A Foul-Weather Bag, or an FWB as it is sometimes known, is one of those critical items on your fishing trip that you’re most likely to leave behind because you don’t think it’s necessary. We highly recommend you take your FWB along on every trip regardless of if the weather is nice or not. IF anything, you can just leave it in your car while you’re fishing. Trust us, should foul-weather come your way, you’ll be glad you had your FWB.
What is a Foul-Weather Bag?
A foul-weather bag or FWB is a bag in which you keep emergency items in case it rains, snows, or throws any other sort of weather abomination at you. You’ll want to pack everything inside of a waterproof bag which can be the size of a bread loaf or small wastebasket. You just need enough space to hold the items below and nothing more.
The best part about a foul-weather bag is that once it is packed, you can just throw it in your car for every fishing trip. If you don’t use it, there’s no reason to unpack it when you’re done so it will be ready whenever you need it.
What Kind of Bag Should You Use?
You’ll want a waterproof dry bag as your foul-weather bag so that they stuff you need to keep for emergencies is kept dry. We already wrote a post on the best ways to keep your gear waterproof. We highly recommend the Ultra Dry Adventurer as your foul-weather bag. You can probably get away with the 10L bag.
The main purpose of your foul-weather bag is to have everything you need should foul-weather hit. The number one thing you’ll need is your rain suit so that you can stay dry. You’ll want to have a lightweight and compact rain suit so that you can easily pack it in your FWB. I typically leave my rain suit on top of everything else I pack in my FWB so that it can be the first thing I grab.
If you are wearing a fishing vest, you might already have a first aid kit. However, since your dry bag is bigger than your fishing vest pockets, you can bring a more fully-equipped first aid kit than you would carry in your vest.
You’ll want to look for a first aid kit that comes with medicine, antiseptics, bandages, gauze, and other first aid necessities. Most first aids kits available will come with these items, so it really depends on personal preference.
If you plan to go fishing in cooler weather, you should bring along a knit hat. Even if it is warm during the day, you never know when a cold front will come through or you’ll be stuck after dark. A knit hat will ensure that you stay warm regardless.
Gloves can serve several purposes in fishing. Obviously, there is the cold weather aspect which is why we recommend having a warm pair of gloves in your FWB. These will ensure your hands and fingers are warm.
The other main purpose of gloves is to be able to securely hold fish when you catch them. We recommend a rubberized fishing glove like you would use for gardening. You still should wet your gloves before handling fish since you don’t want to ruin their slime coat.
Just like you’ll want warm gloves and a knit hat should the weather turn cold, you’ll also want a fleece pullover to stay warm. Choose one that fits snuggly so you get the full insulation of the fleece.
While these aren’t necessary, you will be glad you have these if the weather turns colder or the wind picks up. Stuff one in each glove and enjoy hours of warmth.
You never know what might happen while you’re out fishing. Maybe you get stranded and you can’t even drive out from where you are. Or maybe you just want to cook the fish you just caught. Regardless of why you need them, matches are a necessity. Pick some up at your local store before heading out.
Socks
Regardless of how waterproof your boots and waders are, your socks are bound to get wet at some point during your fishing trip. Having a fresh pair that you can throw on before you head home will make you feel much cozier.
Flashlight
If you plan to stay out into the evening, having a flashlight is necessary. You don’t want to be trapped out in the water and not be able to see anything around you. We recommend getting a headlamp type flashlight since this will allow you to keep both hands free while you continue to fish or find your way back to shore.
Whether you’re kayaking, fishing from a boat, or canoeing, keeping your cell phone dry while on the water can be a challenge. The problem gets worse if you actually drop your cell phone in the water (if you manage to find it once it’s fallen in). While a number of modern cell phones have started becoming water resistant, it’s still better safe than sorry to have a reliable waterproof container for your cell phone and other valuables.
Options for Keeping Your Phone Dry
There are two main options for keeping your phone dry on the water. It really depends on if your phone is the only thing you want to keep dry and whether you plan on actively using your phone while on the water.
Dry Bags
Dry bags are a great way to keep your phone and other valuables dry. They come in a variety of sizes so you can store whatever you need in them. The bags work by first filling the bag with what you need to stay dry and then folding over the top multiple times until it is waterproof. The downside to these bags is that you won’t be able to use your phone while it is in the dry bag.
