Technique for landing big chinooks solo
- Thread starter the butcher
- Start date
Aquaholic
Crew Member
Why neutral? Keep control of the fish by leaving it in gear. Steer the fish to one side.
SpringVelocity
Crew Member
4 rods WTF
sir-vivor
Well-Known Member
Is there any other way then SOLO ?
This is how I do er on the Sir-Vivor II .....
#1 Bite
#2 Holler "Fish on" (A MUST !)
#2b Put Go Pro chest mount on (don't worry fish will stay on a few more tugs)
#3 Grab Rod and reel
#4 Auto retrieve downrigger (pull off clip , but be damn sure you don't fall out)
#5 leave the damn motor rev where it is and in "F" (oh maybe slow it down as fish gets closer)
#6 Maintain fish on your port side, with your intellestere
#7 Lay net on gunnel
#8 fight fish to gunnel
#9 grab net lift rod and head first fish into net
#10 drop rod, preferable in boat, pull fish in
Weigh fish ...... 30 lber ! AND ENJOY !!!
Beat your chest to the sound of Rocky blaring in the background
This is how I do er on the Sir-Vivor II .....
#1 Bite
#2 Holler "Fish on" (A MUST !)
#2b Put Go Pro chest mount on (don't worry fish will stay on a few more tugs)
#3 Grab Rod and reel
#4 Auto retrieve downrigger (pull off clip , but be damn sure you don't fall out)
#5 leave the damn motor rev where it is and in "F" (oh maybe slow it down as fish gets closer)
#6 Maintain fish on your port side, with your intellestere
#7 Lay net on gunnel
#8 fight fish to gunnel
#9 grab net lift rod and head first fish into net
#10 drop rod, preferable in boat, pull fish in
Weigh fish ...... 30 lber ! AND ENJOY !!!
Beat your chest to the sound of Rocky blaring in the background
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Aquaholic
Crew Member
I see this a lot during sockeye season in the Vancouver area, it’s easier to do of course because the fish are already close to the surface and you can almost reel them in right away.
Because it is fun! I don't keep everything I catch, I fish for the fun! Wouldn't do 3 riggers solo through the Otter or Trap crowd. But less frequented areas and far out for cohos - its a hoot!
sly_karma
Crew Member
If I'm on my own I use 9 ft rods. Its already difficult to handle rod in one hand and net in the other, since both items were designed for two handed use. A 10'6 rod makes a hard task even harder.
Agree that crowded zone and seals make it tough, but it's always best to take your time and not try to bring a green fish near the boat. Doubly important when solo, you need time to get the other rod and ball out of the water. Likewise you can't overstress the importance of a good hook set, ever, but it's critical solo.
Agree that crowded zone and seals make it tough, but it's always best to take your time and not try to bring a green fish near the boat. Doubly important when solo, you need time to get the other rod and ball out of the water. Likewise you can't overstress the importance of a good hook set, ever, but it's critical solo.
sir-vivor
Well-Known Member
I never use a net just plan em and yank, into boat , dont need net for socks !
Reeltime
Well-Known Member
Bigger fish are way easier to play and land then a smaller fish thats jumping, darting, rolling and just doesn't quit, the big guy will set the hook for you
it will put good solid tension on the line for you and most of all will lay down and say i'm done and ready.. Don't worry about the big ones, just don't
panic have fun playing at the cat and mouse game..
i never get out of the way of crowds it's harder to drag a fish it will actually run in the opposite direction and right in the crowds, just doughnut around
the fish to let everyone know you've got a fish on and get him deep close to the side of the boat..no long lines... most will clue in and make adjustments.
it will put good solid tension on the line for you and most of all will lay down and say i'm done and ready.. Don't worry about the big ones, just don't
panic have fun playing at the cat and mouse game..
i never get out of the way of crowds it's harder to drag a fish it will actually run in the opposite direction and right in the crowds, just doughnut around
the fish to let everyone know you've got a fish on and get him deep close to the side of the boat..no long lines... most will clue in and make adjustments.
What only 5 rods...the serious guys run 7.Try plug cutting 5 rods in rivers inlet bye yourself and u hook up.. lots of fun
wolf
Well-Known Member
Fair enough i dont think of coho always assume springs LOL I have way too many friends to ever go alone LOL LOL
the butcher
Well-Known Member
good advice everyone.. thanks...
Here's a question related to the original post, what if you had a double header on and your solo? Doesn't happen very often but last week I'd been fishing for 7 hours without any fish in the cooler... Then a double header hits.... I get greedy and wanted to make up for the slow day and tried to get both into the boat... this is the chain of events... would appreciate some feedback to help me improve my chances for next time...
