2013 Episode Synopsis
by Charlie Wray

Episode 225: Glow Spoon Salmon

Today, the Mercury Marine destination takes us out to the waters of Lake Ontario near the city of St. Catharines. This is still spring time but forget the shallows. Between boat traffic and clear waters, the most consistent fishing has been in deep water over the last few years.

Charlie had great success with the Hot Spot Agitator last year and was anxious to try it early in the season this year, but with a slightly different approach. Wanting still to run a slider on the line for a few additional hits, this time, the Hot Spot Agitator was attached directly to the downrigger weight with only a 4 foot lead, with the release clip only a few feet up the cable. The reason for this, if the release clip was any closer, they would tangle when your presentation is lowered. Since the Agitator is so efficient at attracting the fish, this time, the lure is no more than 10 feet behind to take advantage of the Salmon coming in for a closer look. Thanks to the crystal clear images on the big Humminbird 1198, it was obvious the fish are coming in close to look at the Agitator, so running short leads were a must. Short leads are also very helpful when running sliders.

A slider is a short length of line, designed to clip onto your main line once your first presentation is set in the release clip. Charlie uses 8 feet of 30 lb Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader material, and two Mustad ball bearing snap swivels. Keep in mind, once a fish hits the slider and pulls your other presentation from the release clip, the only thing stopping the slider, is the snap swivel on the slider running down the line to your spoon on the main line, so make sure the snap is small enough not to move past the spoon on the main line. The spoon on your main line is the stopper.
No matter how tight you set your main line to the release clip, there is always a belly that forms in the line due to the water resistance from your trolling speed. You can control the size of the belly by backing off some of the pressure allowing your main line to belly out higher in the water column. This is where your slider will sit, so you can play around a little for extra hits with only a one rod set up. The slider will add to the size of the belly with a little added resistance.

While it is very obvious the Hot Spot Agitator works miracles at attracting the Salmon in for a closer look, it is the Moonshine glow spoons Charlie has been using the last few years that has really upped the catch rate. Not only do these spoons have a great action and wonderful colours, but the glow finish on these Moonshine spoons last a very long time down in the darker depths, and this has made a big difference.

Downrigging is simple. A weight that takes your presentation to the depths you want to fish, with your main line connected to a release clip that releases once a fish hits, so you fight the fish without weights attached. Only Cannon makes it even easier. Preset depth settings, full keypad control, positive Ion control, 20 lb weight capacity, fast retrieval speeds, and the list goes on. One that Charlie absolutely loves is the waterline stop feature. Hit the up button, and forget about it, the downrigger stops the weight at the waterline all by itself allowing you to fight and net the fish without worrying about a 20 pound weight rushing to the surface and slamming into the front roller on the downrigger boom.

Sometimes it is the simple things that make such a big difference. Charlie uses the Mustad Ultra Point Siwash hooks on all his spoons. Light in weight, but big on strength, these hooks allow the spoons to dance with great action, and being Ultra Point, they are incredibly sharp, straight out of the package. The other must do for those that enjoy downrigger fishing, is to try out the Seaguar Abrazx line. This main line Fluorocarbon is incredibly tough, virtually invisible and very thin. Not only will this invisible main line equal more hits, but you will be quick to notice that there is next to no line damage from the release clips, unlike what you experience with monofilament.

Even though Charlie is still using his 30 size Okuma line counter reels for this, the line counter is not needed for a 10 foot lead, but often comes in handy for other applications. This is still a powerful reel with a great drag system and a must for any trolling application to repeat successful leads. This is the exception, 10 feet is fairly easy to eyeball, but even today, the line counter is still fun to see how much line a Spring King Salmon can peel off. Okuma also has a new line of downrigger rods available, the Blue Diamond rods are E-Glass strong and beautifully finished and also at a very reasonable price.

If you are looking for a big water boat that is still very trailer friendly, look at the Crestliner Sportfish 2150 SST. This is the largest of the Crestliner fleet and handles the big water comfortably. The SST ( Space Saver Transom ) extends the length of the boat allowing more usable space in the boat, and giving a large splash well that will keep even the largest waves from entering the boat. The SST also gives a perfect place to store the sun top when not in use with a hinged area that hides the cover completely. Crestliner boats are completely welded and this 2150 Sportfish even has toe rails for balance when fighting or rigging in the big water, something not often found in many aluminum boats.

These Creatliner boats are built right and even rated for 300 hp, and with a Mercury 300 hp Verado motor, power is no problem. Creatliner boats run true and plane quickly, so maximum horsepower is not needed, but still nice to rocket out to the hot spots once in a while. For family fun and options, the conversion stern bench offers a plush bench across the back for tubing, skiing or leisure rides, and folds down into a back casting deck when it's time to fish. With the 15 hp Mercury Pro Kicker as a trolling motor, this rig is complete. It is nice to have the kicker for slower speeds and as a safety motor on big waters, but the Mercury Verado motors were designed for long runs and also day after day of trolling, so Charlie often only trolls with the Verado for exact trolling speed. You won't hurt this motor. It is designed for the abuse you throw at it. Add the Cannon Track System and Cannon Adjustable Rod Holders, and you can do anything you want with this fisherpersons dream fishing rig.

Continue to Episode 226

Go Back