Drift fishing

[edit] Side Drift Fishing

My favorite type of Fishing, from a kayak or drift boat, is side drift fishing for steelhead. Side drift fishing is a technique that allows you to keep bait in the water for long periods of time. The most important key is to keep your boat going downstream at the same spead as your bait. The trick is to put enough weight on your line to not be hitting the bottom.

[edit] The Pre-Game

For fishing enthusiests like me, fishing is not just a day to just go mess around and maybe walk into a couple fish. I make sure that I am prepared for anything. I take a backpack with me with food, water, extra clothes, tackle, knife, and garbage bag (for hauling fish). A good pair of waders are also nice to have so as to not get wet. Being on the river all day and being wet is not enjoyable. The night before I also check the river level of where I am going, and the weather forecast for the next day.

[edit] Fishing Gear

It is very important to have good gear when you are fishing. Gear you can rely on in any weather or condition. In Oregon anything can happen. A great website that I use for my gear is Cabela's. Here you can find everything you need from waders, to tackle, to poles. When drifting (for steelhead) I use a spinning real and a 9 foot pole. Either of these can be different depending on what you are fishing for, your budget and your comfort level. When rigging my pole I used 10 lb. leader about 12 inches long. To attach this I use a tri-swivel and rubber weight. My bait of choice is a corkie with a number 1 size hook. I usually use orange or pink. Where I fish for steelhead these colors tend to work the best, but that also depends on where you are and what the fish are biting. And you can't forget the "secret sauce." I like to use a fish atractent scent when fishing. You can find these at any bait shop. I have found that the nastier the smell the better. Extra hooks, leader, and weights are always encouraged. I like to set mine up before I go so if I do lose them they're all ready to go. A good set of pliars is also a good thing to have. A camera is always nice to have too. Keeping track of those memerories is enjoyable and a good way to brag to your buddies about how you've done.

[edit] Tips

When I go fishing I go for a reason. I am very serious about fishing. I mentioned before checking the weather and water levels for where I fish. The first website I use is The Guides Forecast website. Here you can check river levels for any river in Oregon. Knowing what level the water should be at for prime fishing is very good to know. It is the difference between catching no fish and catching twelve. Another website I use is the weather channel. You can type in any city or zip code and find out the weather. This also has to do with the river level. If there is going to be alot of rain coming in then obviously the water will rise, and this can possibly ruin your fishing. Also, if there is fishing that you want to learn about or have not done much of, find a guide. The guides forecast website is another great place to find a guide. Learn as much as possible from the people who know what they're doing.

[edit] Most Important

Fishing... Fishing is technically defined as sitting around in an almost coma-like state waiting for an adrenaline rush to hit you at any time. The most important thing about fishing is to just have fun. Get away from the world for a few hours and enjoy the great outdoors. Take a friend that you can have a good time with and have a great time. But be prepared. That what makes fishing fun. If you get stuck without the right gear it can be miserable.