How I Tie Up My Kokanee Gear

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This is a quick overview of how I rig for Kokanee trolling whether I'm using a downrigger or a dropper weight. You can customize the leader and bumper lengths to your preferences or substitute line and leader material, dodgers, and lures how you see fit.
Products featured in this video:
- Sinker slides: amzn.to/3xe2aUb
- Bead chains: amzn.to/377j9MG
- Duo-lock - Size 3 or 4: amzn.to/3qYduzL
- Paulina Peak Performance Dodger: paulinapeaktac...
- Paulina Peak Micro Hoochie bulk: paulinapeaktac...
- Gamakatsu Red Split Shot Dropshot Hook size 1: amzn.to/35vNLHe
- Eng Leader Board: amzn.to/377tZlK
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[@MisterDogg]

"I cut my line into pieces, this is my last resort..."

[@brendan8363]

Another great video. I made a pact with myself last spring to figure out how to fill the smoker with kokanee. Watching your videos was the single most informative thing I did, and my family (and select friends!) have been enjoying smoked kokes all winter. I'll be proudly wearing my Spilt Milt hat on the western Montana waters this season! One question - any recommendations for a cheap trolling reel to outfit a couple extra rods? I get a kick out of having my youngest son take buddies along who have never fished or caught a fish, and want to have a few extra rods on hand this year for flatlining. Thanks man. Great work on the quality of the information, presentation, and videos. Keep it up.

[@spiltmilt]

Best cheap setup is the Eagle Claw Kokanee rod (~$30) and Shakespeare Line Counter (~$30) spooled with 10 lb mono. It a killer budget setup. I love hearing the success stories and I can smell that smoked Kokanee delish!

[@davidschild753]

I love your instructional videos. This is great. Thank you for putting it together.

[@ericmusgrove2828]

Great stuff I think I have been running my hoochie back to far from the dodger.

[@romankudriashov5275]

The information is very succinctly available in plain English without floridness very informative thank you from a Siberian

[@AliseL22]

Used this setup this morning for Kokanee and it was super successful (the hoochie to dodger length made a difference).Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@jakestockett3839]

What length?

[@AliseL22]

@@jakestockett3839 I used about 18inches

[@jonyoung4331]

Thanks for another great video! I've been sub'd for a while now and you do make some of the best fishing/kayak fishing videos on KZbin IMHO. Keep up the great work.

[@pdx25rsti]

Do you still use the nylon covered steel leader? I saw a video you posted some time ago talking about it but I can't find that video now. I was wanting to refresh my memory as to why you use them but in this video it seems like you don't use them at all any more. OR, you started using them after this video came out 2 years ago. Anyway, any help about those leaders would be appreciated. :)

[@spiltmilt]

I've never used anything but 10 lb Maxima for my Kokanee leaders. I've tried various materials between my dodger and slighting weight rigs but since I switched to snap weights it doesn't matter anymore.

[@anglersnw]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and information - Much appreciated

[@squamishfish]

In Vancouver BC the easiest way to catch a Kokanee is to head to the nearest Beer 🍺 store 🍺, We have a brand of Beer called Kokanee, Great Video we have lots of. Lakes with Kokanee in them around Vancouver,, Have you tried this on sockeye when they are running ?

[@spiltmilt]

My Sockeye gear is basically Kokanee gear on steroid.

[@iankutney6109]

Thanks for all you do man! I am going to be taking a crack at my first kayak kokanee trip this weekend out at my local lake (Lake Tahoe) and your videos have been tremendously helpful in my preparations. When stocking up today, I couldn't find bead chains anywhere. Is it okay to use a barrel swivel as a substitute until I can get some in the mail? I also couldn't find any hoochies or crappie tube jigs that look like yours, I got a couple Macks Wedding ring lures instead, is leader lenght off of a 4" Seps dodger going to be similar? (6-8") Thanks again!

[@spiltmilt]

Barrel swivels are fine in the meantime but the bead chains are better. Wedding rings are fine but upgrade the hooks. Mack's uses cheap hooks. With a smaller dodger keep the leader length closer to 6". Good luck!

[@jamesmikkelson7636]

I was just out on a local kokanee lake not far from your area and was using a dodger slip weight setup with a wedding ring and corn. I didn't get a nibble on that rod. The other rod was a popgear set up with worm which caught a couple fat kokanees and a limit of tiger trout, but not what I was fishing for. Come home and go right to professor Tyler for the scoop on a good setup. I am going to follow these instructions. Again, your tutorial vids are really outstanding, clear explanations allowing for slight adjustments. Thanks for these great lessons for a beginner like me.

