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JRW Fishing.com ~ The Blog

Updated on: 6/18/2009
Best Hooks For Trout Fishing

What are the best hooks for trout fishing? I’ve been asked that question many times in the last 25 years, and in this article I’m going to do my best to explain the answer to this question. The best hooks for trout fishing have 3 very important things in common. These 3 things are what this article is about. As long as your trout fishing hooks have these 3 things in common, you’re going to be in great shape.

Many trout anglers make the mistake of not thinking enough about their hooks, and it ends up costing them bites. Many times in trout fishing the simplest things are the most effective and this is certainly true with hooks. This is especially true if live bait is employed when fishing for trout. When you fish with live bait, you want the focus to be on the bait, and nothing else. The bottom line is that if you keep these 3 things in mind, you’ll know that you’re always using the best hooks for trout fishing.

  • The Size - When fishing for trout you always want to use small fishing hooks. This means size 8 or 10 in most situations, and rarely any hooks larger than size 6. The size of your hooks is important because we don’t want them to be visible to the trout. When talking about the best hooks for trout fishing, the smaller the better. Some trout anglers even like to use size 12 and 14 hooks, which are so small you almost have to have the hands of a four year old to deal with then effectively.
  • The Sharpness - When fishing for trout (or any other species of fish) your hooks should always be as sharp as possible. New hooks are very sharp, but after being used for a while they become dull. This is why changing your hooks frequently or sharpening them with a hook sharper is so important. It’s said that 50% of the fish we miss is because of dull hooks. I like to drift fish in rivers, where I bounce my bait along the bottom as it flows with the current. This means that I get snagged and/or hung up a lot. So I’m constantly changing my hooks to make sure that they’re as sharp as possible.
  • The Configuration - Trout fishing hooks should be configured properly, especially when using live bait. The most effective configuration that I’ve ever used is a set of gang hook. Trout fishing hooks configured as a set of gang hooks are extremely effective, especially when worm fishing. Another configuration that some trout fishermen like is a #10 plain hook with a small treble hook tied behind it. This trout fishing hook set up is quite effective for Powerbait fishing.
  • The bottom line is that the best hooks for trout fishing need to have these 3 things in common. If your trout fishing hooks have these three things in common you will be a successful trout fisherman. And never forget, there is no magic formula to fishing, so the more time that you can spend on the water practicing your craft, the better off you will be.


    Updated on: 6/6/2009
     

    I’ve been fishing in rivers and streams for over 25 years, and I remember when I didn’t know what the difference between waders with a “boot foot” and waders with “stocking foot” was. I actually didn’t used to understand what these terms meant, and more importantly how they related to me. In this article I’m going to explain the difference between these two options when it comes to choosing a pair of waders.

    If you’re reading this article you either are thinking about buying a pair of waders or you need a new pair and don’t know which option will serve you best. This article will explain the good and bad points of each wader option so that you can make a more informed decision.

    When it comes to waders there are two main types of material that you want to concern yourself with; breathable material and/or neoprene. Any of the fishing waders that you might purchase need to be made from one of these two materials. If the fishing waders that you are considering are made out of anything other than breathable material or neoprene, you need to reconsider. These two materials are the most effective materials for fishing waders to be manufactured from.

    1. Boot Foot Waders - “Boot foot” fishing waders means that the waders have the boot manufactured into them. In other words the boots are part of the waders. This makes transporting your waders and keeping tabs on your boots easy, but boot foot waders can be much less comfortable to move from fishing spot to fishing spot in. Boot foot waders are fine for the person who doesn’t move from fishing spot to fishing spot very often, and doesn’t have to hike into fishing area’s, although these waders could be carried in a back pack. In my opinion if you are a first time wader buyer, boot foot waders are a great place to start, you simply by them in your shoe size and you’re good to go.
    2. Stocking Foot Waders - “Stocking Foot” waders have a neoprene sock sewn into them, and wading boots have to be purchased separately. Although purchasing your boots separately adds an additional cost, stocking foot waders are much more comfortable to move around in. If you are anything like me and like to cover a couple of miles, crossing the river several times when fishing, these waders are the way to go. Stocking foot waders are incredibly comfortable. As a matter of fact, once suited up, these waders feel like you’re wearing a pair of khaki pants! When it comes to fishing waders, more experienced wade fishermen tend to go with this type. Although a little more expensive, because of the fact that your boots have to be purchased separately, these fishing waders are the much more comfortable option.
    3. Now you know the difference between “boot foot” and “stocking foot” waders. Think about the time you spend fishing in waders and make your decision accordingly. The both have there good and bad points, but at least now you know the difference.


