Freshwater Fishing For Trout!

Every trout-fishing enthusiast has their own tried and true opinions on successful trout fishing. Although their approaches may vary, most fishermen agree that following certain methods for trout fishing will yield a better catch and a lot of enjoyment.

If you’re fishing for trout, you will find them in cold-water streams, rivers, lakes and ponds throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Trout are more easily snagged in early spring and autumn. Rainbow Trout, however, have been known to be active in the summer. Golden Trout, which can be found in the High Sierras at altitudes above 10,000 feet, tend to congregate in larger numbers in the summer.

During the spring and fall, trout tend to concentrate heavier in pools, behind boulders and other barriers and sometimes under cascading falls.

Deep cuts near the outer rim of a river/stream bend may also yield schools of trout. Lake and pond-dwelling trout tend to run parallel to drop-offs (10’-40’), while they have a tendency to traverse more shallow water in the spring.

Bait selection depends on many variables, but the most common selections are salmon eggs, spawn bags, worms, small minnows, wet or dry flies, 1-2" spinners, 1-2" crank baits, 1-2" spoons and bait rigs.

While Brook Trout seem to have a particular liking for worms, small minnows, spoons and small plugs during spring and summer, the most popular method for the most part seems to be wet flies, dry flies and streamers.

Brown Trout, however, seem to react best to dry fly fishing, as they tend to be more active on the surface, yet wet-flies and streamers also meet with some pretty good success. Like brook trout, brown trout tend to prefer worms and minnows in early spring.

Rainbow Trout, which are considered by some to be the ultimate prize for anglers, tend to hang out in streams and rivers. The best method to hook one of these shimmering beauties is by fly-fishing with wet or dry flies and streamers. Many anglers have enjoyed the thrill of hooking rainbows by bait fishing with worms or salmon eggs. Trolling with spoons or spinners seems to have the most impact in lakes.

Brook Trout usually run from one quarter to two pounds, while Brown Trout traditionally grow to one half to four pounds. Rainbow Trout, averaging between one-half to eight pounds, can offer quite a thrill. The granddaddy of them all, the Lake Trout, has been known to tip the scales anywhere from five to twenty pounds.

As varied as the different species of trout, so is the selection of gear with which to snag them. Things that must be taken into consideration, before bait selection, vary according to size, type of water and whether the trout are wild or commercially hatched and stocked in ponds or lakes. In general, however, spinning and fly-fishing gear seems to garner the most success. Larger fish may require 6# to 10# line or leader. Smaller fish only require 2# to 4# line or leader. However, and this is important, 2# to 4# line/leader are almost always required in crystal clear water -regardless of fish size. Lake Trout are much larger and require a deep trolling rig (bait casting) and wire leader.

SUMMARY:

Every trout-fishing enthusiast has their own tried and true opinions on successful trout fishing. Although their approaches may vary, most fishermen agree that following certain methods for trout fishing will yield a better catch and a lot of enjoyment. As varied as the different species of trout, so is the selection of gear with which to snag them.

Jeff Ryall runs a fishing website that focuses on information about fishing and fishing related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about fishing at his site at http.fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com

Fish Bait on the Cheap!

How would you like to know how to get your fishing bait on the cheap, from the local supermarket? You can occasionally find some gems tucked away on a shelf at your local supermarket. By the time it gets to late summer most fish would have had enough of the ordinary bait so what if you could go round your local Morrison’s or Sainsbury’s armed with £10, could you find an alternative. Fishing at ponds in particular and with tench and carp on my mind here are some alternatives that I think would work.

First I came to chickpeas. Dried chickpeas used to be very fashionable carp bait, but now they no longer feature and at 69p they looked a bargain. This time though I was going to go overboard and buy a bottle of oyster sauce. Soak the peas over night, then let them simmer for about an hour, then soak them in the oyster sauce for a day. This makes the peas go a darker colour when soaked.

Next came the baked beans in tomato sauce. Try to find a brand with a high salt content. Forget the healthy choice, fish like their food salty, so I would buy a bag of salt as well and sprinkle on the beans.

Salted peanuts were next on the isle, cashew nuts are also good for carp bait but as I was looking for cheap bait I went with the salted peanuts. Soak the peanuts in salty water for two days, then simmer for about 30 minutes. Attach a couple of whole nuts to your hook, with a mesh bag containing crushed nuts should do the trick.

Tuna flakes in oil.
Tuna flakes in oil as apposed to brine is best as this is good to make a ground from.
This works well for bream so I do not see any reason for not trying it for carp and tench.

Sweet corn.
Sweet corn is just as good for fish as it is for us. Sometimes the bright colours can put the fish off so its always a good idea to have a tin of black cake die. Put a teaspoon of die into the sweet corn and stir in well. Leave over night to soak, This should change the colour and will not scare off the fish.

Dog Chews and Dog Food.
Everyone knows how good dog chews and dog food can be. Frolic is very good for barbell, it’s very tough so it will stay on the hook when casting. A packet of bacon flavoured dog chews are also a good thing to have in tour bait tin, they can be cut up into small pieces to look like pellets.
Last thing on my list is a tin of dog food, a chicken flavoured large sausage. This could be flavoured up with some spicy curry powder for extra zing.

Well that’s it for now, time to put this lot to the test, good luck.

Jeff Ryall runs a sports website that focuses on information about sport and sport related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about golf at his site at http://fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com