New Wyoming State Record Kokanee.

[MackPrince]

Awesome catch. We could use some fish like that over here in WA.crymeariver
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[Kokaholic]

Here is what is so great about this whole new state record fish, I would bet that this record get broken again this year. There was another fish that came in the day before the tourney up there that anolder couple had at the cleaning station that was probaby the twin to this fish. Jared Johnson seen it as, Did PRO fishing sea to I think. They said that this fish was that big two hours later on the cleaning station counter. It weighed in at that time right close to 6 lbs.

I thnk there are many more fish in that catagory up there, Just being in the right place at the right time Like Brian was.

 

[Vance Staplin]

Wow.. I'm surprised a fish that big came in on a size 6 hook without straightening it. That must have been an adrenaline rush to bring in that one. Wonder what leader length he was using too.

Hi Guy's,

Thanks for all of the nice words. The Buckboard Derby has always been a great time, but it is even better when lady luck comes your way.

I have not fished the Gorge much, I think the number is only 5 times since 2002 but I have always done very well with the small size 1 Sockeye Slammer there. I think the small spoon is new to the fish.

The Sockeye Slammer #1 has an incredibly aggressive action and unfortunately I cannot put a larger hook on it without the added weight affecting/killing that action.

To answer the question on the size 6 hook is that you have to take a pair of needle nose pliers and open the hook up by bending it out and up making it wider and shorter. I have yet to have a fish straighten the hook after doing this process but I'm sure it could happen.

As far as leader length I use 14 to 18 inches with our Dodgers to allow the action of the spoon work on its own. The Dodger just gives it a little kick at those lengths.

Good luck Fishing!!

Vance

 

[Kokaholic]

Thanks Vance. Welcome aboard.

 

[HiTechKoke]

Tks Vance for the tip on the hook and leader length. Stop by more often to keep us updated on your fishing adventures.

One more question - What lb leader and type do you use with your sockeye slammers and what knot do you tie to the lure?


Also on the split shot on the leader which I like the idea I assume you have to be pretty careful not to crimp too tight to damage the line?

Kevin

 

[Propnut69]

Welcome aboard Vance,glad to see you here.

 

[SilverBullets]

thumbsupWelcome to KFF Vance!thumbsup

 

[Vance Staplin]

Tks Vance for the tip on the hook and leader length. Stop by more often to keep us updated on your fishing adventures.

One more question - What lb leader and type do you use with your sockeye slammers and what knot do you tie to the lure?


Also on the split shot on the leader which I like the idea I assume you have to be pretty careful not to crimp too tight to damage the line?

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Did I mention the split shot on this forum?? I'm certain that there are some guys scratching their heads on this one so I will elaborate.

I discovered this process while fishing with a friend that fishes way faster than I do. We couldn't believe how the split shot created a catapult effect on the Hoochies and spoons we were using. I have several guides using this process and they have had terrific results.

I designed, basically by hand "Vance's" Dodgers to have the utmost action at speeds from 1.1 to 1.5 M.P.H. while guiding for Kokanee at Stampede Lake in Northern California back in the late 90's. When designing blades it is basically a weight vs length and bend issue. It is basically impossible to have an outrageous action on a small dodger at 1.1 and not have it roll at say 1.7/1.8 on up. Some of our painted dodgers (because of the added weight of the paint) will troll at 1.6 to 1.7 without any changes.

Although I virtually never troll for Kokanee at speeds higher than 1.5 I found a way for our dodgers to not only troll at high speeds but be more aggressive than anything I have ever seen (even above 2.0 m.p.h.) by adding a small split shot on the leader about 1 inch below the snap on the dodger. With this method you get the added action without any noticeable weight or drag on your rod. It doesn't take much of a split shot at all for speeds of 1.7 and 1.8. But increase the size to reach speeds of 2.0.

The smaller the split shot the better.

I have not noticed any problem with the split shot causing enough line damage to break with pinching the shot into place.

When I get some time I will formulate and post what size shot to use at different speeds.

Line weight?

I rarely bring a fish in myself because I usually have my young children or guests in my boat, I pass the rods off and enjoy watching them fight the fish. The children definitely make a lot of mistakes such as getting the line into the downrigger cables etc, because of this I use 10lb line on the rods and in California I run 8lb leader.

With our custom 7' and 7'6" rods I have found no need for line above 10 pounds, but for Flaming Gorge I increased the leader weight to 10lb test. I tried McCoy line for this trip and found it to be awesome.

Vance

 

[Petty4life]

Welcome aboard Vance and congrads on that fish. WOW. hope we can get Brian to register on here so we can pat him on the back to.thumbsupworthy12worthy12worthy12