08-24-2003, 10:45 AM
Bait casting outfits with level wind reels are the favored choices of most anglers, while spinning outfits will also work well. Whichever type of reel you choose, it must balance your rod, have a good smooth drag, and hold ample amounts of line (up to 200 yds.). In selecting a rod, look for a rod that is 9 1/2 to 12 feet in length with a long handle of up to 24 inches. Monofilament line should generally have a breaking strength of 8 to 17 pounds depending on the species and size of fish targeted. "Drift rigs" is the term used to describe how corkies and other similar lures are attached to the main line. Generally, a drift rig consists of a barrel, three-way, or snap swivel, pencil lead sinker (or ball weight), surgical tubing, leader, yarn, lure/bait, and the hook. There are a great many ways to combine these elements according to personal preference, although the results remain consistent Some of the more common types of drift rigs are the "snap swivel rig" (shown here), "mainliner rig", "mainliner plus rig", "pinch sinker rig, and the "sliding sinker rig". The "snap swivel rig" is the personal preference of a lot of river anglers in BC. Here the main line is attached to the upper portion of a snap swivel, while the leader portion is tied to the lower portion of the rig (as shown on the right), allowing for surgical tubing and pencil lead sinker to be affixed to the snap swivel.While being perhaps less responsive than a sliding sinker rig, the "snap swivel rig" has a definite advantage over most rigs in that there is less tendency for the rig to snag bottom, based on a "Y" being formed at the snap swivel. While occasional hang-ups will occur, many times the rig will free itself with the pencil lead dislodging itself from the surgical tubing. By simply adding a new section of pencil lead, your line can then be back in the water quickly following hang-ups.In a "mainline rig", surgical tubing is run up the line from the hook to the desired leader length (about 14 to 20 inches), where a chunk of pencil lead is forced into the surgical tubing about a 1/4 inch. The tubing, once attached to the pencil lead can then be moved up or down the main line to increase or decrease the leader length.Di
vantages to this type of rig is that the pencil lead has a tendency to chaff the line, causing a weakness in the main line; and secondly, the sinker has a tendency to slide down the rig rendering the whole set-up ineffective. Another divantage is that during hang-ups, anglers often loose the entire rig as well as a good portion of their line. The advantage to this type of rig is the relative ease to which it is tied.A variation of the "mainline rig" is the "mainliner plus" rig. Here, a barrel swivel is added to the main line which separates the leader from the main line. The surgical tubing is then added in the same manner as with the "mainline rig", but is instead, positioned above the swivel. This type of rig eliminates the tendency for the sinker to slide down the rig; and furthermore, chaffing of the line can be avoided by inserting the pencil lead sinker at the barrel swivel, with the swivel acting as a buffer.Another popular rig is the "pinch sinker rig". A swivel is attached to the main line, separating the main line from the leader. The leader in this case, as in most, should be constructed from monofilament line that is about two pounds less than the main line rated strength. From the swivel a small tag (chunk of monofilament) is tied in, whereby a series of split shot lead, hollow core lead, or eyed pencil lead can be affixed. The advantage to this type of rig is that hang-ups will usually produce most of your rig (generally from the swivel up), while a divantage is that the increased sinker length (because of the tag) produces a greater number of hang-ups.The last type of drift rig discussed here is the "sliding sinker" rig. A swivel is attached to the main line, separating the main line from the leader. Above the swivel, and egg sinker, bouncing ball sinker, or pencil lead sinker is attached. When attaching a pencil lead sinker, a snap swivel is incorporated so that surgical tubing and pencil lead can be attached in much the same manner as with the "snap swivel rig", the difference being that the line is run through the swivel allowing for free movement of the sinker. The greatest advantage to this type of rig is the ability to detect strikes. A divantage to this type of rig is the tendency towards line abrasion from constant sliding of the sinker, although some of this can be alleviated with the addition of a plastic bead above the swivel which acts as a bumper.There are a number of fishing tactics that will serve to increase an angler success rate when fishing corkies, or any other drift rig for that matter. Perhaps the greatest of these is keeping hooks sticky sharp, and a keen sense of being able to detect subtle strikes, the latter of which comes naturally from experience. Beyond the most basic requirements, skill in reading the water to determine the lie of the fish is a definite advantage, as is the ability to present your rig properly to these fish. One factor is relatively constant when reading the water for salmon or steelhead, and that is 9 times out of 10, the fish will be holding on the bottom. Is is important to read the water beforehand, preferably from a high vantage point, using polarized sunglasses to eliminate the water's surface glare. Water levels and clarity will affect where fish will position themselves. Fish will seek surroundings that provide security, comfort, and at times, good oxygen flow. In low, clear water conditions salmon and steelhead will hold in deep pools or slots, with steelhead having a tendency to prefer slightly faster water than salmon. When reading the water, try to gauge water depth, current speed, flow patterns, and look for submerged structures (boulders, logs, depressions, etc) behind which fish will hold. Steelhead and salmon take advantage of submerged structures for protection and relief from the current, making them a preferred target for an angler's drifts.