To keep the dry bag from getting lost, you can attach a rope to it and anchor the rope to you fishing boat or raft so that even if the dry bag ends up in the water, it will be easy to find.
Waterproof phone cases come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are simply soft, waterproof cases that can fit any size and offer flotation protection. Others are simply hard cases that attached directly over your phone and act as a normal phone case when not in the water. The best part about these phone cases is that you have full use of the phone while it is in the case.
We recommend the soft, flotation phone cases since these will make finding your phone easier if it goes overboard. Great floating cases come with lanyards that attached to either you, your life vest, or your boat so finding your phone if it does fall into the water will be easy.
Arguably the most cost effective method for keeping your phone dry, we wouldn’t recommend this option except for keeping your phone dry from splashes. While brand-name Ziplocs can keep your phone from getting wet while submerged for a short period of time, we can’t recommend that this be your only form of waterproofing. Ziploc bags are best paired with a dry bag or waterproof case above for optimal protection.
After testing multiple dry bags, we found that the Ultra Dry brand held up against water the best. The covering is made from Pure Grade Y7.5mm thick 500D (Denier Density) waterproof polymer so the pack is tear, rip and puncture proof. The straps make the pack easy to carry when you’re not in the boat. The best part about this dry bag is that it comes with a waterproof case for your phone, you don’t have to buy it separately! You can’t beat the price either at under $25.
If you choose to instead go with a waterproof cell phone case, you want to make sure that it is of highest quality so that you don’t ruin your cell phone. The JOTO waterproof case is our recommended waterproof cell phone case. Not only was it the best performing phone case of the ones we tried, it also has the highest rating and number of reviews on Amazon so we aren’t the only ones who agree.
The case fits cell phones up to 6″ in diagonal size and features a clear window on both the front and back so that you can take crystal clear photos while the case is on. The case is certified to be waterproof up to 100 feet so it is suitable for most outings.
The Otterbox 2000 will not only keep your cell phone dry, but also protect it from drowning. While the box looks solid, it will float when dropped in the water so you can easily retrieve it. The only downside to the phone case is that you will not be able to use your phone while it is on.
This sturdy case by Pelican is water resistant, crushproof and dustproof. You can store your phone, keys, or anything else you want to keep dry in this small case. The secret to its waterproofness is the O-ring inside of the lip which keeps the water out. The case also features an interior liner that allows the case to be shock-resistant so your valuables don’t get broken.
Out of all the types of fishing, bass fishing remains the most popular type of fishing when it comes to freshwater fishing. In fact, there are more than 15 million anglers in the US that pursue largemouth bass alone. One of the main reasons why bass fishing has become so popular is because bass are everywhere. Largemouth bass can be found in all of the lower 48 states, parts of Canada, parts of Mexico and even in Cuba.
Catching bass is a lot of fun because bass put up fights like no other fish. Struggling to catch a largemouth can make the eventual catch highly rewarding. Even if you are unsuccessful, you will have a great story to tell about the bass that got away. There is also a lot of money to be made in bass fishing from tournaments, boat sponsors, along with many other bass related stuff that is on the market, such as clothes and other types of fishing gear.
So What is a Largemouth Bass?
Largemouth bass are the most popular game fish in North America.  Generally considered the main predator in their ecosystems, largemouth bass are extremely common (so popular that even an outdoors store is named after them) and usually live alone. They are a member of the sunfish family. Bass are a greenish color with a distinctive stripe of a darker color running horizontally down its sides. The dorsal fin is divided to the point of almost forming two fins, and they have nine spines in the front part of their body
Bass are almost everywhere and you can find them in rivers, lakes, streams, or ponds. The best place to catch bass are rivers, especially rivers which have different currents. Obstructions like rocks, fallen trees, or stumps make hiding places for bass. They will hide between rocks, among water vegetation, or under roots and limbs of sunken trees, striking at their prey from the shadows.
Largemouth bass generally feed on smaller fish such as perch, sunfish, and minnows. They are also known to feed on crayfish, insects, frogs, and even small aquatic birds depending on their ecosystem.
These fish are fun to fight because of how resistant they are to being caught, but they also make a great meal because they’re high in protein and low in calories.
Where Do Largemouth Bass Fish Live?
