Brewster Pool Sockeye Salmon Opening Day: Hot Bite & A Lost Rod & Reel

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The upper Columbia River Sockeye Salmon fishery opened on July 1st. I got the kayak out on my backyard waters and quickly found a hot Sockeye bite. Here is a quick report about what was working. Unfortunately the trip cost me my favorite rod, reel, and dodger due to simple mistake with my rod holder.
Dodgers featured in this video:
- Mack's DD Dodger: amzn.to/3XKI8vx
- Luhr Jensen Herring Dodger 2/0 (close enough to size 1 that they don't make anymore): amzn.to/3JLLwQZ
Lures:
- PPT Moon Jelly Spinner: paulinapeaktackle.com/shop/ol...
- PPT Orange Chartreuse Spinner: paulinapeaktackle.com/shop/ol...
Other Tackle:
- Matzuo Sickle Hooks 1 and 1/0: amzn.to/3D0Mhlw
- Assortment of Lead Free Weights are Great!: amzn.to/3MXmH3L
- Weight slides: amzn.to/3W1MC1y
- Looney Coonies Shrimp: limitout.myshopify.com/
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[@boise2Talay7886]

One thing I truly admire is your ability to remain relatively calm in situations I would lose my cool in. Obviously you were very disappointed when the rod dropped into the water. If I did that, loud cursing at myself would have definitely been on open display. Hopefully whatever you are able to buy the to replace that rod and reel will provide even greater fishing memories over time. You could have easily edited that bit out and we would have never known it happened, so thanks for honestly sharing the highs and lows.

[@TOMINATER001]

You have inspired me to finally go. I am going tomorrow and going to brave it in my 12 ft boat with someone who has only been fishing twice. Wish me luck!

[@VinceYoutubr]

Sorry for the loss there. Happened to the best of us. I would say it’s throwing back luck price I would pay for much worse situations in the water. Rod and reel can always be replaced. Thank you for the video always learn something new and enjoy the fishery! Cheers.

[@pancakeface5717]

Crikey!, and the triple dot dodger. Have to make a new one.

[@spiltmilt]

Yeah that hurts more than the rod and reel 😂

[@pancakeface5717]

@@spiltmilt Well thanks for another great video, anyway. And for sharing your humanity, lol. My bloopers reel would last for hours.

[@brandonjelinek8963]

explains why i have caught fishing rods in the past

[@transient2060]

Must be nice to be able to fish for them up there. In the lower river we get screwd like always. They shut us down again. Not to mention we only get to keep 2 when we are open.

[@shawnclements14]

RIP triple dot, you will be missed!

[@ronnerviani426]

Hi Tyler: I feel for you loosing your favorite Sockeye rod, reel and dodger overboard, that sucks! I do commend you for keeping your cool after watching it sink. I had a similar situation at Whiskeytown Lake a few weeks ago but a better outcome. My favorite Kokanee rod slipped out of my hand while lowering my downrigger down. I watched it go overboard and sink as I had a sick feeling in my stomach and I did yell out an obscenity. Fortunately, I had clipped in my fishing line to the downrigger cable. I reeled up the downrigger and my fishing line was still clipped in so I was able to pull in by hand my fishing rod and reel. I thanked someone up in the sky for looking out for me although probably having a good laugh. We did catch 17 beautiful Kokanee to 17-1/2" over two days.

[@johnlantz7278]

Look carefully as you place the rod back in the holder,looks as like the handle of the reel hits tension knob causing it to fall.

[@davidfish8383]

Great fishing … loosing a rod is a bummer for sure! I’ve lost some over the side too … it happens if you fish a lot crazy things happen.

[@TheDisco672]

Loosing that rod bummer! I got lucky in Alaska years ago and snagged a nice Salmon rod and reel. Still use it today!

[@asully70]

The real loss here is the old Tekota 500LC, those were absolutely bulletproof. The new Tekotas have been riddled with problems, my line counter went out after minimal uses (maybe 10) and I’ve talked to other people who’ve had multiple problems with them.

[@kcp7042]

My daughter and I just went 4 fish out of 7 hits in Tri-Cites today. Some beautiful big sockeye heading your way!! And someone will snag that gear. I have 2 rod and reel set ups off the bottom of the Columbia! Hopefully they get it back to you!!

