While discussing the importance of rigging up for trout fishing, Work Sharp Pro Staffer Gary Lewis shared this quote by Zenna Schaffer:
"Give a man a fish and he has food for a day; teach him how to fish and you can get rid of him for the entire weekend."
With that in mind, here are three easy ways to ensure you catch trout, and lots of them, on your next fishing trip, provided by Gary Lewis.
Paste Baits/Jar Baits
- Use a paste bait when fish are closer to the bottom, particularly when the water is cold in early season. Slide a bullet sinker onto the main line and then tie on a barrel swivel. Then tie on a 30-inch four- to six-pound test leader terminated at a No. 12-16 treble hook. Pinch a bit of the paste bait (Power Bait, Gulp! or similar), roll it in a ball and cover the hook with the dough.
- Cast out, let the bait sink to the bottom, then leave it. Set the rod down and watch it. When the line starts to move, pick up the rod and reel it in.
- This rig catches fish and it kills them, so don't plan on fishing for sport or for catch-and-release. Use this method when fishing for a fish dinner.
Bobber and Worm/Bobber and Egg
- The bobber and worm rig is just as effective as ever. It's a great way for a kid to learn the basics of the sport. Rig up this way when fish are active and higher in the water column, two to four feet below the surface.
- Tie a swivel to the main line and then tie on a leader about 24 inches long. Tie on a No. 8-12 bait holder hook if fishing with a worm, and use a No. 12 hook if fishing with salmon eggs. When using nightcrawlers, cut the worm into pieces instead of using the whole worm. Pinch on a bobber above the swivel and pinch a couple of small split shot on the leader.
- Cast out, set the rod down and watch the bobber. When the bobber starts to move, let it bounce a couple of times, then set the hook.
Both of the above rigs work in dirty water when fish have to search for their food by scent. Use a fly and float when the water is clear.
Fly and Bubble
One of the most effective rigs for catching hatchery trout in clear water is a spinning rod rigged with six-pound test mainline and a float and fly combo.
- Slide a clear plastic bubble over the main line. Tie on a swivel and tie on a 48-inch 4-pound test leader. Finish with a No. 10 Red Tag Woolly Worm.
- At the lake, fill the plastic bubble with water which provides the weight necessary for long casts. If the fly doesn't sink fast enough, put on a small split shot.
- Cast and reel it back S-L-O-W. Keep moving around the pond until fish are located. This is a good method for catch and release.
A Knife for Cleaning Trout
When it comes time to clean a limit of trout, put on latex gloves and take out your pocket knife. The blade should be clean and sharp. If it needs a touch-up, take a few swipes on the Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener or prep it ahead of time at home on the Original Knife & Tool Sharpener.
If this is a first time sharpening a knife, don't worry as there are many Work Sharp videos on YouTube - like this one: Click here
And good information on cleaning trout can be found on YouTube as well.
Still need help with the gear? Stop at a sporting goods store. Take your rod and tackle box inside and ask for the tackle expert to rig the rod the right way. They'll do it if you ask nice. Pay attention so you can do it next time. Then go fishing.
Fishing is not all that hard, but using the wrong baits and fishing in the wrong spots will definitely lower an angler's success rate. Make it easy for the fish to find your bait or fly. Fish where the fish are.
Written by Pro Staff Gary Lewis
