I've tried the smaller 3" seducers sparingly without any results, but I haven't really gave it an honest effort yet.

[FlyingAce]

Wow Deja you are a steelhead killing machine. Awesome job!!!!!! :smash: :smash: :smash: :cheers:

[lost_sailor]

Wow Deja you are a steelhead killing machine.



Not exactly ... better than that! Great to see the wild fish!

[salmon whisperer]

You possess a talent that most of us would love to master. I know that most of us ifishers try and try to gain this ability with no success. Yet we keep giving it maximum effort and get no better at it. For the sake of us all, you must share your amazing ability to convince a wife that fishing is a necessity in a person's life. We would all be in you debt. :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:

Oh yeah... you are a great fiherman as well. :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :yay: :yay: :dance: :dance:

[dejawho75]

Sir fish a lot,
I use the 6" Berkely Bubble Gum Pink Worm. I like the longer worms, as they have more action. I've tried the Seducer, but had no luck on them. The Berkely worms look more natural. I use a long all metal thin worm threader. Cut a 2-3 foot leader. Tie one end of the leader onto the threader and run the threader starting at about 1/4" from tail and come straight through the body and out the nose at 1/4". This gives the worm a straight natural presentation and the loose end, nose and tail will "waggle" with the current or when you twitch the rod. I tie one hook on at the nose where the line came out and pull it back towards the nose. Then on the other end, before I tie it onto the main line, I slip another hook on and that one floats freely, but when drifting, it sits at the tail. As I have had many take it by the tail as well as the nose.
Today, I was drifting fishing it, with a sliding weight, basically same set up as drifting eggs or corky off the bottom. In slower or deeper pools(summer steelhead fishing) I "Dead drift" it. No weight. It's the most natural presentation and I'll tell you. You have to cast it way up river if you are dead drifting it. As it takes a good 1-2 minutes to drop in the "strike zone". And I'll twitch the rod to give the worm a good action and the tail "rattles" in their face and they just can't resist it. Last summer, I got 13+ on it. I'll soak them sometimes in soy sauce(high sodium content and smell:) or just wear gloves when I handle them. Smelly jelly or favorite scent never hurts.

My friend Mark(BetaHooker) and I were on on the river Thursday as well. He went 1 for 2 on the worm. And I went 0-2. The natives just can't resist it. He can attest that the worm works if you present it right. My buddies, Dan and Todd who both fish, didn't believe me either, until they went fishing with me. It's easy to tie, no mess, and Pink is Hot!

Good luck and let me know if you want me to pm pics. As I have some on the other pc at work. On how I tie it.

Deja

[dejawho75]

Salmon Whisperer

It's called VISA and a $10,000 credit limit. What's in Her wallet was in yours :jester: HAHA!!

Instead of spending all the hours allocated for fishing in one day. I spread it out to 2-3 hours a day over 2-3 days. So, that I get home by the time she wakes up and get to fish 2-3 times a week and still spend the day with her. And I guess working for family, makes it easy for me to take extra long lunches to fish on the weekdays :smile: Which doesn't count against the time I get to fish on the weekends as well. I am just one lucky guy to have such a wonderful mate!! :flowered:

[bobberdown9321]

what is a good pink worm rig?how do you put it on the hook to make it have good action?? are they this effective onb most rivers?
thank ya kindly :alert:

[dejawho75]

If you have access to March 2005 issue of STS(Salmon, Steelhead, and Trout) Check out page 34. It has a good illustration of one way to tie it. I have a different method. I believe there's a post on here somewhere on ways ifishers tied it with pics. If you can't find it, pm me. As I need to check the work pc, I think that is where my pics on how to tie it are.

[jr sherwood]

Thank You !!! :applause: :cheers: jr

[Jennie@ifish]

You are fishing the aquarium hole! (My own name for it, since it's so small.) I know where that is. :smile:

Jen

[Got One!]

Fantastic pics,...rod in one hand camera in the other woohoo!! :dance:

[Sir Fishalot]

Thanks for the in-depth reply Deja. :cheers: I do believe I understand how to rig the pink worm based on your detailed intstructions, so sending me a pic won't be neccessary. I'll post a report sometime in the future (don't hold your breath) with a special thanks to you when I get lucky using your setup!

[OwyheeKIller]

Wow, you've got skills! :bowdown: That's awesome, I like the way you think about the presentation, very clever. And the pre-soaking of the worms, another cool idea. Those are some awesome pics on the effectiveness of the almighty worm. Looking forward to more pics in the future. :applause: :applause: :applause:

[finnman]

Another great post with awesome pics. You da man! :applause:

Finnman

[Fred N]

I always enjoy reading your posts and thanks for sharing some of your personal ensights as I know we never have enough knowledge. As you have shared a bit of knowledge, I will also; just one small tip that has helped me with Springers in the tributaries - soak your eggs in cod liver (Walgreens has the best price on cod liver oil I have found). Again, thanks Deja! :applause:

[rola76]

Great job dude...nice pics as always and excellent report!! :applause:

[P-ride]

Thanks for the great story and awesome pics. I've heard alot about the successful pink worm, but have yet to really try it. Thanks for the description on how to tie it up and it you get a chance I'd like to see some pics on how you rig it. Nice work on the 3 native morning! :cheers:

[dejawho75]

Ohh Cod Liver,
I will have to try that. Thank for the Tip!! :cheers:

[Chinookjinxd]

Nice work Vu, I came home last night and didnt see your post, looks like you did awsome.
I might come down this weekend if the sandy aint putting out, take care man.
Daniel

[dejawho75]

I've been getting tons of requests on how I tie on the pink worm. Well, here is my shot at fame. Don't also forget there are many other ways to tie it. Mine is plain and simple, a more natural presentation compared to what I have tried. Wear gloves when you handle the worm, so your human scent is not all over when you are tying.

This is what you need.

1. long Bait threader
2. Berkely 6" Power Float Worm
3. Favorite Leader
4. 2 of your favorite hooks

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/7401A.jpg

1. Cut your leader to desired length and tie one end to the eyelet of the threader.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/7401B.jpg


2. Start at about 1/4" or so down from the tail and insert the pointed end in the worm. Putting some water on the threader before you start or as you go from this step on will make it a lot easier for the threader to slide through the worm without tearing it.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/7401C.jpg

3. Keep the worm straight as possible and work it up the threader. Again, moisture will help you from tearing up the worm, so wet the needle as needed. Don't pull too hard either, just pull gently and keep the needle in the middle of the worm's body. I find that pulling the worm is easier than trying to push the needle through.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/7401D.jpg

4. Don't pull the point of the threader all the way out at the end. You want to exit out/above about 1/4" from the nose.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/7401E.jpg

5. once you have the point of the threader out, continue working the rest of the worm through the threader.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/7401F.jpg

6. When the eyelet is near entering into the worm, you need to use caution, so it doesn't rip or tear the worm. Turn or twist the threader so the eyelet is flat with the worm's tail. So, when it goes in, it does not cut the tail off.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/7401G.jpg

7. Once the eyelet is through the body and comes out the nose, pull extra line out so you can tie on a hook. Cut off the line at the eyelet once you have enough line. And tie on our favorite hook. And pull on the other end until the hook is resting again the nose.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/7401H.jpg

8. Now take the other hook and slide it right down the other end of the leader. This hook is free on the line, no worries as it usually stays against the body when drifting fishing.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/7401I.jpg