[@derekdavila432]

For that gear. Hopefully it gets snagged by a subscriber so you can get it back.Good videos Spilt Milt. Brewster is on the list for sure.

[@brotherbax4083]

Not sure that I’ve ever heard you as excited as when catching that first fish! Sorry you lost your rig though. Been there, done that too. I’d love to get up there for Brewster pool sockeye action from the kayak, but we won’t make it this season. A trip to plan for next year. Thanks for the video!

[@robertlipiec1975]

Bummer on the rod 😮 ..But great fishing..

[@MrAcuta73]

Kicking myself for not having my Yak yet...but had to get things done before I get it. Namely have someplace to put it. Wish I could head up there!! So another thing to add to my ever-growing "next year" list. 🤣

[@timschwarze4842]

Big bummer!

[@dbfishing8588]

Thank you for the epic video Tyler.

[@leshamilton6657]

Bummer Brother! Nice Sockeye...hopefully a great sign of good fishing to come :)

[@JDSkalsky-xz5ly]

Thanks for the update! I’ll be making my first trip to Brewster later this month to fish. Excited to give it a try.

[@Elparquito]

Nice! You made that look easy. Never fished up there. Honestly, I *was* rooting for you to double up - only because I wanted to see the sh!T show that would have ensued. :). Oh wait, I was right. Sorry for your loss. :(. Tight lines!

[@ezbake11791]

Dang! It was chaos, got one fish bleeding one fish jumping and rods falling off the boat

[@samsmith7150]

Dang that sucks Tyler!! And the lucky triple dot too DAMN!!

[@spiltmilt]

RIP Triple Dot

[@samsmith7150]

@@spiltmilt Man I'd go back with a magnate or drag hook that thing is priceless!!

[@spiltmilt]

Haha 😆 maybe someone lucky will snag it

[@justincase8533]

Thanx for the vid, ouch! Sorry about the rod..

[@robbysmusic8507]

sorry for losing your rig, but wow lots of action.

[@JigginwithG]

We killed it below the dam from the bank! hope they open it back up! 🐟👊

[@caaspal]

Below wells? I didn’t people were doing that

[@the_ling_council]

That was the old trevala too which is a much better rod than the new models. RIP. Looks like a blast nonetheless.

[@Goats22]

Ooooof! Penance indeed! Good video Tyler!

[@Badkharma21]

Ouch that set up is spendy. Hope those fish taste great!

[@brucejohnson1264]

I lean toward moderate priced or cheaper equipment for the Kayak because that sort of thing does happen from time to time.

[@gb3450]

Thanks!

[@spiltmilt]

No problem!

[@StevenG1955]

Nice fish! Losing your rod/reel and tackle sucks. It happens.

[@yashrajborse]

Thank you. As usual it is fun to watch your videos. Sorry to see your triple dot, rod and reel taken away by the fish gods. Hope someone gets it back while fishing. 🎣

[@nolebrady8256]

Oh man atleast I only lost a flasher hooked to a sockeye today.. Don't feel so bad now...

[@johnspecht7449]

Look, sooner or later you will lose a rod. It just happens. Good reason to get a new one. You had a great day on the water.

[@MyExRebirth]

Situations are different, but I'd have probably jumped and caught my rod

[@larslarson6500]

There is alwys chance of a whoops on the water. I don't use the rod teathers, they get in the way too much.

[@daveengstrom9250]

Bummer about the rod. Sorry about that. Nice day of fishing. What are your leaders? About 2 feet?

[@CB-sb3cm]

Didnt look that busy, Tyler. Am I wrong? I'm sure it's just gonna get worse. Maybe I need to get down there this week. Thanks for the vid!

[@brucekessler762]

Another good video! What a bummer losing your rod/reel/tackle! I would like to fish Brewster, but tried it a few years back with my 19' boat and won't again deal with the launch mayhem! That said, I'd really like to have a peddle kayak but an inflatable. Have you reviewed any of these styles (I saw your review on hard shells)? I travel in a truck camper or a 5th wheel and a hard shell just doesn't fit in my setup. I also, just signed up as a patreon and like the extras! I should have signed up earlier. Thank you.

[@spiltmilt]

I’ve not tried any inflatable pedal drives yet

[@brucekessler762]

@@spiltmilt Thanks for the quick response.

