Tackle and Tips

Steelhead Bobber Tackle & Rigging

Bobber or Float Fishing is effective and a pleasant way to fish for Steelhead in all seasons.  It is very effective for trout or any game fish in holding in current that is not a strict bottom feeder.  You will loose much less tackle to snags than the popular and also very effective bottom bouncing method.  The keys to success are:  #1 setting the depth right, frequently inches above the bottom,  #2 Struggling to slow the bobber down so its speed more closely matches the slower current near the bottom where the fish are, #3 What bait, jig, fly or bead you use...

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Broken Barbs #2, How To

Broken Barbs #2, How To

  Some times it makes sense to fish with barbless hooks.  The Broken Barb choice means slightly less chance of a shake off with about zero extra difficulty or damage done in releasing a fish.  The previous post I argued for the types of hooks that actually catch more fish if the barbs are broken off.  Some species are easy to land with little chance of the hook shaking loose.  Broken barbs make sense just for the extra enjoyment and time saved quickly releasing fish.  For Bluegills, Carp, Redfish, Striped Bass, White Bass and probably many more are species, a full...

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Broken Barb Hooks Catch More Sometimes, Frequently more Fun

Hooks

Broken Barb Hooks Catch More Sometimes, Frequently more Fun

Broken barbs on single hooks can hold fish as well or better if the hook has a relatively short shank in relation to the length of the point, the barb should be well forward of the bend.  Some fish shake of so rarely that broken barb hooks should be considered: Steelhead, Trout, Redfish, Carp, Bluegill, Pike, Striped Bass.  For hook design, the break even point falls about at the proportions found in a standard shank length wet or dry fly hook.  Longer shank hooks will lever out of the fish's mouth more easily.  Shorter shank hooks can set better and hold more...

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