Aug 14, 2009

Fishing For Trout - What to Use When Trout Fishing

In this article I'm going to discuss what to use for trout fishing. I will draw on my twenty five years of trout fishing experience to give you some great tips that can be used the next time that you go fishing for trout. Most of these tips are geared towards fishing for trout in small rivers and streams, which is where most of my experience lies, but they can be easily modified for fishing in lakes, ponds, and even larger rivers.
One important point to make before I get to what to use when trout fishing is that there is simply no substitute for spending time on the water honing you skills. Just reading an article like this containing trout fishing tips makes no difference unless the new ideas are implemented. As Lauren Hill said, "You don't know how much artists go through to make it look so easy. It's all in the practice.".
In my opinion when you are a skilled angler, you are an artist, so take a few of these tips, practice them, and you will on your way to becoming an "artist". The more time that you can spend on the water, the better off you will be. There simply aren't any magic formula's when it comes to fishing for trout (or any fish), other than our friend practice of course.
  1. Ultra Light Gear - When fishing for trout ultra light fishing gear should always be employed. All too often I've been out on the trout stream and seen fishermen using medium action gear for trout fishing. This is a huge mistake. Always use an ultra light rod and reel, and fishing line that is as light as possible. I personally use four pound test monofilament line when fishing for trout. Light line and gear are integral when trout fishing, especially in small rivers and streams.
  2. Be Mindful Of Your Shadow - When fishing in small rivers and streams you want to avoid casting a shadow on the area that you are going to be fishing. This is a sure way to "spook" the area, especially when it comes to larger, more experienced trout. Always be mindful of your shadow when fishing for trout.
  3. Live Worms - When it comes to live baits for trout fishing there may be no more poular, easy to find, and effective trout bait than live worms. A live worm drifted through the current of a small river or stream is what to use for trout fishing, at least for me 90% of the time. The best way to rig a live worm when fishing for trout is a set of gang hooks. Gang hooks and live worms go together like a hand and a glove.
  4. Small Spinners - Small spinners, in the 3-7/16 size range are a great bait to use for trout fishing. These baits work well in many trout fishing situations, but are great in rivers and streams. If you let them drift through the current, "popping" your rod tip as the spinner flows with the current, the results can be deadly. I've always preferred darker colors such as black and brown, and gold blades seem to be effective as well. Attaching your spinner to your line by using a small barrel swivel is a great tip as well. This will no only prevent your line from twisting, it will allow for perfect action on your spinner.
As far as what to use when trout fishing is concerned, any or all of these tips will make you a much more effective trout angler. Put one or all of them into practice sooner, rather than later.
Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.
Gang Hooks Tied & Ready To Fish: http://www.jrwfishing.com/gang_hooks.asp