In the most recent Underway magazine (sponsored by the Oregon State Marine Board and U.S. Coast Guard), there were several interesting articles. One of the articles discussed ethanol blended fuel, better known as E-10. This is something that folks have asked me about, and now I’d like to share what the OSMB has to say about it.
First off, it will be mandatory for all gas stations statewide to start selling gasoline with 10% ethanol by Sept. 30, 2008. When this was first made public, many weren’t happy with the state’s decision – especially aircraft pilots and boaters. In response, legislators passed Senate Bill 1072, which allows retailers to sell unblended fuels for use in aircraft, ATVs, power tools and boats. Allowing unblended fuel to be sold came about when state officials learned that ethanol easily absorbs water, which contaminates fuel and causes engines to seize up. Also, since ethanol is a solvent, it can damage fiberglass fuel tanks, rubber and internal engine parts (especially in older boats).
State Marine Board officials feel that marinas are the most likely places to find unblended fuels, but that it may be difficult to find at gas stations. But there are things you can do to minimize any negative impacts.
· Make sure you know what fuel your retailer is dispensing.
· Run a non-alcohol fuel stabilizer in your boat’s fuel system at all times. This is definitely recommended for engines that sit for any length of time.
· The more use a boat gets, the less likely it is to have problems.
· When winterizing, keep your tank approx. 95% full to prevent condensation but allow room for expansion. Try to avoid any water intrusion.
· Install a water separating fuel filter.
· Change your fuel filter regularly.
· Replace older plastic tanks with new tanks.
· Replace older rubber fuel lines and inspect them regularly.
· Some older carbureted engines may require special tuning. Consult the manufacturer for details.
For more information about E-10, visit the OSMB website at http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/news/E10.shtml.
I’m going to run E-10. My boat gets a lot of use during the year and I already have a fuel-water separator in-line on my fuel system. Stay tuned for updates.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Summer Must Reads and Must Sees
I know how it is. Many of you out there are already thinking about salmon fishing here on the river and its not even Memorial Day. Well, if you’re thinking about it you might as well read about it, look at some different rigging techniques and watch an informative DVD so when the fish are here you can maximize your opportunities. Frank Amato Publications (www.amatobooks.com) is the leading publisher of salmon and steelhead books and DVDs. The list of materials offered by Amato Publications is very impressive. You are guaranteed to learn something new. Here are some of the latest offerings.
· Angling Techniques For River Kings (DVD). Featuring Nick Amato, Kris Olsen and a personal friend of mine, Rob Russell. The DVD discusses fish location and techniques such as plug fishing, back bouncing, drift fishing and float fishing.
· Basic Stream Flies: How To Choose, Fish & Tie Them (Book). Though there are always exceptions, you don’t need hundreds of different flies when trout fishing. In most situations you only need a few different patterns. This book contains 28 patterns that can be used to match many scenarios. Each pattern is accompanied with step-by-step instructions on tying it.
· How To Catch Salmon, Sturgeon, Lingcod, Rockfish and Halibut Along The Pacific Coast (Book). This book is packed with great information that is useful for fishing in saltwater anywhere from California to Alaska. Author Wayne Heinz discusses fish behavior and the best methods for catching all of the fish listed in the title. Other topics covered include finding credible fishing reports, maps and tide tables, and cooking your catch.
· Illustrated Rigging For Salmon Steelhead Trout (Book). Robert Campbell has put together a great book that includes numerous rigging techniques for any situation you would encounter. Campbell includes rigging for rivers, lakes, the ocean and small streams. If you like to catch salmonids, get this book.
· 300 Tips To More Steelhead & Salmon (Book). When it comes to writing, there may be no other as prolific or accomplished than Scott Haugen. His latest book offers literally hundreds of tips to help anglers make the most of their time on the water and catch more fish. There are many tips bank anglers as well. From beginning angler to 70-year veteran of the Siuslaw, there will be something in this book you will find useful.
· Side-Drifting For Steelhead (DVD). Take it from me: side-drifting under the right conditions can be deadly. It is one of the top methods for fishing steelhead. Topics covered in this 60 minute DVD include: boat handling and position, reading water, weight selection, bait and etiquette.
Check out these and many, many other titles from Amato Publications. Make the most out of your next trip on the water.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
· Angling Techniques For River Kings (DVD). Featuring Nick Amato, Kris Olsen and a personal friend of mine, Rob Russell. The DVD discusses fish location and techniques such as plug fishing, back bouncing, drift fishing and float fishing.
