Trout Fishing

The weather is getting warmer. Spring is near. That means it's time to start fishing.

I usually fish for bass, but today I want to focus on simple tips that will increase the chances of catching trout. There are different ways of catching trout. Some people like to use a traditional fishing pole and others like to fly fish. I have a fly rod, but tend to go the traditional route ... mainly because I haven't used a fly rod enough.

The first thing I want to focus on is noises when fishing for trout. Trout are very easily spooked (scared), so when you are fishing try to whisper if you are talking to someone. Also, you should focus on walking carefully and not splashing around much. These guys are pretty smart.

Like most fish, trout tend to feed most heavily during the night or early morning. It is important to try and get to your fishing spots during these times. Also, since trout love to eat insects, your chances of catching one increases by fishing at night.

Active baits (ones that you reel in fast) aren't typically the best types of baits to use. I have had luck using these here and there, but not often. You want to use slower moving baits like small tube baits. You can also use "Power bait", which is a type of bait that you get out of a jar, ball it up, and stick it on the hook. The stuff stinks too, so don't be licking your fingers after you use it.

The last thing I want to talk about is how to handle the fish. I remember one of the first times I caught a trout I grabbed it really hard when I was handling it. When I threw it back, the fish was just floating. From where I had grabbed it so hard I had killed the poor guy. It doesn't take much pressure to do this either. You want to just lay the fish in your hand. Have your hand be right under its belly. You will think the fish will jerk around a lot, but they usually don't cause a lot of trouble.

Hope these tips help you out!

How to hold a trout. Compliments of Jake Hicks