chinook

Jim, pattern wise you referring to colors and such? If so, as far as J plugs try the 4's in glow green, and wonder bread at first light. ( One trick is to put a glow ladder on the belly on the plug itself) Silver bullet and bloody nose as the day progresses. Fast Trac's- yellow with orange, Ping A Tee's- glow, white at first light, pink, silver, and green later on the day. Rap. J-13, chartreuse, and orange have worked well for us. Just letting some in a tip regarding simply flat lining, couple weeks back during the LOC fishing out of the Oak, the temps were relatively high one day. Two times using an E-lure off an in board, we were bit off twice. I relayed this info to a friend who then put out a Mann's 20- Blue- white. He proceeded to take 3 matures in less than2 hours, off this rig simply flat lining off the side of his boat. Point being, at this time of year, one of the most productive methods that could be used and is often overlooked is that of flat lining. Beauty of this as well, is when river mouth trolling, and debris ( grass, weed and such) sometimes becomes a problem, simply keep an eye on rod tip for proper lure movement.

Seems this question comes up quite often. Asking like who goes with Chevy and Ford? Having said that, both are very reliable riggers, as are Big Jons', Vectors, Walkers, etc. I have used almost all thru the years, whether it be on my boat or others'. However, if you have the funds, look into the Cannon Digi-Trol's. I've run them now for 5 years and I believe Running Rebel uses them as well. These are top notch, with various features not available on other models. Well worth the look. But really if you choose either the Scotty's or Cannon's, I think you will be happy.

Tag, when I say flat line I mean right off the sides of the boat with rods parallel to the water. We have taken plenty of targets thru the years using this method. One thing to remember kypes are developing and mouths are becoming tough. So I use a Diawa Heartland diver rod ( I have 2 set up with mono for high diver sets) for several reasons. One it has the backbone for proper hook set. Second at close to 10' -it provides a degree of clearance on the sides. As I mentioned, body baits such as Rebel Fast Tracs, J-13's, J plugs and Ping A Tees ( the P -a-T's must be trolled slow however) are some that come to mind, that have proven their worth over the years. Most of these river mouth kings now are hitting out of aggression. Thus the use of body baits with wide, errratic action. Fishing with the J's - no at this time of river mouth fishing I personally don't use a flasher when flat lining. Obviously, depending on depth of water you are targeting depends on fishing tactics being used. If over a 100' and targets are deep, that involves riggers, divers, copper etc, but if fishing and targets are up high, don't overlook the flat line and back aways. Can be and has been very productive.

Bought a custom made rod from Ernie, at the LOTSA seminar this past Feb. 7' one piece. It is a phenominal rod however but not cheap. This is on my 600' I have a 300' and 450' with the Ugly stick. Which I like just as well. I'm here to tell you, that when the 600' is fully loaded, you are looking at some serious combined weight - between rod,reel and line, let alone hooking into a target. If one fishes with either young ones or women, you may want to consider getting a fighting belt that wraps around the waist. Take it for what you feel it is worth, but personally at this time of year depending on how much longer you plan to fish, I'd hold off making the copper purchase until closer to spring. Unless you have some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket. Just my opinion however-Duane

Bill, good point. We started using the Walkers this past year, and as well like them. We have had the Jensen's change setting in the past, but so far not the Walker's-

I put mine out the same as Billy. Have had no problems at all doing it this way. As far as J's you may want to even just consider flat lining depending on the depth of water you are over. A good stick bait this time of year for river mouth fishing for kings are the Rebel Fast Tracs as well. So don't limit yourself to just the diver program. -Duane

I also believe that we should be putting something back into whatever resource we pull from. That's why I'm a strong advocate for not only the penrearing projects but this very site as well. So much that I put a platinum donation in over a year ago. I was glad to do so, but leads me to ask, should not those who have done so be eligible for the professional level as well ? I can afford it, thus I signed up for the Pro level as well. I'm simply implying for possibly others who have donated at various levels as well, and may feel the same. But I will say that this site is top notch and those not only behind the scene, but to all who contribute in any fashion help to make it that way. Ray, I know the others were just pulling your leg, but we all like your spelling

