What is a spoon lure? It's a versatile lure in the angler's arsenal, named for its concave side that resembles a tablespoon. Manufacturers have been creative by adjusting the lure's lengths, widths, and weights, as well as experimenting with various colours and reflective surfaces. It can be used for a wide range of fishing conditions [...]
Fishing with jigs is a well-established technique. Anglers have long used this type of lure to catch a variety of species, including bass, crappies, salmon, and steelheads. Fish are often drawn to an enticing lure that resembles either a potential meal or an instinctive reaction to attack. Anglers successfully used floats to drift jigs in [...]
I am amazed at how well the WiggleFin Action disc produces results. When using a lure that creates no action on its own, the action disc creates an enticing action the fish cannot refuse. From salmon, steelhead, trout, bass, hootchies, bucktails, and any lure that requires action. Another option is to improve the angler's catch [...]
Instead of a single disc, this system features a set of seven Carbon-Ceramic Discs, designed for superior braking performance. Compared to a traditional single-layer cork drag system, it boasts four times the strength, achieving a maximum drag resistance of 38 pounds. It's very easy to palm the reel when the salmon is making a [...]
The forecast by the Department of Fisheries is staggering, 27 million forecast for British Columbia rivers. Anglers will target the Pink salmon in tidal and non-tidal waters. Traditionally, I target pink salmon in the tidal estuaries of the East Coast beaches on Vancouver Island, using fly fishing techniques. The popular estuaries include Nanaimo Departure Bay, [...]
Pro Staff Gil d'Oliveira This year, my highlights included using the Amundson Outdoors TCPX-3 centerpin reel, matched to their Cast Mob float rod, and their 9wt Wind Warrior Spey rod. In addition, the BnR had their Balsa sliding float and their soft beads, 8mm. We started the season early, mid-June. There has often been a [...]
We are fortunate to have the chance to pursue all species of salmon on Vancouver Island. My journey with Spey casting began three years ago, and it has been an incredible learning experience. Over the past few years, I have successfully checked off Chum, Chinook, and Pink salmon from my salmon bucket list. This year, [...]
I have always been awed watching a Spey angler with their smooth, fluid motion of the cast. Amundson Outdoors had sent me their 14-foot 3-inch Wind Warrior Spey rod. Now matched to their 11/12-weight Warrior Fly reel, I have completed the package. The Puntledge River Silver Chum Salmon I started the first year with pink [...]
Dave Jenkins accepted the challenge of the Dodger vs Flasher again. Using the Amundson Outdoors TMX5 SE, we matched it to the TMX Mooching rod as our backbone to handle the salmon. The Wigglefin Swarm Flasher system is attached to each downrigger ball to create our own bait ball, enhancing our results and attracting the [...]
Finally, the run has started. A few blank days searching for the early Sockeye, but not this year. They typically started to show in mid-June. My favourite way to target them is by drifting a float, allowing the weight to tap along the river bottom with a 10-pound leader and a small BnR 8mm Bead. [...]
A great memory from 2018, with guide Nick Hnennyj from West Coast River Charters and my buddy Richard Leischner. https://youtu.be/9KapdOGEOPo
My fully loaded, right-hand reel must be changed to a left-hand retrieve reel. First, I must remove 300 to 400 feet of line on a one-to-one ratio reel. This will take some time, but here is a hack that made it easier. https://youtu.be/UfrHVAhPUlw?si=Ndctnjtf4gMromqe Pro Tip: If the retrieve is wrong for the individual, ask the [...]
Centerpin reels enable a drag-free drift and a genuine presentation of bait or lures in moving water. The reel's free-spinning spool, which allows the line to unwind smoothly, ensures the bait behaves naturally in its environment. Prototype Trend Iron Header X3 Centerpin Reel The center pin reel return rate is 1:1, challenging the angler to [...]
This is the second year my fellow anglers have taken up the challenge. It's a fun challenge, and win or lose, the boat gets two Wigglefin Hellrazor Dodgers and two Amundson outdoors trolling salmon spoons as rewards for participating. The sponsors are Amundson Outdoors, which produces the TMX5 reels, the TMX Mooching rod, the Savvy [...]
