Do Kokanee Really Have Soft Mouths? [Make Your Own Kokanee Micro Shrimp Lures]

[@robinshin15]

great content. I've had days where i've lost soo many kokanee trying to reel in nice and slow so i just started reeling in fast and ended up landing more.

[@chillipphi]

Like several other folks have pointed out it seems that the fast retrieve fish thrash around a lot more at the net potentially making losses more frequent. Slow and steady seems slightly better in that regard but you can’t be so committed to going so slow that you aren’t maintaining enough load and pressure on the rod to keep the hooks pinned.

[@returnofsid]

I really enjoyed the break you took, to share such cool information about the butterflies! Thank you!

[@richardpalmer4431]

I usually add a soft glow bead in front of the trailer hook for more attraction. My great aunt and uncle use to tie a piece of fluorescent yarn on there hooks

[@davidg2113]

I was always under the impression that the adage was more in terms of hook setting? However, you're 1000% more knowledgable about Kokanee fishing than I am so I'll defer to your interpretation. Great content! I love the comparison/tests that you do.

[@choucha5230]

You are the man, the reason why I want to get back into kokanee fishing. I sold my radar 135 with helix drive. 2 year ago brand new never touch the water. All rig up even on a new malone trailer. I recently just bought it back few days ago. Now I'm all excited on getting back into the water. I've tried few time in Lake Merwin few year back with previous hobbie kayak. No luck, but watching all your video. I hope to do better this year. Thanks

[@spiltmilt]

Glad you are getting back in the saddle. Merwin is a fun lake but can be tough. It's a big body of water.

[@Kokaneeangler]

I've been fishing only with the micro shrimps all season and I love them. They work great and out fished all other lures I've compared to hands down. I have the same ones as you from Amazon and coloring them and adding few beads and a smile blade.

[@dougsparks66]

The game changer for me on Merwin was going from solid spoons like the Kokanee King with a snubber to the multiple hook rigs...they get extra play in the hooks. Those early years when we used spoons we would get chunks of kokanee "lip" on the hook after losing the fish; hence the "soft mouth" mantra.

[@davidk2137]

This is real proof that the split shot/drop shot hook drives into the kokanee's mouth and won't let go. So, the faster you reel in the more time you are fishing. It is probably best to keep moderate pressure on and if you can wear the fish out it won't have the energy to flip off the hook on the surface.

[@davidk2137]

Very interesting. Reeling right-handed on the right side of the boat and left-handed on the left side of the boat. I hadn't noticed that before. I just watched the video again. Now I am thinking you need to mount another net on the other side, so you don't have to cross over.

[@richardpogue4959]

Great side by side comparison, love the content thank you

[@davidnguyen4642]

Thank you for all your expertise! It has definitely made me a better Kokanee angler. I appreciate all your videos!

[@capoeirabrasil]

Great info here on how to target fish where they are in the water column. Thanks!

[@jeffthrower4981]

I like your videos takeing notes I been using Squid skirts and Apex lures just ordered Micro shrimp I'm going to Tie some up and use of my next outing I'm gonna try using the lead droppers instead of my Down riggers. Spend more time fishing then dealing with the down riggers. Maybe I'll see you on the water and say Hi Fish on🐟

[@binman7934]

Hey Jeff, how did the micro shrimp work out for you? Wondering if they are better than the traditional hoochies.

[@jeffthrower4981]

@@binman7934 I did very good with the Pink Micro Shrimp and the lead droppers last year And I still use them

[@ThaxorSmash]

Berkely power nymphs are another great option. Also love the lure dip, I picked some up after seeing it in another one of your videos and used it on brass spinner bodies for Coho.

[@spiltmilt]

Those look cool. Bet they would be killer ice fishing for Kokes.

[@idahobound1]

Greetings from Idaho. Would you consider splitting this video into 2 videos- that way the microshrimp instructions could be easier to find. Thank you for all your fishing instruction.

