Why You Suck at Kokanee Fishing

[@raywilliams6675]

I have learned so much from watching you. Went from catching few to catching limits over the last few years thanks mostly to tips I learned watching your videos. Thank you.

[@yodude268]

Hands down, you are the man on Kokanee! I use your same strategies and definitely have more fish in the net. Thank you for the awesome videos.

[@no_regerts5176]

Maybe a coincidence, but I managed my first 10-fish limit after watching this and changing things up.

[@stankfaust814]

no coinicidence, you're learning excellent information and using it to improve your game.

[@kenamatice282]

Spot on Tyler. A case of leaving biting fish was we were on LBC in Oregon one year and just HAMMERING the fish off a particular point. We saw no less than 4 boats trolling and not touching fish except when they went by the point. Each boat that went by caught fish but NONE made another pass and we limited quick. Back at teh camp ground all we heard from others was how tough the bite was that day. Keep the vids coming and take care

[@boattothebelly]

Saw the title and laughed out loud. Didn’t have to even watch the vid at all and I agreed. The last two years my brother-in-law and I have made these same changes you identified and we don’t suck anymore. Keep speaking the truth!

[@spiltmilt]

Cheers to not sucking!

[@boattothebelly]

I’m no spring chicken. You can do the math on how many years we did suck haha

[@davidk2137]

Oh, So True. That is why I watch tons of videos. Gotta learn what it takes to entice a fish to bite - and give THAT to them. Not so hard. Unless one IS a lazy fisherman. Awesome video! I sent this to my brother, so he might learn what I have been preaching for years. Thank you.

[@BC-ue3ku]

Great video. It’s such a power move the way you just casually talk through your points will reeling in big kokes one after another 😂 cracks me up. Most of us on here would be stoked beyond belief to bring in just one of those fish.

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

I use 6 weight fly rods with size10/11 salmon sized reels with leadcore fly line, same gear with rubber snubbers and dodgers and nail big kokanee 2 to 5 pounds up in the caribo.......I have 10 acres up there For sure speed and turns with varying depths is key....my biggest was 22.5 inches and 7 3/4 pounds!!! 2019 in August, MONSTER,

[@stanjong2727]

I love this video. Thank you so much for making it . I love to learn from other fisherman. Lots of points in this video that I agree with . Good job!

[@wildzenventures]

I really needed to hear this! Planning to try kokanee fishing out of my kayak this week! Great sounding advice...

[@chrismccart3783]

Tyler, great information on kokanee. I love the micro shrimp you use, I have caught some nice Tiger and Brook Trout on that lure as well as kokanee.

[@spiltmilt]

That's great!!!

[@brianmumford6468]

About two years ago my neighbor encouraged me to try my hand at Kokanee fishing. I knew nothing about it so I started researching videos on KZbin. That’s when I found “Spilt Milt Productions”. I watched every video I could and started assembling all the gear I would need. I was fishing from a paddle kayak at the time. After getting everything I needed I went out for the first time and much to my surprise I caught Kokanee! My area of weakness is twofold...getting the fish to the boat and netting them. I know I need to buy a better net. I’m curious about Kokanee getting off the hook before you even see them. About how many get off the hook for every 10 you catch? The other day three got off the hook before they were close. I’m using Gamakatsu split shot/drop shot size 4 hooks. Thanks to you, Tyler, I am enjoying a whole new way of fishing...smarter not harder.

[@spiltmilt]

What kind on rods are u using?

[@brianmumford6468]

Eagle Claw 8’ Kokanee rod. When I embarked on this venture I didn’t know if I’d be successful at it so I didn’t buy top of the line equipment.

[@brianmumford6468]

I think I discovered the problem. Wrong lake. I ventured to a larger lake about 50 miles away. Came home with 9. I assumed the limit law is the same as for trout. I actually caught and landed 10, but as I was trying to put a fish in my catch bag, it slipped out of my hand and went over the side. So, I guess I suck at putting them in the bag. 😂

[@bartribotta1118]

Great info as usual. I enjoy your vids and the shared info you supply. Here in calif we have a few good lakes for kokes, no where near the size you get in wash. I fish mostly in the salt, but when I can I get up to Tahoe. Thanks again for your info and content on how to and comparisons on equipment….

[@boboneil7855]

You’re doing a great job the tips and info are great I am not affiliated with Chamberlain downrigger releases in anyway but I would highly recommend you try them especially for your kayak as if they are set properly they release on every strike and let the pole set the hook for you this also save losing your corn to short hitters and not knowing it.

