New to fishing in general, and thinking of trying the Squamish area for chum this year after getting shutout on the Cap about 5 times. Just two quick questions:
Is float fishing an appropriate method? I only have a 5 weight fly rod and obviously I don't think that's going to cut it.
Second, whats a good leader length to avoid snagging/foul hooking?
Thanks
5wt for Chum specifically would be way to light, they are notorious for breaking even sturdy rods, and sawing through line.
Float Fishing is fine for chum fishing, I always recommend it before trying others. Especially if you are newish to fishing. Doesn't mean you can't do it with a fly but I always find when I am introducing people from lake fishing or no fishing back ground at all. Because the odds of getting a bite are quite a bit higher some would argue the opposite but this is just my experience.
There is no good leader length to avoid snagging, you'll snag a fish if its 6" or 36" it's physics plain and simple. But it depends on the conditions and where I fish or how spooky they are. typically I am my leaders are usually around 1ft not much longer, I find thats plenty. If I fish for coho I like to go a bit longer, I find they spook easily.
Reason is because of the current, the swing of the hook and the fact there are some clowns that will yank on their rod after every twitch.