king fisher

Rebel jumping minnow

I have worked as a fishing guide in Western Alaska for 25 years. Clouds of mosquito's are out 24 - 7. Every year clients come to Alaska with the newest bug protection on the market. I have only seen two things work. Clothes and a head net, or DEET. I hate wearing head nets, so I use DEET. The lighter concentration sprays will work for a short time. 100% for longer periods. For white sock nats, and no see ums only large doses of 100% DEET, used often is effective. Like I tell the new guides every year. DEET is toxic, but it's better than bleeding to death.

I have worked as a fishing guide in Western Alaska for 25 years. Clouds of mosquito's are out 24 - 7. Every year clients come to Alaska with the newest bug protection on the market. I have only seen two things work. Clothes and a head net, or DEET. I hate wearing head nets, so I use DEET. The lighter concentration sprays will work for a short time. 100% for longer periods. For white sock nats, and no see ums only large doses of 100% DEET, used often is effective. Like I tell the new guides every year. DEET is toxic, but it's better than bleeding to death.

blade bait such as a silver buddy. Cast parallel or jigged vertical

Chartreuse has caught every species of fish I have ever fished for, from sunfish to blue, marlin small big and everything in between. Salt water fresh water, clear or muddy doesn't seem to matter.

I fished this river system almost everyday during summer break when I was growing up in the Seventies and early Eighties. I don't ever remember seeing any beds. Most of the time I will be standing on dry land. Most of the shore line is steep and rocky. Two steps out and it;s over my head. Will try my best not to step on any beds while wading.. I only have two weeks in the end of May to take my vacation. Would rather fish post spawn but am not going to spend my time golfing in fear of disturbing Spawning bass. I will release them in the exact location they were caught unharmed. Have never believed in moon cycles effecting the fishing before, but I have recently read lots of theories on the subject since getting ready for this trip. Not sure what to believe. Just want to be as prepared as I can be. Appreciate any advice.

I will be fishing for both small mouth and large mouth bass in WA three weeks from now The water temps. will most likely be in the low to mid 60's. I have recently learned that bass spawn on the full moon cycle. The moon will be full the first day of my trip. The water will be dirty, I will be walking and wading large sections of shore line little or no current in most places.. I doubt I will be able see beds to cast to. What would be the best lures to use at this time casting blind. Most of my bass fishing experience has been with crank baits and spinner baits. I am hoping to learn to fish soft plastics. I have taken the advice from readers on this forum and purchased rage claw, hula grubs, and keitech swim baits. As well as the terminal tackle recommended for each of these baits. Any other suggestions.

great idea. Thanks

Thanks for the help. I will buy some from Barlows and try making some. I don't need a weight in the front, but can't figure out how to connect the wires together. Any suggestions?

Has anyone made their own umbrella rigs? I guide king Salmon anglers in Alaska for a month in the summer. I want to try umbrella rigs for them this year. I wood go broke if they work and I have to buy them already made. I have seen how they can catch bass. May be the best thing ever for King Salmon. Does anyone have any suggestions? Where can I get the wire? What would I need to make them? I wont be using soft swim baits on them, just spinners. I already have hundreds of spinner blades. Need Information on wire and weights. I know this is a bass fishing site. Because no Salmon fisherman use them, there is no Salmon anglers to ask. Would appreciate any advice.

Thanks to readers for the help. Looks like I will buy a few packs of Keitech. by far the favorite. Everyone seems to have a different way to rig them. I'm already buying 1/8 and 1/4 oz ball head jigs for hula grubs, and tubes. Was wondering if I really needed to buy different swim bait jig heads or weighted hooks? Also, a friend recommends Strike King Caffeine shad but not one recommendation for them on this post. Anyone have any luck with them?

Yes. I do mean the soft paddle tail type. Have heard good reports on Keitech. What about Strike king? How do you like to rig them, (weighted hook, ball jig head, T rig)?

I'm planning on trying swim baits In eastern WA state the last week of May. Both small and large mouth in the river system. Water temps should be in the mid to high 60's, rocky shoreline, with some weeds in bays. primary forage is crayfish, but there is a large bluegill, and carp population, would assume the bass eat them also. I have received good advice from readers concerning crank baits and soft craws. Would like to hear what readers favorite swimbaits are. Would appreciate color and rigging suggestions.

Thanks to readers for the advice. I plan on buying both and rig them with foot ball jigs. I'm going to put away my crank baits and spinners for a day and give these soft plastics a honest try. Could Mosster 47 explain the difference in the way he fishes the two baits. Thanks again.

Are more expensive brands worth buying? Sounds like everyone likes the Bandits. I don't mind spending more if they catch more fish.

Thanks for the advice. What brand and size of hooks on your jig heads? Do you ever use weighted swim bait hooks?

Will be fishing a river with mostly rock bottom. Larger sections, with little or no current. Both small and large mouth bass, mostly small mouth. Late May with water temps. in the mid 60's. Stained to dirty water color. 0' to 10 ' deep. Have had good luck in the past with crayfish colored crank baits w red or orange being best. Inline spinners have also been productive. I have never fished soft plastics. Since Crayfish are the main forage I am going to give some soft craws a try. Will be fishing from the bank and limited to spinning gear. What soft craws do readers recommend, and what is the best way to rig them for spinning gear.

I fished for bass in Eastern WA growing up in the seventies, and early eighties. Moved to Alaska after high school. Im moving back to WA and plan on fishing for bass again. Still have some crank baits that worked well in the rocky lake I fished growing up. Mostly Rebel Deep WEER, Hedon sonics, and bomber model A's. I still have many of the sonics, and Deep WEER's. Will these older lures still work well for both small mouth and large mouth bass in rocky muddy water up to 10 feet deep. Primary forage cray fish. Would like recommendations on newer Crank baits. Have read mixed reviews on the Rapala DT line. What about Bandit? Very good price. How is the quality? Do they catch fish as well as expensive brands?