· Basic Stream Flies: How To Choose, Fish & Tie Them (Book). Though there are always exceptions, you don’t need hundreds of different flies when trout fishing. In most situations you only need a few different patterns. This book contains 28 patterns that can be used to match many scenarios. Each pattern is accompanied with step-by-step instructions on tying it.
· How To Catch Salmon, Sturgeon, Lingcod, Rockfish and Halibut Along The Pacific Coast (Book). This book is packed with great information that is useful for fishing in saltwater anywhere from California to Alaska. Author Wayne Heinz discusses fish behavior and the best methods for catching all of the fish listed in the title. Other topics covered include finding credible fishing reports, maps and tide tables, and cooking your catch.
· Illustrated Rigging For Salmon Steelhead Trout (Book). Robert Campbell has put together a great book that includes numerous rigging techniques for any situation you would encounter. Campbell includes rigging for rivers, lakes, the ocean and small streams. If you like to catch salmonids, get this book.
· 300 Tips To More Steelhead & Salmon (Book). When it comes to writing, there may be no other as prolific or accomplished than Scott Haugen. His latest book offers literally hundreds of tips to help anglers make the most of their time on the water and catch more fish. There are many tips bank anglers as well. From beginning angler to 70-year veteran of the Siuslaw, there will be something in this book you will find useful.
· Side-Drifting For Steelhead (DVD). Take it from me: side-drifting under the right conditions can be deadly. It is one of the top methods for fishing steelhead. Topics covered in this 60 minute DVD include: boat handling and position, reading water, weight selection, bait and etiquette.
Check out these and many, many other titles from Amato Publications. Make the most out of your next trip on the water.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Invited Out On A Friend’s Boat? Some Things To Keep In Mind
As we all know, many anglers are boat-less. Let’s face it: there are better investments out there. From storage and maintenance to a truck to pull the boat to state fees and the recent boating license, I can see why so many anglers choose not to have one. Just because you don’t have a boat doesn’t mean you can’t team up with a friend or neighbor who does have a boat. It’s a relationship that can be mutually beneficial. If you’re invited aboard a friend’s boat for the first time, it can be a little weird. Here’s a few things to keep in mind that will (hopefully) get you invited back for future trips.
Before/During The Trip
There are lots of arrangements to take care of ahead of time. Coordinate with the boat owner to make sure you know where you are meeting and at what time. DON’T BE LATE! The people I fish with know that I am always early and ready to go. Be the same way. Other things to consider:
Before the trip is a good time to make food arrangements. If you bring food, have enough to share with the other folks on the boat.
Make sure the boat owner has a PFD (life jacket) for you. If not, bring one. If the boat is stopped and ticketed for not having enough safety equipment, it will be the boat owner who pays.
Do not bring uninvited guests. This includes dogs. Clear it with the boat owner first.
Ask about what gear you need to bring and don’t bring other stuff. A boat cluttered with extra poles, tackle boxes and coolers is a hassle.
Offer to get the bait. Find out what kind, what size and ask where to get it. Find out if it needs to be thawed or frozen. Bring enough for everyone on board.
Be considerate with trash and dropped food/drink. Even though a boat owner might not admit it, we really hate to see potato chips and soda spilled everywhere.
Help with the launch and retrieval of the boat.
Last, and definitely not least, don’t dictate what time you have to be off the water. If you’re going out, assume its all day. It is really annoying to have someone on the boat who wants to get back to the dock by 5:00 so they can catch a movie. This is very poor etiquette. We understand that other things need to get done. But don’t accept the invitation unless you can stay out.
I Probably Don’t Need To “Chip In” (He Was Going Fishing Anyway)
There are many, many costs associated with owning and operating a boat. The price of fuel seems to be going up every day. There are launch and parking fees to be paid. Offer to pay your share or more. To feel that someone was “going anyway” and so you don’t need to chip in is a great way not to be invited back. The boat owner may or may not accept your money, but make sure to pitch in.
When I’m trolling the river in the fall, I see many boats with just one person aboard. With so many folks out there crazy about fishing, surely there’s someone out there to help split the cost of fuel and help you clean up afterward. There’s a lot of room in this topic for a future article, so feel free to drop me a line and let me know how you operate, boat owner and boat-less alike.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Before/During The Trip
There are lots of arrangements to take care of ahead of time. Coordinate with the boat owner to make sure you know where you are meeting and at what time. DON’T BE LATE! The people I fish with know that I am always early and ready to go. Be the same way. Other things to consider:
Before the trip is a good time to make food arrangements. If you bring food, have enough to share with the other folks on the boat.
