Spring Trout

Here we are firmly into spring with the promise of warmer and longer days. California is recovering from a long drought and many of the lakes are at full pool. The streams will be flowing with water from all the snow pack and mountains that are part of the greater water shed. We should be seeing running water for months. That brings an optimistic outlook for fishing throughout 2017. If you haven’t yet got your gear ready for a new season, its time to re-spool with fresh line, check the inventory to be sure that your terminal tackle (hooks, weights, lures etc..) are stocked up and ready for the next trip.

I know many of the readers of this article are “Old Hands” at this and have already been getting ready or have been on a few trips at this point. For the “new-comers”, I would like to do a review of rods, reels and terminal tackle that is necessary for a day of fishing. First thing to consider is the rod you will be using. Step one is determining what types of water you intend to fish (i.e., lakes, rivers, streams or small ponds). Rod length makes a difference here as this will be crucial to performance based on casting distance, fighting abilities and lure choice.

For lakes and rivers, I am a long rod advocate. Seven foot to nine foot rods are necessary for casting distance and the ability to land larger fish. For ponds or streams, rods that are 5 foot to 6 foot are ideal. Remember that streams often have trees and brush to contend with and a long rod will be problematic especially if you are brush busting to get to that “special spot”.

Rods rated for 2lb to 6lb are usually just right for trout and pan fish. For bigger water and fish a line rating of 4lb to 8lb line is recommended. Reels in the 1000 to 2500 size are a good choice for most trout. 1000 size reels are great for 2lb-4lb line and 2500 size is better suited for 6lb-8lb line. Good quality reels with smooth drags are handy for fighting fish.

Cheap reels with poor drags will usually get sticky, meaning the drags will be tight then loose and back to tight. This is what will cause the line to break and hooks to pull causing you to lose the fish. Many new angers will start with basic rigging for dough baits; it is a simple rig, a hook and weight and you are ready to go. Place a round dough ball over the hook 4” to 12” below the weight, a light weight 1/8 ounce will work well and then cast out. The dough floats and will admit a scent to attract the fish. A few lures such as a Kastmaster, Super Duper and the like, allows you to cast and retrieve, while the flash and vibration will attract fish to the lure. If you are intending to use dough baits, a rod holder is a vital piece of equipment. Holding a rod and waiting for the fish to find your bait can take time so the rod holder is perfect to place the rod in and watch the rod tip for bites. Things you will also need are a good pair of pliers, rag, hat, sunglasses, and a stringer if you intend to keep fish for the table.

One rig I use that works very well, (I am sharing a secret here) is my three way rig. This requires a tiny three way swivel, Gamakatsu TW (trout worm) hook, size 12 and a 1/8 ounce weight. Use 24” of 4lb line to the hook, 1 ft of line to the weight and the other is for the main line. Use a 3” trout Power Worm rigged so the hook is up and exposed, and then cast out the retrieve slowly.

Be sure to purchase a California Fishing License. You can get a one year fresh water license or just a day license, if you are unsure how often you intend to get away. Make this season a great one, be safe above all, have fun and practice catch and release. Tight lines!