The Twitching Jig

Fishing with jigs is a widely recognized technique. Anglers have traditionally employed this type of lure to target various species, such as bass, crappies, salmon, and steelhead. Fish are typically attracted to lures that mimic prey or provoke an instinctive predatory response. Anglers use floats to drift jigs in moving water or suspend them in [...]

Salmon East Coast Vancouver Island Beaches

Nothing is more exhilarating than the pursuit, discovery, approach, and culmination. But this isn't traditional hunting; it is beach fishing for salmon along the East Coast of Vancouver Island. A distinct sense of mystery comes with approaching a body of water and contemplating the aquatic life within. It is hard for an angler to resist [...]

Camping on the Somass River

  We camped on the Somass River for four days. River conditions were challenging: low, clear water, sunny weather, and slower-than-usual flow. Larger setups were ineffective, as the salmon were cautious. We had to lighten the leaders and the main line. We used 10- and 12-pound fluorocarbon leaders for the large spring salmon. For the [...]

Does the Perfect lure Exist?

By Gil d'Oliveira It is a quest in every angler's mind to find the holy grail lure that will catch everything. Could this exist? Some say yes. As in any sporting activity, you can win and lose. The anglers in British Columbia are no exception. British Columbia, Canada, provides anglers with opportunities to fish from [...]

The Flasher vs Dodger Challenge.

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 [...]

The Spoon Lure

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 [...]

Another Season for Sockeye on The Somass River

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 [...]

Amundson Proto Type Center Pin Reel

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 [...]

Anglers Nets Pro & Con

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 [...]

Amundson Outdoors Rod Test

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 [...]

Twitching Jigs

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 [...]

Soft Bead vs Roe

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 [...]

The Flasher vs. the Dodger

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, [...]

Sockeye Salmon On The Somass River

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 [...]

Somass River 2023 Spring and Coho Salmon.

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 [...]