21.11.10
Best Fisheries in the USA
Just to let everyone know, we started a new group on our Salmon Trout and Steelhead FishingNetwork on the best Fisheries in the USA. This covers Fly Fishing Trout Streams, Great Lake Tributaries and the best rivers of the West Coast. Join our Community and check it out. Tight Lines!
Check out our new site on Fly Fishing Techniques.
Check out our new site on Fly Fishing Techniques.
5.10.10
Episode 3 Steelhead Salmon Trout Fiishing
Steelhead Salmon Trout Fiishing with author, guide and publisher, George Douglas. This episode focuses on Noodle Rod Egg Fishing.
11.9.10
Episode 2 Steelhead Salmon Trout Fishing with Hall of Famer George Douglas
George Douglas, Hall of Fame Author, Guide and Publisher, takes you streamside with lessons on how to be a better angler for steelhead, salmon and trout. This episode focuses on river currents on how to antisipate runs of fish.
30.8.10
Steelhead Salmon Trout Fishing with Fishing Hall of Famer, George Douglas - Episode 1
George Douglas, Hall of Fame Author, Guide and Publisher, takes you streamside with lessons on how to be a better angler for steelhead, salmon and trout.
17.8.10
The Art of Netting Fish
Netting a steelhead is an art in itself. Obviously, if an angler is steelhead fishing by himself, there is nothing left to do but beach or tail the fish. But when a netter is involved, precautions must be taken. As in fighting fish, a net job cannot be rushed.
The fish must be clearly done fighting or you’re going to be taking a big chance. More fish are lost at the net then during the fight, and this is usually caused by poor judgement, carelessness or impatience.
Always aim the net for the head of the fish, as this will force the fish to swim into the net if he exerts a final burst of energy. By approaching the fish from the back, the fish has a chance to swim out of the net. Usually, you only get one chance at netting a trophy steelhead so you have to make it count. Netting in a current can be very tricky. Not only do you have to go for the head, but the fish must be facing down-river. By positioning yourself down-river from the fish, you can wait for the most opportune time to go for the net. Never take a wild stab at a fish. The number one rule of thumb is to never even consider taking a swipe, unless the fish’s head is completely out of the water.
Avoid allowing the fish to even lightly touch the rim of the net. Fish can gain leverage from hitting the rim, which will usually result in a lost fish. Make sure it’s a clean swipe, aiming the fish directly into the center of the net.
Whether on a driftboat or on the bank, observe the area during the fight and locate the best spot for landing the fish. Many times the river will have slow currents along the shore as they are obstructed by a large rock or a large group of rocks. When the fish tires, steer the fish into this area, nearly guaranteeing a clean netting. Certain movements with the rods can be critical during the net process. The person fighting the fish can steer, turn and lift the fish to provide better netting conditions. The fisherman and netter should work as a team, communicating the whole way through. As the netter goes for the clean swipe, the fisherman should apply a slight lift simultaneously to prevent the head from dropping beneath the net.
When fishing with plugs, however, be extremely careful not to get the other hooks caught in the net. This will happen if you don’t position yourself correctly, even with a long extension pole. I can remember a guide trip when we had a fish jump out of the water, attempting to shake out the large Rapala stuck in its mouth. The netter wasn’t even ready to net the fish, but had the net too close to the fish. One set of trebles swung around and caught the net. Needless to say, there was a lot of
cursing aboard my boat.
We have found that dark colored nets (black) provide less visibility to fish, eliminating many last minute problems. Silver rimmed nets tend to cause bursts of energy as the steelhead spots the net approaching it. The size of the net is important as well. Small trout nets just do not cut it and have no business being on a steelhead river. A large hoop is important to have with strong netting as well. For driftboats, large handles are best, especially those that extend. Different laws on size of nets vary from state to state, so be sure to check regulations. Polarized glasses are a necessity for netting a fish, as they establish better eyesight, eliminating the glare of the sun. Many times, this glare in the eyes will cause the netter to panic or miss an opportunity to end the battle.
