Storm WildEye Minnow Fishing - Stuff you need to know...

Stuff you need

What to do when you get there

Beyond a rod and reel, you are going to need (among other things) some lures and baits. I find that the Storm Wildeye Minnow Fishing equipment lure is one lure I really love. In almost any fishing situation, regardless of the weather, I have found this lure to be the one that trout will readily strike. 

This is a lure that will span the different species. There is just something about this lure that trout love. Slow water, fast water, surface jig or deep retrieve, this lure just plain works for me. When others cannot draw them out of the hole, the Storm-Wild-Eye-Minnow will do so. Storm makes a complete line of lures to pick from. Get two or three and see which works best for you. For me, it's the minnow.  You should also check to see what the local fishing report about the area you intend to fish. Find out what the fish are biting on BEFORE you go and shop accordingly.

Make sure you have something with which to secure your fish once you've caught them. If you are stationary fishing, then a common fish chain dangling in the water would work. If you fish on the move, then you want a creel (a type of basket usually made of woven wood than you can carry over your shoulder). 

Also, make sure your license is in a waterproof holder. I know I have mentioned that before, but I repeat it for a reason.  For me, there is nothing worse than having a Ranger walk up and ask to see my license and it is unreadable because it was soaked. (a quick ticket can follow if he has no way to check) Ensure that you have the appropriate clothing for changes in the weather, because a sunny day can turn rainy in a heartbeat. 

For basic tackle, clip weights and barrel swivels.....they make life so much easier when fishing. Take a variety of sizes and weights along. Now, the next piece of advice is something I use, and it was taught to me, so I pass it along.

When you first arrive at your fishing spot, go down to the pond or stream or whatever without your Rod, Reel and tackle. The reason is simple, you are going to scout out the situation not only for a place to fish, but access and/or other fishermen.

Once at the water, take a look around for other fishermen because you sure don't want to disturb them or risk a chance of tangling lines. Check for areas to fish that are accessible, because there is nothing worse than trying to drag two handfuls of gear through high brush and low branches if you don't have to. Once at the area you plan to fish, look for slow moving deep water, or any area where the river depth varies. (You can see these as evidenced by ripples and non ripples on the water.) That just means that the water is going from deep to shallow or shallow to deep. If you can spot an area where two currents are converging, like around a boulder in the water or a small island, THAT is a good spot also.

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

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.