by Mike Carey, July 26, 2005

Salmon fishermen in the Pacific Northwest have come to rely on one of two attractors to get the attention of our various species of salmon in Washington. The conventional flasher and dodgers have been around for a long time. First used by commercial fishermen, these attractors have become a main-stay of trolling fishermen. That, I think, is going to change.

A new product is on the market, and I believe you will be seeing and hearing a lot more about it. I am referring to the KoneZone trolling flasher. What makes this flasher different? Well, first of all the shape. Rather than a long blade that creates a slow rolling action of a flasher, and rather than a dodger that wanders from side to side, the KoneZone does something else. It rotates. Around and around it does a slow, rolling action. This is different from the standard flashers. You’ll notice less drag on your line both when reeling in the KoneZone and also when fighting a fish. You’ll also notice less action on your bait. Unlike a standard flasher, your hoochie won’t dart around quite so much. If you like cut plugs and trolling spoons, I think you will find the KoneZone works quite well. Owner Mike Hyneman has told me that hoochies and the KoneZone also work well together.

So let me tell you about the tackle tests. I began using KoneZone flashers this year in Elliot Bay for the King season that opened in mid July. Shall we say the fishing has been rather tough? Because of work my days off are Monday, which means I get to fish after the bay has been pounded for three days. That would make for tough fishing conditions all by itself! None the less, I was game to give the bay a try. I’ve fished three trips now and typically the fish counts are something like "three fish caught for twenty boats". Ouch, that is tough! Our first trip out we ran cut plugs and just about any other rig combination we could think of. We fished eight straight hours and caught one 17 pound king. The rig? A green KoneZone with silver flash and a cutplug herring about 45" behind the flasher. Oh, and my secret herring brine to give the fish a different smell to zero in on. OK, I thought, not bad and at least I know this new-fangled flasher isn’t scaring the fish away. Our second trip out we worked hard but came away with no fish. Like I said, tough fishing in the Bay. And the third trip? We launched the boat at 4:45am and at 5:15am it was "Fish On!" with one of the more feisty chinooks I have battled. After a ten minute battle in came another nice 17 pound King on a KoneZone flasher and my cut plug herring. Other anglers - nada.



Chris holds up the first Chinook we caught with the KoneZone flasher.

I know that three trips and two fish does not a trend make. But I also know that sometimes that "new something" can be just the ticket to get a fish to bite. I also know my standard chinook set-ups were not effective, nor were anyone else’s. So I’m sold. I really enjoyed playing my King without the drag of a regular flasher. I also liked the fact that there was none of the slack line syndrome you get from a regular flasher - nothing for the fish to work against. These are two very strong positive factors for using the KoneZone. I am looking forward to further experimentation on the upcoming silver runs. I also plan on trying the white version for pink salmon this year. Picture this: a small 4" inch flasher with no drag, a pink hoochie or spoon, a light rod/reel and a downrigger. Now that’s a prescription for some big time fun. Heck, I may even try rigging that up to a fly pole! Oh, by the way, this flasher is also effective for trout trolling according to their web site, although I haven’t had a chance to test that out yet. At www.konezone.com you will find many rigging techniques that are proven. A popular rig for the Downrigger Fisherman is the Daisy Chain which provides lots of action according to Mike Hyneman.

Many stores carry them in Washington such as Ted’s, Auburn Sports and Marine, Sport Co, G.I. Joe’s, The Duffle Bag and others. You can also order them from their web site at www.konezone.com. This is a good way to get just the colors and tape that you want.

If you have any questions you can contact Mike at KoneZone. He will be happy to answer any questions you may have. KoneZone flashers are made in Oregon.



I strongly encourage you to give this flasher a try. I think you will be pleased with the results. I was!