Newby has many questions but will start with a jigging question

[bdogdt47]

I have two trips to Odell planned and booked this year. Just finishing rigging out my boat and just bought some good (but not expensive) drop shot rods. I plan to use my downriggers AND to jig. Whatever is catching fish. Here is the question....forum members seem to lean towards using 6-8 lb braided line with a few feet of Fluoro tippet to the jig. Then I go to the store and get asked why I am going so light on the braided line, since the diameter of braided is much smaller than mono and casts just as well. Two stores have recommended at least 10 or 12 lb braided. I also attended a kokanee seminar and was told kokanee are not line shy. So what is the magic of the six or eight pound test? Lucky Duck, hope you are reading this and will respond. Just read your excellent book and noted that you also recommended 6lb.

Oh, any type or color of braided better than others. Tight lines to all

 

[SilverBullets]

For best accuracy when targeting suspended kokes you can't beat color metered braid... different color every 10 feet. The last few years i've been useing it in 15lb test (dia of 4lb mono) but just switched to 30lb (dia of 8lb mono) last season... easier to see the color changes. Haven't noticed any difference in catch rate between the two. I recommend a 10' section of Maxima Ultragreen in 6lb test for leader (have had bad experiences with fluoro.) Check out TuffLine XP Indicator Braid.

 

[The Lucky Duck]

I don't think the type of line is important, I use fire line, 6lb. Some of my crew use 10 lb braid. I don't think there is that much difference. If you are casting and letting it fall through the school with really light jigs 1/2 oz or less the smaller braid will have a little less resistance and allow the jig to flutter a little better. The other advantage is you can use a really small reel. The lighter the better for me. The last few years I have use 10 lb Big Game, not flouro topshot and have not noticed a difference. Sounds like you are ready to fish this year. Not sure when your trip are scheduled but generally speaking jigging will be better May and June, in July when the water warms the trolling starts picking up and jigging gets tougher.
TIP If you jig don't miss the first light and last light bite, there might be jumpers and that can be off the hook. You can nap during the afternoon wind.
I will be at Shelter Cove for the first 6 weekends, come by and say hey. You can't miss the boat.

 

[bdogdt47]

Thanks, guys! Think I will take both suggestion, or part of them. 10 lb braided and 6 lb maxima leader. For my Lamiglas rods I will be using 8 or ten pound maxima. The downriggers will be a little intimidating to start with. Lucky Duck I will be at Odell June 10th, leaving the 14th. Back again August, arriving the day after the derby and staying for five days in cabin #1. Could not get a cabin during the derby, unfortunately. Read your jigging book today. Love your "take no prisoner" approach to jigging. Yes, I will be doing some serious fishing this year. Finally gave up on golf and pursuing my real passion. Thanks again, guys

 

[The Lucky Duck]

Thanks, guys! Think I will take both suggestion, or part of them. 10 lb braided and 6 lb maxima leader. For my Lamiglas rods I will be using 8 or ten pound maxima. The downriggers will be a little intimidating to start with. Lucky Duck I will be at Odell June 10th, leaving the 14th. Back again August, arriving the day after the derby and staying for five days in cabin #1. Could not get a cabin during the derby, unfortunately. Read your jigging book today. Love your "take no prisoner" approach to jigging. Yes, I will be doing some serious fishing this year. Finally gave up on golf and pursuing my real passion. Thanks again, guys

Looks like we will just miss this year. By the time you get there I should have a good feel of what the fish are doing. Make sure and get ahold of me for some timely intel. Also there will be some old timers there that can (and will) help you, I will get you their names and camp site#.