Trout Fishing Basics

Trout Fishing

Start with the basics to get ready

Regardless of your favorite type of fishing, there are some basics. If you follow any of my blogs, I always state my overriding firsts. Plan your trip, Plan your gear, Plan your exit. We are going to cover the middle one today, Plan your gear. That being said, here we go.

Know the rules of your state or province. Each State Fish and Wildlife management department provide a booklet on regulations, limits, species, tagging, etc. Know and follow these rules as set forth in the booklet, it's the law.They (The Fish and Wildlife Departments) publish these rules and regulation for help in keeping fish populations and ecosystems productive. The try to keep all species as balanced as possible and with your help in following the regulations, they do just that. So get a license. That license must have the proper stamps or tags or individual identifier required by your state, for the fish you are seeking.

 

A word of advice. You are free to do as you wish, but I recommend you rig up your tackle before leaving. Not only does it save time when you get there, so you can get right to fishing, but it relieves the boredom and tension of waiting to go. HA! You already know you need a rod and reel, so pick one that feels comfortable to you to use. When you get it home, tie a small rubber weight on the end of your line and practice casting.

Now, for the simpler things.....for me, I tie on a barrel swivel using a simple, easy knot. A cinch knot works best. Never use an overhand knot to tie on a swivel. Trust me when I say this, because your line will cut itself. If you don't believe that bit of advice, try tying one at home. Then give it a hard yank and see if I'm right or not.

Next....check the weather forecast. Fishing is common sense for the most part, but there are some simple rules to remember. Fish will bite in almost any conditions, but I guarantee you, it's a whole lot more fun if you are dry. One thing to consider, is that if you are caught in a rainstorm? Tons of earthworms (night crawlers) are going to be washed into whatever body of water you are fishing in. This is the best time to fish with worms and even for up to 24 hours afterwards. If it's windy baits like grasshoppers or crickets are effective. This is because the wind often blow these bugs into the water. Make sense? Take a few along just in case.


Now....it's time to go back and get your fishing gear ready to head to one of the spots you found when you were scouting things out. And in the meantime, while you are waiting for your fishing day to arrive, there are lots of things you can read up on.  Here's a Campingman recommendation for fishing:  how to be a better fisherman.

Next up, tips on species of trout and what they feed on.