HOW TO FLOSS FOR SALMON ( Drift & flip )

This time round Bill & I decide, “lets hit the Russian River one last time this season.” While there we thought it would be a good idea to try and teach people the “flossing technique”. Some people would confuse with for “snagging” IT’S NOT! Snagging is not only illegal in most areas of the state, for the majority of the year, but it also takes ZERO SKILLS to do… just a heavy hook and water flogging… NO, “Flossing” requires a great deal of skill & practice and a great deal of patience, If you’re new. With this technique you’re more likely to fair hook your fish so you don’t have to return them potentially harmed and damaged. We encourage you to learn this skill as you will spend more time fighting fish and less time fighting snags and not filling your freezers.
P.S.A.
Also. We have started noticing as the tourism returns to our state some popular fishing spots have collected some garbage. So please be courteous and take your trash with you. It uglies up Alaska’s beauty and attracts wildlife. In addition, many fishing spots have used fishing line and tackle dispensers nearby. So, If ya see some, be a pal and pick it up. Thank you.
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[@alexharris9714]

I live in Vancouver and flossing is technically legal but considered very poor fishing ethics. That being said our rivers are more fragile and overfished.

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

See, in Alaska either the reg on the river allows it or not. Here its just another technique. And on the river featured in the video its the only way you can fish from.the banks. Its also a strong river.

[@360.Outdoors]

Wa or Canada??

[@savagenorthfishing3259]

It’s really about the only way you can get a red salmon on your hook line. They rarely buy the lure like other salmon do

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

That bonus is so cool! So many dollies and trout just waiting for food

[@jesseshelby4383]

Just got back from the Russian River confluence. Was there on the 3rd. Even got a few coho! There was a bear cub there too. The place is awesome.

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Its a beautiful place for sure!

[@justinmacks1481]

In Michigan it's "legal" as long as you don't twitch or pull the rod tip at the end of the run. People get around it by pulling the line to "reset" for the next drift, but if they feel resistance can pawn it off as a hookup/hookset. I don't like flossing. Michigan rivers are smaller and the fish get stacked up, so they're picked off easy. Should be floating or drifting spawn and swinging flies and spinners only, at least in Michigan. No 1oz weights off the mainline with a 10ft leader and an eggs fly... Some rivers have only natural reproduction and flossers or "chuck n' duck" people are ruining the Chinook resource slowly, flossing spawners off the gravel late Sept.

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Interesting. See this. I like learning the differences between states and how the rules and regs and common courtesies differ. In Alaska flossing is super super common, and in this particular location what we show in the video is the only legal way to fish this location since they, 1- dont bite, and 2- are in abundance. We literally just had the biggest sockeye run ever! ...so says fish and game anyhow... we will have to check Michigan one day and see personally just how different it is. Thanks for the info my dude!

[@mick8018]

@@fishinalaskawithandy907 so if they "don't bite" then why go thru the trouble of tying fly's onto leaders then? Why not just tie on a huge weighted treble hook directly to a 12lb mainline, and rip it thru the pool? Whats the difference? You're still snagging the fish... Is flossing considered snagging with style out there?

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

​@@mick8018 well, the difference is in what you just said. (snagging) is using heavy line and ripping the water with a weighted hook catching the fish at any point of its body. Flossing is actually taking the time to balance your weights or leader to create a sweeping drift in the water to ensure best chance of a legal hooking (in the mouth). flossing is literally encourage in this location per FNG rules. and why tie a fly... because its be explained before. on this particular river (the Russian River confluence) "single RR fly hooks" are the only permitted tackle used from the banks. (Snagging) as it is defined here, takes zero skill and is often used by people who either don't understand the rules or disregard them. because our state is so vast, literally each river, lake, cove and body of water has its own regulations. some places you are encourage to "snag" like in Seward for hatchery salmon as defined earlier. In other places such as the Eklutna Tail Race, Snagging as defined by Alaska fish n game has a penalty of up to $1000S and loss of all fishing gear used that day and possibly even your vehicle. So in this location people bait and wait with eggs. I promise you. next season ill be making a fully in-depth difference for all none Alaskans explaining the actual difference in fishing styles and techniques used here as the term snagging is missed used in far to broad of a context.

[@AKMan-m4k]

@@fishinalaskawithandy907 Minor correction, it is snagging. “Flossing” is a snagging technique as you force a hook into a fish that wants nothing to do with your fly. No different than using a giant weighted treble hook in saltwater. We don’t use treble hooks in freshwater to prevent destroying trout/dollies which hang alongside reds in freshwater. They are infinitely better at avoiding a flossing line, as evidenced by never hearing of anyone snagging one in my 2 decades of snagging sockeye.

[@AL_Marx]

we do the same here in NY for kings ,there is no other way once they enter the river they are not feeding so flossing is the only thing, tight lines guys!

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Iv stopped trying to explain this to people. Fish and game sets the rules. May your nets be heavy and your freezer full!