The largemouth bass is one of the most sought after fish species across the nation and are great fish for beginners and experts alike. So, where do the largemouth bass fish live and how can you find them? First, let’s look at what type of habitat the largemouth bass can most often be found in.
The largemouth bass prefers slow moving currents when in rivers and they thrive in the shallows of lakes and ponds. They prefer non-flowing water when possible, and they gather around structures found in the water, both natural and human-made.
Bass seem to love trees, logs, weeds and grassy areas the best since they can easily hide in these coverings.While largemouth bass can be found in all types of lakes, rivers, and ponds, they seem to prefer lakes the most.
The largemouth bass tends to seek out areas that have submerged vegetation and structures where they can hide, but they also appear to prefer areas that are less than twenty feet deep. They hide in these structures and wait for prey to swim by at which point they strike. Largemouth bass will flourish best in clear water where the temperature ranges between 80 and 90 degrees.
Largemouth bass flourish best in clear water where the temperature ranges between 80 and 90 degrees. However, they can be found in the northern part of the country where they must survive freezing temperatures for up to six months. Bass found in the middle of the country can tolerate temperatures ranging from 65 to 90 degrees. If the water is above 95 degrees for extended periods, largemouth bass will eventually die.
Of course, for the largemouth bass to grow and thrive, there must be a good source of food in the area as well. Therefore, the perfect habitat will also have plenty of insects, crayfish, plankton, and plant life that provides food for frogs, waterdogs and other small fish that are also a favorite food of the largemouth bass.
How to Find the Largemouth Bass?
Now that you know where the largemouth bass grows and prospers the best, it’s time to learn some of the best ways to find them.
Start by looking for them in waters that are the ideal temperature and in waters that are around five to ten feet deep. If for some reason they’re not there. then move your search out to the deeper waters or shallower waters. This species will move around from deeper waters into the shallows and back again in search of food so, you can’t always go by the water temperature or depth.
Bass Fishing Equipment
Fishing for bass can be extremely lucrative if you use the right type of bass fishing equipment.
Best Bass Fishing Rod
For bass fishing, you will need a medium to heavy fishing rod since you will often struggle to reel them in when you’ve got one on the line. Most bass will put up a good fight so you need to be prepared. The Entsport 2-Piece Baitcasting Fishing Rod is a great spinning rod that will help you catch a lot more bass. Pairing the Entsport with the KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting spinning reel, a highly durable reel, will make your bass fishing expedition much more rewarding. The KastKing is also braided fishing line friendly.
Entsport 2-Piece 7-Feet Casting Rod Graphite Portable Baitcasting Fishing Rod
Bass Fishing Line
In order to catch bass, you will need strong fishing line. Without strong fishing line, your line is likely to snap when you get in a fight with a largemouth bass. To prevent that we recommend using braided fishing line, such as Spiderwire Superline.
Spiderwire Braided Stealth Superline Fishing Line
Bass Fishing Lures
There are many different types of fishing lures that will help you catch bass and it is important to know the differences between the different lure types. In general, you want to choose a fishing lure that looks similar to an actual bug or small fish.
Bass fish like to eat smaller fish as well as several types of small bugs and insects. Therefore, you are going to want to pick a fishing lure that looks just like a bug, fish, or insect. The top fishing lures are designed to resemble small fish, bugs, or other prey of the bass fish. It is extremely important to understand how and when to use each type of fishing lure.
Many novice fishers believe that all lures were created equal. The fact of the matter is that some fishing lures are significantly better than other lures. When deciding on which fishing lure to pick there are several things to consider. First, you will want to look at how realistic the lure that you are buying looks. If the lure does not look realistic to you, it probably will not look realistic to the fish.
The best types of white bass fishing lures are the ones that have multiple hooks for bait on them. Some lures only have one spot where you can attach a piece of bait. Other lures have multiple hooks which allow you to attach more than one piece of bait.
1. Jigs
Jigs are considered a year-round kind of lure since bass will bite at them at all times of year. Skirted jigs usually have tassels that surround the hook, disguising the hook from fish. They work in any temperature water, from 40 degrees to 90 degrees, and all sorts of fishing environments, including grass, rocks, wood, and open water. They even work in all sorts of water depths from 2-feet on down. Jigs can be considered the swiss-army knives of bass fishing lures because of their versatility.