[@bobheffley5347]

Hi Tyler. First off I want to thank you for the detail you give in your videos. I have learned so much. I have collected quite a few dodgers but don't have a organizer for them. I don't remember which video it was but I saw the one you have that held several and am wondering where you got it. I'm searching on line but haven't located one like you showed in your video. Keep up the good work. You provide awesome information. Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

LureSafe luresafe.com/product/39vm-kokanee-dodger-20-pocket-jacket-pockets-2-%c2%bc-x-6-%c2%bd/

[@asully70]

Interesting and accurate title of the video...I’ll bite and watch lol

[@kylemcteague558]

Tyler, yes, I suck at Kokanee fishing. Thanks for reminding me, but also thanks for all the helpful tips!😊

[@jonathanchamrad5141]

Great vid. Excellent job! Definitely the best channel.

[@clayregina6212]

Dude you are the kokanee wizard ... Learn so much from your videos .. if you ever wanna try something different cone and fish norther BC will be a blast. Thank you for all of the great advice I slay kokanee because of you !!!

[@spiltmilt]

I had high hopes for BC Kokanee fishing this year but the border remains closed. Hopefully next year.

[@clayregina6212]

@@spiltmilt keep in touch we got some great accomodations for you all free of charge ... Just your presence would be epic... [e-mail]

[@spiltmilt]

Well that's awesome. Can't wait to get up there.

[@clayregina6212]

@@spiltmilt cool well I'll send you my contact information to your email. I'll text you some pictures and show you what we've been upto. What's your email ?

[@achristianson4059]

Never been but long Labor Day weekend ahead. Might drop my PA14 in don pedro

[@robrob7957]

So you've been watching me huh. Lol always good info from you. Thank you.

[@justsaynrush9689]

Having a Quiet little boat like his would also help a lot. But yeah he's right. It's a basic Kokanee formula he is following. Speed, turns and depths.

[@micahbutler5951]

Great title. so fitting thanks for all you do I love it

[@shsreddevils2193]

Great Job! Very informative. I liked it!

[@kachahemp6662]

Good advice Tyler! Thank you.

[@northerntribeoutdoors5938]

Great video and what great quality fish on that lake!!!

[@sep649]

Good stuff. Well done. Sep

[@marktorsen6540]

I really appreciate your videos, I have become a better Fisherman for Kokanee, if you ever want to hit the rivers in a drift boat just say so👍

[@angelogalloway4693]

As always, l really enjoyed watching your video. Thanks Tyler for what you do, teaching the rest of of us your Knowledge that you’ve picked up along the way. I to try to pay close attention to details while fishing, I have a question for you why do you think it is that you catch for example in this video more fish on one rod versus the other rod? Thanks for what are you do, to help others become better fisherman.👍take care.

[@garyroenicke2102]

Great tips and yes, my fishing buddy and I always wonder why people leave a spot they just landed a fish and so many fisherman just drive a straight line. We find and have heard the best trolling speed for Kokanee is 1.0-1.7 which ever speed gets the most action. Varies every day. By the way, those Kokes were trophy size, what Lake was that?

[@canidsong]

There's one thing I've definitely been guilty of. There are times I get no action whatsoever on one rod and I just kinda leave it out there as if I'm only using it to balance out my drag in the water while paddling.

[@dats007]

Very informative. Really glad I recently found your channel. Do you have a basic gear checklist video showing essentials for both droppers and downriggers? Also would love a boat tour :D

[@spiltmilt]

No checklists but here is a boat tour. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5XGkpiel9Copdk

[@rthyde1]

Planer boards have put a lot of kokanee in my boat. They are kind of a pain to use but super effective.

[@spiltmilt]

A great way to spread gear out and add action.

[@augustmathews650]

Great video! Your content is great!

[@anthonyanderson3426]

Finally a videos just for me!!

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Whoa whoa whoa mister… you are way out of line. I was told kokanee were totally on board with the whole “participation trophy” idea as well 😂 Great video Tyler. Got a kayak purchase planned for this summer, hopefully we will see you out on the water some day.

[@spiltmilt]

Rainbow Trout are participation trophies for Kokanee anglers 😂

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

@@spiltmilt 🤣 Thats awesome

[@isaacmann3852]

I have been using everything in this video. I now call this video, "Why I no longer suck at Kokanee Fishing" Thanks Man!!

[@ahhdat]

Love all your videos.

[@regularandrew]

Love it! Thanks for the tips.

