Pacific Northwest Fishing Gear Guides

The best bait for Chinook salmon is cured eggs, but pairing them with shrimp or tuna belly can dramatically increase bites depending on river conditions.

Salmon eggs are one of the most effective baits for targeting Chinook in Pacific Northwest rivers. This guide explains exactly how to rig salmon eggs under a float, including hook placement, leader length, and bait presentation tips that help produce bites.

Learn why your salmon float rig keeps tangling and how to fix the most common setup mistakes for smoother drifts and more effective presentations.

Learn the best hooks for salmon fishing including octopus hooks, circle hooks, and big river bait hooks. See which hook sizes work best for Chinook and river bait setups.

Learn the best salmon weights for river fishing, including egg weights for float fishing, pencil lead for drift fishing, and plunking weights for heavy current.

Learn which salmon egg cures actually produce in river fishing, including proven mixes, scent additives, and tips to catch more Chinook.

Looking for the best salmon floats for river fishing? This guide breaks down the most reliable bobber styles for Chinook and other salmon, including durable inline floats that help present bait naturally and detect subtle bites.

Learn the exact salmon float rig setup used by Pacific Northwest anglers, including the correct rig order, bait choices, and how to adjust your bobber for consistent Chinook bites.

A practical breakdown of terminal tackle for salmon fishing, covering the hooks, floats, weights, and exact rigging setup I use for Chinook and coho in Pacific Northwest rivers.

A practical breakdown of the knots I actually use for salmon and steelhead fishing, including braid-to-leader connections and eggs loop setups that hold up in real river conditions.