Hooks:
Remember that for Salmon, lighter is best. Choose your hooks according to bait size. Here are a few that I recommend:
Eagle Claw #L197 - 2/0 - 4/0 - 2/0 & 3/0 when using small-medium (3-5") baits
Owner Mutu Lights are great for large baits such as Herring & Sardines where 4/0 - 5/0 are the best
Gamakatsu Circle hooks in 5/0 - 7/0
Daiichi circle wide in 3/0 - 5/0

The way a bait is threaded can determine the best hook size. The best hook will be the lightest size that has at least a 1/4" gap from the point to the side of the bait. Anything less will usually end up in a missed opprotunity.

Remember: No Gap = No Fish! You must also flatten the barb of your hook. Hooks must be barbless

More Rigging






The use of small rubber bands, are ideal to keep the baits gills closed as well as keep the hook firmly in place.


Hook the loop from your leader to the little hook of your threading needle.


Pull your leader through the bait until the hook sets securely in the baits eye.


This is how your bait should look when using the most common method of rigging baits for Salmon Mooching.


Use two half hitches to help hold the hook in ideal position.


In windy conditions try placing the hook at the baits tail.


Make two half hitches around the head. This has been successful in triggering aggressive strikes. Note the bend in the head of the bait. This helps the bait from being thrashed by really strong currents. Also note the placement of the rubberband just in front of the hook by the tail.


Another way to rig a bait is cut the head off and run your bait threader from the top about 1/4" infront of the dorsal fin and out just behind the anal fins. Then tie a halfhitch around the tail and your good to go