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American Lake Report
Pierce County, WA

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04/24/2011
Trolling
Kokanee
Flasher
Morning
04/24/2011
3
1824

I got to the lake a half hour earlier (7:30am) and I had to stay an hour (11am) later in order to obtain my 5 fish limit. The weather was cloudy, sprinkling, and with a slight wind. What a difference from yesterday. While I was on the water the wind picked up a bit and somehow it got colder. I could see my breath and it sprinkled almost the whole time I was there. My hands got red from cold but I found the fish around 20 feet down. I seemed to have lost about 50% of the fish that bit. I am still trying to figure out why. My hook up ratio is usually better. I did have a hook up that got a way, never got to see it, but man was it pulling! I ended trolling back to the launch and hooking my 5th fish, a rainbow which I released. I brought home 4 kokanee’s the biggest was 13.5 inches.
Bahama mamma dodger and Dee’s Diamond flasher were the attractor with Wannafish A Lure Squiddy Thang and a new lure, the catchers.


Comments

Bob R
4/24/2011 5:24:00 PM
What are you using for hooks, Toni?I 've read that you make some good lures, I've found that the larger hooks (on single hook set-ups) give me a better hook-up ratio (size4 and 6 in a fine wire , tru turn hooks in the gold plated finish at Cabelas are what I use personally), re-rigged on wedding rings and apexes with flourocarbon leaders. Other brands like Gamis, vision, etc. in the larger size might also do the trick, some koke fishermen on kokekanee forum are using the newer sickle hooks quite sucessfully although I haven't had a chance to try them, also could be drop in barometric pressure with the change in weather putting the bite on light for you, since you are usually quite sucessful I would suspect the weather. My friend John would like me to hit American with him on Wed., we'll see if I can make it. Great catch, sorry about the big one that pulled free, Bob R
Lundegard
4/24/2011 5:47:00 PM
Try a treble as the second hook.
Toni
4/24/2011 6:25:00 PM
Yesterday my hooks were fine and my hook up ratio was 6 bites 5 fish in the boat. Today I think it was about 12 bites to 5 to the boat. With Squiddy Thangs I use size 4 streamer hooks with a size 14 treble hook or size 8 matzuo sickle hooks. The new lure has 2 matzuo sickle hooks size 6 and 8. I can't figure out the difference a day makes. ;-)
Why2Fish
4/24/2011 7:59:00 PM
Hook set-up seems to be as varied as those that tie them. I have found that the set-up that works best for me is 2 tandem number 6 eagleclaw lazer sharps,,,,,,,,seems that close to 90% of hooked fish are netted,,,,,,,,,,,,but that is just what works for me.
G-Man
4/24/2011 9:26:00 PM
I've had hookup issues one day and no problems the next using the exact same gear. Trolling speed can make a difference, with the slower speeds contributing to lower hookup ratio. With the kokes, they probably were not striking agressively today and there isn't much you can do about it except to make sure your hooks are as sharp as possible. I don't use anything smaller than a #6 hook for kokes and tie up most of my rigs with #4 hooks in tandem.
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Available Guide

Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Darrell & Dads Family Guide Service

Phone: (509) 687-0709