In the realm of inshore fishing… Discover the best time of day to catch bass, trout, catfish, panfish, walleye, carp, and many more depending on the season, moon phases, and weather. There are 7 species of Salmon in North American waterways and they are incredibly valued targets for fishermen. They incorporate extremely natural patterns which larger trout will take more readily than solid uniform colours. The result? BMax lures are plastic bibbed minnow style lures weighing around 4 grams. Great spots to look for trout is in coves, at the mouth of creeks, and around deep cover like boulders. Ice fishing may seem like an odd inclusion in this article but most jigging rod outfits designed for ice fishing are in fact spinning rods. If you see flat land around the lake, it is safe to assume the water will have a very gradual slope and you may need to fish far shore to find water 10+ feet deep. I find this truly sets it apart in terms of strength per line diameter). How to Set up a Spinning Rod for Trout Fishing. After some rainfall, rivers will rise and discolour the water, this is the perfect time to go spinning. Fish at different depths to locate the school. Trout in these areas will almost always be suspended in the water column. For knots, I use a Double Uni knot for a mainline to leader attachment as its very strong and is quick and easy. Want to Know the Best Time of Day to Fish? Trout Fishing Setup The best trout fishing setup is a 6'6" ultralight spinning rod with a fast action and a size 2000 spinning reel with 6 lbs monofilament. Flounder even become a food source to larger fish. Bait: Great baits to jig for trout are spinners, spoons, furry jigs, and jig heads dress with a bait of some kind like minnows or wax worms. Often in spring the water is a milky blue colour which is perfect for casting silver spoons or retrieving small hardbodies through the slack water. Click here to visit Fishing Booker and book your trip of a lifetime at very affordable prices. This is the type of trout fishing I grew up with working under-cuts and slow pools in eastern Pennsylvania streams for native brook trout. How do you catch trout with spinning gear? Look for a length of at least 7ft (this is used for increased casting distance and turning power). More often than not, during the winter, they’ll be at the bottom in the upper part of the lower 2/3 of the water column. That being said, some combos from $70 – $99 are more than capable. The rear side of the lure is a reflective silver and flashes as the lure is retrieved. The rear hook is covered with flash to hide the hook. The Ideal Set Up Rod: 7+ foot medium action. This mimics a wounded or panicked baitfish. I know this is a bit random, but if you ever wanted to go on a guided or chartered fishing trip in freshwater or saltwater, you should check out Fishing Booker. Trolling. A spinning or baitcasting rod is ideal for this type of vertical jigging. 2. A blue colour would mean deeper water. Here are a five tips and thoughts regarding the use of light spinning gear to target trout on smaller waters. They are designed to dive down through the use of a bib shaped plastic attachment at the head of the lure. Choosing the river section is key when using lures. Get the latest fishing tips and news to keep you catching the best fish. From the estuarine part of the river to a few kilometres upstream is the best place to start with silver, white or grey lures. Like bass, trout typically strike a jigged bait on the way back down. Tactics: Position your boat over a drop-off or along the deep edge of points or the main channel of the old river in the reservoir. You should retrieve the lure at a speed which keeps it low in the water column. Trout will be a lot more spread out as you can not use current as a determining marker anymore. Pretty rainbow I caught with a small jig fishing a tiny eddy out of the main current. If the blade isn't spinning, you're not trout fishing. Often, they will hook themselves as you wind in due to the hook finding the corner of the mouth. Choose a good braid with a line rating of around 10lb-12lb (I use Black Magic Inferno Braid in 12lb because the quality is fantastic, and I like the high visibility. It has a durable reel seat and a custom-shaped, ergonomic cork handle. Cast the worm rig around likely trout … (Are Bass Line Shy? Locating trout in ponds and lakes is a bit tougher. Instead, look for shallow-to-medium depth water, 3-12 feet deep, along the edge of points, islands, coves, and drop-offs. Most people in New Zealand start out fishing for trout through the use of a light spin set up and I know many people who continue to use