HI vis suffix question

[bambislayer09]

I have been using maxima chamelion and p-line cxx green for a few years now on my float fishing rig. I have been considering switching to a hi vis line to make it easier to see when the float gets futher away, therefore I know what my line is doing during the drift. The other day I was in Gander and they had some tangerine suffix on sale so I picked some up. I was wondering if anyone thinks that color spooks steelhead? I usually set-up my float rig with the float then an egg sinker then a barrel swivel to 14-18" of floro. Does anyone think I should lengthen my leader to keep from spooking fish or doesn't it matter?

[pinhead1978]

I always run Suffix tangerine on my float rig. Although I like to run my leader as long as possible usually 2-3 ft. If your worried about the high vis you can put a "shot line" between your leader and main line.I've also used a marker to color the last few feet to dampen the color. Hope this helps.

[bambislayer09]

Thanks yes this helps. But do you put shot below the swivel with a leader that long?

[pinhead1978]

Depending on water clarity I'll put a couple #4 blackbird shot on the leader, keep in mind I usually fish jigs so they already have wieght.

[REG]

Whether or not it does might be variable. If you want to remove all doubt, tie in a bumper of 5-'10' of green mono.

[bambislayer09]

Very true, I hate wondering if I am not catching fish because of something that I changed. I tied a piece of green maxima on today like you said and did well, so that will be my solution.

[pinhead1978]

glad to help!

[steelheaderny]

I have to use hi-vis to catch fish. I drag bottom, and I see the strike long before I feel it, if I feel it at all. As long as you're rigged right, and your presentation is the first thing Mr. steel sees, you'll hook 'em. Visibility is crucial, so I have to say line-shy be damned.

[bambislayer09]

Thats kinda my thoughts too. I figure if I am not getting a good drift I wont be catching fish anyway and I'd be wasting my time, so the Hi vis seemed like I could get a perfect drift almost everytime therefore I would be more productive.

[steelheaderny]

If you feel you will be more productive- you will be. The more confident and comfortable you are, the more productive you will certainly be. Confidence in your rig is HUGE. If you feel you don't have some little thing right, you'll have that little nagging gremlin on your shoulder taking away your confidence and spoiling your concentration. You won't feel right or catch anything until you change up...so just reel in and change it.

[pinhead1978]

Good advise, confidence is propably the one of the most important aspects of steelheading. It really comes into play on those tough days, you gotta believe those fish are there because the drift when your not on your game you'll miss a fish, I know from personal experience,lol.

[steelheaderny]

It's maddening sometimes... you KNOW they're there. You see the line do a dance upstream or up and down as you drag across their backs and they bolt. They're not having it. You throw the kitchen sink and.....nothing. Change the weight up a little....nothing. Then you get that pink something or other just right at the right moment and SLAM! They are about to start getting spawn time lockjaw. Two years ago it happened at the end of March. Everyone on the river saying the same thing- no dice. Like it or not you gotta find gravel and the redd. I know where there's some great gravel about mid-river. I can't wait to try it out. If you're from OUT OF TOWN and you're planning a trip to the Salmon river soon, PM me and I'll throw you a bone. Can't give you the best, but I'll point you in the right direction. Hiring a guide wont get you this info. I worked hard to find these spots, but if you're serious and not a yahoo, I'll share certain spots gladly. I like seeing serious anglers catch fish.

[bambislayer09]

I'm not even sure where they Salmon River is, but thank you for offering the info, I appreciate it. If you are planning on fishing MIchigan maybe I can return the favor and give you some spots to try. Thanks alot and let me know if you are interested in any info on Michigan streams.

[pinhead1978]

Fishing for steelhead on gravel is for little kids and retards. If you want to molest fish on beds go bass fishing, those hillbillies love taking females full of eggs to the bassmaster wiegh-in site.

[The Jimmer]

I actually did the same switch about a year ago and the hi-vis has been no problem for me at all. My probem was that hi-vis orange is Suffix Seige which seems to have an odd texture to it, almost a wax like coating. Only some knots hold. I fould a hi-vis Suffix Elite which I like much better. However this year I found the greatest line ever, P-Line Hydrofloat in hi-vis yellow. It's made just for float fishing and as long as they are making that line then that's what I'm using. Little to no stretch with this line and I wasn't used to that but I think it makes for a faster hook set. I've use it twice so far this year and it must be good luck. I live in the mitten as well and it's been doing ok so far.