Fresh Herring - Forums Archive

groundhog

2009-02-08 23:04:54

Does anyone bother with catching their own herring? I do it for sportfishing halibut and it seems to work way better than the frozen stuff.

This spring I want to try it for handtrolling.

In the past I've used a spin rod rigged with a herring jig. Just cast out in front of the boat while trolling when you see herring at the surface. It's a slow way to get bait, but it doesn't get any fresher. Cabelas sells a special rod just for herring jigs. The line runs through the inside of the rod. When you are done fishing, you just reel in untill the sinker stops at the rod tip. No exposed line or hooks to tangle, you can lay the pole down anywhere and it's ready for the next cast.

To speed things up a bit, I was thinking of trying a herring gillnet. Maybe I'll tie one end of it to the mooring bouy. Or is there a better way? I don't want too many, just enough each time for one days' fishing.

Another benefit to catching bait on or near the drag is "matching the hatch" perfectly.

Salty

2009-02-08 23:39:42

Fresh herring works best for halibut. Way better than frozen.

I have not had better luck with fresh herring trolling salmon. Always seems to have problems with scaling since the scales are not set like they are after freezing and then salting. I have also had problems with them holding up on the hook after threading.

My dad used to be a master at choking fresh herring so I know that works.

The rod description for herring jigging sounds great.

When I snag a fresh herring or a fish spits one up I throw it into the brine with the salted ones in the hope that the oil will juice things up.

groundhog

2009-02-09 01:24:37

My Dad used to be a master at choking fresh herring so I know that works.

Hmm.. My nautical jargon must not be up to snuff. Are you refering to your Dad trolling fresh herring? Or do you mean mooching, or some other arcane secret system of the oldtimers?

How did your Dad catch his herring?

Salty

2009-02-09 03:44:51

My father, Wilhelm (Skip) Jordan, came to Alaska before WWII on a herring seiner and caught his first Alaska King salmon on a choked herring on a hand line behind a hand rowed skiff in Washington, Bay. When I was growing up we had three tools for catching herring, a rake, a gillnet, and little gold and silver hooks hand tied on little 4 inch leaders onto a main line on rod and reel.

One of his good friends, Vince Cameron, has a book out titled "We All Choke The Same Herring". I have never mastered the art of rolling a herring commercially, or otherwise for that matter like he could. I am going to try and insert a picture:

~~[attachment=0]~~239 Eric & Dad.jpg[/attachment]

groundhog

2009-02-10 04:58:17

Got it,

I'll have to find myself a copy of that book.

I still make up my own herring jigs. Small dry-fly hooks, red and green thread, and a snip of clear grocery produce bag. They work just as good as the ones straight from Japan.

Salty

2009-02-10 05:24:03

My mother also wrote a book, "Following the Alaska Dream". There are still some copies in print and I have a few here.

Ocean Harvester

2009-02-10 05:38:10

I'll second Salty's Mother's book. It's a very enjoyable read. Was lucky enough to find a signed copy.

mswkickdrum

2009-02-10 17:12:28

I'll third that on his mothers book!, they might have a few signed copies still at Captain's Nautical Supply here in

Seattle. Hopefully Eric will also sign my copy if/when I get to meet him.

groundhog

2009-02-11 03:33:07

Salty,

I think I saw your Moms book at Hearthside Books in Juneau a while ago. I'll have to go back and look again.

todd.korth@sun.com

2009-02-12 05:08:48

Salty

Great picture...what a classic.

I started fishing with my dad about the same age.....have been out of it for the past 9 years but have

the itch as well. I've read the postings on this site for awhile....good spirit in the group.