[@dustinrhodes1091]

Sorry about the rod loss but I’d be mourning the dodger loss more lol

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

Never lost a rig but I’ve come really close!

[@morgankruse4666]

Where were you when the rod went over? Im fishing the rest of the week, i can do some dragging for it, ive got a cool little grapple setup, ive had the same thing happen to me before.

[@spiltmilt]

Its so busy in there you won't be able to. Don't worry about.

[@samsmith7150]

@@spiltmilt That is true but maybe midday or evening it could be done when boat traffic is not insane

[@dougbullis8462]

How far up the Columbia do the sockeye go? Do they detour up the Okanogan?

[@thomaswallis3504]

Ouch! I lost a striper rod that way.

[@gilbertmorris2814]

Thanks make me feel good that am not the only one to lose rods and reels sorry

[@tylergraves5192]

Great video as usual, Tyler. What kind of spinners are you using?

[@spiltmilt]

Links in the description

[@kurtcummings269]

How many boat ramps are there for Brewster and are they all a too?

[@tmtallman]

NOOOO! not the tekotah!

[@deaneng8540]

Well dude sorry you lost a rod and reel. Great action Brewster pool I'll have to check it out but I think it's like 5 hours away from me.

[@WashingtonTeaL]

You could have swung your other rod's line over your shoulder and tried to hook your rod. Worked for me one time.

[@spiltmilt]

I had a fish on that rod 😂

[@cwilliams66]

May I ask why you werent using your downrigger? I ask as someone as who’s going to Baker in a couple of weeks and recently started using a DR

[@spiltmilt]

I guess because it isn’t necessary

[@smthcrmnal26]

Ah man! That is brutal loosing your gear!

[@gavinjohnson9500]

😢 that dodger and rod

[@bradleyrehwaldt5025]

What was the jig behind the blade, triple dot? Thanks.

[@spiltmilt]

A spinner not a jig. Chartreuse and orange

[@bobcall2429]

where did you get the dots

[@Carlb328]

I've lost several rods and eyeglasses while fishing :(

[@lisakumcur5372]

Bumper and leader lengths?

[@spiltmilt]

24”, 15”

[@JJ-tf2qs]

Awesome video! I am heading there Friday for the weekend. Sorry about your luck with the rod. Sounds super expensive and you're going to have to make up another three dot dodger

[@spiltmilt]

Get out there early before the heat. Its going to get nasty.

[@bdnewton5119]

Where can a person get a luhr Jensen size 1 herring dodger?

[@spiltmilt]

I don't know anymore.

[@asully70]

I know where you can find one if you have scuba gear…

[@joshuaalfonso6463]

Cheaper to hire a diver then replace that rod/reel flasher ...

[@deitrickorullian505]

Considering they closed the lower Columbia during a record run I wouldn't get your hopes up for any bones upriver

[@spiltmilt]

They only closed the lower river to protect Snake River fish

[@brianbeardsley5244]

Geography matters😉

[@returnofsid]

Ugh! Great fish! Horrible loss of gear!

[@JJ-tf2qs]

Was Brewster good fishing this morning?

[@spiltmilt]

Not at home

[@JJ-tf2qs]

Right on! I'm sure you're going to have a good video out soon! It was slow for us tonight at Brewster. We caught 2

[@sleathfighter]

"OPPS"

[@DirtyRedDog]

The e-regs don’t say anything about the pool being closed for kings. I called mauks and he said he hasn’t seen or heard anything either.

[@spiltmilt]

It’s in the regulation pamphlet. It’s not an emergency closure

[@DirtyRedDog]

I just checked and they updated them on the fish Washington app

[@taco472]

Well I’m glad somebody gets to fish for them because they just closed the lower river to let more fish go by. Sucks to be us.

[@spiltmilt]

Sure does just like it sucks to be us when lower river folks get all of the spring/summer chinook and fall coho quota.

[@loganfishbeard]

I'm seeing red(s)😵

[@MikeJones-gj5fm]

Could you just float along with a kokanee jig and hammer em? Id love to see that

[@spiltmilt]

I would be in everyone’s way doing that so I’ve not

[@gb3450]

Amazing work.... I am headed out tomorrow.. where do you launch your Kayak at?

[@nathan2003]

Cassimar Bar Fishing Access. You do have to slide your kayak down a 2-3 foot drop though.