9. This is what it should look line when done.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/7401J.jpg

Casting, you don't want to cast as hard as you can. It may cause the worm to crinkle or tear up the worm. Having good smooth casting line helps and a good rod that can cast far with minimal effort will keep the worm straight.
I have seen other variations, instead of the 2nd hook, people add a spin and glow, or corky. I've also seen people add a small bead before the hook is tied at the nose, to prevent the hook from sliding into the worm or tearing it up. I've never had problems just tying it plain and simple with nothing. I believe it's more natural with nothing on it. I do soak the worm in soy sauce or any scent will work(Maries works Great!!). As I have seen in clear water days, steelies "mouth/nibble" gingerly on the nose and having the scent on it, entices a bite. Using gloves when handling it, prolly is smart as well.
As far as fishing it. I use it in two ways. Drift fishing, as you would with corkies and yarn or drifting eggs. With a sliding weight. The other and most effective method that filled my tags last summer, was dead drifting it. No weight. Just the worm tied on the leader and tied onto the main line. It works great in slow drifts to deep holes. You need to cast way way up stream, since it will take some time for the worm to drop below the surface. Once the worm is down deep, twitch the rod once or twice gently every so often, so the worm will "waggle" and dance. Don't do it too much or you'll pull the worm up and back to the surface or out of the strike zone.
This is why I like having the line pulled out 1/4" from the nose and tail. It allows the tail and nose to have action and waggle. The 2nd hook on the tail is because I have seen steelies take the worm by the tail, since it has the most action. I used to fish the worm with no hook at the tail and lost many. Since the 2nd hook was added, I've only lost them to poor knots :whazzup: or weak leader :shrug:
This is just another arsenal to add to your box. It's my go to method and the first thing I will use in any hole I fish. Since I have started Steelhead fising 2 years ago, the pink worm has hooked more than 25+ fish, summer and winter runs. I've noted a few things about fishing the worm. If I don't get a bite within 4-5 casts in the same drift or area, and I know there's fish there or see fish, they're not interested. Try something else or move on. The native fish just can't resist them. It may work one day and be a dud the next. But, it doesn't hurt to have 2-3 pre tied in your box. As, sometimes, when you hook one, it can be shredded after the stress and fight. More times then less, the fish SLAM the pink worm, rather than nibble at like fishing eggs or to that matter. They grab it and just run off with it. You can't miss it when they do. I like fishing the worm when the water is slow, low, and clear. Or when I know the steelies have been holding up in a particular hole from low water conditions. My best day with it was in the summer, when I went 3-5 in the same hole. I dead drifted it into a group of 4-5 steelies holding up and 3 of them fought their way to put it in their mouths. I saw the whole event and all I had to do was set the hook. It happened not once, but 2 times where the bigger fish scared the smaller one and took it..sucker! I also believe the pink worm works well, because it's "new" to the fish. I've walked into holes as disgruntled fisherman walk out and say good luck. They're not biting and I've been fishing in there for hours. When I hear that, I know exactly to bust out the pink worm. Can't count how many times, it caught me fish in the same hole that didn't do squat. I truly believe that they get tired of the seeing the same thing over and over. But, what has me convinced why it works is, the natural action the worm has. If you ever do get the chance to fish with it. Cast it with out any weight into a slow pool or calm water. And just watch the natural action it has and twitch the rod. You just look at it and say, wow, that has nice action to it, how can any fish resist that. That is the one reaction I get when I fish with my buddies who've seen it for the first time.

Anyhoot, good luck and please tell me how Pink helped you. I always like to know the results of the pink worm.

Deja

[Sir Fishalot]

Well that is definitely "Tech Tips" material! You've got me so stoked about fishing this worm I keep going over and over in my head all the holes I just can't wait to fish it with. :yay:

[Kalamity]

Thank You Dejawho! :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

Now I can't wait to get off work and give 'em heck!!! :cool:

Great to see your story and pics and now your "secret weapon"! :bigshock: You a fish catching machine..... :applause:

[Cosmic Lazy Susan]

Dude - YOU ROCK!!!! :bowdown: :bowdown:

You've always got such great posts. Thanks for another great one. :smash: :smash:

Dale

[steelbiten]

You the man Deja.......Love the story! :bowdown:
:cheers:

[Lazersharp]

0

[Cool Texan]

Wow....thank you for sharing so many tips!! :cheers: :cheers:

[Fishing4Life]

Mr Deja,

Have you ever thought about being a guide? Your enthusiam and willingness to share you sucess is uncanny. I enjoy your stories and pictures. If I was still your age, I'd be out there fishing with you all the time. Everyone is out there chasing the Salmon and yet your still catching Steelhead after steelhead. Sounds like a hoot out on the river, with very little pressure.
Thanks for sharing the tips, I am sure many Ifisher's appreciate what you do for this forum..Make it fun and a place to get info from fellow fisherman(woman) :grin:
Great illustration of the worm and writing :applause: Although it doesn't surprise me as your stories are a hoot to read with a cup of coffee in the morning.

