Some cool shots of a nice winter steelhead that fell for the jig today and was quickly released. I just love these photos. Nothing like catching one of your favorite fish on something you made.

Drag free drifts and bobber downs!!

I have received many requests on how to rig your float/jig system. Through much trial and error, this photo represents my favorite and most effective way to rig a float/jig. I use either 10# Power Pro or 15# Power Pro for my main line. The braid manages easily, is easy to mend, and floats better than monofilament. Most of the time, I like using a 1/4 oz West Coast Type float (Danielson actually makes a similar float, as seen in this photo, that is inexpensive and fantastic as well). I would recommend on super gluing the ends of the clear plastic tube where it exits the float, this will keep the clear tube from coming loose from repeated casting. This process is not necessary with the West Coast Floats as they are fully coated and the tube cannot pop out.
Under the float, I add a 3/16 oz sliding weight, a small bead, and then the #10 barrel swivel. The added weight really helps with keeping the line between the float and the jig vertical and down in the strike zone. The 1/4 oz float and the 3/16 oz weight is the perfect combination for throwing 1/8 oz jigs, as well as the smaller barbel type jigs. The float will ride straight up while drifting down river when using either jig.

Tight Lines!!

Here are some examples of my Reel Tech Barbell Steelhead Jigs.  These are tied on a smaller size #2 or even a size #4 premium hook.  Most often, I use both plated and plain lead barbell eyes because I like the weight they provide over brass.  The hook shanks are then wrapped in .035 lead wire for added weight.  Sometimes the fish want something a bit smaller than the standard 1/8 oz jig, and in the darker colors, they make great clear water buggy looking jigs!  The fish LOVE EM!

Here is an orange/white/chartreuse barbell jig with orange chenille head:

The ever popular pink/white whith hot pink chenille head:

One of my favorites–The Volcano tied in dumbell fashion:

Hot pink/shell pink with shell pink chenille head-Metalhead Magnet for sure !!!:

Here is one tied with brass dumbell eyes-pink/shell pink- shell pink chenille:

These are examples of some fantastic clear water options:

Here is one of my favorite clear water jigs-Black/purple with purple hackle:

Another clear water favorite-Olive and black with black hackle:

Tight lines, bent rods, and screaming drags!!!!

Sometimes, something a little smaller is in order to convince a steelhead to bite.  These Reel Tech Barbell Steelhead Jigs are tied using premium hooks and lead barbell eyes.  Fished the same way as the traditional 1/8 oz jigs, they have a way of consistently bringing fish to the net when conditions call for a smaller offering.  These small jigs are primo in clearer water, and the darker, buggier looking jigs can really shine under these conditions

Here is a Chrome Rogue River Winter Steelhead that fell for the pink Reel Tech Barbell Jig!!

Here is a pair of upper river steelhead held by Jon Geyer and myself, that couldnt resist this smaller Volcano Reel Tech Barbell Jig!

Here are a couple of upper river fish.  This shows the effectiveness of a darker, buggier looking barbell jig in clear water conditions.

Tight Lines!!!

Nice chrome winter steelhead caught on the Main Umpqua with a 1/4 oz Reel Tech Steelhead Jig in pink/orange.  Look at that mouthful of maribou in that hen’s mouth!!!  Just goes to show ya, sometimes bigger jigs get the job done!!

Serious Bendo action shot!!

Beautiful winter steelhead with a mouthful of maribou!!

The release!

Tight lines!

Here are a few more Reel Tech Steelhead jigs that have been VERY productive!!    FISH ON!!

Steelhead Stalkers UV yarn tail jig:

Fl Pink and Shell Pink Maribou jig:

Fl pink/white maribou with orange rabbit fur:

Pink/white maribou, Fl pink chenille, purple head:

Shell pink/Orange Maribou: