10-02-2019, 09:21 AM
Things have changed dramatically since 1984. The new technology in reels, lines, and rods have really been amazing. In browsing the internet, you can find all kinds of products, for very reasonable cost, that never existed back then.
I also used to outfit guys fishing the Gorge for the big Macs back then. The preferred rig was a Sabre 210 blank, finished with carbide guides, Penn 49 reel w/rod clamps, and 300lb steel line. A T-55 Flatfish was clipped directly to the line with a Berkly scissor snap and they whole thing was dragged on the bottom in 80-120ft of water. You straightened out the hooks on the Flatfish if you hung on the bottom. Now everyone uses Downriggers, but the steel line was a pretty effective method back in the day !! Unfortunately, the only part of the tackle available today is the Penn 49 reel , steel line, and terminal tackle. Sabre has been bought by Penn and the 210 blank is made in Korea now, and Worden has purchased Helin Lures and discontinued the T-55 Flatfish. I know a few guys that still pull the big jointed Quickfish, but the hardware on them is not as heavy duty as the old T-55.
I also used to outfit guys fishing the Gorge for the big Macs back then. The preferred rig was a Sabre 210 blank, finished with carbide guides, Penn 49 reel w/rod clamps, and 300lb steel line. A T-55 Flatfish was clipped directly to the line with a Berkly scissor snap and they whole thing was dragged on the bottom in 80-120ft of water. You straightened out the hooks on the Flatfish if you hung on the bottom. Now everyone uses Downriggers, but the steel line was a pretty effective method back in the day !! Unfortunately, the only part of the tackle available today is the Penn 49 reel , steel line, and terminal tackle. Sabre has been bought by Penn and the 210 blank is made in Korea now, and Worden has purchased Helin Lures and discontinued the T-55 Flatfish. I know a few guys that still pull the big jointed Quickfish, but the hardware on them is not as heavy duty as the old T-55.