Jack Glass, a fishing guide and media personality headquartered in the Troutdale, Ore., says downriggers are not as popular in his region as they are in Washington. Coho and king salmon are both the quest of Oregon anglers.

"Rarely do we use downriggers," said Glass. "More commonly we run just one rod with either a diver or, in the spring time, lead. In the fall, ironically, the divers are used more than lead."

Salmon action along the Oregon coast usually heats up about mid July. "It's a real popular time," said Glass. "The ocean is flat, it's nice all up and down the coastline. Coho salmon are one of the main (Oregon) targets in July, but there are a number of king salmon that are also caught."

Either fresh or frozen herring of six to eight inches is the most popular bait. He uses double Gamakatsu hooks, a 5/0 then 4/0, fixed, about 6 inches apart, on a 30-pound-test leader. "We use a little miter box. The miter box has a 45-degree angle cut. We lay the herring in the miter box and use it as a guide in cutting the herring," Glass said. "One hook, the lower hook, I stick through the side of the herring, and let it dangle. The 5/0 hook I stick in the top of the herring. The angled cut allows the herring to spin with a real sharp spin when we troll and, of course, you have fresh smell. Works good for both cohos and kings."

The second most popular baits are lightweight spoons, 1/2, 3/4 inches wide and about 6 inches long, with a slight bend to them so that they flip erratically as you troll. One side is painted and the other side is usually a polished nickel finish. Hook size is normally a 1/0 or 2/0 single hook.

"The coho bite the spoons really well," said Glass. "The kings tend to like the herring better. Oftentimes we will use the diver to take the bait down instead of lead weight. A 5- to 6-foot leader will be attached from the diver to the spoon."

"The coho salmon tend to be a little more attracted to an attractant," said Glass. "Oftentimes these divers are shaped like the space shuttle -- a V-wing type of arrangement." The popular Dipsey Diver pulls the rigging down because of the angle. When a fish bites, the line that is clipped to the diver releases. The diver usually adds about 4 ounces to a rig's weight. Cohos tend to hang out near the ocean surface, anywhere from 8 to about 15 feet deep, while the bigger king salmon will be found much deeper, beginning somewhere around the 25-foot level.

Setting a bait's proper trolling distance comes mostly by trial and error. "If you are out with another individual, fishing two or three lines, set them at different depths," suggests Glass. "If you catch one off the rod set at 20 feet, then another one, you had better set them all at 20 feet." Glass uses Okuma line counting reels.

No matter whether you live or fish in Washington, Oregon, or anywhere else along the coast, July is a great month to go offshore a short distance and try your luck for salmon. There are many techniques that work for the big fish, but what's most common is trolling utilizing the help of downriggers or some type of deep-diving accessory to carry your bait to depths you otherwise wouldn't reach. Look for them at your favorite fishing tackle shop or catalogue.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
More information about salmon fishing in July in Washington waters, contact Randy Lato at (360) 374-2052, or go online to www.allwaysfishing.com.

Jack Glass can be reached at (503) 666-5370, or online at www.hookupguideservice.com.