I am extremely new and i could actually feel 3 of the ones i missed yesterday (cause i forgot to set the hook). Its alot different from fishing downriggers or in a boat, the first time i drift fished i had no clue what was a rock and a bite (still dont have half a clue). Did manage to get my first one yesterday on the Carbon (it was a humpie but it is good to know i did something right).

4salts and Sparkeys definitions are very good

To me a bite feels close to when you hang up on someone's line in the water that has broken off. There is a slight resistance when your hook slides down the broken off line and also the broken off line pulses from the current almost like a bite.

I would say 3-1 or 75% miss factor sounds about right. Given the angler has good direction. In fact, just getting one your first day is a fine accomplishment!

Dont't feel bad about forgeting to set the hook. Yesderday I was fishing near Mt. St Helens when a big steelhead slamed my spinner and jumped out of the water. All I saw was a bright flash and was in such awe I froze up just looking at it, losing it. I don't think I have ever yelled the "f" word that loud in my life! I missed alot when I first started, and still miss some when staring off daydreaming. Factors like bad knots and dull hooks kept me from alot of fish.

I will always remember my one trip to blucreek.I went with my best fishin bud and a friend of his.Probably fifteen years ago.They jeffro caught 11,daryl caught 9,and greg got the big gooose egg.Casting the same birdie to the same spot.I shudder every time I think about how many times my [Bleeeeep!] was in a fishes mouth.

Now you know why my monicker is my favorite spoon I can't drift fish.

If you want to learn fast go to Alaska and fish a river loaded with fish. When you get 100 or more hook up and 2x the hits a day you learn real quick. Down here sensative rods and light lines will help you feel the bottom & structure vs. fish. Back in the old days you had to keep a finger on the line as the poles were as sensitive as a telephone pole.

I think alot has to do with the ratsnests i get, having to release all the excess line doesn't help when 3 fish pick up your lure and you are still releasing line. Tried again yesterday and to make a long story short, i need to get it re-spooled before i fish that reel again!

3:1 misses to takes? I would say the best advise so far was the Alaska trip. Muscle memory and repeated occurances are what is needed. I think the ratio is much higher! 10:1 easy~! I don't think that the occassional angler develops all the right skills as quickly as he could based on his number of hours and fish logged.

I agree with Chum Eater. The stud drift fisher outfishes the beginner 10:1 or more...


...at least that's the case with me

After fishing for humpers this season i have finally figured out what the bite feels like. I would say it does feel spongey. Now all i have to do is see if i can feel this "spongey" feeling on some steel head this winter.