Fishing4Life

[TooDrunkToFish]

... I do soak the worm in soy sauce ...



At first I thought you were joking, but now I don't know... Are you serious...does soy work as a great attractant? :shrug:

[Siwash]

Thanks, Vu. What began as a good report post is now a great tech post. :cheers:.

[dejawho75]

TooDrunk,

I can't say if it works or not, but yes, I do soak them in soysauce. Contains a high level of sodium. I think the Steelhead crave salt after being in the fresh water so long.
I've caught Steelies on the worm, with nothing, Marie's Scent, smelly jelly, and so on...But lately, I've only used soy sauce or nothing. And both of caught me fish.
My wife says it's the MSG, it's got the fish hooked :jester:

[Cliff]

thx for the info and pics!!! :cheers:

[The Stallion]

You the man. Thank you for your post and tips. I think you should change your moniker to King of the Wilson. :smile:

[Got One!]

What a great post!! :bowdown: Thanks for the Tip, and fantastic tutorial..

:dance: :dance: :dance:

[P-ride]

Deja,

I gotta say a big THANKS!!! Your willingness to share is complimented by your great pics and instructions. This is what ifish is all about. I'm definitely gonna put a few of these in my tackle box. I can't wait to catch my first on Mr. Pink. I'll be sure to keep you updated. :bowdown:

[Chinookjinxd]

Nice Tips bud im gonna have to try that on the sandy. You should try soaking them in cod liver oil like some one before me said. One of these days im gonna come down to the wilson, you just tell me when the summers are in. :yay: :dance: :cheers:

[johnykim]

Thanks for the post!!! I've been reading about the pink worm and geared up for it. Looks like it's time to go back to Joe's and exchange some stuff. :wink:

[Fly Fanatic]

Hands down the best post of the year! I am going to rig some up tommorow for my trip Friday.

[Navigator]

Chinookjinxed -- I hate to be the one to break the news to you, but pink worms just won't work on Sandy fish. :rolleyes:. Don't waste your time :laugh:.

Great post Dejawho75!

[Chinookjinxd]

haha, nothing works on the sandy thoose things must be bred with lock jaw. Oh well its a great info never the less. :wave:

[dejawho75]

I've only had 2 hook up on the Sandy with the Worm, for 6-8 trips with it. Not sure why? :shrug:

But it don't hurt to try :smile:

Daniel, give me a buzz whenever you are out or heading to the Wilson!

Deja

[wing man]

Cant beat a day like that, great story and nice pics. :smile: :smile: :smile:

[Fishstix]

Thanks for the detailed tips.

[Mr_sturgeon]

Definately the best post, most info, I may have to try it on the creeks in this area (Astoria)
thanks

[parker]

0

[RiverMan]

Dejawho just pointed this thread out to me, some great info that should probably be put back up top again!!Thanks for sharing!

RM

[bobberdown9321]

parker answered my question on how to store them

[Steelheader99]

Great post on Pink Worms fellas. Thanks for the tips.

I would love to see the pics you posted, but for some reason all I see are little boxes with a red X in the middle. :whazzup:

[PapaHog]

I will fish the pink worm some more but as to date have not hooked up a fish with it. However I learned much reading this thread and will give it a go when the rivers start to fall the day after Christmas.

papa

[snoho]

What Type of bobber is that in front of the worm?

[Steelheader99]

What Type of bobber is that in front of the worm?



Parker Said,


...I use Danny Joe "High Floaters".