[@brucetrout3482]

Awesome video, keep driving it home, I’m a slow learner! 😂

[@Zeldar0088]

That was savage i subscribed 👍

[@PhattyBarnett]

Only Tyler Hicks can tell me I suck . . . with a smile on his face . . . and I strangely feel good about it.

[@oleksandrobzhylov8445]

Hello. I wanted to thank you for making these videos and having a youtube channel. I learned how to catch Kokanee from you. I went fishing a couple of times and couldn't catch anything. I started watching your videos and purchased some of the dodgers and stuff from the setups you showed. After that, I have been catching them every time! It's addicting to go kokanee fishing and catch those suckers. I am still trying to get better so I can catch the limit. I was wondering what kind of hooks you use for kokanee- what size and what brand and where you buy them ?

[@spiltmilt]

I use Gamakatsu Split/Shot Drop Shot in red size 1 for most of my Kokanee fisheries. I have a video on this topic here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3PSn2WkatKpmsk

[@oleksandrobzhylov8445]

@@spiltmilt thank you!

[@frostop65]

I just started watching your videos, great job on the videos! I would like to see your dropper set up a little better??

[@spiltmilt]

Here ya go kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2rbk2l4d9d5h5I

[@FougereFamilyAdventures]

Another great video!

[@craigly6523]

Good morning. Was this video made at Merwin? Thank you!

[@spiltmilt]

No eastern Washington

[@Califishin292]

Hey Tyler. This is the best channel on the Tube! Can you tell me what rod holder set up you have attached to you kayak?

[@garyk2048]

awesome information

[@robertwoods9045]

I always enjoy watching your videos. They are very informative. I’m fairly new to this fisher and recently purchased a pedal kayak. I’m wondering if I need a specific rod such as an ultra light Kokanee rod to land these fish or can I go ahead and use a bit stiffer / medium rod? Thanks again for you great videos 🎣

[@spiltmilt]

You don't "need" a light rod to land Kokanee but your landing ratio will be better with one.

[@robertwoods9045]

Thank you for your reply. I have multiple rods but with this info I have more reasons to get another one or two. I’m sure my wife will be thrilled 😂

[@jsluman24]

Great video

[@AtanasDimitrov954RR]

awesome videos. im new to fishing for Kokanee. i live up in snohomish wa, and fish at Lake stevens. I am trying to find out what setup to use for Kok? any tips

[@Steve-kf6pi]

What lake were you on with this video?

[@brittlanders351]

Funny how Kokanee fisherman tend to despise trout.

[@BlakeCurrie-d6t]

Might be a thought question to answer but I have a 10 foot aluminum boat with a minkota motor. I was wondering if I should put it on a setting of 1 or 2 to get those ideal troll speeds?

[@brixelus]

What lake are you on?

[@Mike-ef7xe]

Good job.

[@rja62b]

which lake is this at? Having trouble finding non windy lakes

[@reedmoon3630]

I definitely suck at it. Still haven't caught one, but not quitting. I have an inflatable boat with a trolling motor. Only thing is I don't have a fish finder on it. I figured I can go early and try different depths 50 to 100 feet off the shore. Am I just wasting my time without a fish finder?

[@spiltmilt]

Not wasting time. Just start around 10-20' deep and work your way down

[@reedmoon3630]

@@spiltmilt Just caught my first kokanee, a nice fat 18". Great feeling after many tries and minimal equipment. Thanks for all your help. Mini hoochie, dodger, and sliding weight set up.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Well you know if you're gonna talk sh*t.. I'm gonna gonna watch the video! Can you also explain why I suck at all the other fishing? Haha great video 😁

[@spiltmilt]

😂🤣

[@johncole5297]

Right On

[@jonathanproctor690]

I’m just getting into Kokanee fishing. I have a cabin on a lake in BC. In July and August the lake is polluted with wood flotsam, so trolling is nearly impossible. Is jigging for Kokanee in the summer months ever productive?

[@spiltmilt]

Really depends on the lake but it in my experience is that the Kokanee tend to spread out more on my lakes as the summer progresses making jigging more difficult and less productive.

[@jonathanproctor690]

What are July and August like for Kokanee fishing in general? Assuming trolling is on the table.

[@philipbowman9340]

what lake would you recommend hitting this time of year for kokanee i live in brewster

[@spiltmilt]

Alta, Wapato, and Spectacle would be my top choices

[@jonlobello7151]

I'm trying to get ready to prepare for this type of fishing next year, but there are a few things I'm going have to un learn. Where kokanee are motor shy, cohos (at least Lake Superior ones) are not. I've caught these coho 25 foot behing the boat on a 1/4 once jig and half a crawler. I don't think this technique would work for kokes at all.

