Fishing World

Posts Tagged ‘Fashion’

Baits used to catch trout can be divided into four categories: Live, artificial, lures and flies. This article will address live and artificial baits only.

First the live ones. Any number of live baits come to mind: worms, crickets, grasshoppers, minnows, grubs and larvae will all work at the appropriate time. The hungrier the fish the more likely anything will work early in the spring when they are coming out of the quasi hibernation they endure for the winter. As the season warms up they will become more selective usually concentrating on baits that approximate what they normally would eat.

Presentation is key when using live baits. I often watched my grandfather use a number six single hook and literally pile worms (yes I said worms) on in such a fashion as to completely hide the hook. I would have sworn there was no way any self respecting trout could get the massive presentation into their mouths let alone even be interested in such an obvious display. The fact is he always outfished the rest of us. Worms were his primary bait and for sixty years he had unparalleled success. When I started fishing with him I had to adhere to his philosophy which taught me a great deal about worms but not too much about catching fish. One thing I did learn: what works for me may not work for you so it is always best to have several back up plans.

One is artificial bait. This includes such things as Power Bait, Velveeta cheese, salmon eggs or imitation minnows. I am sure there are many more but these seem to be the best. Power bait is particularly effective especially when fishing small lakes or reservoirs where trout are stocked. It is a simple matter to cover the treble hook with the bait and cast it out. My son and I often compete to see who can get bait into the water the fastest. He holds the record at less than a minute after reaching the fishing site. Long before power bait came into vogue velveeta cheese was the bait of choice. If one could sprinkle it lightly with Anise see oil it became even more effective. I have had great success using salmon eggs on an appropriate sized hook when dealing with vegetation close to the bank. I just put a floater anywhere from three to six feet above the hook and allow the bait to float back into the vegetation where the fish eagerly attack.

Just remember to have fun; be willing to adapt to the current situation and, above all go fishing!