Trolling and Bait Trout Fishing

Find Qualified
Local Contractors

comments

Currently2.95/5 Stars
1
2
3
4
5

out of 667 votes

by Amy Greener

Trout fishing has long been a favorite sport and hobby of outdoorsmen all across the country. Every year to keep the sport alive, lakes, rivers, and streams are stocked to the brim with trout, bringing fishermen in droves. Lake stocking not only generates excitement about trout fishing, it introduces the fish to regions that previously had none. Over the years fishermen have adapted various tricks of the trade to catch trout. Some prefer trolling to stationary (fly fishing) fishing, but there is no decided advantage to either method. With either form of fishing the goal remains the same. You want to catch fish. We've compiled some helpful tips to increase your overall chance of attracting the trout’s attention.

Trolling

Most trolling takes place at extremely slow speeds, usually between 1 to 2 knots. You should have a motor that will idle at the lowest possible revs without dying. The easiest way to do this is to have an electric motor in addition to your regular motor. An electric motor was designed solely for the purpose of trolling. The electric motor is perfect for trolling because it is silent underwater, moves at extremely slow speeds, and runs on a battery. Batteries vary on lifespan, but you should generally get about 5 hours of fishing before needing to change them.

You can troll with bait, such as minnows, or you can use lures. When using lures, typically shiners (or flatheads, your choice) you should attach them to a small black snap swivel. It is recommended to let line hang between 30 and 40 meters behind the boat, and make sure you move at a slow, steady speed. If the top of the rod is making a pulsating movement then you know the lure is working correctly. Using lures are nice because they attract the trout by swimming erratically in the water, which isn’t always the case when you use a minnow or other live bait. They come in varying shapes and colors designed specifically to attract trout. Your best bet would be to go to your local fishing store to find out which lures would work best for the specific area that you will be fishing. Don’t forget a sinker stone to make sure your bait stays at the desired depth you want.

Bait Fishing

This type of fishing doesn’t require constant movement of the boat, it’s more stationary, but requires more action be taken by the fishermen than trolling. The only way you are going to catch the trout’s attention this way is by constantly casting and reeling.

For bait fishing, it is recommended that you stay along the shoreline, in a bay, or find a secluded cove. Since fish are known to hang out around any structures that are in the water, it would be good to hit those spots up first. Being stationary in shallower water allows for passing fish to spot you. They are always on the look out for flying predators above, so certain colors that you wear could alarm them and scare them away. It is recommended that you wear brown, grey, green, or camouflage because these colors are harder for the fish to spot.

Depending on the different conditions, different lures are recommended. The person at your local tackle store should be familiar with the areas around you to fish, so they are by far your best reference. Popular baits include worms, mudeyes, crickets, grasshoppers, small bardi grubs, shrimp and small yabbies, minnows, fish eggs, crayfish, leeches, or brined stripes of herring. The recommended bait hook size is between #6-8. If you want to use regular lures, again, the best place to find out which ones would work best is at your local tackle store. Some that are recommended by fishermen are rooster tails, spoons, or rainbow colored crank bait.
Hopefully these tips will help you get started. Good luck and good fishing.

Next