it with great success; on a variety of lures. Jigs are as well. A spin rod and reel doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg, you should be looking for a combo with the best quality that you can afford. When a trout eats your lure, it will feel very out of place causing the fish to spit it out in under a second. Points, edges of the main channel, around islands, and the edges of drop-offs are areas where trout will congregate in a lake. Jigging at each depth to determine the depth in the water column for the schooling trout. Locating Trout: Focus on water 8-15 feet deep that has structure or a nearby drop-off. Drop baits down to various depths in the water column. To determine water depth, drop a weighted hook through your ice hole until it hits bottom. 4-15 pound test monofilament (clear or dark green). At seven feet long, it comes with medium power and a fast action with plenty of customization … Therefore, the mainline, leader and knots you choose are very important. What baits do I like to throw in the winter? FreshwaterFishingAdvice is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Cast your baits at angles away from the bank or boat. Once you start getting bites, ensure you mark the location and either troll back over it again or set-up shop and start jigging. If you’ve ever had trouble with backlashing a baitcasting reel, Daiwa pro Randy Howell has a solution—the Daiwa Tatula Elite 7-foot-1 Power Spin rod. Switch out any treble hook to a single hook. Because their eyes are located on the sides of their heads, trout enjoy an ultra-wide … 4-15 pound test monofilament (clear or dark green). For a complete breakdown of everything you need for trout fishing, click here for my comprehensive trout fishing gear list. Try to mimic naturally occurring baitfish in the lake. Jigging is done with a small, lightweight spinning rod, using brightly colored lures or jigs that are often “sweetened” with a piece of bait, such as a wax worm or minnow. Trout love slack water near their food source. Rattle Snacks are another metal spoon style lure similar to Enticers, which weigh between 7 – 14 grams. Likewise, it is suggested you use hooks that are less damaging to the trout. Make your first cast count as it will have the best chance of a fish taking your lure. If you locate trout on a fish finder, you can cast or vertically jig for them using spoons, spinners, and plugs. It’s also the predominant technique when nymphing for steelhead in the winter. Choosing good tackle for trout fishing can be critical says author Blair Whiting. You need to keep that blade moving. You don’t want your favourite lure to snap off and be lost forever. Well, that depends on quite a few factors. Start by slowly jigging your baits and progressively getting more aggressive with it. Trolling is a great way to catch trout if you aren’t sure where they are in a lake or large river. Let review these 3 tips for trout fishing the winter months. Normally this will be near some structure like willow trees or submerged snags. If I am trout fishing… If you can see the bottom, quite obviously it is shallower. So take the following with a grain of salt. One of the most iconic and proven trout lures every made. There are a range of factors to go over: sink time, retrieve speed and varying your retrieve. Also, pinch down your barbs. Locating trout in ponds and lakes can be tough. I love this particular spinning rod and reel combo (link to Amazon product page) because it is lightweight, makes precision casts in confined areas, but also can deliver longer casts in more open water. They will come a long way to investigate this unique action. When fishing with lures you want to be fishing where the fish are – right on the bottom. Always get your lure down as far as possible. Trout fishing doesn’t require specialized gear, but I really think you should use a quality light-weight spinning rod and reel combo. There is also an extra attraction from a rattle bead strategically placed on the rear of the lure which produces sound that makes trout enquire about eating the lure. This is my bread and butter. Action should be light or ultralight and fast but powerful enough to land a large rainbow if you are lucky enough to get … Likewise, if there is steep slope alongside a part of the lake, you can bet that slope continues right into the water and it could be a very deep hole. Minnow, shiner, sucker, shad, and cisco patterns work very well. On most small medium-depth rivers with average pool depths of 3 to 6 feet, I will run a leader that is around 4 to 5 feet long. Trout have very delicate mouthparts so it is best to set the hook