Couple of quick questions...

[Boombollie]

On a 8'6" medium action spinning rod, I've got 10lb mainline and I'm wondering what kind of leader y'all would use for #3-5 Blue Fox's, if any. Also, would you tie directly to the mainline or would you throw a swivel in there to reduce line twist? I feel like I may be over thinking, but I don't get out on the river enough, so I don't want to be wasting time.

Oh, and anyone have any current favorite colors/patterns right now for spinners?

 

[troutdude]

The leader used, depends on what specie you are chasin. Assuming that you're talking winter steel, I'd go w/ 6 lb. leader in gin clear/low water conditions. But, I'd bump it up to 8 lb. in higher/murkier water. You may even bump up your main line to 12#, and leader to 10#; when the rivers start to max out when we get a ton of rain. I'd also suggest a barrel swivel, to reduce line twist.

Colors? Patterns? Anything in Jed Davis' book.

 

[waco]

I don't use leader when using spinners. Just put a snap swivel to the spinner!! If you are fishing it right fish won't care for the line. I seen people hooking fish with high visible green line straight to the spinner!!
Oh and I would bump to 12 lb line test!! average winters are 10 lbs!

 

[wozniasm]

If I could only choose one size and finish of spinner for winter steelhead it would be #5 genuine silver with red adornments called the "Winter Standard" by spinner guru Jed Davis. During the cold flows of winter, steelhead behaviour is very predictable and the maximum flash and vibration put out by this spinner will work in almost any conditions you may encounter during the winter months.

 

[fish4life]

I would tie directly to mainline if using blue foxes other spinners I would use a snap swivel. As far as line goes I know a guy who spinner fishes a lot and he uses 20# line in the summer and does well. He says that he dos'nt lose as many spinners and the fish don't seem to care because you are getting a reaction bite. He throws the spinner upstream into riffles and reels them downstream just fast enough to make blade spin.

 

[troutdude]

reels them downstream just fast enough to make blade spin.

Yep. Always fish them "Slow n' Low".

 

[troutdude]

20# line in the summer and does well. He says that...the fish don't seem to care because you are getting a reaction bite.

I disagree. Fish DO see the heavier line in low water conditions; and it will spook them. Do you really want to spook fish, and cause them not to bite?

 

[troutdude]

I don't use leader when using spinners.

That's right, duh. I do not use leader w/ spinners either (unless trolling). Thanks for pointing that out Waco.

 

[rippin fish lips]

On a 8'6" medium action spinning rod, I've got 10lb mainline and I'm wondering what kind of leader y'all would use for #3-5 Blue Fox's, if any. Also, would you tie directly to the mainline or would you throw a swivel in there to reduce line twist? I feel like I may be over thinking, but I don't get out on the river enough, so I don't want to be wasting time.

Oh, and anyone have any current favorite colors/patterns right now for spinners?

No leader with spinner or spoons unless trolling. Attatch your snap swivel to mainline, its quick for switching lures (more affective) when changing presentations a lot. Make sure your snap swivels are strong, and you hooks don't have rust... lost 3 summers do to lack of caring for the gear that needs replaced. I love Brass.

Also... There is a spoon called the "thomas spoon" Very good lure... Buy the orange/white 1/4 oz one, when you get home, shave the bottom 1/8th - 1/2 of orange off to make it have a bass belly!!! Ooops.. i just spit out a secret i have kept all yearrrr

 

[plumb2fish]

No leader, snap swivel is optional with blue fox spinners. with high off color water, try a #5 in a bright color with silver blade. Fish are going to be close to the bank when the river is high...(the edges have less crap suspended in the water and fish are lazy).In my experience, 10 lb main line would cost me a lot of $ in hardware cause I like to feel the blade slapping off the rocks

 

[troutdude]

Fish are going to be close to the bank when the river is high...(the edges have less crap suspended in the water and fish are lazy).

The fish hold next to bank, for at least two other reasons.

1. Cover
2. Slower flow, easier to navigate

So, Plumb is right. In high water conditions, work your gear close to the bank(s).