Crankbaits are another great year-round bass fishing lure. Changing the type of crankbait depending on the time of year will greatly increase your yield though. In the winter, you will want to use slender profiled crankbaits with flatter sides and a subtle wobble to resemble prey bass eat during the winter. During warmer weather, you should move to baits with wider wobbles and more aggressive retrieves to keep the fish biting. To catch bass in deeper waters, big-lipped plugs will be more useful. You can also alter your bill shape to best fit the conditions.
Although not a very fancy kind of lure, finesse worm lures work exceptionally well in any conditions. Finesse worms are plastic replicas of their namesake that really look like real worms to bass. They are guaranteed to work and extremely affordable. A pack of 20 will set you back only $7.
If you want to catch bass with live bait, you need to research what foods they like to eat. In general, bass like to eat fish that are smaller than themselves. They also like to eat many small insects and bugs that can be found in the water. Largemouth bass tend to prefer baitfish and crustaceans which includes minnows, crawfish, crayfish, and crawdads.
If you do an online search, you can learn about the types of live bait bass prefer in your area. Then you can print out pictures of these bugs and smaller fish and bring them with you to your local tackle shop so that they can help you pick out the right kind of live bait.
You need to be very careful when picking your bait and lures. The fact of the matter is that fish are smarter than a lot of people think. Many novice fishers make the mistake of underestimating the intelligence of the average fish. Many fish are aware of the fact that you are trying to catch them. Some fish may have been hooked before, but gotten away and survived. This results in the fish learning from past mistakes and being more careful when eating food.
Tackle Box
It is also important to have a tackle box to organize all of your lures when you are on a fishing trip. The reason for this is that you want to be able to access your different tackles as quickly as possible. If you do not organize your different types of tackle in a box, you will quickly find yourself confused when looking for a specific kind of tackle. Tackle boxes are extremely affordable and can be found at any local bait shop. Additionally, you should have a high-quality cooler to keep all of your catches in.
Conclusion
Bass fishing remains one of the most popular water sports in America and is a great way to start a fishing hobby. Whether you are new to fishing or an old pro, bass fishing will keep you fishing for a long time. Keep calm and fish on!
The only similarity between fly fishing and spin fishing is that both involve catching fish. Otherwise, the two activities differ a lot. Despite the fact that the motions involved in both appear similar, they have fundamental differences in the types of rods used, the weight and composition of the lure, the line, and the techniques and expertise used to cast. The confusion is compounded by the fact that some people unknowingly use the terms interchangeably. Below is a thorough explanation of what each entails, including the difference in various crucial aspects. Read on to learn more about fly fishing vs. spin fishing.
The Differences Between Fly Fishing and Spin Fishing
1. The Lure
In fly fishing, you use a fly that primarily imitates the food that your target fish feeds on and the manner in which you cast resembles the natural behavior of the food source. You don’t merely reel the fly back; the idea is to imitate the actual food by flicking the lures and hence fly fishing tends to be a lot more efficient.
Spin fishing, on the other hand, involves attaching a spinner, casting it into the water, and reeling it back. It, therefore, depends on how aggressive the fish are; if they are in an adequately aggressive mood, fish attack your spinner, allowing your hook to catch them.
2. Casting
Fly casting requires careful timing as well as a deeper understanding of how the fishing rod works. Consequently, the technique requires practice, patience, and some experience. You also need a thorough understanding of your local waters. The thrill of challenging yourself makes fly fishing much more of an adventure.
Spin fishing (also referred to as bait fishing), on the contrary, is a lot simpler. You slowly bring your spinning rod backward to where the rod flexes. The lure’s weight loads the rod. You then accelerate the rod to a stopping position. The quick stop straightens the fishing rod, sending the bait through the air as it takes the fishing line to the water. Spin casting is, therefore, prone to error.
3. Flexing the Rod
With a spinning rod, you rely on the weight of the bait and sinker to flex the rod. After loading the rod with enough potential energy, you quickly snap it forward and stop its tip high in the air. The forward momentum of the lure then sends your line flying off of the reel and right into the water.
As for a fly rod, the bait is a simple near-weightless fly. Consequently, a fly rod loads both on the back cast and forward cast. It relies largely on your action and the flex of the road to maintain the correct level of tension on the fishing line. If you apply too much tensile force, the line will break while too little will allow the fish to get off the hook.
