Salmon in Elliot!

[BassinBomber]

Question: Do you have to use a Downrigger to hook on to these Salmon? Never fished for them ever but I want to try this season. I do own a Salmon Rig but that's it. I'm a Union Ironworker and last season I did a 7 story building just north of the P.I Building and I always knew when the Salmon were running because I could see all the boats on the water when I was on my way to work from the Viaduct. I used to say to myself that I couldn't wait to try my hand at some of them Salmon,..but alas the "Dark-Side" got it's hooks in me! I am doing some research via the internet but I know that the WL.com members have alot to share too,..so any contributions on this subject would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[Fish Antics]

Question: Do you have to use a Downrigger to hook on to these Salmon? Never fished for them ever but I want to try this season. ..so any contributions on this subject would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

If you "mooch " for them at pre-dawn (still dark) you would only use a downrigger if you wanted the experience catching one without any weight. It certainly isn't necessary. I like to hold the rod and feel them take it. The dis-belief is marvelous when it happens. You may have to spill some line if the bite is light. Setting up a good bait is critical. On another thread you revealed that you like bass, sunfish, and trout in that order. Well . . . warning! One hungry early morning king salmon with an attitude would quickly move into first place on your list if you weren't careful.

Once the sun is up the fish move deeper . .but I have still had good luck out there letting out plenty of pulls using mooching weights in the middle of the day. You need to give it a try. Watch and learn from the successful boats (speed, gear etc. - you'll see the nets go down). Like the muskie fisherman . . it takes time sometimes . .but it's worth it!

Let us know if you join the addicted, Brownbomber!!!

[fishingmachine]

Brown bomber u can also jig off the piers in seattle and hook up a king but boat is best and as Micro said mooching off todd's shipyard in the morning is always good or jigging is effective too. Many anglers prefer trolling because they can cover more water. You could also use deep six divers which are a substitute for a downrigger. If u have any more questions feel free to pm me

[A9]

You could mooch with darts or herring if the doggies aren't think in there....Otherwise, a DR is almost required if you are trolling....

Micropterus is right: Trout/bass/sunfish don't even compare to salmon....Even a 10lber will fight your for 5 minutes or so, heck I've fought 15 lbers for 10+ minutes....Lots of fun.

Another thing I would suggest would be to hire a guide for a day to get a feel for the fishery. You could spend a few days out there trying to get a feel for the fishery when a guide could help you get dialed in within a half day....Ask to mooch cause with you not having any DR's, you will likely mooch....Guides are a $100+ dollars, but it beats gas and time and tackle for the few trips it would take to get dialed in on the fishery....

[Fish Antics]

Another thing I would suggest would be to hire a guide for a day to get a feel for the fishery. You could spend a few days out there trying to get a feel for the fishery when a guide could help you get dialed in within a half day....Ask to mooch cause with you not having any DR's, you will likely mooch....Guides are a $100+ dollars, but it beats gas and time and tackle for the few trips it would take to get dialed in on the fishery....

For a person just looking at starting I think Sam's advise is excellent. You can dwidle around for days and weeks out there trying to get it right . .and get frustrated. Once you see the pattern from a pro you can repeat iyour fishing effort every year based on that experience. It would be the same as trying to float a river for steelhead all by yourself. Sure, it can be done. But if you just want to get out there quickly then take a ride with a guide and you're set for life. Answers a lot of questions and gets you where you want to be fast . .on the end of a screaming reel ZZzzzzzzZZzzZzzzzzzzz!!!!

[kavykid2k6]

i personally like mooching for them, when i big ole king gets angry and smacks a herring on a lite line its amazing. first it almost rips the rod outta your hands, then smacks your knees against the side of the boat, bends a couple of guides before snapping your line. its awesome!

[BassinBomber]

You guys are all great and I appreciate alll of your input wholeheartedly! I think I might go with Sams thought of a Guide though,..would be nice to be dialed in right away instead of searching the Puget Sound!,..at least in a day anyway,..I will still do some research and keep you all posted,..again thanks guys you're all the best in the Northwest!