early and get a nice lip hooking instead of allowing the trout to swallow or get throat hooked which can cause all types of issues. You want the tip to be soft but the butt should have some backbone for setting the hook when fishing with lures. Cast upstream of a promising hole and allow your bait to drift along with the current. So now you know how it all works, go out, grab a rod and some spinners and start casting. If you are unfamiliar with the lake you’re ice fishing on, observe the topography of the land around the lake. Choose a rod with a ‘medium – slow’ action (a slower action rod provides more sensitivity and makes it harder for a fish to shake the hook). The Black Magic and Wasabi range of tackle and accessories is the result of years of research and development. In this viDEBO I'll discuss the ultralight beginner setup I've been using for trout fishing. A 3000 series reel on a 7′ 6″ medium to medium-heavy rod with a fast action tip and 10 lb braid with a 20 lb leader can handle everything from a 15″ trout … ), link to Will Salmon Bite at Night? Stalk Your Fish. Watch Howell detail why this unique spinning rod … Enticers are a classic metal spoon style lure weighing either 7 or 12 grams. The action is a slow wobble when retrieved fast. Look for a rod similar to the spinning setup for steelhead above roughly 9 feet in length and a reel in the 200 or 300 size. A 6- or 6 1/2-foot graphite rod designated with a light to ultralight weight and a limber tip make a great spinning rod for trout. The ultralight gear would be great for small baits targeting rainbow and brook trout under 20 inches. Trout rod selection depends on your location but a safe setup is a rod about 7 foot long. I love fishing with rooster tails in moving water with ultralight tackle. Spinsects are a uniquely designed bladed lure weighing between 6 and 28 grams. (Moon Phases, Seasons, Baits), I love this particular spinning rod and reel combo, Click here to visit Fishing Booker and book your trip of a lifetime at very affordable prices, click here for my comprehensive trout fishing gear list. Start with a sinking fly line then add 18 inches of 20 lb test, 12 inches of 15 lb test, and 30 inches of 12 lb test for a … I find it great for bite detection). I know this is a bit random, but if you ever wanted to go on a guided or chartered fishing trip in freshwater or saltwater, you should check out Fishing Booker. How to solve this? If you are fishing with spinning tackle, model your fishing off how fly fishermen attack a section of the stream. You can also simply lower a lively shiner or minnow down the hole and let it swim free until something eats it. You could also vertically jig spoons and jigs over deep-water features or jig up brook trout through the ice in winter. In the spring on a local Hawkes Bay river (the Tukituki), whitebait start to head upriver from the ocean, attracting both brown and rainbow trout to feed on the rich food source. You can also use planer boards to carry your baits out wide from the boat. Enticers spin in a circular motion while wobbling from side to side. When fishing in current you should use a heavier weighted lure to suit the conditions, a bibbed lure would also make sense in fast water. This rod-type should be perfect for most trout when drift fishing with bait. This soft edge is where you should deliver your bait. If in fast moving water slow your retrieve, the lure will work with the current flowing over it. A high quality, fast-retrieve spinning … You can employ just about any method to catch trout in lakes. Don’t worry, you won’t lose fish by pinching your barbs but you will make removing the hook a lot easier on you and the fish. Here are a few different examples of good trout habitat. These areas of rest are great locations where trout can ambush food that is being carried by the current. Trout are very visually predators so focus on daytime ice fishing. At times this can be all done in less than a second. Sometimes the easiest way to locate and fish for trout is by trolling long distances of water. (Are Bass Line Shy?). It is great for trout fishing and my favorite. Trout really like pockets of water where they can rest on slow, deep water and sit alongside a fast-moving current. Ugly Stik GX2 – Best Budget Trout Spinning Rod. Use an ultralight spinning rod, … You can use this trout rod and reel setup for both fishing … Before you purchase or setup your spinning rod for trout fishing, think about the type of trout … Different trout like different variations, slowing a retrieve down and then speeding up or putting some jerks into the rod while winding in, even completely stopping