If netting from the shore, the netter should attempt to stay down as low as possible. The fish can see very well and can spot someone standing in near them, especially if the netter is wearing any bright colors. Remember, never rush the net and don’t allow anyone to rush the net on your fish. If you’re fighting the fish, take charge and instruct the netter of the correct positioning and timing--especially if they’re not experienced.
The fish must be clearly done fighting or you’re going to be taking a big chance. More fish are lost at the net then during the fight, and this is usually caused by poor judgement, carelessness or impatience.
Always aim the net for the head of the fish, as this will force the fish to swim into the net if he exerts a final burst of energy. By approaching the fish from the back, the fish has a chance to swim out of the net. Usually, you only get one chance at netting a trophy steelhead so you have to make it count. Netting in a current can be very tricky. Not only do you have to go for the head, but the fish must be facing down-river. By positioning yourself down-river from the fish, you can wait for the most opportune time to go for the net. Never take a wild stab at a fish. The number one rule of thumb is to never even consider taking a swipe, unless the fish’s head is completely out of the water.
Avoid allowing the fish to even lightly touch the rim of the net. Fish can gain leverage from hitting the rim, which will usually result in a lost fish. Make sure it’s a clean swipe, aiming the fish directly into the center of the net.
Whether on a driftboat or on the bank, observe the area during the fight and locate the best spot for landing the fish. Many times the river will have slow currents along the shore as they are obstructed by a large rock or a large group of rocks. When the fish tires, steer the fish into this area, nearly guaranteeing a clean netting. Certain movements with the rods can be critical during the net process. The person fighting the fish can steer, turn and lift the fish to provide better netting conditions. The fisherman and netter should work as a team, communicating the whole way through. As the netter goes for the clean swipe, the fisherman should apply a slight lift simultaneously to prevent the head from dropping beneath the net.
When fishing with plugs, however, be extremely careful not to get the other hooks caught in the net. This will happen if you don’t position yourself correctly, even with a long extension pole. I can remember a guide trip when we had a fish jump out of the water, attempting to shake out the large Rapala stuck in its mouth. The netter wasn’t even ready to net the fish, but had the net too close to the fish. One set of trebles swung around and caught the net. Needless to say, there was a lot of
cursing aboard my boat.
We have found that dark colored nets (black) provide less visibility to fish, eliminating many last minute problems. Silver rimmed nets tend to cause bursts of energy as the steelhead spots the net approaching it. The size of the net is important as well. Small trout nets just do not cut it and have no business being on a steelhead river. A large hoop is important to have with strong netting as well. For driftboats, large handles are best, especially those that extend. Different laws on size of nets vary from state to state, so be sure to check regulations. Polarized glasses are a necessity for netting a fish, as they establish better eyesight, eliminating the glare of the sun. Many times, this glare in the eyes will cause the netter to panic or miss an opportunity to end the battle.
If netting from the shore, the netter should attempt to stay down as low as possible. The fish can see very well and can spot someone standing in near them, especially if the netter is wearing any bright colors. Remember, never rush the net and don’t allow anyone to rush the net on your fish. If you’re fighting the fish, take charge and instruct the netter of the correct positioning and timing--especially if they’re not experienced.
10.8.10
Latest Letter from the Publisher by George Douglas
Kype Fishing Magazine
“Keeping it Real.”
We are coming to the end of our nine month fishing excursion. Of course with anything there are ups and downs, and that certainly proved true being on the road this long. Living out of suitcases and a truck full of product, fishing gear and camera equipment is not for the weary. Publishing in and out of hotel rooms and in the passenger seat passing through multiple states can be exhausting as well.
However, these challenges do not come as complaints. To have the opportunity to travel to the best fisheries, that included an amazing spring guiding season in northeastern Ohio, was an experience of a lifetime. The clients this year were awesome, great people, lots of fish, and good times. This fishery was explosive and I plan to return to guiding in Ohio for every spring and fall season.
In the past, I have written about fishing with confidence, but at the same time, there must be a desire to expand your knowledge base and to experience things that may be outside your comfort zone. Similar to any industry, the fishing industry can have a lot of hot air blowing around at times. Generally speaking, everybody knows everything. You hear a lot of big names being thrown around along with the same ole industry blather. Being in and among this, it is my observation that many fishermen, and even some professionals in the industry, are guilty of Plato’s Cave.