35- I agree. When I was last at the Oak these past few weeks, I heard several conflicting rumors. First, that the Rhy's Davis cut bait would be available once again next year. Then I hear that they went bankrupt. So what is is real story? I know I tried the artificial ( both B.T.B. and Big weenie) with herring scent- and have to say that I really didn't care for it. Maybe I'm just going to have to get use to it. Would be nice to have the real stuff back. Otherwise, we'll be making our own cutbait for next season.-Duane

Gill-T but I can assure you the Team FishStyx -Olcott catches plenty of targets as well. Not to get in the middle of this, for I know it is all in gest. But Tim, has had that name for many years that I can remember even going back to the original Lake Ontario Retrospect site that Bob Lyons had back in the late 90's-But to the other Styx team, as others have mentioned, congrats. Good job- Duane

James. did you ever get the package I sent? -Duane

Looks like those of us who guessed an under 36# got it right if the current standings hold. I missed it by slightly over a pound, but I think Musky, bug nutted it. Good job and to all who placed, congrats- Duane

James, I'm sending out a package today to you. I'll be away for the next 10 days. When I get back, I'll be in touch.- Hope the enclosed helps you out-Duane

Patriot, sounds OK to me. Just relaying what I know ( to be 100% true) happened to some people I know, not to many years ago. Cost them a top 5 king-

Final, hate to say it- but if both the sharks and pancake weights are crossing something else I.M.O. has to be the matter. There is a common occurance. How are you running your corner riggers? You running these straight back or off to the sides as out downs? If so far long of a boom you using? Again, have you tried the directional weights?-Duane

Tom, got my order today. I cut that one close in that I'm leaving tomorrow for my extended trip. Next time I'll give myself an extra day. Good to see that you're busy. As mentioned when one makes a quality product the public will follow-Good job-Duane

Black, metallic purple and clear. Orange as well has its days.

Mark, is that one a King spoon? - Duane

Tom, thanks for the follow up. Being self employed myself I know all to well what it is like at times. My order was placed under Carol Jones- Pay Pal anyway for me to know whether any or all of that order has been processed? Again ,you are doing a great job on your service. Hate to be a pain in the @$& -Duane

Rick, thanks for the follow up. I've ordered from them on a number of times and usually have the order in 3 days. I fully understand though that at this time of year that they are probably as busy as they get. Still have a couple days before I leave for the trip. Just hoping for the best I guess. -Duane

Thanks Tim, They have always been very good at their speedy deliveries. Top notch service-Maybe I'm being a little to impatient this time. I ordered up a copper rig for some friends from Ohio. Was wanting to make sure I received it so I could give it to them this Friday. Best of luck to you during the L.O.C.- Duane

Anyone know what's up at A-Tom-Mik? Ordered a week ago, wanting to make sure that I received in time for an extended trip this Friday. Have tried calling a number of times, but there is just an answering machine and no return phone calls. They on vacation or is my timing just that bad? -

Looking for 12's ? I use the 12# black directional from Cabela's on my outdowns. Have been for many years and very pleased with them. I'm totally convinced they add separation and provide a degree of clearance when needed.

Gene, good going esp. with that Coho. Beautiful fish. Glad to hear about your father as well. Wish I could get my dad out on the lake but he has a fear of water since he almost drowned as a child many years ago. My hats off to you for making this a family event. Keep the faith and again continue to fish with confidence. You are doing something right. If you get a chance, swing by Lakeside A-17- A-20- when I'm up there or call my cell. I want to give you a flasher rig that we call "old reliable" Nothing is guaranteed is this fishery, but this rig comes awful close.

Nick, no offense taken. Best of luck to you in the L.O.C -Duane

Rick, nice king. We were working the same general area as you on occasion. Have to say that for the most part however, we didn't have much of a screen. I had short day and from past history felt the ladders to the flats would hold some matures at this time of year regardless of temp. We did decent bite total wise but no real quality. Did get a few decent steelies and got bit off on a 400' copper pulling a green glow E- chip with hammer fly. Bl /green glow, and Stinger 42 second went on a number of occasions, 66 down to 100. Talked to Eric on a number of occasions, until the cell went totally dead. Congrats on putting a king on the board--Duane-HeavenBound