Prepping for the Homer Winter Kings in Homer

So let's use this thread to prep for the upcoming feeder king fishery off the end of the Homer Spit.  As you might of seen on the other thread, we may have the place virtually to ourselves!

I want to emphasize that the way I am going to outline is only one way out of infinite possibilities.  I am in expert on this subject as I have only begun to catch these fish about 5 years ago.  I HIGHLY recommend you use the info I provide only as a starting point and experiment with different techniques, baits, lures etc.  I think we are far from figuring this thing out as well as we reasonably can. 

My write can be found at:  https://sites.google.com/site/kayakfishingalaska/the-prey/king-chinook-salmon/homer-winter-feeder-king-fishery---how-to

So a few basics.  Sand lances are the main forage fish here.  Not the herring capering and larger baitfish more prevalent in PWS.  What makes the spit a great fishery during this time of year is that my research shows the sand lances aggregate in the area in huge numbers to spawn.  That's why I like the thinner needlefish hoochies by Goldstar (they are thinner than the "normal" hoochies") and the thinner spoons like the silver horde coho killer.  As always herring works great...too good when pollock are around. 

Line: I use 50 or 65 pound power pro almost exclusively.  I will drop it to 30 lbs maybe for the ultralight,  Any thinner and its too much of a PITA to handle.

Leaders: I use fluorocarbon exclusively.  I never us anything under 40 pounds.  Usually 60 or 80 pounds.  Even with the thicker leaders, check your leaders.  I am constantly amazed at how often the leader breaks off if you try and use them on multiple days. 

Trolling sinkers 12oz or larger are like gold.  If you find them, stock up on them.  I carry 4 oz to 12 oz sinkers.  Usually using 10 oz only because they are more common. 

Flashers:  I like the old school metal luhr jensen dodgers when fishing the hoochies.  You need something to give the hoochies action.  Keep the leader short.  less than 3 ft...2 ft is better.  You get much better action with short leaders and heavier lines.  For the spoon I use the triangular fish flash flasher.  I like the in line spinning flashers for any lure or bait that has its own action.  Mainly because I can attach the sinker direct to the front of the flasher making my overall leader length that much shorter.

Basically the above is a short version of the write up.  Let me know if you have any questions!

so when do you start homing in on Homer?

so when do you start homing in on Homer?

Anytime now.  The sand lances need to move in.  I thought I rad the sand lances congregate for spawning right after peak water temp.    That might be later this yer.  My plan is to hit WG until mid September unles the weather forces me down to Homer.  The fish are there all year but they don't congregate around the spit until late September.  So you always have a chance. 

At WG unlike the spring time, I think I will head out a few miles into 60 to 80 feet of water for both halibut and trolling kings.  Off power boats, we do well off the bluffs in about a 100 ft of water

I LOSE so many dang sinkers, and I hate paying $4 or more each... so if you are like me and have trouble finding the ones over 6oz... try these.  You need to ensure you have swivels elsewhere, but for the quantity the price is not too bad - about $2 each shipped to your door in AK. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181818053871    and for 16 oz.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STRAIGHT-INLINE-TORPEDO-TROLLING-SINKER-16-OZ-5-OF-THEM-/171890652959?hash=item28057b371f   

Not sure if you can combine two orders and cut shipping... maybe not for that weight! but worth a try.   I am going to email the seller and see if he can combine / bulk up orders to save shipping costs, but even so less than $3 ea for 160z is pretty good

Or get some of these diamond drill bits (http://www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/product.php?id=46580&catID=1030), pick up some nice rounded beach/river rocks, and make your own sinkers - all you invest is some time to drill them and a loop of wire thru the hole 

Jim (wishing I was up there so I could join in)

Hmm - I like the idea of throwing a dewalt and diamond drill into the truck tool box !  Thanks