Choosing the Proper Bait for Spring Trout Fishing

In many states, the opening day of  Trout Season is one of the true signs of Spring.  Every Spring millions of anglers from 3 to 93 participate across the country.  Some anglers fish hard from the opening bell til dark, whereas others seem just happy being outside and watching the spectacle.  In many areas of the country, trout fishing is brought by the stocking truck, where millions of browns, rainbows and brookies are released into streams, lakes and rivers by the States and fishing clubs.  Because these trout have lived nearly all of their lives in a hatchery, their diet is much different than their wild cousins.  Stocked trout also seem to tolerate angler pressure much better and will feed in the same conditions that would send a wild trout scurrying for the nearest rock.

Just because the stocked trout are not that selective doesn’t mean that they are always easy to catch, particularly when they have been hooked and lost (or released) a time or two.  By selecting the proper hardware, processed or natural bait, and presenting it in the proper manner, catching these trout will be much easier.

Choosing a Fly Rod for Trout

There was a time when most anglers carried a cane rod 8-9 feet long with a  reel filled with 6 weight level line.  In the 1950’s fiberglass became popular, particularly with anglers on a budget, as these rods could be mass produced.  Cane rods were still mostly built one at a time.  In the 70’s and early 80’s, graphite (and boron for a time) became the new miracle fiber.  Some traditionalist scoffed, but the graphite fly rod was ingrained in the fiber of fly fishing forever.

Angler’s Cures for Cabin Fever

With cold weather and slushy to completely frozen conditions in much of the country, many anglers are sitting home, watching playoffs and waiting for the warmer weather of Spring.  There are many activities the home-bound angler can do to prevent the Winter duldrums.  Below is  a to-do list for the angler to prepare for the upcoming fishing season.

Lure Selection for Hard Water Angling

As with all fishing, selecting the proper lure is crucial for success.  With the wide variety of lures that are available to the modern ice angler, many are baffled by all of the choices.  Some lures are particularly effective for a certain species of fish, while others perform well for a wide range of fish.

Below are some preferred lures by species.

Selecting an Ice Rod, Reel and Line

With all of the actions, lengths, and models many would be ice anglers are baffled by the choices offered.  By selecting the proper ice rod, reel and line, ice fishing is a much more enjoyable and productive hobby.  Long gone are the days of making a “rod” out of wood and winding the heavy braided line around two nails.

 

 

Ice rods range from 12-48” in length with rods 24”-30” the most popular.

 

In many cases the very short rods under 24” are used primarily for sight fishing or use in very small shelters.  These rods make setting the hook and controlling fish in deep water more difficult, but allow the angler to sit closer to the hole.

 

The very long rods are popular with anglers on the move without a shelter.  The extra length allows a standing angler to keep the rod tip close to the ice reducing the effect of wind on the line.  Longer rods also allow a better hook set and more control of a hooked fish.

 

Species of fish and style of fishing determine the selection of the best rod.