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Post by drkevbo on Jun 22, 2010 12:54:09 GMT -5
Decided I want to fish for salmon out of South Haven first 2 weeks of July. Ive rigged my boat with 2 downriggers and lead lines X2. I have little experience other than charters, But a burning desire to learn.
I have many many questions, but to try and narrow it down:
1) what would be considered the essential tackle, colors and sizes?
2) trolling speed?
3) trolling depth?
4) miles off shore?
5) cannon ball size ( 10lbs good?)
6) any sage advise is greatly appreciated.
We have a cottage in South Haven, but I do not know any salmon fishers that I can learn from. So my wife and are are striking out on our own from scratch.
All the best.
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Post by slaminsalmon on Jun 23, 2010 7:14:23 GMT -5
I am no pro but I'll tell you what works for me (usually).
1. Dodger fly combos. 0 size dodger in silver or orange. green and blue flies behind them about 18". Stinger spoons such as NBK, Blue bubble, Green bubble, Orange spoons for steelhead.
2. Speed usually around 2.5 to 3 mph on the GPS, this can really vary though because of the underwater current. Once you hook up a couple fish take a mental note of the angle of the down rigger cables and try to maintain that when you change directions.
3. 5' off the bottom up to where you are marking fish and a little above. If you have a decent sonar you should be able to see the thermocline if you crank up the sensitivity to the max, and this should be where the actively feeding fish will be.
4. Really an unknown until you talk to the locals, plan on spending an hour at the launch before you head out and talk to the old guys!!
5. I run 8lb balls but I rarely fish deeper than 100' and at the depth they are quite away behind the boat.
6. check the charter fishing reports for St. Joe area and that should help a bunch.
Good luck and don't forget to bring your smoker!!
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Post by slaminsalmon on Jun 23, 2010 7:15:36 GMT -5
Oh and 10" flasher with meat rig head and hearing in it on the bottom.
Don't forget that one for sure!!
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Post by drkevbo on Jul 1, 2010 13:45:10 GMT -5
Thanks....Wow Ive learned a lot the last couple weeks. I feel prepared...Technically at least. I have 2 downriggers and 2 lead lines set up with two extras set up to use Dipsy Divers. Have my collection of stingers, stingrays meatheads, flahers and flys. Leaving for South Haven tomorrow. Now just a little luck.
Ive got my 8 lbs ball...oh yeah also have my downrigger weights:)
Ill post my results next week. I'll be at it for 2 weeks. If anyone has a current conditions and bite report I would love to hear it.
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Post by fishingmachine on Jul 5, 2010 23:37:22 GMT -5
Follow the charter boats.to the area but don't fish behind them come along side check your speed watch the fish cleaning stationsm oh yea white was very hot.
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cubby
New Member
Posts: 76
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Post by cubby on Jul 15, 2010 8:36:01 GMT -5
Call Pyle's bait shop for the best info.
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Post by hasbncop on Sept 23, 2010 10:20:02 GMT -5
Anyone have a report on Kalamazoo river at the Allegan Dam?
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Post by ultimatefishing on Sept 29, 2010 8:53:50 GMT -5
Anyone have a report on Kalamazoo river at the Allegan Dam? Pretty good for steelhead on spawn, and even walleye are coming on crankbaits. My personal favorite is Thunderstick Jr. |
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