Make sure the boat owner has a PFD (life jacket) for you. If not, bring one. If the boat is stopped and ticketed for not having enough safety equipment, it will be the boat owner who pays.
Do not bring uninvited guests. This includes dogs. Clear it with the boat owner first.
Ask about what gear you need to bring and don’t bring other stuff. A boat cluttered with extra poles, tackle boxes and coolers is a hassle.
Offer to get the bait. Find out what kind, what size and ask where to get it. Find out if it needs to be thawed or frozen. Bring enough for everyone on board.
Be considerate with trash and dropped food/drink. Even though a boat owner might not admit it, we really hate to see potato chips and soda spilled everywhere.
Help with the launch and retrieval of the boat.
Last, and definitely not least, don’t dictate what time you have to be off the water. If you’re going out, assume its all day. It is really annoying to have someone on the boat who wants to get back to the dock by 5:00 so they can catch a movie. This is very poor etiquette. We understand that other things need to get done. But don’t accept the invitation unless you can stay out.
I Probably Don’t Need To “Chip In” (He Was Going Fishing Anyway)
There are many, many costs associated with owning and operating a boat. The price of fuel seems to be going up every day. There are launch and parking fees to be paid. Offer to pay your share or more. To feel that someone was “going anyway” and so you don’t need to chip in is a great way not to be invited back. The boat owner may or may not accept your money, but make sure to pitch in.
When I’m trolling the river in the fall, I see many boats with just one person aboard. With so many folks out there crazy about fishing, surely there’s someone out there to help split the cost of fuel and help you clean up afterward. There’s a lot of room in this topic for a future article, so feel free to drop me a line and let me know how you operate, boat owner and boat-less alike.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Friday, May 9, 2008
Recap of Fall Chinook Meeting In Newport
Interested anglers packed the library at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport last Wednesday to hear a presentation by ODFW biologists on options for this year’s fall chinook salmon season on the coast. ODFW is considering emergency changes to this year’s regulations because fall chinook runs are expected to be below minimum goals for the second straight year in every river system on the Oregon coast. To put this in perspective, the Siuslaw only failed to reach minimum targets for spawning fish once (1993) from 1985 until 2006.
Guiding Principles/Possible Options For Consideration
Early in the meeting, biologists laid out the principles that will guide any regulation changes: coast-wide consistency (i.e., no special regulations for each watershed), simple and easy to understand, enforceable, avoid unnecessary reductions in opportunities, and dealing with compelling local issues (i.e., changes in watersheds designed to protect fish from over-harvest or snagging).
Biologists forwarded several possible coast-wide options for consideration, including:
Maintaining traditional terminal ocean fisheries, but with new restrictions (affecting Tillamook, Port Orford, Brookings)
Keep newer terminal ocean fisheries closed (including Newport, Florence, Winchester Bay and Charleston)
Reducing the daily bag limit (from 2 fish to 1 fish)
Reducing the seasonal bag limit (from 20 to 10 or 5)
Reducing days/week open to fishing
Area closures
Other ideas
Commercial Fisheries Catching Oregon Fish
ODFW biologists acknowledged that a large percentage of fish that would have returned to Oregon streams are caught off Southeast Alaska and Northern British Columbia. Using coded-wire tags implanted in juvenile salmon from 3 different Oregon river systems, fisheries managers estimate that 20% of our chinook run is caught off Alaska, and another 10-12% is intercepted off British Columbia. Of the remaining approximately 70%, 20-25% is harvested in the rivers. It was unclear at the meeting if this number included fish taken by seals/sea lions or how this is accounted for. So, to recap, if 1,000 fall chinook would have returned to a river on the coast, perhaps 300 would be taken by commercials and another 175 would be harvested in the river leaving 525 (just over half) to spawn.
How ODFW Options Were Received
As far as maintaining traditional terminal ocean fisheries and keeping newer terminal ocean fisheries closed, the crowd wasn’t strongly in favor or opposed to any changes. ODFW estimates are that not many chinook are caught in these fisheries in our area. Anglers who concentrate more on the traditional terminal fisheries off Tillamook, Port Orford and Brookings were probably much more vocal about these options.