[@Steve-rr3gc]

Just came across your channel. Pretty good video, great instructions. I would add always keep your rod low and horizontal when fighting a fish. Also eye protection is a must. Both of these suggestions is for safety when the hook comes out when fighting a fish and the weight and hook come back like a sling shot. You don’t want to loose an eye like one of the guides did last year. It happened a week before we got to the outfitter. He was helping get a line untangled when another client’s hook came out of a fish and came flying back and the weight struck him in the eye. After a week of seeking doctors all the way to California- he lost his eye. Glasses weren’t an after thought - after I heard that.

[@deepdeception7953]

Had some close calls when I was first learning how to cast a fly rod

[@MonkeypodFPV]

I love sharing this video because of how well you all explained this technique!

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Well we really appreciate that! We aim to educate and entertain. Thank you for your support friend. Means everything to us!

[@mikehewitt2146]

Snagging fish did it as a kidd don't do it anymore I grew up!

[@alaskanbeaut1631]

Pro tip. Use an octopus hook with a snell knot. You will lose much less fish because it has more leverage for hook setting. Up stream at the confluence is more fun of a spot

[@jjseandxcefree]

the best part of this method is no one thinks you are a flosser.

[@punasurf4697]

So are tomatoes still good for freezing and eating?

[@Chuakiagx3]

I'm fly fishing this year for sure cool channel

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

we'll see you out there.

[@Chuakiagx3]

@@fishinalaskawithandy907 yes sir I'll be fallowing your channel

[@brettjamesmiller]

Don’t wanna snag the fish as you’re literally floss/ snagging salmon 😂😂😂

[@joseduran7368]

Flossing is "legal" snagging

[@jimmyj422]

How to snag fish, sportsmanship at its finest.

[@perrymills7004]

Actually illegal to snag them, they have to be hooked in the mouth. Waaaay harder than you think bud.

[@devonblaine]

Awesome video. Going to try it at upper Kenai tomorrow.

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Good luck friend! Be sure to double check the regulations for where you're at. And if get some good action the facebook page is always taken photos if you want to show off! 🎣👍

[@davidson2004fatboy]

ONLY FLOSSING I DO, is BEFORE BED IN MY MOUTH. Then RINSE WITH LISTERINE

[@shielatv22]

No fish caught, but I like the feeding time.

[@nwfishinglife7517]

More sockeye vids plz!

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

We're workin on it 👍

[@markweber4854]

I like the fact that you don't rip at the end of every drift. If more people would learn to floss correctly there wouldn't be near as many body hooked fish.

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Well you gotta give the fish a chance and you dont want to spend all day throwing back injured fish you cant keep via foul hook. We actually have another video explaining the difference between flossing and snagging for out of staters because many find them the same. Thanks for the comment friend. Love the input!

[@714spoon]

Very informational. I'm glad I found your channel. I'm going up this weekend

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Best of luck out there friend! If ya catch any Silvers send the photos to our facebook page and show off your skills👍🎣

[@fishonbaby7408]

Really enjoyed the video. This technique is obviously very effective in shallow, fast moving water. Could you please post all the gear (line, split shot weight, rod, and reel) you were using?

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

TFO 9wt 9' 4pc fly rod, water gremlin split shots, behemoth super torque reel 7.8, treazure maxima 30lb line. My gear setup is often random. A good fisherman doesn't need expensive gear. Long as you dial in that drag and balance your weights you'll be alright. Dont forget to always check your rivers regulations friend. Best of luck next season!

[@fishonbaby7408]

@@fishinalaskawithandy907 Thank you for the information, I think this flossing technique will be productive in some of my local river systems; I live in Washington state. Thank you again, bradda.

[@fishonbaby7408]

@@fishinalaskawithandy907 What kind of backing line do you use?

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

@@fishonbaby7408 be sure to double check your regulations before you use this technique. im finding many states include flossing as a form of snagging. in my state it. and when it comes to backers and line. I always just go cheap on disposables . I find you don't need to spend lost of money or get brand names. I rely on my drag control more than lines or backers. that should save you some bucks.

[@youdonthavetoreadthispost.5850]

Too much like snagging for me. I get it but I don't practice it myself. Watch your state regs.

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Many would agree with you. And that's fair. And we always check the regs 👍. Stay blessed, friend.

[@youdonthavetoreadthispost.5850]

@@fishinalaskawithandy907 I've seen variation in Alaska and there I understand the why behind it. One way or the other the catching of fish uses 'trickery'. I suppose it's just a matter of degree. Not disapproving. Just commenting on the nature of fishing in general. Circle hooks would be a plus 🎣 Catchemup! but make it sporting 🎣

[@stopspotburning6841]

Are those brook trout that you’re feeding?

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Rainbows and Dolly . They hang out there for the salmons eggs and fillets

[@huntercollet2101]

I had my first time fishing today ever in a river and I got 2 pink salmon and my dad got 11 good ones but wasn’t able to land a single one now we got a net ready for day 2

[@transmission612]

What kind of fly rod setups are you running? Weight and length? Just wondering as I usually run a spinning rod setup.

