Trying to get my first salmon

[jeepjeepjake]

 I am hoping to get my first salmon this spring. I have pretty basic tackle so I'm hoping to get into them before they move to deeper water. What is a good way to gauge what depth to start at and at what point will they move out to deeper water. I'll be fishing in the Rochester area. 

[Fishmaster196]

JUST WATCH SOME OF THE REPORTS ON HERE FROM SOME OF THE GREAT CHARTER CAPTAINS.THEY WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET ON SOME FISH.

[Slimer]

Fishing from shore or boat?

[jeepjeepjake]

Probably some form shore and some from a kayak with an electric motor when the weather permits.

[whaler1]

You will have a much better getting a king from your kayak in the fall. 

[Slimer]

 

  On 5/4/2025 at 9:11 PM, jeepjeepjake said:

Probably some form shore and some from a kayak with an electric motor when the weather permits.

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That is exactly how I started out a few years ago. I’d fish the piers and walk my kayak down to the beach on nice days.
 

If you’re fishing from charlotte or Summerville pier I’d get out there soon. Spoons early morning and at sunset. Probably unpopular, but I only use ~4 colors and styles of spoons casting off the pier. Tear drop moonshine bloody nose, white with 3 dots, green toad or blue chrome kastmasters. Sometimes stick baits in the fall when I see them cruising.  There are still some up shallow. We caught 2 kings and a coho under 30 FOW today, but had to put our time in. 

If you go out in a kayak close to dark, make sure you have lights, especially close to the pier. People don’t pay attention. 
 

 

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Just my 2 cents. Everyone has their own preferences and tactics they swear by. Some are sold on secrecy. I was fortunate enough to have some very helpful friends I met fishing along the way. Happy to PM more.
 

 

[jeepjeepjake]

Awesome I'll certainly give that a shot. Thanks for the advice everyone!

[LongLine]

Troll about 100 ft off and along the piers.  Pull an X or U5 silver flatfish...SLOW!