[font "Arial"][size 2]Bank fisherman should pay special attention to not "line the fish". This is a common practice among novice anglers, who when casting, tend to cast too far (often well past the holding fish) causing the fish to become spooked. A typical approach should be to work from the head of the run or pool, fishing the nearest water first, progressing each cast to the far side of the river, before working your way downstream in the same manner.[/size][/font]
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vantages to this type of rig is that the pencil lead has a tendency to chaff the line, causing a weakness in the main line; and secondly, the sinker has a tendency to slide down the rig rendering the whole set-up ineffective. Another divantage is that during hang-ups, anglers often loose the entire rig as well as a good portion of their line. The advantage to this type of rig is the relative ease to which it is tied.A variation of the "mainline rig" is the "mainliner plus" rig. Here, a barrel swivel is added to the main line which separates the leader from the main line. The surgical tubing is then added in the same manner as with the "mainline rig", but is instead, positioned above the swivel. This type of rig eliminates the tendency for the sinker to slide down the rig; and furthermore, chaffing of the line can be avoided by inserting the pencil lead sinker at the barrel swivel, with the swivel acting as a buffer.Another popular rig is the "pinch sinker rig". A swivel is attached to the main line, separating the main line from the leader. The leader in this case, as in most, should be constructed from monofilament line that is about two pounds less than the main line rated strength. From the swivel a small tag (chunk of monofilament) is tied in, whereby a series of split shot lead, hollow core lead, or eyed pencil lead can be affixed. The advantage to this type of rig is that hang-ups will usually produce most of your rig (generally from the swivel up), while a divantage is that the increased sinker length (because of the tag) produces a greater number of hang-ups.The last type of drift rig discussed here is the "sliding sinker" rig. A swivel is attached to the main line, separating the main line from the leader. Above the swivel, and egg sinker, bouncing ball sinker, or pencil lead sinker is attached. When attaching a pencil lead sinker, a snap swivel is incorporated so that surgical tubing and pencil lead can be attached in much the same manner as with the "snap swivel rig", the difference being that the line is run through the swivel allowing for free movement of the sinker. The greatest advantage to this type of rig is the ability to detect strikes. A divantage to this type of rig is the tendency towards line abrasion from constant sliding of the sinker, although some of this can be alleviated with the addition of a plastic bead above the swivel which acts as a bumper.There are a number of fishing tactics that will serve to increase an angler success rate when fishing corkies, or any other drift rig for that matter. Perhaps the greatest of these is keeping hooks sticky sharp, and a keen sense of being able to detect subtle strikes, the latter of which comes naturally from experience. Beyond the most basic requirements, skill in reading the water to determine the lie of the fish is a definite advantage, as is the ability to present your rig properly to these fish. One factor is relatively constant when reading the water for salmon or steelhead, and that is 9 times out of 10, the fish will be holding on the bottom. Is is important to read the water beforehand, preferably from a high vantage point, using polarized sunglasses to eliminate the water's surface glare. Water levels and clarity will affect where fish will position themselves. Fish will seek surroundings that provide security, comfort, and at times, good oxygen flow. In low, clear water conditions salmon and steelhead will hold in deep pools or slots, with steelhead having a tendency to prefer slightly faster water than salmon. When reading the water, try to gauge water depth, current speed, flow patterns, and look for submerged structures (boulders, logs, depressions, etc) behind which fish will hold. Steelhead and salmon take advantage of submerged structures for protection and relief from the current, making them a preferred target for an angler's drifts.[font "Arial"][size 2]Bank fisherman should pay special attention to not "line the fish". This is a common practice among novice anglers, who when casting, tend to cast too far (often well past the holding fish) causing the fish to become spooked. A typical approach should be to work from the head of the run or pool, fishing the nearest water first, progressing each cast to the far side of the river, before working your way downstream in the same manner.[/size][/font]
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