[@spiltmilt]

Coho are the suicidal lemmings of the salmon world. Kokanee is a whole different ball game.

[@ernieflynn5124]

Hey man I think this video was made just for me because I do such. However I'm. Going to try your method. Any suggestions on mid August fishing?

[@bartribotta1118]

So I have a question. I live in calif and fish kokes in Lake Tahoe. I get fish mostly all the time. So my question… I won’t catch fish unless I use a large ford fender lake troll. I mostly use wedding rings and corn. I have tried hooches and dodges with no luck. Any idea or suggestions. I did see some vids dodger/flashers vs lake trolls… the fish just don’t seem to hit dodger/ flasher deal. I will keep working at it but figured I would run this past you. Any ideas

[@doublereefed]

Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

Thanks for your support!

[@ryanbarton6739]

Nice kokany I wish I had big one's around my area. I'm in British Columbia Canada in the lower mainland 👍👍

[@spiltmilt]

There are monster Kokes in lower BC.

[@augustmathews650]

@@spiltmilt Kalamalka gave me a17in and I lost one larger than that at the side of my pontoon 😭

[@ryanbarton6739]

@@spiltmilt some places near me have the odd one 3lbs but it's like winning the lottery

[@ryanbarton6739]

@@spiltmilt the average large kokany I catch are 11 inches

[@jc7606]

what make and model is your kayak? I'm looking for one and I like the one you're on.

[@spiltmilt]

Old Town MK106

[@Cooklo5970]

question for you, what fish net are you using?

[@spiltmilt]

458TS from Ranger Nets

[@Cooklo5970]

@@spiltmilt great vid thanks for the tips and net info!

[@johnstack4316]

Great info! Have you ever tried night trolling on a full moon night?

[@spiltmilt]

Haven't but its something I've been meaning to try.

[@chadglover3455]

Tried at Roosevelt in a new boat with a new fishfinder. Marked tons of fish at the bottom from 100-200' of depth. Are these likely walleye, burbot or sturgeon? Could not figure out what they were.

[@spiltmilt]

Probably whitefish

[@stingray4540]

I never catch fish around a full moon. My whole life, even fishing for planter trout on lakes I know like the back of my hand, I’ll get skunked around a full moon every time.

[@spiltmilt]

Walleye are the same. Unless you fish at night on the full moon then it's on like Donkey Kong

[@michaelgorman8339]

Tyler how much weight do you have on? Where is the weight located on the line and how is it attached?

[@spiltmilt]

Typically I use 1 to 3 oz for most Kokanee lakes. It's on a slider above the dodger.

[@jeremybinz9888]

What is your weight and set backs start with? I feel some times we aren't deep enough.

[@spiltmilt]

I chase marks so if I am marking fish at 15'-30' I am going to start with one rod at 2 oz at 40' and the other at 65'.

[@jeremybinz9888]

@@spiltmilt thank you. I believe this is why... though I long line a rig 150' back. The closer lines don't get hit as often

[@fredkuchinski4715]

Great videos have you noticed any difference between generic brands of white corn and shoepeg corn?

[@spiltmilt]

None.

[@jameslee-gq2eo]

Oregon here where would you fish for kokenoe this time of year?

[@spiltmilt]

Detroit

[@justinbuckley1944]

What brand of pole holder extentions do you use? How many pieces are the extentions? Do you have to buy more than one extention per side to get your holders up that high? Thanks.

[@spiltmilt]

These are RAM Mounts. The extension comes with two pieces and in combination with the holder nothing more is needed. You can save 10% on the RAM website by using the code "HICKS21" The parts are linked below. RAM Rod HD Rod Holder: www.rammount.com/part/RAP-433-421 RAM Extension Arm: www.rammount.com/part/RAP-114-APB2U.

[@jacobmahoney6764]

I've noticed on some of your videos you will mention where you are fishing but you didn't on this one.. any chance on sharing this spot? It looks slightly familiar but I cannot tell for sure. I really enjoy watching your videos!

[@spiltmilt]

Alta Lake

[@jacobmahoney6764]

@@spiltmilt that's what I thought!! I'm trying to convince my boy to come with me out there, he's almost 5. I want him to reel in some Kokanee!

[@iagoslim6050]

may I know where are you fishing?

[@blakemusiccarter3102]

Hey have you ever targeted sockeye on the Columbia? That would be a cool video

[@spiltmilt]

Brewster Pool Salmon in the Old Town AutoPilot 120 kzbin.info/www/bejne/joitmpKAmZh6mM0

[@spiltmilt]

Kayak Fishing Brewster Pool Sockeye Salmon kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3uUd6mqacplsLc

[@thecount1001]

those are huge koks compared to where i live.