[@basstard4639]

I said this before and I'll say it again. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'll make sure to pass this down to my son.

[@galentorneby2480]

Tyler excellent instructions, thank you! Are you still recommending sliding weights or snap weights?

[@spiltmilt]

Snap

[@jimb7710]

Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge, thank you

[@NoahElia]

Hey Tyler, while I was tying my last set of lures, I couldn’t help but notice the strong plastic chemical scent of the hoochies. Do you do anything to combat this? Do some brands not have this scent? Curious if you’ve ever had this issue. Thanks

[@spiltmilt]

Plastisol vents for a short while then depletes. I've never noticed different catch rates between my "fresh" smelling hoochies and the old ones.

[@FamilyNick]

Love all your videos and once again can't thank you enough for the knowledge you share! Quick question, is there a readon you run a duolock versus a snap swivel aylt the dodger? Would one be stronger than another? Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

I don't think it makes any difference it terms of action.

[@nicksenones205]

out of all your content, I find that the most important piece of information you give out is the gamakatsu drop shot hooks. life changers.

[@RooTs1100]

Try a 2’ or 24” leader if you’re not getting too many bites. I find I get less bites anywhere under 18” from flasher to hoochie

[@spiltmilt]

You are crazy 😜 I catch limits consistently on 6 to 8”

[@RooTs1100]

Try a 2’ leader if you’re not getting too many bites. I find I get less bites anywhere under 18” from flasher to hoochie

[@spiltmilt]

Hahahahaahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[@2Centz777]

Thank you so much this video was super helpful!

[@darrylnelson2952]

Thanks for the great videos, very informative. Question: Some of the lakes I fish here in BC have "single barbless hook, bait ban" restrictions. One avid Kokanee fisherman I know claims that you can actually use these rigs with two single (barbless) hooks. He said one officer even agreed, but he wasn't positive they all would. Do you have any experience with this? Also, any tips for making them with just one hook and barbless? Should you keep the back hook or the front one, if you had to choose? I do loose a lot. Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

I know Peter Hope lake is single point barbless no bait but I have no experience in Kokanee fisheries like this.

[@darrylnelson2952]

@@spiltmilt Thanks for the reply, yes that is the lake I have been fishing. Harder to keep them on for sure!

[@jamesomalley3707]

I looked up that micro Hoochie and it looks like it is just plain one of your other videos you suggested using UV what would be the difference and also using a glow

[@spiltmilt]

The pink microhoochies from Paulina are UV fluorescent

[@chubbrock659]

This is awesome, just exactly what I needed to get set up. Thank you!

[@jeffthrower4981]

Morning Tyler How do U measure your leader length Do you measure from the back hook to the loop or from the nose of the hoochie to your loop? Thank you

[@spiltmilt]

Top hook to the top of the loop.

[@jeffro9782]

Great content as always Tyler. Are you using the Peak Performance Lite or regular dodger?

[@spiltmilt]

I usually have both on hand but use the lite more often

[@fr.billbaker6319]

Just bought my first rod and reel for kokanee. Okuma SST with the Okuma CW low profile with line counter. Do you recomend mono over braid and what line weight?

[@spiltmilt]

I prefer 10 Maxima monofilament. I’ve never been a big of a fan of the Okuma SST Kokanee rods. Too brittle for sustained downrigger use. They are okay for long lining and dropper weights though

[@fr.billbaker6319]

@@spiltmilt Thanks! I don't plan on investing in a downrigger. Been watching all your vids and learning so much. I like the idea of the instant downrigger. My Old Town Salty will be here shortly...excited!

[@jacobmahoney6764]

I started using small rubber tubing to fill the hoochies, it keeps a pretty good rigidity and fairly lightweight. Whatever works, right?! Love the videos!

[@spiltmilt]

Great tip!

[@jkramer5512]

I make my own Wedding Rings and store them on that foam pipe insulation which fits perfectly into the 3700 guide boxes. Thanks Tyler.

[@chrisbarrett5183]

@@chrissutley829I’d like to know the source of the sparkly ring components too please.

[@cyndidavis7647]

Great instructions. Thanks

[@wojomojo]

Hey Tyler, I think you used to use the wide gap finesse hooks, have you switched and if so what caused the change?

