Oh the anticipation of the upcoming winter steelhead season has been all consuming. It is one of my most favorite times of the year. Cold mornings, freezing guides, the sound of the river, and hooking into big strong chrome winter Steelhead!!! These two photos pretty much have winter steelhead written all over them:
Looking forward to bent rods and screaming drags!! WOOO HOOOO!!!
Winter Steelhead caught on the Applegate River in Southern Oregon on Reel Tech Custom Jigs. Love seeing that brightly colored jig stuck in their upper lip!!!
Here is the first Steelhead I ever caught, and it was on a jig.
This particular fish is what started my obsession not only with Steelhead, but with creating my own Steelhead slaying jig creations. There is a great satisfaction that comes with hooking fish consistently on jigs you hand tied on your vise. Knowing that your creation was good enough that a Steelhead couldnt just let it drift by without eating it. There is no greater sight than seeing that brightly colored maribou jig hanging out of a Steelhead’s mouth when sliding it into the net.
I think I love float fishing so much because it is such a visual technique. Making that perfect cast to an ideal looking seam, mending your line, that float standing straight up indicating a perfect presentation. Watching the float drift down stream, seeing it slip under the water, setting the hook, the rod bending to the cork, and feeling the heavy surge of a lively Steelhead….. GAME ON!!!
Float fishing has its place and is such an effective tactic. You can fish water that you could not effectively sidedrift or run plugs in. Many times the jig has saved the day on an otherwise slow outing. There is nothing that can imitate the presentation of a properly fished jig, and sometimes on any particular day that may be all they want. Many times we would make several passes sidedrifting through really good holes with really good baits or yarnies with no takers. Run back up and put the jigs through the same run……….FISH ON!!! Repeatedly!!
To say I am a float and jig fishing fanatic would be an understatement. More often than not, you can find me walking the bank with 2 or 3 float rods, or standing in a drift boat or a jet boat mending line and pursuing that perfect drift!! If the rivers are blown out and I am not at work, I am usually behind my vise tying more Metalhead Magnets!!
Tight lines, Bent rods, and screaming drags to all!!
For me, fishing for me is not just a hobby…..it is a way of life…….an obsession. Through my many adventures, I have acquired an extensive knowledge of both fresh and salt water fishing, and the gear and tackle associated with it. I have utilized my passion for fishing and the gear we use to become a very successful reel repair technician. For over 20 years now, I have been fixing, repairing, rebuilding, maintaining, and troubleshooting all types of fishing reels, from small freshwater spinning reels, to offshore 2-speed big game reels. My wife Jennifer and I reside in Medford Oregon, in the beautifull Rogue Valley.
I built this business delivering integrity, honesty, quality service, and fast turnaround. As an avid fisherman, I understand that no fisherman should be without his tools longer than absolutely necessary. It is my mission to get you back in the water as quickly as possible. I am confident that your satisfaction will be met, and you will join my growing family of return customers.