new to the area. . .

[mazulauf]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the area, and just starting to learn the fishing out here. I'd like to get into salmon and steelhead. I don't have a boat, so I guess it's bank fishing for now.

I've got two 8 1/2 foot rods - one with a spinning reel, and one bait-casting. Pretty decent tackle, though not absolute top of the line.

Basically, I'm looking for suggestions for general locations, methods, and gear. A few days ago my wife and I hit the Wilson, using corkies (?) and yarn. She got a strike, and had one on for a few seconds. I don't think I had any nibbles (hard to say with that weight bouncing along the bottom).

Do you think the corkies are a good way to go? I'm not sure I've got it rigged quite right. The hook is attached to the leader using the egg loop knot. I've got a little yarn tied into the loop, with the corkie on the leader above the hook (allowed to slide). Should I fasten the corkie to the hook somehow, so it doesn't slide away from it? Should I have the yarn above the hook? Above the corkie? Etc, etc. . .

I'm using about an 18" leader, with pencil lead attached to a 3-way swivel at the top.

Any recommendations for other rigs? Lures? Bait or attractants?

Is my gear any good for fishing in the Columbia (when it opens again)? Is fishing from the bank any good there? Where?

As you can see, I'm pretty clueless to the fishing scene here. So any tips you can give me would be _greatly_ appreciated.

Thanks!
Mike

[bait boy]

Sounds like you have the right setup for steelies. yes, some folks let the corkie slide some peg it with a toothpick. I let mine slide usually. I also go with around 3' leader. The rods are fine for what you are doing. I also put my lead on a slider most of the time. another thing you may try with the low water this year is Jigs and bobbers. I wont go into it but someone probably will.
Try some new water get used to that tap tap tap of your lead and when you feel a tap or bump and steady pressure or even a head shake it may be a fish and set the hook.

the columbia requires you to be able to throw some lead, 12 oz maybe less maybe more, depending on the current. use spin'n'glows in orange or flo green.with a 2/0 or bigger hook.use a three way and put your lead on the bottom and your spin'n'glow on the middle. use a lighter lead line than main line so you can break off w/o loosing all your gear and bring plenty of lead if youre fishing rocky areas, like bonneville.

Good luck
Rick

[First Bite]

Hi mazulauf
It sounds like you've got a handle on fishing with a corkie. Another alternative is fishing with jigs and/or bait under a float. Using this method allows you to cover more water then with convential drift fishing methods.
Mark

www.firstcastjigs.com