[@spiltmilt]

Nope always used drop shots...wide gap is my second choice

[@williamfry6087]

Great presentation, thanks

[@mallyallygramps]

Perfect! Thanks for this!

[@wojomojo]

Hi, what is the advantage of a bead chain over a swivel? Seems like either can prevent line twist.

[@spiltmilt]

They both can but its not uncommon to get moss buildup on your bead chain and have multiple independent rotating parts helps it from getting seized up while trolling while I can imagine that happening easily with a normal swivel.

[@smthcrmnal26]

Do you run bead chains with the clip in weights?

[@spiltmilt]

I do not.

[@truehaun]

Why do you use mono over braid? Is it because mono stretches? I got 10lb braid for Kokanee trolling recommended from another channel so just wondering. I’m a fishing noob and your channel has helped me a ton so far, thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

Yes I choose mono for stretch and recoil to help maintain pressure on fish. I know a particularly popular Kokanee guide uses braid but he only fishes Merwin Kokanee which do not fight like the 20" acrobatic Kokanee I'm plucking off the surface at Roosevelt.

[@bavogel2001]

That’s a good point. The smaller Kokanee probably aren’t affected by the line. I was curious if the larger ones on Roosevelt would need different line.

[@thehonfleur]

Do you still use an 18" wire bumper?

[@spiltmilt]

Sometimes

[@AKPakrat]

Love the chickens!!!!

[@spiltmilt]

Nosy buggers!

[@jimmyabeyta9435]

Great videos love the content.I have a question can you use that rig for trout on a bottom bouncer.

[@spiltmilt]

I suppose you could.

[@chriskennedy5726]

Do you recommend running a bead chain off the Flasher? If so, should be on the top or the bottom of the Flasher. For instance, I have a Brad's Kokanee Dodger that comes with a bead chain on the bottom when you receive it. On the Paulina peak dodger, it has swivels. should I add a bead chain or just leave it alone? does that mess with the action? I'm trying to avoid line twist. I'm using a downrigger. I don't know if that makes a difference

[@412N3L]

Thank you !

[@alexwilson1913]

Excellent video.

[@arlanjohnson8841]

The knot you tied to the duolock was it a San Diego knot?

[@spiltmilt]

Yes. Pretty much all I use for terminal knots.

[@dougivan100]

Chickens!🍻

[@frederickjuneau7874]

Quality content. Thank you very much

[@frederickjuneau7874]

Gonna try this for lake trout

[@robertpaluska6354]

Awesome

[@reapergrim76]

Great stuff! 👍

[@Jonathan.Hosley]

How much weight do you usually use?

[@spiltmilt]

Depends on how deep they are. 1 to 4 oz

[@macsmith2092]

Thanks for sharing. I love tutorials.i have been tying my own kokanee rigs for years now. I use fluorocarbon, but otherwise, I do the same thing.

[@scottkennedy1089]

As always, I enjoy your videos and expertise. It was nice to see you out on the lake Friday!

[@lincolnpalmer7174]

I didn’t see packs of micro hoodies on Paulina. Do they still sell the “bulk” option or just pre-rigged?

[@spiltmilt]

Looks like the bulk hoochies are unavailable not sure why

[@ClintFredenberg]

Hi Tyler. Really enjoy all the content you put out. When making your lures like this do you ever use barrel swivel with a clip instead of a duo lock? And do you run a spinner in front of the hoochie?

[@spiltmilt]

You could use a barrel swivel and clip instead of a duolock I don't think it would hurt anything. I rarely run spinners in front of hoochies.

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

Fantastic timing! I was just thinking about going out this weekend. :) Do you still use pink micro shrimps sometimes or mostly hoochies these days? The micro shrimps are just so much cheaper than the hoochies.

[@spiltmilt]

I use both and they do equally well.

[@gbussoutdoors]

Great video. Have you tried running a test having one made of mono and one made of fluorocarbon?

[@spiltmilt]

I don’t run fluoro because its higher density dampens the action on the lure and Kokanee aren’t particularly line shy

[@tbcooperstube]

Does putting a swivel above the hoochie leader affect the action? I usually just tie them straight to the dodger but I have to cut the line shorter if I want to change. I was gonna start using swivels but I see a lot of people using the overhand knot instead.

[@spiltmilt]

I don't think it affects the action. I just don't use it because its not necessary. Less tackle to buy.

[@gabewr9]

Haha! I never thought about raiding my daughters bead crafting kit.

