Fly fishing is probably the most well
known. It involves the use of a fly rod ( 5-8 # weight) and flies.
Fly lure history goes back to antiquity, with an account from 200 A.
D. The roman author, Aelian, described a fly of the day.
Flies are either dry (float on the water), or wet, (which sink) and
there are streamer flies which resemble minnows and small fish. Many
fishermen bring along a small tying kit, just in case, and tie what
they need when they see the available forage.
Fly fishing reels are either manual or automatic. Some people prefer
to use a spinning reel attached to their fly rod.
Fly fishing can be done from shore, a boat or float, or by wading
into the water.
Trolling is just what the name implies.
Dragging the lure around behind the boat. Most trolling is done at
speeds of 3 knots or less. Trout speeds are usually 1 1/2 - 2 knots.
At these low speeds and because of the time periods involved, you
need a reliable motor. 2 cylinder engines work the best. It should
be tuned to run in gear at idle, without sputtering or stalling.
Single cylinder engines rev to high to accomplish this.
Electric motors are the most quiet and most models will run from 4-6
hours on a single charge. If properly set-up with 2 deep-cycle
batteries, they can run 12 or more hours. They also offer a variety
of speeds.
Slip Sinker rig. This is an important
rig to know when fishing for trout. The fish won't feel the weight
when it takes the bait and you'll be able to feel the fish or see
any rod tip movement. This rig is fished with a spinning rod and
reel. Rod lengths vary from 7-8 feet.
Line size depends on the lure your using and the type of fish you're
after. Normally a 6# braided or mono line is used for the main
line, with a 4# test line for a leader or tippet. The smaller
the lure, the smaller the line needed.
Depending on the season, the fish can be
anywhere from riffles or pools in rivers or streams, to deep water
in deep lakes. If they are spawning in spring, they're shallow.
Winter, deep or moved into creeks or rivers. Check at the local bait
shop when you arrive at your destination for tips and things to try.
Most if not all want to help you catch fish.
Hooks need to be sharp for a good
hook-set. Bring a small sharpening stone to tune them up after
bumping and hooking stones and wood and assorted other things. Hook
sizes used are from #6 on down #16 and #18. Never larger than #6.
Smaller in size is better in this case. Always use the smallest size
hook, line, and sinker you can get away with. The most common sizes
are #10 and #12.
Check your equipment and line often for
abrasions. Make sure the drag is properly set and operates smoothly
or you'll just end up loosing fish and baits. Some of these fish
make blazing runs, so be fully spooled. With the small hooks and
soft flesh involved, these fish can't be horsed in. Landing an 8#
steelhead is a lot different than landing a brook trout. Play them
out, but don't kill them.
Good baits are live or salted minnows,
power baits or power nuggets, egg sacks, skein, night crawlers,
single salmon eggs, and grubs. There are many small trout lures and
plugs available on the market. These are normally used in lakes, not
in small streams. Any swivels should be size 12 or 14. Weights from
B-B to 5/0 should work adequately.
Always follow the rules of etiquette
while you're out there. Chances are you won't be the only one out
there fishing in some spots.
See our related articles for other info
on topics we discussed. Good Luck, Stay Safe, and Happy Fishing.
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