[@taelonvandam1640]

Love these videos they’veReally helped me helped me get more Kokanee

[@nyersa1]

Pretty interesting, the micro shrimp look a lot like the Berkley gulp sand worms people use for surf perch. Just curious if you have ever tried them for Kokes?

[@russlawrence770]

Always a bit more to learn. Thank you

[@returnofsid]

Seems like the slow and steady resulted in an easier net job. But, I was not paying attention to left or right.

[@TwoStageTrigger]

The lake I mainly fish has small kokanee. Max size is 12 inches. I rip them in on 20lb test and have not lost any jaws. (I have 2 trolling rods set up for large trout that I use for everything.)

[@frzncstrd7647]

Very informative, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@andrewhansen4179]

Hello SpiltMilt. I heard some strange sounds in your video from 38 seconds to 50 seconds. Is that your fishing gear making those screeching noises?

[@spiltmilt]

Nesting Peregrine Falcons on the cliffs around the lake.

[@andrewhansen4179]

@@spiltmilt Oh, ok. I know that sound travels well across water. I thought those sounds might be birds, but then again, there might also have been other boats out and about making noises similar birds. Great kokanee fishing videos by the way. We are just starting to get into koke fishing in my neck of the woods. I caught some 14"'rs the other day and they smoked up nicely. My best luck was on one of your minimalist type fly lures. Fish here were really picky and slow to take trolled lures as the water was only 40 degrees F. Take care. A.

[@mikec9453]

I look forward to these koke videos as I always learn something new. I have always thought that Kokanee have soft mouths because the grow so fast. Could it be possible that their bone structure is starting to calcify at this time of year when they are getting closer to the spawn? Just a thought.

[@craigworden465]

Great video - where did you get the #1 colorado? Is it brass or gold plate? Thanks

[@spiltmilt]

Gold, Sportsmans Warehouse

[@waynesmith5629]

Great fishing video! Tried amazon for those shrimps eta is October have you seen them anywhere else?

[@spiltmilt]

Mine had that long expected wait time but I still got them in a few weeks.

[@jeffthrower4981]

I ordered mine on Amazon On Thursday August 20th received it 2 days later on Saturday the 22nd I'm in Washington State. I looked at the shipping package it was Ship from Las Vegas Nevada. Good luck fish on🐟

[@fishing132006]

Great video. Very informative

[@western-fishing]

Great video! One thing, I lost my hook because the rig you showed, maybe it is my fault. Just for your consideration. Better to rig with the traditional double snell knot.

[@spiltmilt]

Never had an issue with snelled hooks I use over the last twenty years on everything from Kokanee to King Salmon.

[@taylorstassens9834]

With good supple rod I agree you dont need to be to careful on how you reel them in, but I know growing up when I just used a bass rod to troll for them because it was the only rod I had, I still remember reeling in and nothing but a kokanee’s lower jaw was left on the hook, learned about snubbers the next day at the local tackle shop. Ice fishing kokanee I feel you have to grip and rip.

[@spiltmilt]

For sure I hammer them on UL ice rods and no mercy until you rip them thru the hole.

[@yakhusker5914]

Always thought that hook penetration trumped a “soft mouth”. Honing my hooks has become a regular occurrence the last year and more fish staying on. Thanks for sharing. Which lake did you test it on?

[@spiltmilt]

Alta

[@yakhusker5914]

I knew I recognized it. Love to camp there when it’s not as hot as last week

[@thomassmestead2801]

I have never reeled in the kokes slow and steady. Frankly, retrieve rate doesn't seem to matter, as long as it's smooth and not jerky. My opinion is that fish who "get off", probably weren't well hooked up in the first place. Happens, because the fishes attack on the "feed" was somehow flawed in the first place. Sometimes, they make half-hearted attacks on bait or lure, for unknown reasons, and sometimes they just go plain, old, lockjawed. Just not in a "mood" to feed, I guess.

