New to Jiggin - wanna help?

reelist · 12-01-2003, 05:23 PM

Welll, I'm finally free to spend a few days in Dec fishing for steelies. I had a GREAT year for fall chinoook, but extending that up to and into 2004 with steelhead success is a definate goal.

There be the rub tho'. I haven't done much steelheading in the last couple yrs and haven't (yet) done the 'jig thing' and well, I wanna!

I'm under the impression that the success rate is equal (or better?) than drift fishing and the aesthetics are incomparable!

So, can I ask for some 'schooling'? I know its those elusive elements that make the difference. Is there someone who has the techinque 'down' willing to show me the ropes? I have the tackle, the rod(s)/reels floats (nee bobbers:-) and jigs. I can travel to the location of choice. *I* think I'm a quik learner too! So if you are willing to show an old dog the ropes I'd be grateful for the lesson. PM me!

Mark

PS I'm *most* available every other w/end - this coming up w/end one of my 'off' w/ends (many will understand this ;-) but I can slip in a day off here and there.

Thumper · 12-01-2003, 06:14 PM

Reelist --- Dang, wish you were in the Portland/Vancouver area. We'd have you out to the EF Lewis for a little jig clinic. You might not catch fish, but you'd look pretty cool not doing it.

Can you ever get up this way? I am out of town for a few days, but e-mail me if interested and we'll set aside a day.

steelymann · 12-01-2003, 08:02 PM

I'm off for two weeks around Christmas (teacher). can help you then. I fish more on the Kalama than anywhere else.

~steelymann~

rob allen · 12-01-2003, 10:34 PM

Jig fishing is very simple in my opinion.. If you use the right gear to make it simple.

I prefer a spinning outfit for the ease of throwing light gear with weight unevenly distributed up the line. I have an 8'6" but i see how longer could be an advantage.

I prefer thrill floats because they are simple to read. I use the biggest one with the wire out the bottom. rig it just like on the back of the package.. Use a barell swivel between your jig and the float and you almost never lose them..

They are designed to float straight up and down. cast them upstream just like you would drift fishing then just keep loose contact with the bobber. if the bobber is on it's side it's set too deep. slide it down the line until it floats straight up and down. When it goes under set the hook!!! This is an extremely simple way to fish when it's set up right and takes almost no skill. Guys do it other ways but this is totally a no brainer..

One thing a lot of guys do that I think is a mistake is to let their rig float too long. I like to make my casts short just like drift fishing.. cover the water with many drifts than a few long ones. you'll have better depth control and better hooksetting ability with less line out.
Anyway thats my .02

reelist · 12-02-2003, 06:42 PM

Thumper - thanks for the offer...get a hold of me when you get back maybe we could hook up, literally! I've not fished the EF but have read a bunch...heck if I can get to Bouy10 I can make it that far!

Steelyman - ditto, let me know when the time arrives. The Kalama is within range..!

Rob - I think you're right, but the subtletiesof drift fishing took a few years to master (and a few trips each yr to refresh!) that I want a leg up w/ jiggin!

Mark