Hi, I am trying to learn out to salmon fish. I have gone out about 4 times in the past 2 weeks but haven't even got a bite. I don't have downriggers which makes things kind of hard. I was wondering if anyone could give me any suggestions on what to use or some advice. I have been mooching hearing and using a buzz bomb a little. Thanks in advance,

Have you got a sister who likes to fish?

Well Newbie I'll try to help a little. If your mooching herring and jigs in the right places you will catch fish, when they are there, so a downrigger is not a must have. The main thing is to find the bait and fish where it is. I don't really know the what area you are fishing so I would suggest checking out this site. It has a bunch of really good info for the begginer saltwater fisherperson.
Good luck........http://www.salmonuniversity.com/

salmon university just released an article about sockey in lake washington, i've never tried it but i will friday morning. also depends on were you go to buy your gear but the guys at outdoor emporium have always pointed me in the right direction to everything i've asked. good luck

I think you might be surprised what will work for salmon. I have had salmon chase my downrigger ball right up to the boat then they just sit there, right on the surface, wondering where it went.

If you can afford it go with a guide sometime it will steepen your learning curve. You can also get a good idea of what kind of gear to use and what works when and where. It helped me out alot.

I fish the redondo area a lot. Can anyone give me suggestions on what to use in this area without a downrigger and what area's to fish? I was just reading an article about using hot shots, has anyone tried this? I was out Monday morning and there was bait fish all around but I didn't even get a hit so I figure I must be doing something wrong. Thanks for the help in advance,