Effective Salmon Fishing Strategy

Salmon fishing is a hot favorite of recreational anglers in America and Canada. When the salmon runs are on, multiple hookups are common. Fresh salmon is hard to beat when it comes to table fare. Fishing for salmon allows us to bring home fresh and juicy fillets for the family.

There are several species of salmon. The Chinook, sockeye, chum, coho and pink are the 5 species found in the Pacific coast. The Atlantic salmon is the only species found along the Atlantic coast.

The Chinook salmon, the largest of all the salmon species, able to attain 90 lbs in weight is highly-regarded both for its angling value and for the flesh. The Atlantic salmon when hooked can be sure to put up a hell of a fight, and its flesh is regarded as one of the finest of foods.

Trolling with baited hooks or lures is the most effective method to catch salmon from the sea. While being trolled some sort of action must be added to the baits or lures to attract fish.

Dodgers and flashers which are designed to make commotion to imitate baitfish are placed about 30 inches before a baited hook or lure. These fish attractors are reflective boards that spin enticingly to attract salmon when trolled at the right speed -- often at slow speed. High-quality ball-bearing swivels are rigged to both ends to prevent line-twist.

If fish are detected deep down the sea bottom, as indicated on a depth-finder –downriggers are put into use to hold lures down deep. Most salmon fishing boats have 2 of these versatile electronically controlled downriggers which are powered by the boat’s power system.

Trolling for salmon, use a robust 7-foot fast-action trolling rod with a matching conventional bait-casting reel, spooled with 30 lbs test premium monofilament or fluorocarbon line.

Like every other predator, salmon tend to hang out where baitfish or food is available. Diving terns and gulls are the best indicator that fish are around. Salmon attack their prey below, pushing the panic baitfish to the surface where the diving birds feed on them.

Anchovies and herring are the most popular natural baits used for catching salmon in the salt. When fishing with artificial lures, try to match the color and size of the baitfish of the areas you are fishing.

Salmon are powerful and aggressive fighters when hooked -- always prepare for some long, strong runs. For such a situation a smooth drag combined with high-quality gear and a cool head is the key to a successful landing of the fish.

Recreational salmon fishing is closely regulated in America and Canada. Follow and respect all rules and regulations regarding bag limit, and return as many as possible to the water so that they can continue with their journey upriver to spawn.

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