Pro and Cons of Anglers' Nets By Gil d’Oliveira At the beginning, the fishing nets, relatively thin threads, are knotted into meshes. Several fibrous plants were originally used to weave early nets, including grasses, flaxes, and mosses. It was later replaced by cotton. Most nets are made of artificial polyamides, such as nylon. Nets -Good [...]
2 x 15 pounds and 2 x 7.5 pounds canon balls = 45 pounds In May 2021, another challenge was presented to me, and I accepted. See how strong the Amundson Outdoors hooks are. I took advantage of the rod fixture used for the rod test and clamped a #2 hook to a horizontal pipe. [...]
In May 2021, Amundson Outdoors presented me with a unique challenge—testing the breaking point of seven rods. I devised a fixture to withstand extreme pressure to meet this challenge. My solution? Using my two-story home as a platform, I assembled a scaffold and suspended the units from the upper deck. The goal was to have [...]
2024 was an amazing year for challenging the BnR soft round and their Burr beads against other optional gear setups. The main challenge was to compare the soft beads' catch rate against natural roe. I noticed the roe had a better catch rate in the early morning during twilight. Like the famous race between turtle [...]
My friends didn't take long to join me on my twitching jig journey. Randy went with the Amundson Outdoors casting twitch rod and bait cast reel combo, and Jim went with the twitching spinning rod. https://youtu.be/7VFUHkrVgjk?si=b4NOZj8p_p7Dutzo
Twitching jigs for salmon and steelhead is nothing new in the fishing industry, yet it has not been fully embraced.However, times have changed. Due to the advancement of social media technology, anglers can now share positive experiences, tutorials on techniques, and tips on tying various twitching jigs and their use on social media. As a [...]
As the bomb cyclone slowly approaches Vancouver Island, it will deposit heavy rain, intense damaging wind gusts, powerful waves, and heavy snow in high elevations. This morning, we knew that today might be our last season excursion. As for fishing, it was a good call; we were dressed properly, at the river by 7:30 and [...]
Changing right hand to left retrieve https://youtu.be/MSTdzfD8uFI
My preferred method for catching salmon involves allowing a float to drift along the river. Observing the float as it moves and is subsequently submerged when a salmon bites is truly exhilarating. This method is commonly employed by anglers fishing in rivers, whether on a boat or wading in the river. Each angler tends to [...]
Bait bans are now on many rivers, including those that ban scent. It can be a challenge that fishermen must overcome. Among the artificial presentations are spoons, jigs, spinners, worms, minnows, and synthetic copies of roe. In British Columbia, however, anglers are not allowed to add any scented residue, including synthetic scents, like anise oil [...]
Making Red Caviar ( IKURA ) Red Caviar is a delicacy in Japanese cuisine made from the roe of various species of salmon and trout. The intense reddish hue of this type of Caviar has given it its name. In Japan, salmon caviar is known as Ikura. Salmon caviar has a silky texture, is savoury, [...]
https://youtu.be/aG_0O4RL-mc?feature=shared Today's challenge was fishing a dropping tide. We were on the water by 6:30 a.m., but the swells were getting bigger. We trolled at two depths, 90 and 100 feet. Both downrigger balls had the Wigglefin Swarm Flashers; Jim used an in-line flasher, and I used the Wigglefin in-line Dodger. I used three lures, [...]
Thanks to Robert Van Pelt ( Peetz ) and Charlie Jones, I have been pro-staffing the CJ Special Salmon lures since 2013. They are amazing whether you are trolling or casting off the beaches for salmon. Stay tuned from PEETZ Canada #peetz#amundson#bcsalmon#springsalmon#cohosalmon#cjlures
Anticipating the start of sockeye season, anglers on Vancouver Island diligently prepare their gear. The Somass River on the island's west side presents a prime fishing opportunity. Accommodations such as motels, bed and breakfasts, camping options, and trailer sites can be found in Port Alberni. Accommodation options are available for anglers on both sides of [...]
Finally, we were able to get out on the salt chuck. We started late, but our lines were in the water by 3 p.m. A new version of AP Tackleworks herring spoon Neon Army Truck was hot. We landed 6 springs, and 4 were legal. All the springs were white. We had to quit by [...]
We favour keeping the silver Chum Salmon for Candy Salmon. Chum salmon has a subtle taste and lower oil composition than other salmon types. Nevertheless, it remains a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and serves as a nutritious option for obtaining lean protein. These salmon are perfect for cold smoking, a traditional skill deeply [...]