[@chriskennedy5726]

If you're going to add scent to the Berkley gulp maggot what would you recommend or what would be your first choice

[@spiltmilt]

Shrimp and anise oil or garlic bloody tuna

[@chriskennedy5726]

@@spiltmilt that's what I figured. I remember you said use anise/krill in the winter and bloody garlic tuna in the summer. I just bought that paulina peak flasher through your link.

[@ryanchandler7434]

Are the Walmart beads in the fishing section?

[@spiltmilt]

No in the craft section.

[@chriskennedy5726]

Which pink uv flasher for kokonee is your favorite if you had to choose? What size and do you recommend paulina peak or poulson cascade?

[@spiltmilt]

This is my favorite pink UV dodger paulinapeaktackle.com/shop/ols/products/dpp-1001-peak-performer-dodger-pink-moon

[@chriskennedy5726]

@@spiltmilt thanks. I'm order it.

[@moremikey51]

Show us how you store that rig in your tackle box please! After you wrap it .

[@spiltmilt]

I use this luresafe.com/product/76-leader-medium-size-leader-board-cover/

[@larslarson6500]

Milt's Eng leader board may work well. I'll have to try one. I bought a box of many, maybe 500, of a little 1 1/2 inch, or 2 inch by 3 inch zip lock bag. I don't bag my gear back up on the water. I drop them in a small container, then when I get back and it has dried out I Wrap the leader around my index and middle finger. I then put them in that little bag. Works good for me. I never wrap the tag end around the loop. Too many tangles getting them back out.

[@scottrichards8968]

How much weight do you typically troll with

[@spiltmilt]

It will depend on the depth I'm targeting but anywhere from 1 to 5 oz.

[@billklein5225]

How deep does 1 oz weight go? 2 oz? etc?

[@spiltmilt]

Use this calculator liveprecise.com/tdepy.html

[@VinceYoutubr]

Learned a lot from your setup as always. Works for trout as well

[@yourplayin]

What determines the leader length for you?

[@spiltmilt]

Dodger size. Bigger dodger longer leader length.

[@yourplayin]

Thank you

[@returnofsid]

I asked a question on one of your older videos, this evening. You may have answered it, in this video! Would beads from a place like Michael's, or Hobby Lobby, work? I'm wanting to get into tying up my own Kokanee gear, after watching several of your videos on the topic. I'm wanting to tie hoochie and beaded spinner rigs. But, I'll be starting out on a tight budget. I'm just wondering, needing to buy several sizes, of varying colors, would buying from a hobby store be beneficial?

[@spiltmilt]

I just get my beads online or at Walmart. You dont need anything fancy

[@returnofsid]

@@spiltmilt thank you! I guess I was over complicating things in my head. I figured there had to be a reason hobby beads would work lol. Too buoyant, not buoyant enough... something.

[@montesmith7180]

Good video! I appreciate your hard work in bringing us all this great Kokanee information. I have a 20 ft boat trolling with an 8 hp kicker motor and an electric Minn Kota up front for steering. My question is about underwater noise. You fish by pedal. Do you think engine noise is a factor in chasing off Kokanee? Just because an engine is quiet on the boat doesn't mean it's quiet underwater. Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

Engine noise absolutely impacts Kokanee especially early season when they are feeding shallower.

[@wasachevyguy]

Great video! I noticed you didn’t use any swivels, especially instead of the surgeon’s loop. Do they negatively affect the action of the dodger?

[@spiltmilt]

I don't think they will but are also unnecessary.

[@lickitysplitquick]

Is the line from the bead chain to the duo lock necessary if using a down rigger? Would it still work if I attached the duo lock directly to the bead chain and the attach the dodger to the duo lock? Thank you so much for all the informative videos you put out. My Kokanee fishing just keeps getting better and better thanks to your videos.

[@basstard4639]

I'm hoping to go to lake pleasant soon and apply your teachings. From what I looked up there are kokanee in there. Not to brag but after watching your videos for the last 2 years I've become some sort of fishing God to 2 of my friends 😅. I used to never be able to catch the limit but after watching your videos I've had no problem. I find myself being picky about the fish now...like, naw, this one didn't put up a good enough fight. I had to fish to feed my family in the past. To give them more than just Ramen noodle soup, and to be able be picky about which fish I want to keep is an amazing feeling. I thank you sir.

[@spiltmilt]

That's what it is all about. There is nothing more fulfilling than doing your research and enjoying success. Thanks for sharing.