pinks

I need some tips on the hows and wheres and whats to use to catch pinks in the salt. I want to fly fish for them primarily, but I plan to take spinning and casting gear along for my daughter and my emergency back up. The further south the better.

From shore I've used "pink for pinks".  Caught them on various colored buzz bombs (including pink) and smaller jigs adorned with pink yarn.  I've not trolled.

Any old small bright pink fly will do.  I like something like this.  It's about 1.25" long.  I get them from http://www.alaskaflyfishinggoods.com/Pink-Salmon/381Humpy-Hooker-4/Detailed-product-flyer.html.



For conventional casting, I like the smallest pink buzz bombs or a 1/4 ounce pink mirabou jig.

-Allen

Any old small bright pink fly will do.  I like something like this.  It's about 1.25" long.  I get them from http://www.alaskaflyfishinggoods.com/Pink-Salmon/381Humpy-Hooker-4/Detailed-product-flyer.html.

What kind of line and leader set up do  you use with those flies PP?  Never fished for pinks in the salt so I don't know how deep to fish for them.

Thanks,
~R

Ravdakot,
If you don't tie, I can get some tied for you to get started plus I have another pattern that's almost like a Crazy Charlie but all pink.  Just PM me.

~R

What kind of line and leader set up do  you use with those flies PP?  Never fished for pinks in the salt so I don't know how deep to fish for them.

I use Rio Outbound Clear Intermediate.  Nothing fancy on the leader ... 5 feet of whatever 15# you have lying around.

-Allen

Thanks for the info guys. It sounds like small and pink is the way to go.

Where do I go to find them? From what I understand they don't really travel south of the narrows bridge.

X2 on the Outbound line. The integrated shooting taper is nice for some xtra yards in your cast. BTW developed right here in the NW by the boys at Puget Sound Fly Co.. I'd advise to go a little lighter on the tippet for Puget Sound though. Say a 2X fluorocarbon (roughly 8#). Pole's used to Alaska where they make our record pink runs look silly.

Z

X2 on the Outbound line. The integrated shooting taper is nice for some xtra yards in your cast. BTW developed right here in the NW by the boys at Puget Sound Fly Co.. I'd advise to go a little lighter on the tippet for Puget Sound though. Say a 2X fluorocarbon (roughly 8#). Pole's used to Alaska where they make our record pink runs look silly.

Z

I just don't think the tippet size or type makes a difference on the pinks.  And I cast better with the stiffer line.   

-Allen

I just don't think the tippet size or type makes a difference on the pinks.  And I cast better with the stiffer line.   

After casting in our gin clear PS waters w/ both, the lighter fluoro almost doubles hookups.

Z

I just don't think the tippet size or type makes a difference on the pinks.  And I cast better with the stiffer line.   

After casting in our gin clear PS waters w/ both, the lighter fluoro almost doubles hookups.

Z

For SRC's, yes, I'd agree with that ... pinks, whatever floats your yak.

-Allen

How about pinks on conventional gear?  Any advice?

I've read the salmon university article on the topic..
http://www.salmonuniversity.com/ol_humpy_pink_fishing.html
but the one item they don't address is hook size.

For example, they mention the silver horde humpy kit consisting of a small pink hootchie 13"-16" inches behind a #0 (8") dodger.   I can't seem to find these online or anywhere in Oregon.   Does anyone have a source for these?  If I wanted to roll my own, what type/size hooks should I be using?

Thanks,
Brian

I can't seem to find these online or anywhere in Oregon.   Does anyone have a source for these?  If I wanted to roll my own, what type/size hooks should I be using?

Thanks,
Brian

I haven't seen 'em online but if you're rolling your own go with two 4/0. Maybe even a 3/0 4/0 combo.

Z

Wow, 3/0, 4/0 hooks seem really big for such small salmon.

Thanks Zee.

Wow, 3/0, 4/0 hooks seem really big for such small salmon.

Thanks Zee.

Sure. Pinks get pretty good sized. As for hooks we usually only top out at 5/0 for Chinook in the PS area.

Z

I'd  be more likely to use a 2/0.  Match your lure size.  I like small lures for pinks and 2/0 might even be too big.

-Allen