4. Environment
While you can fish with both spin casting and fly fishing on any water body, spin fishing tends to be more appropriate in still water bodies such as ponds and lakes while fly fishing suits moving waters, like raging rivers and streams.
Additionally, the effectiveness of fly fishing vs spin fishing differs depending on water volumes. With spin fishing, you can fish in practically any water bodies. Fly fishing, however, may be restricted to water coverage. Fly fishing does not suit as many fishing situations as bait fishing which is somewhat more universal and suits various circumstances.
5. Skill Level
While expert fishermen can use either type of fishing style in any location, beginners should begin with spin fishing. Fly fishing requires training and experience to master, so beginning with spin fishing allows you to master the basics before you tackle (pun intended) fly fishing.
Benefits of Fly Fishing
• Casting a super-lightweight fly great distances is very convenient. Instead of depending on the weight of the bait to cast, fly fishing only uses the weight of the fly line. This feature allows you to cast out very tiny flies over long distances.
• It is possible to cast the fly more quietly and delicately while fly fishing than you can while spin fishing. Doing so enables you to present the fly very close to the fish without splashing water and hence spooking them.
• The baits used in fly fishing are less costly than those used in spin fishing. You can get quality flies at prices half of what you would otherwise spend buying their heavier counterparts.
Benefits of Spin Fishing
• Spin fishing is ideal for various fishing situations. It is also the most preferred and practical approach for deep fishing. As for fly fishing, certain fishing grounds require a lot of expertise, experience, and patience.
• It requires minimal skills, and even a novice can still be able to make several successful lands. You only need a few hours to learn how to use a spinning outfit. With fly fishing, even after fishing for months, you still may not be able to master the skill.
• Spin fishing is much more affordable than fly fishing. Even though you spend less while buying flies for fly fishing, the total cost of spin fishing is a lot less. The total cost of fly fishing line, backing, reel, strike indicators, nets, waders and everything else adds up quickly and can become quite pricey.
Conclusion
In a fly fishing vs spin fishing contest, none emerges the winner because the underlying motives behind each differ. Each method of fishing depends on the objective. While the aim of spin fishing is to catch the most amount of fish, fly fishing is experience-driven and hence is a lot more exciting.
So, if you have enough time and desire to perfect an art, fly fishing is best for you. It takes a long time to perfect, but once you master it the reward is definitely worth the trouble. Spin fishing on the other hand suits individuals who solely want to have fun and catch lots of fish without putting as much effort and dedication into perfecting the skill of fishing.
Many people do not think of a cooler as an investment but if you consider how much money you can save by buying a premium cooler when you factor in how much longer ice, food, and your catches will last, you will realize that some premium coolers can be great investments. While many coolers claim to be worth the cost, only one truly stands out as living up to its claims: the YETI Cooler.
When you think of high-end coolers, you probably picture the YETI Cooler. This is mainly because YETI coolers are known to be very expensive but high-quality. Let’s first take a look at the price tag of these coolers.
YETI coolers are not cheap, usually priced in the hundreds of dollars. The prices also vary depending on the features that you want. Smaller YETI coolers such as the 20 qt Roadie retail for $249.99, but sell for only $199.99 on Amazon.
The most common model is the Tundra which comes in various sizes. The smallest Tundra can hold 35 qt and is priced at $299.99. Tundra coolers can go all the way up to 350 quarts and cost as much as $1299.99.
Growth of YETI Coolers
Over the previous six years, YETI sales have increased rapidly from several million dollars to well over five hundred million dollars. What began as an overpriced cooler company has transformed into a brand that fishers, hunters, and everyone who enjoys the outdoors have to own. What makes YETI coolers unique from a regular cooler brand is that they focus on the specific needs of various hobbies such as fishing and hunting.
They have also adapted a unique marketing approach. Instead of traditional commercials or other common marketing approaches, they tell stories and rely on word-of-mouth to spread those stories. They targeted serious hunters and fishermen with hilarious videos such as YETI vs. 500 lb man. If you watch their videos you will see a certain level of product awareness that is very entertaining but does not have the forced feeling of an advertisement.