      Updated on: 5/6/2009
      Trout Fishing Techniques - Methods For Catching Mo
      Trout Fishing Techniques - Methods For Catching More Trout

      Trout Fishing Techniques - Methods For Catching More Trout
      By Trevor Kugler

      Anyone who spends time trout fishing knows how challenging it can be to consistently catch larger, more experienced trout. Sure anyone can go out and catch 8-12 inch planted trout all day, but consistently catching larger trout can be much more difficult. This is where an article like this comes in handy.

      After more than 25 years of trout fishing I've learned a couple of techniques that will assist any angler in catching more (and bigger) trout. These techniques have worked well for me and I know they will work equally well for you. Both of these trout fishing techniques are best utilized in the flowing waters of a small river or stream, but can be easily modified for other trout waters as well.

      Both of these techniques are effective and they are listed in no particular order.

      1. Working A Pool - One of the most effective techniques that I've used for trout fishing is to work a pool effectively. Most trout fishermen don't effectively "work" a pool when fishing for trout. You want to take your time and work all area's of a pool. Pools are usually the deepest water in a river. You should begin by working the top layer of the water and add spilt shot every 5 or 6 casts to get you offering deeper until it finally rolls along the bottom. Different angles produce different drifts, so you want to slowly work your way along the pool starting at the top and working your way downstream.
      2. Working The Bottom - This technique is best utilized in riffles and runs (as well in the latter part of fishing a pool). This technique utilizes live worms and gang hooks. This may be one of the best trout fishing techniques that you ever come across. Start by tying a small barrel swivel onto your line. Then attach a set of pre-tied gang hooks. Split shot sinkers are added for weight above the barrel swivel. The number and size of split shot will vary with the depth of the water and current flow. A live worm is then added to the gang hooks. This rig is then cast parallel to the current, your bail is closed, and your offering is allowed to drift naturally with the current. The goal is to have your worm "bounce" along the bottom during the drift. With practice you'll easily be able to distinguish the difference between the bottom and a trout biting.

      These two techniques will help you catch more and bigger trout. The most important thing to remember when it comes to fishing is to have patience. I know that sounds obvious, but that doesn't mean that it's any less true. My trout fishing mentor was known to have the patience to fish the same hole or area for upwards of 2 hours without a bite. This might sound excessive, but many times resulted in trophy trout. If the area that you're fishing looks good, have the patience to fish it thoroughly.

      Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.....Montana!

      Get Fishing Tips & Techniques Twice A Month For FREE - http://www.jrwfishing.com/signup.html

      Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Kugler
      http://EzineArticles.com/?Trout-Fishing-Techniques---Methods-For-Catching-More-Trout&id=2306051


      Updated on: 4/18/2009
      Trout Rigs – Begin Catching More Trout With These

      Anyone who spends time fishing for trout knows that trout fishing involves more than simply putting some salmon eggs or live worm onto a hook and calling it good. If you want to be truly successful as a trout fisherman you need to have some different trout rigs at you disposal. When I use the term 'trout rigs' I'm referring to different ways of rigging your bait and or lure so as to give you the best opportunity to catch trout.

      Before we get into the rigs themselves, let's discuss some basic trout fishing etiquette. When fishing for trout, light line and small hooks should always be employed. All too often I see trout fishermen using line and hooks that are much too large for trout fishing. You're line should be no heavier than eight pound test and your hooks should never be larger than size six, in most instances. When it comes to trout fishing the bottom line is this: the lighter the line and the smaller the hooks, the more bites you will get.

