a few noob questions...

[laminac]

I've been wanting to try to catch kokanee and it seems corn is the most popular, since that isn't an option in Utah, what do you use instead? I've heard of just using a flasher and a bare hook, seems odd, but hey if it works!

I've got a canoe, do I need to worry about those aquatic hitchhikers? One thing I like about the canoe is I can put in anywhere.

Also are down riggers really necessary? It would just seem odd putting one on a canoe.

Any advice would is greatly appreciated. thanks

 

[SuperD]

Welcome to the board. In Utah, the berkley power maggots is usually the hook tipping bait of choice. White, pink, orange, green.... They all work on a given day. Try to match the maggots with your lure such as a spinner, hootchie or a spoon.

when you launch a canoe in Utah, you are required by law to have a aquatic invasive species permit in the window of your vehicle. They are available online at the Utah fish & game site. You can get a daily permit or take the test and get an annual permit.

Downriggers are mandatory but i highly recommend them. I used to have a scanoe and I bought some small Cannon clamp ons that work well and go on and off easily. If you don't go with downriggers, there are other inline divers out there that will help you get down in the water column. Also, if you don't have it rigged for it yet, seriously consider adding an electric trolling motor.

There are a number of tackle suppliers advertising on this site. Browse through the tackle they offer and come back with more questions as they come to mind.

 

[SilverBullets]

A canoe will work. I've fished for kokes with a 9' inflatable pontoon a few times. It's not the most comfortable but it can be done. I've got it rigged up with a fishing buddy fishfinder and electric motor. For a downrigger I just wrapped some rope on a wire spool with a couple loops for my target depths and a release clip attached to a 6lb ball. The spool converts to a anchor line holder when not being used as a downrigger. I've found that it's alot easier to jig from the pontoon though.

 

[laminac]

thanks...

Thanks for the tips. Making my own down rigger is a great idea, I've got a humminbird 570 portable, so I plan on putting that on my canoe.

making my own down rigger is a great idea! 101goodpost101 I was thinking of putting a lead weight on my pole (1 or 2 oz) and then using my fish finder to find out how deep I am. I'm not sure how deep the kookes are though, or if I will just have to have too much weight on my pole.

My wife doesn't really want me to spend any more on fishing, so doing things as cheap as possible is great.

Keep the tips comming! I've got a row rig planned for my canoe (stabalizers are almost made) so I was planning on having a set of oars at least instead of a trolling motor (should save me a few $$$)

 

[Petty4life]

Thanks for the tips. Making my own down rigger is a great idea, I've got a humminbird 570 portable, so I plan on putting that on my canoe.

making my own down rigger is a great idea! 101goodpost101 I was thinking of putting a lead weight on my pole (1 or 2 oz) and then using my fish finder to find out how deep I am. I'm not sure how deep the kookes are though, or if I will just have to have too much weight on my pole.

My wife doesn't really want me to spend any more on fishing, so doing things as cheap as possible is great.

Keep the tips comming! I've got a row rig planned for my canoe (stabalizers are almost made) so I was planning on having a set of oars at least instead of a trolling motor (should save me a few $$$)

where are you locaated?

 

[laminac]

I'm in the salt lake area.

 

[SuperD]

My wife doesn't really want me to spend any more on fishing, so doing things as cheap as possible is great.

laminac, don't tell us you are kitty whipped!

 

[GVF]

A bit old school but you could find a reel and line it with lead core line or use in-line weights a few feet up your line.I use 1+ weights at pyramid .You will lose a bit of the fun in a lt line fight but you will put koke in the boat.

 

[SilverBullets]

Here's another method I've used in the past...It's a guessing game as far as the depth (might get you down as far as 50' depending on the weight being used and your speed) but once you figure it out you can get back to them easily. One advantage of this method is once you take the weight off your just fighting the fish...the downside is you could lose the fish while stopping to detach.
http://www.offshoretackle.com/graphics/instructionsheets/OR20 Snap Weight System Instructions.pdf

 

[lnnnsxt]

This is what we used for King's on the ocean, it also doubles as a snubber because of the spring inside.

http://www.luhrjensen.com/products/accessories/sinker-release