[@doublereefed]

I've heard that Kokanee will not survive being released. Would you agree?

[@spiltmilt]

Yes post release mortality is high in Kokanee especially when surface temps exceed 60 F.

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

Are you putting the fish on ice alive? I am trying to get the mushiness out of kokanee. Some say to bleed them out. Some say to gut them. So on and so on. Great video, thanks.

[@spiltmilt]

I bleed and put on ice

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

@@spiltmilt Thanks

[@danielcole8609]

Squid is also an awesome bait that almost no one uses

[@spiltmilt]

Squid for Kokanee?

[@danielcole8609]

@@spiltmilt yes sir I just buy some Market squid and cut it into little strips one of Bill Herzog's videos turn me on to it its a killer I also use the heads in place of coon shrimp while plunking for springers

[@landonf3796]

What is your preferred leader length for the early summer. I have been using about 10 to 15 inch leaders

[@spiltmilt]

6-8" is my preferred leader length year round

[@diepvan6824]

What do you use to cure corn ?

[@spiltmilt]

Salt and Pro cure's water soluble scents

[@stoweman34]

Do you think it’s easier to land the big Kokane vs smaller Kokanee?…I’m assuming the lips are thicker in the bigger kokes.

[@spiltmilt]

Harder to convert the big ones.

[@rayfoley5871]

What lake is that in this vid?

[@davidbushard]

What 360 looking dodger are you using?

[@spiltmilt]

They are not 360 they are arrow flash dodgers

[@jeremybeam7043]

I haven’t even tried fishing for Kokanee yet…how do you know I suck??!? Is your kayak really a time travel device? Are you from the future? 😂

[@evanharmon3549]

Haha love the title.

[@scottowens1535]

Not only do I suck at koke fishing I'm fairly pathetic at steelhead also 😉. Thankfully I make it up with salmon and all the rainbows a frying pan can hold. It would be terrible if I was bad at everything cause I love to catch and eat them.

[@forzy7]

Have you ever tried / or seen someone trolling for kokanee on a SUP board?

[@spiltmilt]

No

[@forzy7]

@@spiltmilt 😂 - do you have any good inflatable kayak recommendations? Trying to figure out a way to travel with my MTB, a kayak, with my rooftop tent on the top. So far the best option is hitch mount for bikes, RTT on a bed rack, and kayak on a roof rack over cab.

[@spiltmilt]

The Aquaglide Blackfoot 130

[@briggs13a]

the only advantage you could possibly have over me is your boat is stealth on flat calm water thats a big advantage..I fish big reservoirs with heavy wind and that advantage goes away quick,most days where i fish you couldnt even be on the water.Kokanees are easy and a stupid fish ,trolling is great for the lazy fisherman.

[@spiltmilt]

I'd say troll speeds tend to be more variable in a kayak than a powerboat and that translates to more fish IMO.

[@briggs13a]

@@spiltmilt they have devices that can vary speed of your kicker anyway you want and they work great.I have been trolling for kokanee for 35 year my best friend only fishes a kayak like yours so i know the strenghts of each,my other friend is named mike hall google his kokanee shows about flaming gorge.The gorge is many days windy during most if kokanee season..My point is kayaks are great sometimes but many times with heavy wind on big lakes and rollers they dont work.A arrogant kayak fisherman like you could never compete against a well equipted boat,its like trying to win the bassmaster classic or a big walleye tournament out of a kayak.It aint going to happen IMO.

[@carsonmartin3714]

What lake is this?

[@fishing132006]

For 15 foot depth, what ounce weight and how many pulls or feet back are you?

[@spiltmilt]

2 oz at 40' or 1 oz at 100' and troll at 1.3.

[@fishing132006]

@@spiltmilt thanks so much. Love your videos and all the info.you are one hell of a incredible fisherman. I'm just starting on trying to fish for Kokanee so I'm trying to absorb all the information and buy a lot of tackle for them

[@fishing132006]

What size millimeter beads to use for brads kokonee plug. 4 mm or 5 mm?

[@diaryofalexander4923]

just super😊👍

[@rja62b]

i caught a kokanee by dropping a jig head with a worm 20 ft down

[@Newtrous]

Can you do a video on why I suck at fishing in general? 😂

[@spiltmilt]

😂🤣

[@makapa2u]

Other reason is I have to keep paddling with my oars then a boat runs my lines over 🤬