While YETI coolers are quite expensive when compared to other coolers on the market they are definitely worth their price tag. Here are some of the reasons you should consider before buying a YETI cooler:
This Cooler Retains Ice for Long Periods
if you are going fishing or hunting, you should definitely consider buying a YETI cooler because of how much money you can save by not having to constantly refill the cooler with ice. The greater the rate of ice retention offered by a cooler, the more the money you can save. YETI coolers have the best ice retention of any cooler on the market and they can even keep your beer cold for over a week! The longer it takes for ice to melt in your cooler, the more time you can spend fishing and the longer your fish will keep.
Tailgaters and other outdoor partiers will also save a lot of money by reducing the risk of food spoiling. YETI coolers are well-known for their ice retention. This is perhaps due to YETI coolers’ superior Permafrost insulation that without a doubt eliminates its competition. Ice retention is the chief reason why YETI coolers are pricier than any other coolers on the market, especially when compared to standard Styrofoam coolers which barely keep ice cool for a day.
Value for One’s Money
YETI coolers also offer considerable value for your money considering how well they perform compared to other coolers on the market. YETI coolers are built to last. They are durable enough for many environments and weather conditions. They can also withstand a lot of movement and traveling. When you compare that to the typical cost of a Stryofoam cooler at $15-20 to the upwards of $300 for a YETI cooler, you may wonder why you would ever spend so much money on a cooler. However, when you realize that Styrofoam coolers typically last for one trip and YETI coolers can last a lifetime, the cost of a YETI cooler more than pays for itself over time.
YETIs utilize a construction method known as Roto-moulded construction to create a cooler that is made of one piece not including the lid or other removable parts (hinges, latches, etc). Many coolers in the market also claim to use this construction method, but YETI has proved it can deliver among top-tier coolers. This construction makes the YETI coolers super tough and extremely durable making it worth its price tag.
YETI Coolers are Grizzly Proof
YETI’s coolers are grizzly proof. While many coolers on the market brag that they are grizzly proof, many cannot prove it. There are actual videos that prove that YETI coolers are grizzly proof. Definitely a must-have for overnight fishing trips out west.
Warranty
Another consideration to make when deciding on whether YETI coolers are worth the price tag is that coolers, especially high-priced YETI coolers, are an investment and every investment needs some warranty in case things do not go as planned. YETI coolers come with a five year warranty for most of their common models such as the YETI Tank, YETI Roadie, YETI Rambler, YETI ice and YETI Tundra. Their YETI Hopper model also comes with a warranty valid for three years.
In addition, YETI coolers are designed in such a way that you can replace any part on the cooler. Broken latch? No problem, just order a replacement one.
Other features
YETI coolers also come with a lot of features that make them worth the price. Here is a full list of the features available on most YETI models:
NeverFail Hinge System: Two hinge pins and interlocking design prevent the hinge from ever breaking.
T-Rex Lid Latches: Patented latch design uses heavy-duty rubber so you’ll never see another busted latch.
Certified Bear-Resistant FatWall Design: Extra-thick walls hold up to three inches of insulation for unmatched ice retention.
ColdLock Gasket: A freezer-quality gasket circles the length of the lid to block out the heat and lock in the cold.
LipGrip Handles: These handles stay out of the way when you don’t need them and make carrying your catch seem less of a chore.
DoubleHaul:Â Handles Made with military-grade polyester rope for extra durability.
Rotomolded Construction: Makes it armored to the core and virtually indestructible.
BearFoot Non-Slip Feet: Prevent sliding to keep your YETI in place.
Vortex Drain System: Leakproof, rugged, and designed for quick and easy draining.
PermaFrost Insulation: Pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam in the walls and lid makes sure your ice stays frozen.
InterLock Lid System: Seals the YETI cooler to provide the best heat-proofing on the market.
AnchorPoint Tie-Down Slots: Molded tie-down slots allow for easy mounting to your truck, boat, or trailer.
YETI coolers are certainly very expensive but considering all of the features they have, the price tag is definitely worth it.
If you are thinking of buying a new cooler, you should definitely consider a YETI cooler. Although they are expensive, they are a great investment since they will last a really long time and provide maximum cooling. It’s no wonder YETI coolers are a favorite among fishermen and hunters everywhere.
