Sockeyes & Circle Hooks
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- Chugiak, AK. - February 2017
I have a bad case of Cabin Fever, so I'm going to self-medicate by tying up some Kenai River Sockeye flies. Around this time 2 years ago, during another bout of Cabin Fever, I was browsing the internet for ideas on catching Kenai Reds and ran across the concept of using circle hooks. The tackle and terminal setup was pretty much the same as used for the traditional "flossing" method, with the exception that instead of using a "J" hook, a circle hook was used. The method seemed sound, so for the 2015 season, I gave them a try. It made me a believer! Over the winter, I tied up some fly patterns on circle hooks just to see how they would work vs. using floss. Fast forward to July 2016 - Yep! They worked and how, I had a blast!
Using circle hooks is by the far the most effective way of legally hooking a Sockeye salmon on the Kenai River that I've come across. Almost zero "foul" hooked, which translates to easier on the fish, tackle and time.
In this video, I attempt to show the circle hook (de-barbed) setup I use. As always, check the regs' and EO's before dropping your line in the water.
Nice vid sir!! I live in Chugiak also!! Im anxious to try the circles this season!!
Good Grief! Have no clue as to how I missed your comment. Have you tried the Circles?
I really appreciate your videos on circle hooks for Sockeye and have had great success with them as well. You mentioned that you use between a 3-6 foot leader. What factors influence your decision to fish a longer leader?
Thanks for watching, much appreciated! What determines the length of leader I use is a good question. I have no hard and fast rule. However, after pondering your question for a little bit, I came up with a couple scenarios that determine what length I use. First I take into consideration what the bottom conditions are, the depth, and current. If the bottom is relatively clear of obstructions, shallow, and the current isn't too strong, I find that I can go with a longer leader, i.e. 6 ft. or more. My reasoning being, that the more leader I have between my hook and weight, the better my odds are that it will find a sockeye. I actually wound up using close to a 9 foot leader this past season as the little stretch of river I was fishing had a "smooth" bottom, was "shallow" and the current wasn't too strong. Also, the fish seemed to be spread out. In faster, deeper, and more "cluttered" water, I will shorten my leader until I find a length that works. The goal is to keep the hook, leader and weight in the "zone" throughout the drift so it takes some experimenting.
Another great one! Are you still out there? Still shoot video?
Thank you! And yes, I'm still "out there". Ha! I experimented with some different brands and sizes of Circles this past season, and the thought it might be of interest to put together a short video of what the results were (sort of a follow-up to Circle Hooks for Kenai Sockeyes). Have a little more editing to do, but I should have it up in a week or so.
@@tundratoad7046 AWESOME! I just found out I will be spending part of the summer on the peninsula, maybe we can go fishing. Looking forward to the next video, again, thanks for the tips, I can’t wait to try them out this summer.
Where on the kenai are those legal? Just wanting to know I'd use them for sure
Terry - Thanks for watching! For the Kenai River, yes they are legal. If you will be fishing the Upper Kenai River, the Gamakatsu Nautilus 1/0 meets the 3/8" or less gap requirement. However, don't take my word for it, check the current Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations. As for the other Kenai Peninsula rivers/streams, again check the current regulations. "Circle Hooks for Kenai Sockeye" is a short how-to on fishing for Sockeye with Circle Hooks. If you haven't all ready done so, take a look. It might help clear things up a bit. Again, thanks for watching! FISH ON!