What is Sockeye catching consistency? Opening day is an easy brag when it comes to limits. It gets tougher for most average boats as the season wears on. Why? You do the same thing over and over and you will get the same results over and over. I am told that my techniques are really strange to catch Sockeye. How many boats are sinking flashers down on their down rigger balls? Only 5%. The fishermen next to me keep asking how deep? I laugh and say it will not do you any good but 95 feet. The fishermen are asking the wrong questions. Here are the right questions to ask:

1) How many teasers on each down rigger ball? (3)
2) How long is your leader? 7" over all including the 3 2/0 hooks (see picture)
3) What is your speed? .8 to 1.0 mph ------ Only if the size "0" Dodger is bent like a banana
4) Why do you bend your dodgers? I get twice the hook action at half the speed. I get more bites during the heat of the day.
5) How far back do you clip in? 3 to 4 feet -- The attraction is connected to the down rigger ball. clip in close to the attraction.

It will take several seasons to wake up the fishermen on Lake Wenatchee to asking better questions. That is because something new is not easy to digest if you have done something the same way for your whole life. I will be the first to change to something better if it can be proven to be consistently better all the time.

I like to use lite action TICA Salmon/Steelhead rods or even Kokanee rods for the maximum fishing action. I shorten my clips to 10" and clip in 10" above the down rigger ball. The depth is important to know but it isn't even 1/4 of the story to bagging more fish. The next time you go Sockeye fishing and run into a consistent producer. Ask a couple of questions that can put you on the right track. Most of the guides will tell you the truth.

I have a few openings on my boat this month to fill if you want to see how good Sockeye fishing can be at Lake Wenatchee (509) 679 8641. I would suggest the morning slot from 5 to 9 am. You will get more action in the morning and the wind is not usually a big factor. When the wind comes up at noon every day---the fishing gets tough!!

Keep in touch and have a great season at Lake Wenatchee!

Don Talbot




Don Talbot Fishing - call 509-679-8641
Don Talbot's Fishing Guide Service

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