Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: FishiN AddicT on November 07, 2005, 09:16:22 PM

Title: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: FishiN AddicT on November 07, 2005, 09:16:22 PM
I've never tried fishing for steelheads, but after looking at those great pics under the thread "steelheads", it's getting me pumped to try it.  I'm a fishing nut also and like to join you steelie nuts out in that cold, fresh winter air  ;D  I wasn't sure if i should've continued under that thread, but didn't want to hijack it with some questions about fishing for steelies  ;)

What i'd like to know is what kinda set up do you use and what types of bait/lures are needed?  I know a lot has to do with preference, but i'd like to hear what works best for you.  Also what kinda waters to look for.  Anyone willing to share info will be much appreciated.  Maybe someone will be willing to take me out with them and show me how the pros do it  ;) ;D

I'm still contemplating whether i should get me self a steelie tag...............someone please encourage me  8)
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2005, 09:25:12 PM
Hey Fishin pm me and I will give you all the encouragement you will need!!!!!! Btw, you should have continued on that thread!!! ;D ;D  That is what I have benn doing, I wanted it to make the top ten most replied to posts.  It is about steelies, that is where it should be in my opinion!!!!! ;D ;D ;D  So feel free, reply reply reply!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2005, 09:26:40 PM
Hey there fishfreak, he should get the tag sholdn't he!!!!!  We will trun him into a steelheader yet !!!!lol ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2005, 09:34:22 PM
Yeah I saw it, really nice fish freak!!!!!!  Well if you like, you could now have a new steelheading buddy, as I find myself going out by myself a lot as well!!!!!!  Searun and gt just can't make it out like they used to!!!!!!
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: FishiN AddicT on November 07, 2005, 09:40:16 PM
hey guys.....thanks for the "GO! GO! GO!" encouragement, but i'd also like to know the other part and maybe others on this forum............what techniques and how do you fish for these beauties  ??? 

Hey Fishin pm me and I will give you all the encouragement you will need!!!!!! Btw, you should have continued on that thread!!! ;D ;D That is what I have benn doing, I wanted it to make the top ten most replied to posts. It is about steelies, that is where it should be in my opinion!!!!! ;D ;D ;D So feel free, reply reply reply!!!!! ;D ;D ;D

Sorry man......didn't know you were trying to set a record  ;D ;D  Thought you were just interested in fish porn and stories   ::) ::)

Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: DragonSpeed on November 07, 2005, 09:41:35 PM
Yeah I saw it, really nice fish freak!!!!!!  Well if you like, you could now have a new steelheading buddy, as I find myself going out by myself a lot as well!!!!!!  Searun and gt just can't make it out like they used to!!!!!!

The problem with going with a buddy, is if he tags a hatch early in the day, he's fidgeting waiting for you. :(
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: BIG T on November 07, 2005, 09:48:50 PM
Hey,fishfreak,use your centerpin for steelheading is the best,once you see your float go under,you can feel every bit of that steelie,every headshake and you will enjoy it,persuede you buddy to use centerpin too ;) ;)
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2005, 09:52:08 PM
That is assuming that your buddies tags one first!!!!! ;D ;D ;D I hit 4 steelies last year by 6:30 am.  2 of them on my first casts of the morning.  All of which were let go, except for the last one of the year, a chrome 12lb doe at the end of march.  I hadn't kept one yet!!!! ;D ;D  In fact I have only ever taken home 2 steelies.  That one and a 9lb hatchery taken barfishing in early july.  I would have let her go as well, but she was bleeding to much for comfort!!! :( :(
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2005, 09:59:10 PM
Quote

Sorry man......didn't know you were trying to set a record ;D ;D Thought you were just interested in fish porn and stories ::) ::)


It isn't about setting a record, it is about the fish porn man!!!!!  Then I saw all of these replys come back so I got curious and took a look.  At that point, I felt that the steelhead deserved a spot on the top ten, with the sockeye and spring and first nations!!!!! ;D ;D ;D  You know what that does sound a bit wierd doesn't it!!!!!  I guess that it is just another side affect of being a steelheader, can't stand seeing more interest in another salmon species.!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2005, 10:14:46 PM
Yeah I know!!! :-[ :-[ ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Fish Assassin on November 07, 2005, 10:17:52 PM

What i'd like to know is what kinda set up do you use and what types of bait/lures are needed?  I know a lot has to do with preference, but i'd like to hear what works best for you. 

I've caught them on yarn, rubber worms, spin n'glos, roe, krill, dew worms, bugs, gooey bugs. They'll take just about anything if you presented correctly.
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2005, 10:20:35 PM
I have had most of my luck in that last few years on coloradoes and coho roe bags.  Short floating, with shorter leaders.  About 18" depending on the water.!!!! ;) ;)
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: FishiN AddicT on November 07, 2005, 10:23:31 PM
Thanks FA for that bit of info.  i was told that steelies were one of the pickiest fish when it comes to presentation........is it true that they like hitting the smallest piece of bait or lure?
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Fish Assassin on November 07, 2005, 10:24:39 PM
Thanks FA for that bit of info.  i was told that steelies were one of the pickiest fish when it comes to presentation........is it true that they like hitting the smallest piece of bait or lure?

I've caught them on the smallest roe bags and the biggest chunks of roe. Difficult to say.
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: DaN ThE MaN on November 07, 2005, 10:25:57 PM
Fishin Addict, Im in the same boat as you man. Always wanted to steelheading but never really had the push to try.. This might be the year, i to still have to get a tag, not sure yet!.

