Kings on the Run

takes you back to simpler times.

BACK BOUNCING

Back bouncing skein and tied spawn sacks is a very effective technique, especially for fish that have been in the river a while. While much of the back bouncing on the Big Manistee happens from boat anchored above holes, I’ve found that a mobile approach, using an electric trolling motor to be much more effective.

I use the trolling motor to move slightly slower than the speed of the current working the skein on pencil sinker rigs out behind the boat. Fishing in this manner allows me to fish entire runs and holes from top to bottom. There’s no question that there are times to sit tight a concentrate on one area. More often than not though, covering water puts more fish in the boat.

For back bouncing I like nine foot medium-heavy action spinning rods and a quality reel spooled with 15 lb. mono . From a sliding pencil sinker to the skein I like 12 lb. fluorocarbon with a stout #4 egg hook.

There’s no question that our salmon are smaller than they were just ten years ago. But catching them in rivers on comparatively light tackle will still test the mettle of the most experienced angler. This September give West Michigan’s river kings a shot I’ll guarantee the last thing you’ll complain about is the size of the fish.

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