Some Good Old-Fashioned Knowhow: Successful Fishing Techniques

Capt. D. Escott using some good old-fashioned knowhow

You can be outfitted with the highest quality reels, the best fishing vessel, and the flashiest tackle around—but that doesn’t necessarily add up to a successful day of fishing. The surest thing to bring in a great haul of salmon? Some good old-fashioned knowhow.

Not only does catching that Tyee mean knowing when and where to look for it, but it also means knowing what fishing techniques to use for any given set of conditions. Will it be whole herring or cut-plug for bait? Or maybe a hoochie or a spoon lure is the surest bet to get a fish on the line. Then you need to ask yourself: Is it time for trolling (drawing the fishing line behind the moving boat) or is it time for mooching (slowly drifting through the water on the current)?

After nearly two decades of coastal fishing, Captain Danny Escott has an answer for all of the above—as does each one of the Escott guides, who each train extensively under Captain Escott.

Every Escott Sportfishing outing uses all the top-of-the-line stuff: Grady White boats, Abel reels, Grade A bait, the latest radar technology, and more. But it’s the skill and knowledge every expedition is led with that makes for a cutting-edge fishing experience. Being on the waters of Haida Gwaii every day means we can watch baitfish movement and salmon feeding patterns, which means we know where to go to start reeling them in, and what exactly is going to catch their eye.

When technique, tools, and knowhow combine, pulling that first Chinook into the boat or catching that first Coho with a saltwater fly is just the beginning of a great fishing trip.

Fishing rods: Does size matter?

Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room. Yes, size does matter. When speaking about fishing rods, the type and the size you use in saltwater fishing can help you ensure your catch of the day or make you go home with nothing at all.

Some people, especially fishing newbies, enter stores and purchase the first rod that catches their attention. However, this often proves to be a mistake.

In the past, fishing rods were just sticks that used to dangle a string. They ended in a hook that what people would use for alluring fish with the hope that one would eventually bite. Fortunately, things have changed with time. There are now specially designed rods for each fishing activity. Starting with innovative materials such as graphite, fiberglass and bamboo, modern day fishing rods help anglers to have a more accurate cast and a better control of fish fighting.

For beginners, the most common move is to buy a combo kit. They normally come with around 3 types of reels (i.e. spinning reels, spin cast reels or drag reels) and hooks that adapt to a single rod and use them in different fishing scenarios. But, even with a full kit, inexperience could prove costly. You might just return home empty handed and with broken fishing equipment.

Here are some useful tips to use when shopping rods for saltwater fishing.

Offshore/ Onshore/ Pier Fishing, big fish:

If you’re an adventurist and care for bigger, heavier fish, the best option for you is a Fast Action Rod. The ‘Action’ refers to the rod’s flexibility. In this case, Fast Action Rods are longer and only flexible at the tip of the shaft, while the rest remains rigid. This is great for fishing Salmon and other big fish because they are sturdy and can stand heavier weight and weathers. They work great in deep and shallow waters but they are not suitable to catch smaller fish because the cast is too long and the line too heavy.

Offshore/ Onshore/ Pier fishing, medium fish:

A Medium Action Rod is preferred by many anglers regardless of their experience because of its versatility. This type of rod is flexible along its upper half and is good for both offshore and onshore fishing. It is the best option for fishing in areas surrounded by trees. This rod allows both long and short casts (in a reasonable range). It’s good for medium sized fish while it’s not as accurate for big fish as a Fast action Rod. However, they are adaptable to deep and shallow waters.

Shore fishing/ Pier fishing/ Shallow waters, small fish:

When fishing for smaller kinds of fish, Slow Action Rods are the way to go. These are completely flexible, providing shorter, gentler casts. They are perfect for very small, small, and small-to-medium fish onshore. Because it offers almost no rigidness, this rod doesn’t stand strong winds but it’s a beginner’s best ally.  It allows inexperienced fishers to cast like the pros after a little practice.

No matter what you have in mind, the best is to be prepared for whatever type of fishing you want to do with a proper equipment size to get the job done. We will soon be talking about the right reels for making the best of your fishing experience.

Escott Sportfishing offers you all types of saltwater fishing gear, and the advice of the experts. Book your fishing adventure in advance with Escott Sportfishing and enjoy the excitement of saltwater fishing.