      Now, shall we get down to the trout fishing rigs that will help you catch more fish? Sounds good. The first two rigs are for still fishing, the third is for the flowing waters of rivers and streams.

      1. The 3-way Rig - This trout rig involves a snap-loc sinker, a three way swivel, a hook (or set of gang hooks), and your trout bait of choice. Begin my taking the end of your line and cutting off two pieces, both 12-18 inches long. Set these pieces if line aside. Now choose a three way swivel that is comparable to the size of the line that you are using, and tie one end to the end of your line. Now take one of the pieces of line and tie it to one of the other ends of the swivel. At the end of the line, tie on a snap-loc sinker (1/4 to 3/8 ounce will normally suffice). You should have one more end of the swivel to tie off to. Tie the last piece of line to this end of the swivel. Now tie your hook (many trout fishermen like a small treble hook) onto this piece of line, and add the trout bait of your choice.
      2. The Slip Rig - This trout rig is best used with some sort of floating trout bait, so it floats off the bottom. Begin by taking the end of your line and snipping off one piece 12-18 inches long and setting it aside. Now slip an egg sinker onto your line. At this point tie a small barrel swivel to the end of your line, which will act as a 'stopper' for the egg sinker. On the opposite end of the barrel swivel tie on a set of pre-tied gang hooks (size 8 or 10 are the most effective). Now add enough trout bait to completely cover each of the hooks on your trout fishing rig. The slip rig is now good to go.

      Both of these trout rigs are for use when still fishing. They should be cast out and allowed to sink to the bottom. Then the slack line is reeled in slowly until the line is completely taught. Many trout fishermen choose to prop their rod against a forked stick for stability. At this point it's a waiting game. My normal rule of thumb is to wait at least a half and hour before checking your bait, unless you've had a bite of course. It shouldn't take too long for your rod to start bouncing.


      Updated on: 4/10/2009
      Rainbow Trout Fishing – 3 Ways To Catch More & Big

      More than 25 years ago I had the pleasure of learning about rainbow trout fishing from an amazing angler who was able to catch trophy trout out of heavily fished rivers and streams in central Pennsylvania. Over the years I’ve used and refined the techniques he taught me to take my personal rainbow trout fishing experiences to the next level.

      In this article I will outline 3 techniques that will help you become a much more successful rainbow trout angler. As a matter of fact these tips aren’t reserved exclusively for rainbow trout. They are effective for any species of trout (or other fish) that swims in small rivers and streams. If you want to catch more and bigger trout, simply implement these tips into your fishing repertoire.

      • Be On The Water At The Best Times - When it comes to any type of fishing, including rainbow trout fishing, we always want to be on the water at the most opportune times. There are certain times of the day and month that fish are most active and many times this is determined by the weather and moon. More specifically, this is determined by the barometric pressure and the phase of the moon. Knowing the simple rules pertaining to these two forces of Mother Nature and the behavior of fish will help you catch more and bigger trout.
      • Get Away From Other Anglers - Trout are very sensitive to their surroundings and if there is a lot of fishing activity going on, trout will become much harder to catch. This is why you want to get away from other anglers as much as possible. This might mean walking “just a little further” down the river. Basically, you want to do what most others are too lazy to do. Is there a little deep water to cross? Cross it. Is there a bunch of brush in the path making it difficult to go on? Traverse the brush and move a little further down the river. You want to try to get to water that gets just a little less fishing pressure.
      • The Bottom Is Your Friend - Whether fishing a small lure such as a roster tail or live bait such as worms, allowing your offering to bounce along the bottom, while it flows naturally with the current, can make a huge difference. When rainbow trout fishing with live worms, a gang hook rig should always be used. This is the best way to present a live worm as bait. Allow you gang hook rig (and thus live worm) to flow naturally with the current, bouncing along the bottom as it drifts. Our multi colored friends find this offering hard to resist.

      I realize that these tips may seem a little over simplistic, but the fact is that this is precisely what makes them so effective. My mentor believed that there was no need to overcomplicate fishing, and I tend to agree. The beauty is in paying attention to the details and staying focused. I promise that these 3 rainbow trout fishing tips will help you catch more and bigger trout.