One of the biggest misconceptions about trolling for salmon is that you need a boat loaded with specialized equipment to be successful.
While downriggers and flashers are an incredibly effective way to target coho and the system we rely on every day aboard our guide boats, they're certainly not the only option.
In the latest episode of our Pacific Angler Saltwater Salmon Series, we're showing a simple, incredibly effective technique that's perfect for anglers who don't own downriggers or who simply want to try something different.
Why Diving Lures Work
Summer coho are aggressive fish that spend much of their time feeding high in the water column. That makes them an ideal target for diving lures like the Rapala Down Deep Husky Jerk and Deep Tail Dancer.
These lures dive on their own, allowing you to fish productive depths without additional trolling hardware. Combined with their tight, erratic action, they're often more than enough to trigger aggressive strikes from feeding coho.
Keep It Simple
One of our favourite things about this technique is how approachable it is.
You don't need an expensive trolling setup to get started. A medium spinning rod, an introductory salmon trolling outfit or a mooching rod paired with a rod holder can all be effective. Simply let your lure back behind the boat, troll at the right speed and let the lure do the work.
Don't Overlook the Prop Wash
One tip that surprised even us was just how effective it was to run these plugs close to the boat.
As the prop wash churns up bubbles, it creates the appearance of a concentrated bait ball. Coho are naturally curious and aggressive, and they'll often move right into that turbulence to investigate.
Some of the most exciting strikes during filming happened only a few feet behind the engine.
Stay Mobile
Just like with any style of coho fishing, success comes from staying on the fish.
Keep an eye on your sonar for bait and schools of salmon, make tight turns to stay with the action and don't be afraid to experiment with trolling speed. During filming, we found speeds between roughly 2.5 and 3.5 mph consistently produced fish.
Watch the Full Video
In the full episode, we walk through our complete setup, discuss lure selection, demonstrate our rigging and share plenty of on-the-water footage showing just how effective this technique can be.
If you're looking for a simple, fun and highly effective way to target summer coho, this is one you'll definitely want to add to your toolbox.
Watch the full video above, and if you have any questions about the gear featured (linked below), stop by the shop or visit us online. Our staff are always happy to help you get ready for your next day on the water.
Stay tuned for more episodes in the Pacific Angler Saltwater Salmon Series, where we'll continue exploring new techniques to help you become a more successful saltwater angler.
Product Recommendations & Links
We've been having a blast fishing these Rapala lures for coho this summer, and we think you will too. One of the best parts of this technique is its simplicity—no downrigger, no problem. These diving plugs reach the coho strike zone on their own, and their erratic action consistently triggers aggressive strikes from feeding fish.
Check out the products featured in this video and if you have any questions, stop by the shop or visit us online. We're always happy to help get you rigged up for your next coho adventure.
We fish these Rapala lures for coho:
We prefer to remove the treble hooks and put a single siwash hook on the back (tail) of the Rapala. This makes it easy to release wild coho and the hook up to landing ratio on the single is very good.
We recommend a VMC Techset Siwas Open Eye 7174BN in #2/0 or #3/0.