1. Portside rod bounces..... I dart to the stern and grab it... I reel in the slack a few turns and give it a careful yank to set the hook deeper.. Lessen my drag a tad. Hold rod tip high in air to maintain tension..
2. Then starboard side rod starts going off..... This is where I start to get greedy and did a massive brain fart..... I aggressively turn up the throttle on kicker to maintain more tension on lines.... I put first rod in rod holder and grab 2nd rod and repeat step 1.
3. One fish in on the surface and the other fish is still under water.....
4. Then both hooks pop off both fish almost at the same time... I loose both fish and the cursing and swearing doesn't stop for about 10 mins
I increased the throttle on the kicker as a knee jerk reaction to ensure there is tension remained on the 2nd rod so that I didn't loose that fish... But it was too much throttle and it ended in disaster... So thinking back, besides not turning the throttle up, what should I have done differently?
- Should I have just keep the kicker rpm steady and try to land the 1st fish and leave the 2nd rod in the holder? What have you guys done to help your chances of landing both fish on a double header when solo? thanks in advance.
Here's a question related to the original post, what if you had a double header on and your solo? Doesn't happen very often but last week I'd been fishing for 7 hours without any fish in the cooler... Then a double header hits.... I get greedy and wanted to make up for the slow day and tried to get both into the boat... this is the chain of events... would appreciate some feedback to help me improve my chances for next time...
1. Portside rod bounces..... I dart to the stern and grab it... I reel in the slack a few turns and give it a careful yank to set the hook deeper.. Lessen my drag a tad. Hold rod tip high in air to maintain tension..
2. Then starboard side rod starts going off..... This is where I start to get greedy and did a massive brain fart..... I aggressively turn up the throttle on kicker to maintain more tension on lines.... I put first rod in rod holder and grab 2nd rod and repeat step 1.
3. One fish in on the surface and the other fish is still under water.....
4. Then both hooks pop off both fish almost at the same time... I loose both fish and the cursing and swearing doesn't stop for about 10 mins
I increased the throttle on the kicker as a knee jerk reaction to ensure there is tension remained on the 2nd rod so that I didn't loose that fish... But it was too much throttle and it ended in disaster... So thinking back, besides not turning the throttle up, what should I have done differently?
- Should I have just keep the kicker rpm steady and try to land the 1st fish and leave the 2nd rod in the holder? What have you guys done to help your chances of landing both fish on a double header when solo? thanks in advance.
wildmanyeah
Crew Member
Honestly if they came of easly you were probably never going to land them anyways, Its hard always thinking you did something wrong but its just how it goes.
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Every situation is going to be different. Current, wind, other boats, what fish decide to do. So no easy answer.
You have to evaluate the situation and react. Main thing is "Don't Panic"... Sounds like you panicked ; )
I will try to get one fish well hooked and tight line. Then put in holder and do the same to the other. I then try to concentrate mostly on the bigger fish with the other in holder. I will reach over to the one in holder and reel tight whenever I can. Pretty much just trying to keep slack from that second fish. I then get riggers out of the way because that will be your next gong show beside the boat. You really have to take your time. Play the fish until YOU are ready to boat them. Easier when they are tired. Don't rush to bringing hot fish to the boat. Enjoy the fight and take your time. They are just fish.
You have to evaluate the situation and react. Main thing is "Don't Panic"... Sounds like you panicked ; )
I will try to get one fish well hooked and tight line. Then put in holder and do the same to the other. I then try to concentrate mostly on the bigger fish with the other in holder. I will reach over to the one in holder and reel tight whenever I can. Pretty much just trying to keep slack from that second fish. I then get riggers out of the way because that will be your next gong show beside the boat. You really have to take your time. Play the fish until YOU are ready to boat them. Easier when they are tired. Don't rush to bringing hot fish to the boat. Enjoy the fight and take your time. They are just fish.
sly_karma
Crew Member
My mantra is "enjoy the moment." You spent a lot of money to set up boat and rig for fishing, and you invested time in being out on the water. Time and money are precious resources, you obviously really want to be fishing. So why hurry when you have a fish on? Enjoy the moment. It's not a race (except maybe with a hungry sea lion around). Don't bring a green fish to the boat, and as @Reeltime says, smaller fish are harder to read. Bigger ones run hard but when they're done, they're done.
Get one rod under control and rigger coming up before thinking about second rod. Let it bounce around in the holder, it will either set the hook itself or it won't.
Get one rod under control and rigger coming up before thinking about second rod. Let it bounce around in the holder, it will either set the hook itself or it won't.
Port Eliza Fishing
Well-Known Member
Exactly what Pescador said when solo!