[@adamwarrick2970]

Great comparison! Do you see them pop off more once they break the surface and get dragged along the surface? I need to work on keeping the dodger below the water until it gets to the boat...

[@spiltmilt]

I've tried dipping the rod tip when they are super jumpy, sometimes it helps

[@lucasjedwards]

I've never used Pro Cure before...is it better to get the "bait oil" or "super gel?" Garlic Bloody Tuna comes in both forms. Thanks.

[@spiltmilt]

The oil if scenting corn or Gulp maggots

[@spineguy444]

Nice lake do you mind saying where it is located?

[@macsmith2092]

Great video. Off topic question. What's your opinion on releasing kokanee this time of year. I have heard the mortality rate is high. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[@spiltmilt]

With surface temps in the mid 70's of higher the water is in the lethal range. That being said I've fought fish to the boat and lost them there and they swam away and never resurfaced but I am sure it was stressful. I wouldn't recommend high grading this time of year.

[@steveny1760]

Hi Tyler, I don't do much lake fishing but you said you marked a thermocline at 18 feet but your fishing at 45 to 55 feet down. Does the thermocline not impact kokanee?

[@spiltmilt]

I am fishing with 45-55' of line out with 2 oz which puts my gear at 20-25' down just below the thermocline. The water below the thermocline is where the kokanee hang out because its nice and cool and oxygen rich.

[@PNWpyrohead]

when you rig your micro shrimp or hoochies, I notice you always use colorado blades, do you not find smiley's effective?

[@spiltmilt]

Colorado blades have more mass and create more disturbance in the water which is why prefer them. My goal is to excite the fish's lateral line.

[@bluewrx02fisher]

Lol when you said “lit up” it reminded me of the way Phil Robertson talks in Duck Dynasty. Great job getting those fish. I’ve never fished for Kokanee, how do they taste compared to trout or salmon?

[@spiltmilt]

To me it is indistinguishable from ocean run salmon. Absolutely delicious.

[@timschwarze4842]

Tyler, I like these kind of videos. I am never out enough to want to gamble with losing a fish with a perceived poor retrieve technique.

[@chriswebster9632]

Fantastic vid Tyler! Im looking to upgrade to a Kokanee-dedicated setup out of my OT. Currently it’s a mashup of all-purpose rigs which have been successful, fairly stiff but aren’t super great for trolling. Recommendations on a good rod/reel that won’t necessarily break the bank? The Kokanee poles I have perused at the shop seem way to flexible to support a 2-4 oz cannonball. Cheers and thanks for all the lessons

[@spiltmilt]

Check out the Eagle Claw Featherlight Kokanee Casting rod FL209C2-8 only $30 and the Tica 150 LC reel amzn.to/3hOPeJo that combo will set you back about $100

[@chriswebster9632]

Spilt Milt Productions Thank you for the recommendation. More than happy to support your channel. Cheers!

[@fishing132006]

If you want to color your micro shrimp to orange do you recommend the garlic or the unscented for Kokanee?

[@spiltmilt]

I prefer unscented but the garlic works too.

[@fishing132006]

@@spiltmilt thanks. The pink micro shrimp you recommended, I ended up buying and using and it was on fire for the kokonee out here

[@fishing132006]

@@spiltmilt I was thinking of a orange shrimp and ordering the orange dip. Do you think it'd be better to dip the pink shrimp I already have completely in the orange or buy the glow shrimp and dip it in the orange. Just want to get your opinion which one would show Orange better.

[@gordonmcds]

Do you have a link for the colorado blades? I want to make those shrimp!

[@spiltmilt]

It's a size 1 colorado blade. Not sure who sells them online.

[@yakhusker5914]

What size hook would you recommend with these shrimp? 4’s or 2’s?. Just got mine from Amazon

[@yakhusker5914]

Been waiting until they showed up again on Amazon. Last week I was telling my brother about them. Got on your recommendation links and boom they were available. Snatched a couple bags. Thx for your great vids this year

[@spiltmilt]

Size 2's for Kokanee fisheries with fish greater than 13"

[@terryd2634]

Love your videos. I'm looking to buy an Old Town Top water Pdl. I've noticed you fishing on 3 different Kayaks so far. How many Kayaks do you have and which do you prefer?

