New to this area so I decided to set aside my typical fishing adventures and give this salmon fishing a shot since the forcasts of returns was so high. I selected a couple rods that I felt would be a match for type of fishing I was going to have to do, that being confined to the bank of the river.
Went to talk with some lacals at the shops and stores and selected a few baits to try based on their recommendations. I grabbed some red shrimp and cured roe as well.
Started fishing around 5pm from the bank down stream from the confluence. There were a lot of boat anglers out there, holy cow.
At 6 I was ready to reel up and switch spots when the rod had a violent, deep dip. Then another! I plucked the rod out of its "rock holder" and got ready for another slam. When it came, I fought the urge to set the hooks as everyone had recommended ("wait until the rod loads up" they all said)...but failed. I luckily drove the hook home though and a few minutes later I was trying to figure out how to hand land my first chinook off the rocks.
I managed it though and took a 15lb. hatchery chinook home. Second attempt at fishing for these things and I landed one = massive luck.
I used a great big spin-n-glo in chrome and chartreuse, 3/0 hook and leader by Brad's (barb crushed down) and a big ole' red shrimp. No eggs on this cast. 3 oz. of weight to stick to the bottom, off a three way swivel.

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