The allegory of the cave was used by the Greek philosopher, Plato. His intention was to illustrate human nature in regards to knowledge and education. Plato describes a fictitious group of people who have lived as prisoners in a cave their entire lives. The people would watch shadows projected on a wall when things passed in front of the fire behind them. According to Plato, the shadows were as close as the prisoners would get to seeing reality. He then goes on to explain how the philosopher is like a prisoner who is freed from the cave and comes to understand that the shadows on the wall were not reality at all. He can now perceive the true form of reality rather than the mere shadows seen by the prisoners.
Sometimes anglers become legends in their own mind, but only in what they see and do every day. For example, they may call themselves expert fly fishermen, but wouldn’t know the difference between a Perry Poke and a pizza pie. Why? There is no need for a Perry Poke on their local water.
We are living on a planet that has amazing fishing opportunities. There are outstanding fisheries from Russia to Canada, from Europe to Chile and everything in between. Within those regions comes a plethora of technique and various styles.
If you’d like, I can give you shadows on the wall all day long, and I may be more successful in doing so, but that is not the true reality of steelhead, salmon and trout fishing—hence our new slogan, “Keeping it Real.”
This year I was inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as one of forty eight legendary communicators in the freshwater arena. This great honor reflected my dedication to this sport as I started at a very young age and have continued for the last twenty, plus years. During those years I positioned myself in and among some of the best fisheries on the continent—and now have my sights on some of those mentioned above.
In lieu of this achievement, Kype Fishing Magazine announces our new Hall of Fame section in each issue, featuring legendary anglers who share this honor with me. Also, I’d like to announce my latest contribution to the sport with my new book: George Douglas’ Fly Fishing: FISH LIKE A GUIDE. (A short excerpt of the book’s introduction follows).
In the meantime, I will continue to bring you an awesome product that is raw and real. So if you are stuck in your cave, stop being your own prisoner and come on out and see the reality of Kype Nation.
Sincerely,
George Douglas
Excerpt: Fish Like a Guide
In 1903, an author by the name of Wallace Wattles, wrote a book called “The Science of Getting Rich.” His book did not only focus on how many zeros one could add to their net worth, but also about how to become rich in all facets of life.
He talked about “thinking and doing things in a certain way” which I found very applicable to nearly all that we do, including the art of catching fish. If you do things in a “certain way” on and off the river, you will become a better angler, I promise.
Guides do things in a certain way. You can spot them a mile away. You can tell by the way they move, the decisions they make, their preparation and strategy—and it is all geared for one thing, catching fish consistently.
In this book, I will shine light on those traits, to grant you access inside the mind of a fishing guide, allowing you the opportunity to emulate their moves and inherit their thought process that can place you into the upper echelon of fly fishermen. KYPE
Click here to pre-order Fish Like a Guide
“Keeping it Real.”
We are coming to the end of our nine month fishing excursion. Of course with anything there are ups and downs, and that certainly proved true being on the road this long. Living out of suitcases and a truck full of product, fishing gear and camera equipment is not for the weary. Publishing in and out of hotel rooms and in the passenger seat passing through multiple states can be exhausting as well.
However, these challenges do not come as complaints. To have the opportunity to travel to the best fisheries, that included an amazing spring guiding season in northeastern Ohio, was an experience of a lifetime. The clients this year were awesome, great people, lots of fish, and good times. This fishery was explosive and I plan to return to guiding in Ohio for every spring and fall season.
In the past, I have written about fishing with confidence, but at the same time, there must be a desire to expand your knowledge base and to experience things that may be outside your comfort zone. Similar to any industry, the fishing industry can have a lot of hot air blowing around at times. Generally speaking, everybody knows everything. You hear a lot of big names being thrown around along with the same ole industry blather. Being in and among this, it is my observation that many fishermen, and even some professionals in the industry, are guilty of Plato’s Cave.