Trout fishing is a very popular national pastime that many people do for both entertainment and relaxation. There are many places throughout the country where people routinely trout fish and the sport provides enough entertainment to keep everyone from the most basic fisherman to the most advanced happy. There are plenty of reasons why you should give trout fishing a try!
Due to its wide following, many industries have popped up to support the growing sport. There’s an entire industry devoted to making quality fishing gear: things such as fishing rods, lures, and other fishing paraphernalia just for trout fishers. It’s extremely easy to get started with trout fishing.
What is Trout Fishing?
Trout fishing is a freshwater sport that has become extremely popular within the US. Ordinarily, trout are found in cold water streams, current/riffle areas, and deeper water very near the thermocline (the separation between hot and cold water in a deeper river). The two most popular trout varieties are brown and rainbow trout.
To go trout fishing, you must be well prepared by having the appropriate equipment and endurance because fishing in rocky mountain streams could be physically demanding. First, you need to necessary fishing gear to catch trout. This means that you need a fishing rod and right lures/bait. Additionally, the shores along trout streams are lined with lots of rocks which can have sharp edges. Walking along and wading into these streams requires sturdy footwear and possibly even special waterproof pants.
Getting Started with Trout Fishing
Trout fishing is one of the most popular fishing adventures in America for many reasons. First, many of the freshwater environments where trout are mostly found, such as in icy mountain streams, green rivers, and clear, calm lakes, provide picturesque backdrops while you fish. Second, these fish are not easy to catch. The excitement of fighting with the trout will keep you coming back for more thrills. Last, and most certainly not least, is the triumph that is felt in the victory over a worthy opponent. The satisfaction you will get while eating your catch is more than worth the time spent catching it. So what does one need know to get started on getting in on the action?
Environment
Trout fish are usually located in cold, clear brooks, lakes, rivers, and streams. Before you go fishing, find out what the fish in your fishing area typically eat. This will help you make wise bait selection choices. You can ask local fishermen or bait shops about what baits work best with trout in your area. Also ask them about local regulations that may restrict usage of certain live baits.
Species
Learn about the different trout species in your fishing spot. There are some characteristics that all trout share, so it’s a good idea to know their strengths and weaknesses. But, it’s also important to know that each type of trout has its own distinctive look and behavioral traits. They may be genetically the same, but due to their difference in color and patterns, they may be classified under different names.
Trout fishing is a sport that requires a thorough knowledge of the area that you’re fishing in and the type of trout you’re fishing for. Anyone can take a worm and drop it in the lake. But, if you want to actually catch something, take the time to do your homework!
Trout Fishing Equipment
Best Trout Fishing Rod
For trout fishing, an ultra-light or medium-light rod, moderate-fast action fishing rod is best since trout can be tricky to catch and you need to be nimble enough to reel them in when you’ve got one on the line. The Fenwick Elite Tech River Runner is a great spinning rod that will help you catch a lot more trout. Pairing the Fenwick with the Pflueger Patriarch XT spinning reel, a very lightweight reel, will make your trout fishing expedition much more rewarding.
Pflueger Patriarch XT Spinning Reel
Fishing Line
Trout fishing doesn’t require specialized fishing line beyond the basics. Look for monofilament line with a 4-8lb test. We recommend Berkley Trilene fishing line, but really most fishing line will do. Most bait shops and retailers will spool the fishing line for you.
Top Trout Fishing Lures
Trout fishing lures come in a wide array of designs and to improve your trout fishing experience; you need to know the specialty of each of these lures. Any experienced fisherman would tell you that the trout lures you select should be determined based on factors like the season, the kind of trout you are targeting and also, your comfort level.
During the spring months, trout fish are commonly found close to the bottom of the water. They are very slow as they are just coming out of their winter hibernation period. So the best type of lures, in this case, would be ones that are neither too light nor too heavy. If the lures are too light, then they may not reach the fish and just drift away. On the other hand, if the trout fishing lures are too dark, they may sink and get caught in plants, algae or rocks. It is advisable to carry different types of lures, and experimenting with them will indicate which ones to use.
Spinners
Spinners are meant to imitate the prey that the trout naturally prefer. But in all honesty, trout fishing lures don’t look much like the natural victims which they are designed after. You can use an un-weighted spinner and worm rigs during the spring time. Allow the spinner to drift along the bottom surface of the water, such that it stays there for short time duration and lures the trout in. If you are having trouble catching trout with a spinner, try using a fan casting method to randomize your casts.