and starting is good practice. A trout will no longer inspect your leader, mainline or your swivel before a take. A soft and slow fall. Often times, the blade on certain spinners will stick. Trout rod selection depends on your venue, but a rod about 7 feet long is a healthy setup. It truly is an amazing combo, I can cast a wax worm with a size 14 hook and no weight a long distance with pin point accuracy (under branches and ledges) and the feel of the fight with a small or large trout … Gear: 6’6” to 7’ ultralight or medium-weight spinning rod. They have countless listings for such dream destinations as the Florida Keys, Corpus Christi, Great Lakes, San Diego, Central America, Montana, and many more. Estimate the length of line it took to hit bottom to determine bottom depth. 10-20 pound braid is preferred. That … Trout love feeding on shad, ciscos, and shiners in particular. Sent every few weeks, not every day. Look for eddies, deeper pools, and slower water alongside fast current. Most people when they start using their small trout rods wind up becoming frustrated because they get bites, but they can’t hook up on any fish. 4-10 pound test mono. Spinning rods are great for ultralight, light, and medium-weight freshwater fishing. When the lure is retrieved fast, it lets off a tonne of vibrations. There is some suction force too making it easier for trout to direct food into the mouth. Once you start getting bites, raise or lower all baits to this depth and catch as many as you can. The vibration and colour entices a reaction to a trout’s lateral line and I have seen fish move up to 10 metres to hit them. © 2021 Copyright Freshwater Fishing Advice. They are the leading database of certified and professional fishing guides at the guaranteed lowest prices. They provide enough backbone but give you plenty of enjoyment catching trout on slightly lighter gear. You want something with plenty of backbone to pull your bait through the water while jigging and to horse big trout of the depths. Trolling is a great way to catch trout if you aren’t sure where they are in a lake or large river. Gear: 7’ medium spinning rod is ideal for all but the largest trout when trolling. Using a line with a 4kg breaking strain means you strike a balance between strength and stealth. Armed with a 6-foot spinning rod and a handful of flies he's quite effective. Keep this in mind. Trout are unable to keep up with constant flowing water, so they sit just out of the current. You then want to connect your braid to a quality fluorocarbon leader of 6lb -8lb (I highly recommend Black Magic Fluorocarbon because it’s made of 100% fluorocarbon, unlike some brands. Countless colors and designs to choose from. 1. I recommend a weighted jig head (green, red, or yellow) dressed with a small fathead minnow hooked through the lip or 2 wax worms. Locating Trout: If fishing in a stream or river, trout will congregate in slower, deeper water that is being fed with faster current. Once you hook onto one fish, mark the spot with your electronics and either troll back through the area again or simply toss the anchor and start vertically jigging for his buddies. It is strongly recommended you have multiple holes dug in a corner of the lake since trout can be initially tough to pinpoint. We used classic black and gold spoons and eventually one day I managed to hook up to a fish. Slow Down. You want something with plenty of backbone to pull your bait through the water while trolling and to horse big trout of the depths. Winter Jigging Combo for Speckled Trout. For trout bigger than 20 inches as well as any type of trolling, go with the medium-action rod for better backbone and power. Bait: Minnows, shiners, ciscos, shad, crayfish, freshwater shrimp. Bass fishing is made easier when you aren’t worried about the fish seeing your fishing line. To be safe I fish with 150m. If the river has some colour, (this is fairly common with estuaries) change to a darker black or brown. Obviously that day is one I won’t forget. Countless colors and designs to choose from. Natural bait like live or dead shiners, fathead minnows, wax worms, mealworms, and salmon eggs. A spinning rod is the best choice for fishing moving water for rainbow, brook, and brown trout. With over 2000 products, we have something for every angler whether you are “mad keen” or just like to get out when you can. Configured as a 7 foot UL, the GX2 comes as a two … One of the most iconic and proven trout lures every made. You can use live bait like small minnows, crayfish, and worms or salmon eggs. Choosing fishing gear is truly a matter of personal preference – what makes the ultimate