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

TFO 8 weight 9ft, behemoth fly reel, 10-15 lb line. Nothing fancy.

[@northerncast]

Here in Michigan fish doesn't reproduce because no salt water here

[@JRS94-m7q]

What? They all reproduce, year after year. That's why they come into our rivers is to spawn

[@ReddGth]

Where you get that table

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Cabelas

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Coleman Outdoor Folding Table | Ultra Compact Aluminum Camping Table, White a.co/d/cH2Sa1L

[@sdufg]

very popular with immigrant fishermen in BC.

[@insertnamehere313]

I'm not saying snagging is cool but I really don't see anything wrong with flossing the fish are dying if you foul hook a nice breeder let it go I mean it's not like your flossing steelhead that return to the river after every spawn.

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Many people seem to confuse flossing for snagging. Snagging is just ripping the water where flossing if done right never foul hooks a fish. In this particular location (kenai river)(wild salmon) flossing is literally the only legal way you can catch fish in order to give them a fighting chance vs in (Seward)(hatchery fish) every year snagging is encouraged with weighted treble hooks. In our state literally each river has its own regulations. Ex: Like the famous Ship creek kings(bait only). Seeing how thats confusing for many people we will start putting up the regulations of each location we fish for our viewers. Plus, Snagging is just boring..

[@insertnamehere313]

@@fishinalaskawithandy907 I'm in Michigan we have salmon in the Great lakes and no matter the time of year there's no snagging no trouble hooks and they the DNR considers flossing an attempt to snag ticket even know there's no law saying flossing is illegal or an attempt to snag so it's a loop hole for them to ticket us no matter what style even drift fishing and fly fishing it's a form of entrapment even for the most law abiding fisherman.

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

lame how they dont create a hard distinction for you folks. Interesting how the Regs differ so much from state to state. Id like to learn more about how your state differs from ours in that regard. Well brother you given me something to think about and look into. Also if you ever have any cool picks you like to show off send um to the Facebook page.👍

[@hujo98]

@@insertnamehere313 Hey man I fish in Michigan as well, what river do you fish on? Luckily never had a run in with the DNR. I learned how to do it the right way, and yea i foul hooked quite a few but I have had many more bites and a higher chance or landing them. Personally I don't like to keep those fish anyway they are better off reproducing. Also there isn't anything wrong with snagging if the law permits that.

[@caribbeanventures8026]

Very nice! Does anyone pursue the rainbows in that area next to the cleaning table or is it prohibited?

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

Its prohibited. but all the trout's sure get fat eating good right under the table there. we plan to do more trout fishing this season if that's what you're into so stay tuned, friend.

[@nobodyimportant69]

Flossing is still snagging, doesn't matter that they're mostly caught in the face. It's the way unskilled shitheads ruin a fishery quickly. You might as well just wade in and scoop them out with a net. Fishing shallow fast water that's stacked up with fish isn't fishing, where's the challenge in this??

[@goch907]

It’s the specific rules in this part of the fishery set by fish and game. Fly only with specific diameter hook. We hook 95 percent of our fish in the mouth.

[@thehiddenangler9083]

Flossing is way harder then it looks buddy to get a rig near the Salmons mouth is the difficult part as it is since they will swim away from the line and to hook it is even harder so it's basically a slightly easier way then sport fishing but way harder to do then snagging... Coming from somebody who prefers not to floss salmon ever I bring no hate to snaggers and flossers anymore if its legal then let them be - Ontario Canada

[@docmartin450]

That’s the only way to catch fish there. It’s apples to oranges but u don’t seem to want to see that. Otherwise the fish die and end up eaten by the birds. When I was there once they raised the limit from 3 to 6 and then 9 because of so many fish.

[@aaronmeister4303]

Sockeye eat krill in the ocean, your not going to make a lure that looks like one of those. Far to small. They

[@northerncast]

Wouldn't u want black and not pink 🩷🩷🩷

[@fishinalaskawithandy907]

I assume you're talking about the fly hook? And it doesn't matter with the floss style

[@clancyadams9074]

Tell me you don't respect the protein without telling me you don't respect the protein. Flossing and net fishing rivers is about as unethical as you can get when river fishing. It leads to injured fish akin to bow hunters leaving arrows in prey they haven't killed and cleaned. Actual anglers laugh and shake their heads at the clowns that do it.

[@rickiex]

Agreed, although flossing is a, "newbie" technique, everyone started to fish for salmon this way. People should gradually move more towards a strike inducing technique as they get better at fishing.

[@rainygirl65]

I’m floating a plastic bead before the hook 🪝 and I’m getting tons of salmon in the mouth

[@66Cardiff]

It is called a clinch knot. Running the end back through the loop is an improved clinch knot.

[@codybertram6122]

This is worse than bait dunking. Learn how to trigger a bite.