The allegory of the cave was used by the Greek philosopher, Plato. His intention was to illustrate human nature in regards to knowledge and education. Plato describes a fictitious group of people who have lived as prisoners in a cave their entire lives. The people would watch shadows projected on a wall when things passed in front of the fire behind them. According to Plato, the shadows were as close as the prisoners would get to seeing reality. He then goes on to explain how the philosopher is like a prisoner who is freed from the cave and comes to understand that the shadows on the wall were not reality at all. He can now perceive the true form of reality rather than the mere shadows seen by the prisoners.
Sometimes anglers become legends in their own mind, but only in what they see and do every day. For example, they may call themselves expert fly fishermen, but wouldn’t know the difference between a Perry Poke and a pizza pie. Why? There is no need for a Perry Poke on their local water.
We are living on a planet that has amazing fishing opportunities. There are outstanding fisheries from Russia to Canada, from Europe to Chile and everything in between. Within those regions comes a plethora of technique and various styles.
If you’d like, I can give you shadows on the wall all day long, and I may be more successful in doing so, but that is not the true reality of steelhead, salmon and trout fishing—hence our new slogan, “Keeping it Real.”
This year I was inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as one of forty eight legendary communicators in the freshwater arena. This great honor reflected my dedication to this sport as I started at a very young age and have continued for the last twenty, plus years. During those years I positioned myself in and among some of the best fisheries on the continent—and now have my sights on some of those mentioned above.
In lieu of this achievement, Kype Fishing Magazine announces our new Hall of Fame section in each issue, featuring legendary anglers who share this honor with me. Also, I’d like to announce my latest contribution to the sport with my new book: George Douglas’ Fly Fishing: FISH LIKE A GUIDE. (A short excerpt of the book’s introduction follows).
In the meantime, I will continue to bring you an awesome product that is raw and real. So if you are stuck in your cave, stop being your own prisoner and come on out and see the reality of Kype Nation.
Sincerely,
George Douglas
Excerpt: Fish Like a Guide
In 1903, an author by the name of Wallace Wattles, wrote a book called “The Science of Getting Rich.” His book did not only focus on how many zeros one could add to their net worth, but also about how to become rich in all facets of life.
He talked about “thinking and doing things in a certain way” which I found very applicable to nearly all that we do, including the art of catching fish. If you do things in a “certain way” on and off the river, you will become a better angler, I promise.
Guides do things in a certain way. You can spot them a mile away. You can tell by the way they move, the decisions they make, their preparation and strategy—and it is all geared for one thing, catching fish consistently.
In this book, I will shine light on those traits, to grant you access inside the mind of a fishing guide, allowing you the opportunity to emulate their moves and inherit their thought process that can place you into the upper echelon of fly fishermen. KYPE
Click here to pre-order Fish Like a Guide
8.8.10
Egg Cures for Salmon and Steelhead Fishing
My favorite method to cure eggs is one that could possibly be easier than the freezer cure is to simply pour 20 Mule Team Borax into a one-gallon Zip-lock bag, until it’s about half full. Take the skeins of eggs and drop them into the borax, fasten the bag closed, and shake until all of the eggs are covered. Attempt to work the borax into the crevices to make sure the inner eggs are covered. Let them sit in the bag for approximately 24 hours, then take the eggs out and rinse them with cold water, and they’re ready to go. The eggs can now be made into sacs or chunks and stored in the refrigerator for a long period of time. For storage over four months, it’s necessary to freeze them.
Why borax?
See for yourself. Take the borax cured eggs and dunk them into the river. The eggs will start to milk, right before your eyes. Even after several casts, the eggs will still have a milking effect in the water. Steelhead love this! All they can see is a smoking cluster of eggs drifting down river, so hold on tight!
To obtain maximum milkage, bring the borax filled zip lock bag down to the river with you. Take out a cluster of eggs and shake off the excess borax. Then, create an egg sac or just cast out the cluster itself.
Different cures can be created by experimented with your own recipe. Blue Goo eggs and carmel eggs are made of oils, brown sugar, salt and whatever concoction you can come up with, providing you use some type of preservative.
Sodium Sulfite also makes nice milky eggs and is used in the same way as borax. However, the Sodium Sulfite cure can be mixed with some sugar and salt to create sweeter, juicier eggs. After curing, store the eggs in the freezer.
Why borax?
