Circle Hooks For Kenai Sockeyes (Part 2).WMV

[@AlaskaPirates]

Great video Toad! I am so ready for this season! I can’t wait!

[@tundratoad7046]

Thanks for watching! You and me both!

[@AlaskaPirates]

@@tundratoad7046 thanks for posting! Hope we can do some fishing this season!

[@LMNLS]

I have noticed that the Matzuo hooks are a little weak too but they were the only straight eye circles I could find in Soldotna. I bought a couple of packs of 3/0 and 4/0 two years ago and feel like I have enough hooks for several more seasons. Though they are weaker hooks they just don't dull themselves on the rocks like J hooks.

[@AlaskaPirates]

@@LMNLS did they straighten on you?

[@LMNLS]

@@AlaskaPirates the 3/0 size do straighen but rhe 4/0 hold up a bit better. I think a very large sockeye might straighten the 4/0 too but I haven't caught any over about ten pounds the last couple seasons.

[@Steve-rr3gc]

Thank you sir for your videos. I’ve been to the kenai the last 2 years-I’m from southwest Pennsylvania. Your videos are helpful. I have a couple questions for you. 1. Is your fly line floating or sinking or doesn’t it matter? 2. How do you tie your slip weight and does it help with snags? You are so right about being in the zone, but there needs to be fish running. As this was our PROBLEM this year. The week we were there they weren’t running. 2,000-3,000 a day was not good odds.

[@tundratoad7046]

Steve - Thanks for watching! Sorry that the Reds didn't show up in significant numbers while you were up. The run turned out to be better than last year and last year was a fantastic run. for the last couple years I've had the best fishing the last week of July, first week of August. Don't know if that trend will continue. As to your questions, I haven't used fly line for quite a few years now. I spool up my fly reels with @100 yards of 30 lb. Amnesia monofilament with enough 30 lb. backing to fill the reels. I've also moved away from slip weights as I've found that I get a better "feel" with a fixed weight set up. Please check out these links to a couple pics. Don't know if they will help - drive.google.com/file/d/1K_LevEJkAVZTjpxhVluMH19xupzqRjTH/view?usp=drive_link, drive.google.com/file/d/1W4Ajif47vhxR4y_WgXmRFkyqweVB9y6b/view?usp=drive_link

[@Steve-rr3gc]

@@tundratoad7046 thanks for your help. This year we were up the second week of July. Had to take that week to get in with the outfitter. Next year we are scheduled for last week of July. Plus the pinks will be running. I use fixed weights gets when we are fishing for steelhead in Erie. In one video I thought you said you were trying loose weight. Must have figured out didn’t work. Trial and error. Keep the rod bent.

[@tundratoad7046]

Was just thinking that if you like using sliding weights, I can try and explain how I rigged them up. In any case, weather sliding of fixed I like using a short loop of 12 lb. mono attached to the snap, to crimp on split shot. I can add or subtract the shot so that I get just the right amount for the water I'm fishing. If the shot gets hung up on a snag then the 12 lb. mono is easily breaks.

[@Steve-rr3gc]

@@tundratoad7046 thanks for that. I usually used a 6lb length of mono tied to swivel to put splits on. ( way we did it for steelhead, would rather loose the section , than have to keep retrying leader). I was loosing them often this year and the guide had weight he snapped directly to swivel. Wasn’t crazy bout method, but didn’t loose split shots. I eventually went to your suggested method of the loop. My daughters and I love fly fishing. Next year my sons are scheduled to go up with me.

[@stevendeloose7534]

How do you tie the leader to that gamakatsu 2/0 in blue? Is the leader tied on first and then you put your blue thread over the knot?

[@tundratoad7046]

Steven - Believe you are talking about the Gamakatsu Octopus 2/0. I was testing out some different material on that particular "fly". I built up a head with thread and thick head finish, then I dipped the hook in Pro-Tec Powder Paint (June Bug Flake). Currently, I attach all my flies with the improved version of the Uni Knot. If I use yarn, then I go with the Egg Loop Knot with two or three wraps behind the eye. Hope this helps.

[@tundratoad7046]

Steven - Remember to pass the leader down thru the eye so that it is parallel to the point if you are using a Uni Knot or the improved version, Fish N Fool Knot.