[@spiltmilt]

I currently have a Sportsman's PDL 120 and an AutoPilot 120. I like them both a lot. One is pedal drive the other electric each has it's advantages and disadvantages. It really depends on what type of fisheries you plan on pursuing, transportability your prefer, and what you want your kayak to do for you.

[@terryd2634]

@@spiltmilt Thanks for the info. Great videos.

[@rheopepticity]

How well do the micro shrimp do compared to micro hoochies? Seems like in your more recent videos you've been mostly using hoochies, is that correct?

[@spiltmilt]

Yeah I mostly use microhoochies but shrimp perform similarly

[@stoweman34]

I wonder if the angle of the rod has more to do with it...your angle from the kayak is much lower than being in my 185 Raider with 32” gunnel height.

[@spiltmilt]

I don't see how that would impact your catch ratio.

[@thomassmestead9905]

I retrieve at a medium pace. Seriously, I don't think retrieval rate much matters, when it comes to bringing fish to the net. What matters is correct hooks, and possibly the flexibility, or stiffness, of the rod being used. Just my opinion...

[@bigbodyalan7054]

Can u fish for salmon on the banks by Brewster

[@spiltmilt]

Yes but it is difficult to have success.

[@bigbodyalan7054]

@@spiltmilt oh

[@timschwarze4842]

On a side note, how many different nets do you have? Is it a subject worth covering?

[@spiltmilt]

I have so many. I may do a future video on that topic

[@jerrybrough4333]

We’re do I get these micro shrimp?

[@spiltmilt]

Link is in the video description

[@richardpogue4959]

What lake is that you’re fishing would like to go check it out

[@spiltmilt]

Alta Lake

[@derrickdeeds9386]

You miss a bite at 5:07

[@spiltmilt]

Noooooooooooooooo!

[@Practice_makes_real]

Watching your netting (ahem) skills makes me think the folklore of "soft jaws" is just that: myth. Seeing the kokes bang around before flopping off the hooks in the net suggests to me it's their thrashing at the surface that results in shaking the hook(s) loose; like other fish, give 'em any slack and they'l throw the hook. Besides, what's the evidence for "soft jaws": reeling in your gear with little koke jaws spiked on the hook?

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

My evidence is 35 years of kokanee fishing?....soft mouths YES If you don't like his info leave....nobody needs a KNOTTY TROLL HERE

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

Slow and easy is the definitive winner, I have proven it to friends the past 2 decades....especially on kokes over 3 lbs........tire them out away from the boat so they don't start jumping, zigzag and freaking out and throw the hooks Now I don't mean snail pace , I make sure the fly rod has a good bend the whole time I don't set the hook at all just lift and reel, these hooks will penatrate.....too much pressure or aggressive hook sets even with snubbers will create a hole larger than the hook diameter......a good jump or a rod dip and they are gone

[@dustinrhodes1091]

Just curious what lake this time?

[@spiltmilt]

Alta

[@stevehogan8829]

so would have been nice to show the fish..

[@spiltmilt]

?

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

So you missed the 10 kokanee arrayed in a circle? Open your eyes man

[@BC-ue3ku]

NO MERCY 🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@paulmonaco1148]

My one reason for HORSING them in as fast as I can, is I don't have to wait in the LONG lines at the CLEANING Station... LOL... K I D D I N G!!! I'm the ONLY guy at the cleaning station. Honestly I'm OLD SCHOOL *** S L O W - N - STEADY *** fills the Yeti.... I'm sure that's been used before, B U T... It just came out of my head. If it hasn't been coined yet??? I want the rights to it!!!! and the $$$$$

[@BcFuTw9jt]

Fudd busters for fishing. Amazing how much "knowledge" is BS