speckled trout rod and reel to me may well not be your first choice. Spin cast reels, or spinning reels, are a very common type of reel used by trout fishermen. If you get a bite at 12 feet down, set all your baits to this depth to target the rest of the school. It will offer the flexibility and control needed for tight casts and great fish-fighting power. They are the leading database of certified and professional fishing guides at the guaranteed lowest prices. With live bait, you would rather use slightly lighter tackle to better feel bites and control the action better. The amount of stress the line goes through is high, for example, when you cast or when you retrieve through a heavy current. Can Bass See Fishing Line? Fish Tailwaters. Lower reaches in all river systems have the highest concentration of baitfish. The ice naturally reduces sunlight penetration especially snow-covered ice. We Are Bass Fishing. Although I enjoy fly fishing and am working on improving my skills, I prefer fishing trout with spinning gear. Final Thought on Winter Trout Fishing. Instead, look for shallow-to-medium depth water, 3-12 feet deep, along the edge of points, islands, coves, and drop-offs. 2-5 MPH is a great trolling speed but if the water is choppy, slower is better. Up higher in the river most trout only have a few choices of baitfish for prey, these are predominantly smelt and bullies. The problem with this technique is you are liable to catch a whole range of fish along with trout. 1. Look for a rod with a line rating of 2 – 4kg and lure weight up to 15g (the lighter you go the more bites you will get). Spinners, small spoons, and jerk baits are great options for moving water trout. Tactics: Trout have very delicate mouth parts so don’t get too forceful with your hook sets. These lures wobble side to side while staying upright, the faster your retrieve the faster the lure will wobble. This will enable you to cover different zones in the water column and more easily locate fish. Choose a rod with a guide count of 8 or more (more line guides make the line flow in a direct curve with the rod without any nasty sudden angle changes between guides – this prevents line damage). I asked McKee how fishing for trout in the winter compares to the … Both can tolerate higher temperatures than trout so you will almost never see fish actively feeding on these species. Braid is a great option for your mainline when spinning, as it has more sensitivity and casts well which is important. I landed it and took it home to eat. A wasted cast. Make sure the line pulls off the reel smoothly as when a fish makes a sudden charge and begins to shake their head you risk losing the fish if the drag is not smooth enough to always keep slight pressure on the line. I love fishing with rooster tails in moving water with ultralight tackle. 3. On several occasions I have witnessed trout chasing small flounder in the shallows. When a trout hits your lure right in front of you, there’s nothing quite like it! Gear: 7’ medium spinning rod is ideal for all but the largest trout when trolling. This could mean tossing live bait or lures upstream of deep holes and allow the current to direct your bait to the trout. They have countless listings for such dream destinations as the Florida Keys, Corpus Christi, Great Lakes, San Diego, Central America, Montana, and many more. Below are some tips to consider when purchasing and setting up your spinning reel for trout fishing. It's called a spinner for a reason. Trout will see it coming and you’ll get strikes as it drifts by the good holes. If it feels natural, they will swallow the prey. … The best setup for trout fishing is an ultralight to light power rod, with a fast action, paired with an ultralight spinning reel and monofilament line in the 2lb to 6lb range. Depending on the season, whitebait, smelt, bullies and mullet are all in plentiful numbers. This article will go over all the tips I have learnt over the last 11 years. LegaSea was established in 2012 to help the public understand the issues affecting our marine fisheries and environment and why we need to restore abundance throughout New Zealand. Spinning rods are simple to use and require almost no learning curve to operate as compared to a baitcasting setup which requires more skill. What’s a good presentation for cold weather? St. Croix Premier Series Trigger Rod. During the winter I use a specific combination of tackle to help me achieve a great presentation to speckled trout. If you want to read my full article on how good these lures are for trout fishing, click here. At night, it will be virtually black-out conditions underwater.