Spoons
Spoons are the most popular type of trout lure. They are essentially spoon-shaped spinners that tremble when being retrieved. These lures are meant to resemble small bait fish, but the trout you are targeting may or may not fall for these, depending on what they are feeding on in your area. For instance, if the trout are not feeding on baitfish, they may realize that your spoon lures are out of place. Thus, they may not be attracted to the spoons. Spoons are available in several shapes and sizes. If you are trout fishing in spring, make use of heavy spoons that are less than an inch long.
Rooster tails
Rooster tails are popular trout lures, too. They are named “rooster tails” because these lures have some animal hair at the end. Rooster tails are meant to resemble minnow, a naturally occurring trout prey. By tweaking the lip on these types of trout fishing lures, you can adjust the water depth to which they dive. An average rooster tail would measure in at about 3-4 inches long.
If you are a new fisherman, it is best to try spin fishing upstream and across, based on the speed of the water current. While using lures, the cardinal rule is never to fix anything that isn’t broken and if something is broken, try something different till it shows positive results. Different lures work for different people and different fishing areas, so don’t get discouraged if your lure isn’t working for you.
Best Bait for Trout Fishing
Worms – Worms are one of the easiest bait to use for trout fishing. You can easily catch worms yourself or buy live worms from any bait shop. Dew worms are some of the best bait for catching trout.
Krill – Frozen krill are easy to come by and their scent easily attracts trout. However, you need to be gentle while casting with krill on the line since krill will also come off of the hook easily.
Marshamallows – Yes. Those same marshmallows you used to make s’mores also make great bait for trout fish. They are espeically great for shallow water since they float.
Deli shrimp – Cooked shrimp that is available at any grocery store is also a favorite of trout. Although shrimp are not in the diet of trout, they still love the flavor.
Dough – Dough style bait is a very popular artificial bait among trout fishers. Powerbait is the leading brand of dough style bait.
Trout Fishing Hooks
Determining the best hook and hook size for trout fishing is essential. Make sure that you get the smallest hook possible since trout have great vision and notice if anything is out of place in their environment. For an explanation of hook sizes, see the following section.
Treble Hooks
Treble hooks are very popular among trout fishermen who like to use dough style trout baits such as Powerbait when fishing for trout. These hooks can also be used when trout fishing with soft cheese (such as Velveeta) or even marshmallows as well. Many anglers tend to use treble hooks that are entirely too large under the mistaken assumption that “the bigger the bait, the bigger the fish” when in truth a size #12 or #18 treble hook is all that you need to use when fishing for trout.
Gang Hooks
This style of fishing hook is not known by a lot of trout fishermen, but it should be. A set of gang hooks is a pair of fishing hooks tied in tandem and is an excellent choice when fishing for trout with live bait. This fact is particularly the case if a technique such as drift fishing is being employed.
Single Hooks
Single fishing hooks are used by many anglers when fishing for trout. The most popular and effective styles of single hooks for trout fishing are salmon egg and bait holder. Again the bottom line here is “smaller is better” and the best sizes to use when fishing for trout would be #10 or even #12. Single trout fishing hooks are also available that are painted red, which is an option that many trout fishermen swear by when it comes to single fishing hooks for trout.
Understanding Hook Sizes
Understanding fishing hook sizes can be tricky at first, but it is actually quite simple. There are two types of hook size measurements: numbers followed by a zero and numbers not followed by a zero.
Hook Sizes Followed by a Zero
Hook sizes that are followed by a zero increase as the first number increases. For example, a 3/0 (“three bar oh” or “three oh”) is larger than a 2/0 and a 4/0 is larger than a 3/0.
Hook Sizes Not Followed by a Zero
Hook sizes that are not followed by a zero decrease in size as the number increases. For example, a 14″ is smaller than a 12″ which is smaller than a 10″. These hook sizes are very counterintuitive.
Wrapping Up
Trout fishing is indeed a favorite pastime of many Americans. It provides hours of fun and challenge for all levels of fishermen. Now that you know what trout fishing is, you should go out and try it yourself. Explore the great outdoors and catch as many trout as possible!
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