Since I am a new participant here I have been reading back thru some recent posts. I read with interest the responses to Rich's "Why Spill The Beans?". Most expressed that they have an attitude of wanting to share fishing tech. info. to help people enjoy this recreational sport. I used to be one of the most secretive of fishermen. I am at a point in my life where I now want to give back to the sport in honor of all those who have helped me. And it is ALRIGHT (except for revealing the rare less known productive spots in Wash./Ore.).- I have fished extensively all over the Northwest from S. Oregon to AK for close to 35 years. I was a very successful fulltime salmon/steelhead jetboat & driftboat fishing guide for many years in NW Oregon. I am now going to "give it up" here & some other places for the above reason (no- I'm not trying to be some sort of fishing Zorro). For whatever it's worth to those learning this sport, check it out (already posted "Salmon/steelhead fishing scents" & a reply addition to B Mac's "Low water techniques"). - Steve Hanson (retired guide- that's all).

[This message has been edited by Backbouncer1 (edited 03-06-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Backbouncer1 (edited 03-06-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Backbouncer1 (edited 03-06-2000).]

Backbouncer1,For years I have so many rumors all the different scent additives that the s.w. wash guides use on there eggs.I have spent alot of time fishing down there and always do pretty good but never end up at the end of the day having done what they have done.I have had days when I have out fished them but when the fish are scarce and fishing is tough is when the eggs make all the difference.when I talk about s.w. I really mean the cowlitz,and when i talk about the top guides I mean clancy,bear,mike sexton,mike kelly,joe little ect.I have tried every additive that you can think of from,crayfish powder to pautzkes juice.What do these guys use.

Free Drifter- It definitely helps to have quality cured eggs. But the biggest difference between fulltime guides & weekenders is that guides are on the river almost every day. They also usually have more rods out (at least w/ jetsleds). This enables them to "dial in" such intricacies as where fish concentrations are, what baits & cures, scent additives, lure types & colors the fish have preferences for on an on-going basis- they plan a stratedgy accordingly. Also, it may appear to some people that they are doing just what the guides are, but not catching as many fish. Well, you're probably not doing exactly the same. Most guides have spent countless days & hours over the years perfecting very subtle & intricate bait & lure presentation for a given water conditon (temp., color, flow, area, etc.). They also have an advantage using plugs because they are out there 5 to 7 days a week with several rods, so they know which ones produce & which ones to remove from the rotation- that's huge! So guides are hard working experts that deserve respect and the fees they get! And if they get you into a pile of fish that has more market value than the fees they charge, tip them. If you hit an unexpected slow bite day with one, remember that it isn't their fault & they are working just as hard or harder.-- Since retiring from guiding, the most often question I get is for egg cure methods. That is a long subject, so I will try to help out with a separate egg cure post (if I'm allowed to as others have). - Steve Hanson (a retired guide- that's all).

[This message has been edited by Backbouncer1 (edited 03-06-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Backbouncer1 (edited 03-06-2000).]

Free Drifter, also check out my post on Salmon/Steelhead Scent oils somewhere below.

Free Drifter- I posted an extensive writeup on guide caliber egg curing that disappeared off the board a short time later. Is that a common occurance on this bulletin board (I'm a new participant)? I may try to repost it pending some feedback. - Steve - P.S.- It showed back up on the board again.

[This message has been edited by Backbouncer1 (edited 03-06-2000).]