thetrout

[thetrout]

Tackling Tackle – Bait 101

One of the most challenging aspects of fishing, even for experienced anglers, is choosing the correct bait. There are certain types of bait that trout are naturally drawn to, but they can be choosy.

For example, your favorite food may be pizza, but it doesn’t mean you want to eat it daily. Similarly, trout may bite on one type of bait today but won’t touch the same bait tomorrow. Don’t get discouraged though. It’s all about making an educated guess as to what the fish will be interested in. These are a few of my favorite types.

Early Bird Gets the Worm

The most obvious bait that almost anyone can guess is a worm. You might have to get used to threading a wiggling worm onto a hook, but it’s a reliable favorite. The way you thread the worm matters. If you just hook it just in the middle and have the worm hanging off the edges it might get stolen. I have seen many trout outsmart anglers by slyly pulling a worm off its hook.  

My dad was fond of cutting the worm in half and hiding the hook entirely inside the worm, almost like threading on a sock. I have found that you lose the worm less with this method. You can also hook it through a few times looping it between as shown in this Pinterest diagram.

Salmon Eggs?

For those who don’t know, fishing with salmon eggs, or salmon roe, might seem counterintuitive but they really work. These small red spheres of glory really know how to intrigue and “reel” the fish in. I suppose it takes a fish to catch a fish, right? Just make sure to use a red smaller barb egg hook to ensure very little muss or fuss over the fish detecting the hook.

I’ve Got the Power…Bait!

Berkley Powerbait is a go-to for many trout fishermen/fisherwomen who swear by its effectiveness. I’ve had many successful casts with Powerbait on my line. The trick with Powerbait is that it come in a variety of colors and if the fish are biting it is usually on just one type. This turns into casting multiple types to see if there are any promising nibbles.

When you thread your Powerbait on a hook, make sure the ball of Powerbait isn’t big enough for fish to steal around the hook leaving you empty-handed.

It Must be the Al-Lure

If you are someone who can’t sit still or loves to be active, lure fishing might be for you. I really enjoy using lures and the challenge of aiming each cast paired with the speed of reeling it in. There are different kinds of freshwater and saltwater lures for many types of fish. Before purchasing lures, make sure that they are specifically for trout. I recommend Rooster Tails, Panther Martins, Joes flies, Pistol Petes, casting spoons, various feathered spinners and brass rattle spinners.

Hold on tight for even more fishing tricks and tidbits to get your line in the water and your fish stringer filled!

Catch ya Soon,

B

[thetrout]

The Wonderful World of Trout

Have you decided to take up trout fishing and have no clue where to start? This blog will guide you on how to tackle some of the basics of trout fishing and what you need to know.

If you are familiar with the many joys of trout fishing, this is a supportive community to learn and share tips and tricks to make you the best angler you know! (And that’s no fish story.)

Just Your Type

Just to jump in with a splash! There really is more than one type of fish in the “sea”, and more than one type of trout too. Many anglers tend to have their favorite types of trout to fish. Not to be basic… but personally I do love rainbow trout.

Trout are mostly found in lakes, rivers or streams and come in a variety of colorations. See a few in this identifying chart by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission as a reference, or even buy a poster to hang and study.

The type of trout changes based on geographical region and body of water, such as a brook trout or lake trout. A general search for “trout fishing near me” can’t go wrong in seeing what the anglers in your area are saying about which trout are biting and on which type of bait.

Always make sure you are familiar with any necessary licenses and limitations on lures, baits and possession. (Lemme tell ya, the fine on possessing a catch and release fish is hefty.)

Now when you go to cast your fishing line for your first fish there needs to be a hook or lure tied to the end of it.

Tying the Knot

There are so many options to choose from in the world of knot tying and fishing.

I grew up on the improved clinch knot. This is most likely due to my family’s affinity to sewing, as well as the fact that it’s versatile and can be used for a lure, hook, or swivel. I eventually grew into using many effective fishing knots, however, start with a good basic knot that you won’t get wrong. (Lures aren’t cheap!)

Never be afraid to grab some fishing line and start experimenting with different knots while you stream Netflix or Hulu at night. The best way to discover your favorite knot is to explore when you don’t feel the pressure of wasting precious time on the riverbank. There are so many amazing tools that can help you with that, such as Animatedknots.com.

Hold on tight for even more fishing tricks and tidbits to get your line in the water and your fish stringer filled!

Catch ya Soon,

B