The traditional brook trout anglers are very set in their ways and techniques. I understand that the tried and true methods work and use them myself, but the best bet to catch those lunker brook trout I am using live baits. The following four tips using live baits like, grasshoppers, salamanders, insects, leeches, minnows, green frogs and others do work best for me. These techniques and the live baits do create better chances of you catching that big bragging rights brook trout.
Tip 1 – Drift fishing is the most natural way to present live baits in lakes and streams for catching lunker brook trout. Position yourself downstream from a riffle or pool and gentley lob the bait upstream. As it sinks keep your eyes on the line and your rod tip while holding the tip high, while feeling for the first sign of the bottom. Take up the slack with your free hand and then you can feel for changes that might signal a trout’s strike. Concentrate on drifting the edges of boulders, trees, logjams and deep runs.
Tip 2 – Float fishing brook trout works in both rivers and lakes, and is especially good when using easily torn off baits such as aquatic insects or salamanders. A small selection of balsa slip-floats, or bobbers. A long rod greatly improves your float fishing experience. Use a neoprene bobber stop a piece of rubber band also does the job set ti at the depth you desire to fish and space the splitshot so the bait drifts naturally as possible. In lakes, a 1/32 or 1/16 ounce jig heads can be used under the splitshot. It’s especially good when using leeches or minnows. When you occasionally pull gently on the line, your bait will jiggle under the float and it will be more appealing to the big brook trout.
Tip 3 – Free-lining is another great technique for brook trout, especially on creeks and streams in the late summer. It is most easily done using a fly rod, light monofilament, fine hooks (No, 6 to 10), and use terrestrial insects, like grasshoppers. Hook a grasshopper under the collar and then let your line free-spool as the as the bait drifts downstream. When a brook trout strikes, squeeze the line tightly against the rod and set your hook.
Tip 4 – Plunking is good for larger baits fished offshore in large lakes and or at river mouths. The bait is cast out and then allowed to sink to the bottom. The line runs through an egg or bell sinker, so that when the brookie picks up the bait, it feels no resistance. Adding a marshmallow or a small cork steelhead floater helps keep the bait up off the bottom and in the brook trout’s view. Plunking is a great technique for fishing minnows, amphibians, insects and worms. The only downside is that the trout eats and are then deeply hooked. This is not a good technique to use if you are fishing catch and release, because of the possible damage to the brook trout.
By: Robert D Phillips
Posts Tagged ‘Fly Rod’
Brook Trout Fishing Tips
March 17th, 2010Fly Fishing Basics – Learning to Fish
February 4th, 2010
Are you an avid fisherman who is interested in learning more about fly fishing? Fly fishing looks significantly different from regular bait or lure fishing. However, if you learn a few fly fishing basics you can be on your way toward enjoying your fishing experience even more.
Flies
Fly fishing utilizes artificial flies that are cast with a fly rod and a fly line. Artificial flies come in all different types, nearly any size, weight, color you could want. Many fly fishermen actually tie their own flies. These artificial flies are tied using materials such as fur, hair, feathers, and other materials. The fly is tied onto a hook. The hook will vary in size depending on the type of fish you are trying to catch. The goal is to try and match the fly to those insects that are native to the area that you are fishing.
Fly Line
The fly line is coated in plastic and has enough weight to get the fly to its destination but still gently lay the fly on the water.
Casting Method
One of the key fly fishing basics to know is how to cast. In fly fishing, the goal is to cast the line rather than the lure. Lure and bait fishing methods rely on the weight of the lure or weights on the line to make an effective cast. Artificial flies are too light to be cast. To cast a fly fishing pole, the fisherman holds the rod and sways the rod back and forth, unreeling the line in the process. The proper movements are commonly described as 10 to 2. Think of the fisherman being in the middle of a big clock. 12 would be holding the rod straight up, 9 would be flat backward, and 3 would be flat forward. So 10 and 2 would be approximately 45 degrees in front and back. The casting process should be rhythmic. Improper casting will lead to tangled lines. It can take several hours practicing before one can master flycasting.
Using Waders for Cold Water Fishing
Another one of fly fishing basics is the use of waders. Cold water flyfishers use boots that reach up to the fisher’s chest, these are known as waders. The purpose of waders is to wade into the water so that the fisherman can wade into the water farther and effectively cast their line to where the fish are located.
Types of Fish to Catch When Flyfishing
A wide variety of fish can be caught when flyfishing. Some examples of fish that can be caught with a flyrod are trout, salmon, pike, bass, panfish, and carp.
Get Help
If you want to learn more about fly fishing basics you can get more information at your local fisherman’s shop. Also, you can hire an expert to teach you how to perfect your cast and how to tie your own flies.
By: Wendy Pan
Fly Fishing – Choosing the Best Fly Fishing Rod
December 28th, 2009
If you have ever done any fly fishing before then you understand how important it is in choosing the best fly fishing rod. Anyone who enjoys this sport does not want to get stuck in the water with a fish on one end of the pole and rod and you do not have the proper equipment to be able to reel it in. Nothing is more frustrating that losing a fish because you settled on a rod that can not perform the way you want it to. This article on fly fishing – choosing the best fly fishing rod; because we want you to consider the following before you purchase your next fishing rod.
The first thing people take into consideration is cost; after all no one wants to pay a fortune just to continue their favorite sport. Anyone who loves to fish understands that all the fishing equipment can be very expensive. However whenever you find a site that offers discounts and clearance sales; this is the best time to purchase your fishing equipment. The most popular or common fishing rod that is suitable for any angler is the St. Croix Fly fishing rod. Yes you can purchase several other brands and models, however most likely you will be spending more money than you would like.
Comfort is another important factor; you never want to get one because you like the way it looks. Make sure that you are comfortable with it before you spend your money on it. I usually stick with the brands that I am familiar with; because I know from past experience how it feels and how it performs in the water. You can venture out and try new things if you like; however be familiar with what you are purchasing. There is nothing that can ruin a fishing trip than to have a fishing rod that you are unfamiliar with or have never used before.
Know what the rod is going to be used for; what kind of fish are you going to be fishing for? If you can answer that question; chances are you will know what type of fly fishing rod you will need. It will vary depending on what type of fish you are looking to catch. The general maxim is to equate the weight of the fish to the weight of the fishing rod. For most of the common fish you will want to remember that you will want to use a light to medium heavy quality of fishing gear.
If you are planning your next fishing trip and found this article on fly fishing – choosing the best fly fishing rod helpful; visit our site below. It is filled with valuable information on bass fishing, fly fishing and other types of fishing. You will also be able to find all the discount prices on all the fly fishing rods or other outdoor equipment that you will need for your trip! Don’t be stuck without the proper fishing gear!
By: Doug Pace
