Springers on or off the hook

[stoneflyguy]

So here is what happens to me every year. Let me start first by saying that I am a fly fishing guide and don\'t run gear that often, at least not in the Columbia. Every year, starting in February, I get my jet boat on the Columbia because the buzz in the tackle shops is that a few springer\'s are being caught. I end up going out about a dozen times, and by April I\'m so burned out I find better things to do than waste gas and time. I don\'t catch many spring salmon because of this. I also putz around between tides because I am not sure whether it\'s better to troll or anchor up. I see fish caught doing both but am wondering what is your favorite thing to do and how are you most successful? Leave your feedback, let me know how to better waste my time.

Jeff

[bigfish44]

I guess because you are a guide it is different for you because it is a job. For me, any time that I can get outdoors and go fishing is a treat even if I do not catch anything... especially at a place like the Columbia River. When something becomes a job it is easy to get burnt out though. I have experienced that first hand.

[stoneflyguy]

I agree with you in all aspects but I do not guide for sringers on the Columbia. When I have time to fish for myself I give it a whirl. I love guiding and I don\'t think I could ever get burned out on it. The majority of my clients understand if they don\'t catch fish, it\'s fishing. I also understand this but have to have more self control and not go so early so I don\'t get burned out by the time the fish do show up. I\'m wondering how most guys like to fish, either on the hook or trolling. I have had little sucess at both because I go at the fiorst word that fish are being caught instead of waiting for the run to actually start. I tell myself each year to wait until April but I can\'t seem to do it.

Jeff