When it comes to trout fishing strategies, the two that I’m going to outline in this article are as effective as any trout fishing strategy you will ever come across. I’ve personally been using both of these strategies for more than twenty five years with a great degree of success and know they will work for anyone. The first strategy if for use in pond and/or lake situations, and the second is for use in rivers and/or stream situations.
The first thing to keep in mind in regards to both of these trout fishing strategies is you. When I say you, I’m referring specifically to your hands, and more specifically the scents that are on your hands. When fishing for trout you want your hands to be free of any unnatural odors. The remedy for this problem is to grab a handful of grass of dirt before baiting up and rub it into your hands. This will effectively remove any unnatural odors that might be present.
The first strategy is to use trout bait, the synthetic trout bait sold in jars and bottom fish with it. You know, still fishing? If you use gang hooks you can add two “portions” of bait, thus doubling your chances of hooking up. By still fishing, you can effectively fish for stocked trout that have been planted in a lake or pond.
The second of the two amazing trout fishing strategies is for use in the flowing waters of either a river or stream. Here’s how to rig up and fish the second strategy: Again grab the end of your line and tie on a small barrel swivel, matched the pound test fishing line being used. On the other end of the swivel tie on some pre-tied gang hooks (size 8 or 10 usually suffice for trout fishing). Split shot sinkers are now added for weight (the size and number will vary depending on depth and current flow). Now a worm (either live or synthetic) is added to the gang hooks to complete the “rig”.
This rig is cast into the water of the river or stream parallel to you, the bail is closed, and the offering is allowed to flow naturally with the current. This technique usually works best while you are wading in said river or stream (as you can probably imagine). Split shot will be added or removed depending on how it “feels”. The goal is to have the rig bounce or roll along the bottom as it flows naturally with the current. With practice distinguishing between the bottom and bites will become quite easy. This is the most effective of the two trout fishing strategies
Don’t spend too much time worrying about getting snagged. Getting snagged is simply part of the technique. As my mentor used to say, “If your not getting snagged, you’re not fishing in the right place”. Once the proper amount of weight is obtained (through trial and error) you won’t get snagged all that much. Besides, you will become so good at retying, that it will amaze you. Getting snagged is simply part of the technique, but you will find that the technique works so well it won’t bother you.
Never forget that fishing requires patience and work. No matter what “technique” you use, there are no magic formulas. There is simply no substitute for spending time on the water practicing your craft. Anyone who tries to tell you that there is a “magic formula” is being less than honest, and probably trying to take your money.
Both of these trout fishing strategies are very effective for trout of all kinds. They can also be easily modified for other species of fish. Don’t be afraid to put your own “twist” on them. Adding individual “twists” to proven techniques is one of the great aspects of fishing. Get out there and give one or both techniques a try as soon as you get a chance. You won’t be disappointed, I promise you.
By: Trevor Kugler
Posts Tagged ‘Worm’
Fishing Techniques – Catching Fish in the Fall
March 9th, 2010
In the fall of the year, many outdoors people begin to concentrate on things other than fishing and this is a mistake. The fall is the best time of year for catching fish and in this article I’m going to outline some fishing techniques that will help you do just that. While many people are focusing on activities like sitting on a couch watching football, stomping around the woods hunting or performing menial yard work you need to be spending your fall fishing.
Sports vary from season to season, but the beautiful thing about fishing is that as long as you vary your fishing techniques you can continue fishing and catching fish in any season. As fall approaches and kicks into high gear, many species of fish tend to “stock up” on food before long cold days of winter. This is why fishing can be so productive in the fall of the year. The following fishing techniques will help you catch more fish.
Use Live Bait – In the fall of the year, live bait is extremely effective. The fishing technique is to rig your live bait on gang hooks. This is a great technique when fishing in the flowing water of a river or stream with a live worm as bait. The gang hooks are attached to your line using a small barrel swivel and small split shot sinkers are added for weight above the barrel swivel. The goal is to have your offering bounce along the bottom as it flows naturally with the current. This fishing technique is effective for both trout and smallmouth bass. Lighten Your Line – This is important at all times of the year, but in the fall it seems even more important. A great technique is to use fishing that’s as light as you can. The lighter your fishing line, the more bites you will receive, it’s as simple as that. Do you realize that whatever pound test your fishing line is is the amount of dead weight that line will hold without breaking. This means if you’re using six pound test fishing line your line will hold six pounds of weight without breaking, and this doesn’t take into account the fact that your rod and drag help to take pressure off of you fishing line as well. The point is that you should lighten your fishing line as much as possible. Use Mother Nature To Your Advantage – When it comes to fishing techniques this may be the most important. So, how do you use Mother Nature to your advantage? This is easier than you might imagine and when it comes to fishing techniques this one is as good as it gets. What you need to do is learn the simple ways the weather and moon impact fishing. These two forces of Mother Nature have as much to do with you catching fish as what kind of bait or lure you use. Use Mother Nature to your advantage in the fall of the year, and your catch rates will increase dramatically.
When it comes to catching fish in the fall, these tips will help you tremendously. Use one or all of them sooner rather than later and find out for yourself just how effective these fishing techniques are. The fall of the year is not only a great time of the year for fishing, but the scenery in most area’s is as good as it gets as well.
By: Trevor Kugler
Smallmouth Lures – The Best Lures For Smallmouth Bass Fishing
January 28th, 2010
There are many different types of fishing lures that can be used for smallmouth bass fishing, and in this article I’m going to outline some of the most effective of these lures. It seems as if smallmouth lures come in as many styles as there are stars in the sky, and this article will help you narrow your choices down to a manageable level. The smallmouth lures listed in this article are in no particular order, yet they are all quite effective.
The next time you go smallmouth bass fishing, any of these lures will be a great choice. Make sure you give one or all of them a try, you won’t be disappointed. When it comes to lures, any one of these will be a great choice:
Crayfish Imitations – There is probably no bait better for smallmouth bass than crayfish. Did you know that in water where crayfish are prevalent, smallmouth bass actually secret a scent through their skin that mimics crayfish? This scent will actually make crayfish come out of their hiding spot to protect their territory. When they come out, the smallmouth gobbles them up. Pretty cool, huh? This is why in waters where crayfish are prevalent, crayfish imitations are very effective. I’ve had a ton of success with Berkley’s Power Craws. Spinnerbaits – In shallow shoal area’s white and yellow Spinnerbaits are deadly. Remember to use smaller sizes that you would for Largemouth Bass. Spinnerbaits in crayfish patterns can be effective as well, especially when fishing shallow rocky areas. Tube Baits – Tube baits are a very good smallmouth lure in deeper water. When smallmouth bass go deep they tend to hang out around drop offs and underwater ridges. This usually happens when the weather changes and pressures fluctuate. Tube baits in natural (worm) colors work best in these situations and again, Berkley Power Tubes are a great choice. If you’re using traditional tube baits, try adding a small piece of real worm under the tube. Baitfish Imitations – Baitfish imitations are also a great smallmouth lure. The key here is to use a lure that’s as realistic is possible. You want to know the natural forage of the water you’re fishing and choose you baitfish imitation accordingly. The key is that is looks as much like the natural forage as possible. When it comes to smallmouth lures and baitfish imitations realism is the key.
The lures just mentioned are the most effective smallmouth lures in most smallmouth fishing situations. Are they the only options? Certainly not, but in my 25 years of smallmouth experience these are certainly the most effective.
By: Trevor Kugler
