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fishpro

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Posts posted by fishpro

    Help With Some Spey Questions

    in Spey Casters Lounge

    Posted

    By no means am I an expert, but I was in your position a year ago. An 8 or 9 weight will be a good all around rod for steelhead.

     

    As for lines, I used the Rio Skagit Flight and found it was good, stick with any skagit as it will turn over heavy tips and flies better. With either Rio or Airflo, you can go online and view a chart for recommendations for line weight for your rod. I used the heavy end of that guide and it worked well (Rio gives a range of weights).

     

    My biggest piece of advise is to take a lesson, with private lessons being the best. I did just a two hour lesson and it helped me a ton, then I did some practice on the water 4 or 5 times, and was able to cast effectively after that. You don't need to be a fantastic caster to catch fish.

    Let's Hear Your Steelhead Stories

    in General Chat - Fishing Related

    Posted

    Just a thread to talk about steelhead we've caught and share some pictures. I'll start.

     

    Last summer I took a trip up to the Skeena region to hit the salmon runs and then hopefully get into an early steelhead or two. Throughout my trip in late July and the first half of August I mostly fished the Kitimat for chums, but spent 4 days or portions there of on the lower Skeena hoping to get into a steelhead. Of these 4 days, three of them were completely fishless, while one produced a small dolly and a pink salmon. The chum were getting moldy down on the Kitimat and the coho weren't coming in strong yet, and I hadn't landed a steelhead yet, so I decided to dedicate the last 3.5 days of my trip to changing that.

     

    I went into one of the local tackle shops for some tips and a license, and soon was on my way to a run on the Copper River. I spent much of that first afternoon and evening without a hit. I had however lost about ten flies due to snags (too heavy of a sink tip). It was almost dark, and after one snag that I just barely got free I had a hit and I made a solid hook set knowing I most likely had my first steelhead ever on the line. However it only lasted a couple seconds and my 20lb leader broke (weakened on the snag). Go to shore, re-rig, then back into the run where I was. A few casts later I get another hit, and I managed another solid hookset, but after the last break off I didn't fight the fish hard enough and lost it shortly after. I fished another 20 minutes until it was dark then headed back to my van. Somehow I was able to sleep that night with my mind racing through every almost every emotion a fisherman can experience - frustration, determination, excitement, wondering how tomorrow will turn out.

     

    So the next morning I got up and headed to the same pool. It was a little after 7:30 that I waded into the head of the run under a thick fog. I started the rhythm that any steelhead angler knows - cast, swing, step, repeat. Within a couple minutes I had a hit and got a solid hookset. This one stayed on, so I yelled out "fish on" as there was another angler fishing the bottom of the pool. He made his way up to where I was as I fought this fish, knowing it was most likely a steelhead. The fight was unlike any I'd had before, everything seemed to be happening in high speed - the runs were fast, then I'd retrieve quickly as the fish made its way towards me, and then would run again straight into the middle of the river just as fast as before, not to mention my heart was absolutely pounding. As I got the fish close I could see it was a very good fish, and the guy who was there kept saying "holy s*** that's a good fish". He said he would let me tail it myself, cause that way I would have no one to blame but myself if I lost it. I asked if he'd be able to take a picture once I landed it, and he told me to not even talk about pictures yet as I was yet to land it. Did I mention my heart was pounding? After a few more minutes of fighting the fish closer in, I managed to barely get my hand around it's tail. I had done it, I landed my first steelhead.

     

    After a few quick pictures I let this incredible creature continue its journey, and I made my way back to shore to sit down and calm my nerves. I checked the time, it wasn't even 8:00 yet and my day had already been made.

     

    101_0258.jpg

    • Like 9

    Treat Our Alberta Headwaters Like The Treasures They Are - Petition

    in General Chat - Fishing Related

    Posted

    Im pretty sure 3 years old is simply too long ago to be meaningful. Fish and Wildlife is fully aware how bad it is in the area, i know they've been back there as i noticed a bit of signage appear since this video was uploaded. There are literally dozens of videos like this (or worse) on youtube though, this is not what id call an uncommon occurence.

     

    It may still be meaningful, as it would likely be a criminal charge.

    Advice To Keep Feet Warm In Waders

    in Ask the Pros

    Posted

    I bought a pair of 'limetime' socks from BassPro.....most comfortable socks ever, and my feet were comfy and warm after hours in the Bow this past weekend. Socks are about $15, and have a lifetime warranty....I am hooked.

     

    I'll second that recommendation, extremely good socks, very warm and comfortable.

    Wading And Knees

    in Ask the Pros

    Posted

    Has anyone heard if there are any long term risks of knee problems associated with wading in fast water? I'm curious if having heavy current against the side of the leg would put unnatural pressure on your knees. I've never heard anything about it, but was wondering if it would be wise to wear some sort of brace as a precaution.

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