Of all my salmon equipment-----

I'd rather fish the wrong angle, wrong bait, wrong speed and wrong temp than not fish, so I'll go with.....my boat

Salmon school will be some time in February.

"So, where and when is "Salmon school"?"

Ask Jason.

Speed and temp unit (Depth Raider). 30 tackle boxes full of spoons that were "HOT" for 3 days. Flashers that I HAD to have. Flies that I spent hours tying(to only work for a small time). We all own these things. I would rather fish the wrong bait at the right speed and angle than to fish the best bait at the wrong speed. It took years and lots o $$$$ to come to this conclussion. Speed is the most important part of the equation. Without a speed and temp guage it is just guesswork.

Temp and Speed unit is #1 on my list. They put far more fish in the boat than a locator does. I've had one for over 15 years and I'd never consider not having one.

So, where and when is "Salmon school"?

"I must say that I'm a little surprised at some of the responses. I would have thought that more replies would mention their temperature/speed unit. I'm thinking about getting one and wonder how high on the list fishermen consider that and how many think it was a waste of money. Lund"

One of the best investments you can buy. Finding the temp break and speed at the ball is number one on my list. Second is money; lots of money. Salmon school well teach you a lot. Go with your fishing partner or partners and you'll learn a lot.

I must say that I'm a little surprised at some of the responses. I would have thought that more replies would mention their temperature/speed unit. I'm thinking about getting one and wonder how high on the list fishermen consider that and how many think it was a waste of money. Lund

Kicker motor or whatever you troll with. It allows us to run 6 different baits at the same time at a productive speed(hopefully). Without it you would be fishing with bobbers or casting one bait.

A net... of course!! LOL. I may have to retract my original vote for Lead core. Once Slosh mentioned a net it brought back some bad memories of an outing this year when I forgot mine. a combat style, bass swing/wave riding/salmon grab at the stern of the boat will absolutely cost you a few fish.

I believe your short changing yourself if you don't have all the gear mentioned below. Different times of year, depths, conditions, currents, all play a role in what I run where and how. The biggest attribute I personally believe a guy can have is the ability to think outside the box. When things get tough, is when it's make or break time. Subtle changes can mean the difference between an 80# cooler and a 120# cooler. But if I had to single out the best equipment on my boat it's hands down my fishhawk and gps. Hook a good fish, plot it, stay and make it pay. Work it on different angles, speeds. That's where the gps and probe really shine, it removes all doubt. Many don't realize if fish are tight lipped, and the morning is growing old, a slight change in angle coupled with how your cutting currents differently can make fish jump on your gear. Just a thought fellas, it's been working pretty well for us.

Depth Raider primarily for speed.

Grey Beard

Hook Sharpener, without that there would have been a lot less meat in the boat. Not to mention the frustration of getting the hit and loosing the fish. It seems as if you always loose the big ones as well.

My first serious set up was a 30# stainless, wire line/ pound ball rig. The ability to get near the bottom in deep water with a spoon or metal dodger and fly set up, instantly bumped up my success rate. Even now that I have down riggers I set one out. If you watch the movement of the rod tip it shows if underwater currents are spinning the dodger like a top, so you can adjust your speed down. Fishing with a working fish sonar has to be very high on the list too.

I dont think I would catch half as many fish without a net. Seriously I would lose alot if I had to hand land them all!

Leadcore Copper Downriggers they all have there day. First year using copper and it has been a nice addition with alot of fish coming on a 250 of 45 pound howie copper this year.

For the year I would think I have landed more downrigger fish than anything, then the leadcore/copper/torpedo lines, and last the divers.

Thats coming from a boat running 2 of each 99 percent of the time.