Daniel Ambrose answers:

I have most luck with Powerbait. Also, if you want to increase scent, buy Powerbait Roe which is also very benneficial. I dont have much luck with gulp, and it kinda slides off my snell to easily.

Daniel Ambrose answers:

Berkly power nymphs work great but minnows are the best live bait.

Daniel Ambrose answers:

We have this same problem here in PA when they stock trout when we are trying to catch steelhead. The stockies are a big pain and we don’t want to catch them in fear of hurting them because they usuallt swallow the hook. Unfortunately about all you can do is change spots where they are not at in big numbers. If you use live bait you’re going to catch them. I find switching to lures helps a lot but you will still catch some but not as many.

Daniel Ambrose answers:

Welcome to the Pacific Northwest. The good news is…you are going to love fishing here. I am particularly fond of the Columbia River. The bad news is…salmon and steelhead fishing is a whole new ball game. I’m wouldn’t bother trying to accomodate existing equipment and techniques…you are going to have to do some assimilation. As you already know, you have to head down to the river and spend time with the guys who fish a particular area…techniques and terminal tackle will vary even within a relatively limited stretch of the river. And, of course, there’s no substitute for knowing the river.

Also, the trick here is how NOT to catch bass when you are after something else.

Daniel Ambrose answers:

A very interesting question, you are talking about two very different fish. Catfish tend to feed mainly of the bottom, were bass are more a predatory fish that will look for and chase their pray any wear. I think if you were talking about bait fishing, well there would be little to none in difference to that. There are some great books on the subject, and if you wish, visit my blog , there is some good reading there, I hope that helps.
E.C.

Daniel Ambrose answers:

How about some Lucky Craft jerkbaits with a REAL FISH SKIN COVERING! I know you want one! Find them here along with other great bass tourney winning products like the e21 Legend Carrot Stix (30% graphite, 70% carrots!).

Http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/jerkbaits/real_skin_luckycraftjerk_78sp.htm

http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/rods/e21_carrotstick.htm

The 2008 iCast show won’t be until next summer when the best of 2008 tackle will be made public. We will all be waiting with baited breath.

Edit*
The ‘Thumbs Downer’ missed me! Must be passed his bed time.

Daniel Ambrose answers:

This time of year you should have your pick of fish houses.

Best of luck

Daniel Ambrose answers:

I caught 3 decent perch one day on Big Stone (lake on MN border for those who don’t know) one day. Saw thousands swim by on the camera. That was my best day. Worst day we were getting picked on by like 4 inch perch. Bobber go down and set the hook 80% of the time they didn’t have enough size to get the hook in their mouth so nothing even felt. Then bobber went down, set the hook and i’m assuming northern pulled the rod out of my hand and down the hole. Forgot to unlock the spool after transport and just wasn’t expecting any pull. Never caught anything the other times i went so 3 perch was my best day.

Daniel Ambrose answers:

Nope! I went ice fishing last year, caught 80 pounds of ice and it all melted in the trunk on the way home.

;D

Daniel Ambrose answers:

I hook my clam up to a shappel or any other shanty. Just face opposite directions and fold the doors inside eah others shanty. There is a small gap due to his shanty is about 2ft taller than mine. But nothin the heater buddy won’t fix. Ran off propane by the way…..lol so if it’s the same basic shape you can better than if it’s different but you still can. We usually will hook 8 or more shantys in this fashion…..great times . They also make 6 to 8 man shantys look up 8 man shantys ….awsome hope this helps

Daniel Ambrose answers:

Well, for a temporary shelter you can just use a tent. Some tents are designed with insulated bottom pads for ice and a few even have a cut out for fishing. See LLBean, EMS, REI, Sports Chalet, etc. For options.

A more permanent shelter can be made from wood, or insulated plastic. Many peopel have successfully used the Rubbermaid outdoor storage sheds. These are designed to store lawn ghear, but are light enough to be hauled to remote sites and assemble easily and are easy to cut out openings. Because of the insulated plastic they do make life a little more fun inside.

Or go old school and make an ice/snow shelter.

Daniel Ambrose answers:

Out of the two i would go for the eastman ice cube as its a bit more sturdy and durable than the pack shack, which are probably the two most important things you want in a shelter. The pack shack is lighter in weight than the ice cube and is easyer to carry round, but i would go for the ice cube as its a better quality product overall.

Daniel Ambrose answers:

The first Saturday of April at 5:00 am

Daniel Ambrose answers:

Mountain streams

Daniel Ambrose answers:

Well…. Trout fishing is a very tricky thing to get good at. I’ve been fishing them since i was 5. I’m 20 now and i have some tips for you.
1. Get an Ultralight rod and reel like Quantums Xtralight setups, they’re cheap and very worth it. 4 lb. Test is good
2. Fishing in early morning and at late afternoon is best, but you can catch them anytime.
3. Use natural looking baits or something very bright. I would reccomend Mepps Rooster tail spinners for the calmer sections, or a Pheobe (At walmart)
4. Live bait is best, prefferably nightcrawlers or Meal worms with a size 6 snelled eagleclaw hook, and small splitshot sinkers (check local laws for lead use) and if you cant they make steel ones.
5. Dont cast your shadow on the stream as this will defenitley spook them! And dont make much noise cause they are sensitive.
6. Watch the rapids and select a course that your line will travel. Trout also hide where rocks in the middle of the stream split the current in half, they will be on the calm side of the rock.
7. If the stream is low the trout will be in the deep pools. If the stream is rippin after a big rain they will be harder to find.
8. Cast up-stream and pull the slack out of your line and just let it drift down-stream, feeling for a bite, they dont bite hard and long so be ready to feel it and set the hook (not to hard)
9. Remember to cast in the same spot 4 or 5 times as the trout will come out of hiding and then bite. Give them time to react.

If this dont work i dont know what will, i’ve caught tons of trout