See for yourself. Take the borax cured eggs and dunk them into the river. The eggs will start to milk, right before your eyes. Even after several casts, the eggs will still have a milking effect in the water. Steelhead love this! All they can see is a smoking cluster of eggs drifting down river, so hold on tight!
To obtain maximum milkage, bring the borax filled zip lock bag down to the river with you. Take out a cluster of eggs and shake off the excess borax. Then, create an egg sac or just cast out the cluster itself.
Different cures can be created by experimented with your own recipe. Blue Goo eggs and carmel eggs are made of oils, brown sugar, salt and whatever concoction you can come up with, providing you use some type of preservative.
Sodium Sulfite also makes nice milky eggs and is used in the same way as borax. However, the Sodium Sulfite cure can be mixed with some sugar and salt to create sweeter, juicier eggs. After curing, store the eggs in the freezer.
5.8.10
The Complete Guide to the Salmon River, by George Douglas
ANACORTES, WA, - Castle Douglas Productions announced the reprint of one of the fishing industries most in-demand books of all-time. In the early 1990’s, author and publisher, George Douglas, published The Complete Guide to the Salmon River, a comprehensive guide to New York State’s hottest fishing spot, which is actually a tributary of Lake Ontario and receives magnificent runs of salmon, steelhead and brown trout for the majority of the year. Copies flew off the shelves and the book quickly became tough to find, because it it's an essential for any fisherman looking for instant success.
The book is packed with invaluable information such as where to park, specific locations from which to cast from and an array of techniques that will produce a splash of action for each hole on the river. The river is approximately thirteen miles long and has multiple holes, slots, shoots and runs--and this book covers all them leaving no stone unturned. The title also has impressive chapters on preparation for fishing the river and the history and future of the fishery.
“After I heard this title was selling for over $300 per copy on Ebay, I had to stop the madness and reprint,” said Douglas. George Douglas is now the Publisher of Kype Fishing Magazine, named after the hook jaw on male salmon, trout and steelhead. This quarterly publication is truly unique as each issue comes with a full length fishing DVD. In a recent issue of Kype (Volume 1, Issue 4) Douglas wrote an in depth article on the Salmon River which explained how the Salmon River opened the door to his career and catapulted him to where he is today. Also, the DVD for that same issue, featured steelhead fishing on the Salmon River.
www.SteelheadSalmonTroutFishing.com is the new and official website for Kype Magazine and has a free social network for anglers to join and share photos, videos and discussions. This site is currently featuring live video feeds from Kype Magazine’s 2010 film tour. Check out these videos on the community, www.SteelheadSalmonTroutFishing.com. There is a drawing for the first one thousand members who join the communtiy, with prizes ranging from Kype’s waterproof clothing line to a subscription of Kype Magazine. The Kype Nation community is free to join and it takes only a minute.
The book is packed with invaluable information such as where to park, specific locations from which to cast from and an array of techniques that will produce a splash of action for each hole on the river. The river is approximately thirteen miles long and has multiple holes, slots, shoots and runs--and this book covers all them leaving no stone unturned. The title also has impressive chapters on preparation for fishing the river and the history and future of the fishery.
“After I heard this title was selling for over $300 per copy on Ebay, I had to stop the madness and reprint,” said Douglas. George Douglas is now the Publisher of Kype Fishing Magazine, named after the hook jaw on male salmon, trout and steelhead. This quarterly publication is truly unique as each issue comes with a full length fishing DVD. In a recent issue of Kype (Volume 1, Issue 4) Douglas wrote an in depth article on the Salmon River which explained how the Salmon River opened the door to his career and catapulted him to where he is today. Also, the DVD for that same issue, featured steelhead fishing on the Salmon River.
www.SteelheadSalmonTroutFishing.com is the new and official website for Kype Magazine and has a free social network for anglers to join and share photos, videos and discussions. This site is currently featuring live video feeds from Kype Magazine’s 2010 film tour. Check out these videos on the community, www.SteelheadSalmonTroutFishing.com. There is a drawing for the first one thousand members who join the communtiy, with prizes ranging from Kype’s waterproof clothing line to a subscription of Kype Magazine. The Kype Nation community is free to join and it takes only a minute.
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