Learn How to Mooch for Salmon with Capt. Keith Robbins
Mooching is a fun, active way to fish, and a favorite for Captain Keith Robbins and his fishing guide guests in Puget Sound.
Preparing Bait for Mooching - The Cut Plug
I've used herring for bait in this example of mooching, and preparation of your bait is an important part of mooching. Place your knife just behind the gill plate of the herring, then make one quick cut at a 45-degree angle. Flip the fish over and use your thumb to push out the entrails.
The simplest way to hook the bait is to insert the top hook (closest to the top of the rod) a 1/4 inch into the stomach cavity and push it straight out through the backbone (West board hookup). Insert the second hook through the cavity and out the short side (since you beveled the cut).
Checking the Bait Spin and Fishing
Simply dropping the bait in the water and moving it around should allow you to check for a "tight spin" - or realistic movement on the bait to attract a bite. This is one of the most important aspects of mooching.
The trick to mooching is to keep the bait constantly in motion. Use your thumb to regulate the speed of the reel as you let the bait drop to the desired depth. Once you hit your depth, begin winding the line back up slowly, always aiming for constant bait movement. If a fish bites while you're dropping the bait (which will happen about 2/3 of the time). Reel as fast as you can until you feel the line stop, then set. You'll tire out the fish by continuously reeling as far as you can, then setting the line, and repeating.
Gear Used in This Video
Shimano 300 Line Counter Reel - fish.shimano.com/
15 lb Monofilament Fishing Line
Sampo Ball Bearing Swivel
McMahon Snap
3 Ounce Kidney-Style Lead
6.5 to 7 Foot Leader
Twin Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks
salmonguide.com/
Music by Bensound.com