DaN
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2005, 10:30:02 PM
The roe bags I usually make are about dime sized, but in water with more color I use one that are a bit bigger.  As for colorados and worms, I have hit all of my steelies on the bigger sized blades, and 6"worms!!! ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: FishiN AddicT on November 07, 2005, 10:32:04 PM
Hey Dan!  i say we go for it.  i want to share some steelie fish porn of my own also  ;D
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: FishiN AddicT on November 07, 2005, 10:50:46 PM
Someone tells me that ghost shrimp works very well also.  where can you get these critters and do they have to be kept alive?
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2005, 10:53:25 PM
You need a license now for them, a saltwater license!!!!  You will need a Shrimp pump, and I usually just go out to whiterock on the low tide and walk the beach looking for small holes with farely soft sand.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: FishiN AddicT on November 07, 2005, 10:57:31 PM
so you can only catch them with a pump or can you use a shovel and dig them up?
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Fish Assassin on November 07, 2005, 10:58:27 PM
Most local beaches have them. Yes, you have to keep them alive. Dead ones stink big times
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2005, 11:06:30 PM
You could try digging them with a shovel, but you would probably be there a long time.  Those little buggers are pretty quick and they are usually down over a foot!!!!! ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Floater on November 07, 2005, 11:17:09 PM
how much is a steelhead tag anyways?
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2005, 11:21:50 PM
About $28!!!  A small price to pay for that kind of excitement don't you think!!!!  Go check out the Steelhead thread and you will see the kind of excitement I'm talking about!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Floater on November 07, 2005, 11:28:52 PM
Oh i checked it out plus i have tried steelhead fishing two years ago.The no license days. ;D Both times i got a cold and no fish so i decided never to try it again. This winter when ii get a car i will definetly try it one more time see what all this craziness is about. Gona try fly to as crazy as that sounds lol. I tried i in january was that too late i didnt hear or see any fish in lower vedder.
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2005, 11:34:12 PM
Oh i checked it out plus i have tried steelhead fishing two years ago.The no license days. ;D Both times i got a cold and no fish so i decided never to try it again. This winter when ii get a car i will definetly try it one more time see what all this craziness is about. Gona try fly to as crazy as that sounds lol. I tried i in january was that too late i didnt hear or see any fish in lower vedder.
If you are only going to try it one more time, then you might be disappointed. To catch a steely takes patience!!!!!  No january is not to late, late Jan it usually starts picking back up.  There is an early run of steelies on dec, then the main run slowly starts coming in and by the end of Feb it is usually pretty good.  I was catching nice chrome steelies until the end of march last year, when I packed it in for the year. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Floater on November 07, 2005, 11:38:23 PM
If i dont get a fish on at least or even see a fish than i might not get into it. If i see someone with a fish or landing one thant for sure im gona be hooked lol.
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: golfnut23 on November 07, 2005, 11:50:01 PM
i remember 1 steelheading trip there were 10 of us and the same guy hooked 2 at different parts of the day, and no one else. Lucky bastard :-\ Ive been on a couple steel head adventures and haven't taken anything home yet, but aim very determind this year :)
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Floater on November 08, 2005, 12:08:30 AM
Same im switching to fly and im gona practice on trout and steelhead for next years HOs, oh they are gona pay for letting me down this year. :P
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: Floater on November 08, 2005, 12:56:39 PM
Thats another thing im afraid of standing the whole day dying to get a fish on and when i do chance are i will lose it since steelhead sounds like very good scrappers. I dont know about the rest of you but not getting to feel the fish to release or kill depends on the situation, I just die inside when i feel the slack. :(
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: DaN ThE MaN on November 08, 2005, 03:10:36 PM
Fishin addict lets do it man, i even got a salt water licence!!.. so when we goonna go??lol

DaN
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: FishiN AddicT on November 08, 2005, 05:10:45 PM
Dan we'll go as soon as you start catching us some ghost shrimp, since you have the tidal licence  ;)  i'll carry the bucket  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: FishiN AddicT on November 08, 2005, 05:29:28 PM
I forgot to mention, my favourite steelhead baits are shrimp(procured pink seems to help) and roe bags.

is the shrimp raw or cooked? and i guess it would be put into sacs or is there another way to keep it on the hook?
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: FishiN AddicT on November 08, 2005, 09:32:42 PM
Hey,fishfreak,use your centerpin for steelheading is the best,once you see your float go under,you can feel every bit of that steelie,every headshake and you will enjoy it,persuede you buddy to use centerpin too ;) ;)

thought of it BIG T, but being new to both things................it spells trouble for me, i think  ::) ;D  i'll eventually give it a try tho when FishFreak decides to give me his for x'mas  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: DaN ThE MaN on November 09, 2005, 12:05:43 AM
Sounds good i think ones allowed 50 bugs..now i just have to go and get my stamp..!!

DaN
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: The_Roe_Man on November 09, 2005, 12:17:57 AM
Give the pin a try.  I got my pin last year around christmas time and my third cast with it landed me a chrome 8 pound chehalis river stealhead.  Nothing like breaking in the pin on a stealhead. :)  I found you have a lot better control over the fish among other things.  Bait of choice is roe bags for me although I got my first stealhead on a gooeybob.
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: north on November 09, 2005, 01:09:56 PM
I catch about the same amount of fish on the fly as i do on hardware, so I prefer using a flyrod. I fish with guys that chuck gear and sometimes they out produce me, and sometimes I out produce them. There is no bait allowed where I fish though, I imagine that would improve your odds where it is allowed.
Title: Re: Fishing for Steelies?
Post by: FishiN AddicT on November 09, 2005, 06:36:53 PM
there the kind you get in the rings. make sure you get 'em with tail still on

damn!  it's gonna be hard to use them for bait cuz i love eating those myself w/ cocktail sauce  ;D