Situated on the western coast of Vancouver Island, The Somas ( Stamp ) River system offers anglers the chance to employ either artificial lures or bait. However, bait is restricted in the upper Stamp River, so the angler needs to be educated. The Robertson Creek Hatchery has been crucial in promoting the success of the [...]
One of the noteworthy aspects of the autumn salmon season is focusing on silver chum salmon as they migrate into the river during high tide. We took full advantage of the limited time available due to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' early closure of the 2023 Chum fishery. We do catch a lot, so [...]
According to Science Notes, “Osmosis is the movement of solvent particles (usually water) across a semipermeable membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution.The solvent dilutes the concentrated solution until the concentration is equalized on both sides of the membrane.” Diffusion is the movement of solvent and solute particles from an area of higher [...]
This pro staff is in for an early Christmas treat with the arrival of the highly anticipated 2023 soft bead sensation. The Bnr Tackle Soft beads have proven incredible throughout the year, but the innovation doesn't stop there. Going beyond the norm, BnR Tackle has created the Burr Bead, pushing the boundaries even further. These [...]
The key to success in fishing is adaptability.
Fishing for salmon and steelheads using beads is the fastest revolution in tackle. There are two categories: soft and hard beads. Manufacturers have been very creative in producing solid, mixed, sheen, and translucent colours. Sometimes, a manufacturer steps outside normality, producing a unique shape and presentation, not necessarily conforming to conformance.Like BnR Tackle soft Burr [...]
Straight eye, long shank As avid fishermen, we have personally encountered or heard stories of the elusive "one-in-a-lifetime" catch that slipped away due to straightening hooks. I was challenged in 2021 to test the strength of the Amundson Outdoors hooks under significant weight by using 15 and 7-pound trolling lead balls. Downturn eye long shank. [...]
Tyler holding on for dear life as the Chinook powers runs An amazing anglers Nathan and Tyler sharing their adventures and having alot of fun. Memory two year ago on the Puntledge River. https://youtu.be/yTsQ3260Td4?si=YvQLU3xCa_vZIjAV
PEETZ Fishing & Outdoors Famous for the hand crafted wood single action salmon reels they are also known for their lures. Created in 1930 The Hookum trolling lures has successfully proven itself catching various sport fishes. “PEETZ is pleased to reintroduce this legendary lure with some exciting updates. Each Hookum #4 trolling spoon is individually pressed and [...]
The tapered tail of artificial worms generates a highly enticing motion to steelheads. However, a common challenge all plastic worm lures face is the need to effectively secure the hook position and prevent any tear-out. Keeping the trailer hook past the worm's tail in the correct position and avoiding hook tear-out is also important to [...]
They have arrived from Yakima Bait Co., Hildebrandt Indiana Blades, Colorado Blades, and Willowleaf Blades. When you fish in a river, the angler covers various water flow speeds and depths. Weightless, they can be controlled to any depth using the float drift fishing technique. Perfect for those unwilling to bite spring and Coho salmon. Stay [...]
Double Bonus for me. I made the front cover and wrote An article for our Chum Salmon. If you love fishing in British Columbia tidal or non-tidal Fisherman Magazine Island can be your mentor. https://islandfishermanmagazine.com/magazine-subscription/?fbclid=IwAR2eccCMSVRWcvzPgrzfk-VD48hRV0LPDJixc6voIg_vKaE_tzZo6CrjldE
Great article on fishing for pink salmon in the Campbell River on Vancouver Island. https://islandfishermanmagazine.com/
Sometimes events are hard to believe, but they can be believed thanks to photography. https://youtu.be/bbDBVdzPBmw
Most fly fishing reels on the market are manufactured and set up for the right-hand retrieve, with the option of changing to a left-hand retrieve. Here is the step-by-step on the Amundson Outdoors Trend X3 fly reel to make that change https://youtu.be/HXOlz-N4Ap4
Fish On
When you talk to anglers who cure their own Roe, they will swear they have the magical recipe. But First: The myth about blood Blood is not harmful to salmon roe used as bait. In fact, blood is a natural and beneficial component of salmon eggs that helps attract fish. The presence of blood-related pigments, [...]
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