Much discussion revolved around changing the daily and seasonal bag limit. The audience had a wide range of opinions. Most felt that 20 fish per season was too many. A staff member from ODFW in attendance offered some interesting information regarding possible reduction in harvest from reducing the season limit. From analysis of returned salmon tags, ODFW has estimated that reducing the season limit to 10 fall chinook would result in a 1% decrease in harvest, and reducing the limit to 5 fall chinook would result in a 10% decrease in harvest. This analysis was produced based on approximately 13% return in salmon tags.
Many anglers voiced opinions on 1 vs. 2 fish per day. Some felt that with limited time and opportunity, not to mention the cost of fuel, anglers should be allowed to keep 2 fish per day. Others (including this writer) feel that 1 fish as large as a fall chinook is plenty per day. Other arguments revolved around whether hatchery chinook should be included as the 1 fish per day. “Party fishing” was also discussed. Party fishing is allowing anglers to keep a line in the water after taking a 1 fish limit until the boat has limited out. While those in attendance talked on both sides of this issue, I didn’t get a sense that anyone was strongly opposed to party fishing. Whether or not party fishing is allowed will probably come down to how tough an enforcement issue it is. Finally, folks were unanimously against limiting angling on certain days of the week. This possible change won’t go anywhere.
Siuslaw-Specific Changes
Considering the price of gas and the distance folks had to travel, there were several interested folks from our area in attendance. This was great to see. ODFW biologists mentioned they are considering closures of Lake Creek and the Siuslaw above Lake Creek until later in the season to limit snagging. One concerned angler commented that closing these waters until Oct. 10 would be enough time. I’m not so sure. Looking back on precipitation records for Mapleton over the past several decades, October can be a dry month. I am in favor of pushing back the opening of Lake Creek and the Upper River until Dec. 1. We can definitely count on enough water in the river by that time of year to make snagging very difficult. By Oct. 10? Maybe in some years, but not most years.
Other Ideas Mentioned
Other ideas put forth by the audience included: banning the use, sale and transport of salmon eggs for bait (I am in favor of this), limiting the number of female salmon (hens) an angler can take in a season (I am in favor of this) and making it mandatory to turn in your old salmon tag.
ODFW staff will forward regulation changes to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for an early June vote. Stay tuned for the results.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Guiding Principles/Possible Options For Consideration
Early in the meeting, biologists laid out the principles that will guide any regulation changes: coast-wide consistency (i.e., no special regulations for each watershed), simple and easy to understand, enforceable, avoid unnecessary reductions in opportunities, and dealing with compelling local issues (i.e., changes in watersheds designed to protect fish from over-harvest or snagging).
Biologists forwarded several possible coast-wide options for consideration, including:
Maintaining traditional terminal ocean fisheries, but with new restrictions (affecting Tillamook, Port Orford, Brookings)
Keep newer terminal ocean fisheries closed (including Newport, Florence, Winchester Bay and Charleston)
Reducing the daily bag limit (from 2 fish to 1 fish)
Reducing the seasonal bag limit (from 20 to 10 or 5)
Reducing days/week open to fishing
Area closures
Other ideas
Commercial Fisheries Catching Oregon Fish
ODFW biologists acknowledged that a large percentage of fish that would have returned to Oregon streams are caught off Southeast Alaska and Northern British Columbia. Using coded-wire tags implanted in juvenile salmon from 3 different Oregon river systems, fisheries managers estimate that 20% of our chinook run is caught off Alaska, and another 10-12% is intercepted off British Columbia. Of the remaining approximately 70%, 20-25% is harvested in the rivers. It was unclear at the meeting if this number included fish taken by seals/sea lions or how this is accounted for. So, to recap, if 1,000 fall chinook would have returned to a river on the coast, perhaps 300 would be taken by commercials and another 175 would be harvested in the river leaving 525 (just over half) to spawn.
How ODFW Options Were Received
As far as maintaining traditional terminal ocean fisheries and keeping newer terminal ocean fisheries closed, the crowd wasn’t strongly in favor or opposed to any changes. ODFW estimates are that not many chinook are caught in these fisheries in our area. Anglers who concentrate more on the traditional terminal fisheries off Tillamook, Port Orford and Brookings were probably much more vocal about these options.
Much discussion revolved around changing the daily and seasonal bag limit. The audience had a wide range of opinions. Most felt that 20 fish per season was too many. A staff member from ODFW in attendance offered some interesting information regarding possible reduction in harvest from reducing the season limit. From analysis of returned salmon tags, ODFW has estimated that reducing the season limit to 10 fall chinook would result in a 1% decrease in harvest, and reducing the limit to 5 fall chinook would result in a 10% decrease in harvest. This analysis was produced based on approximately 13% return in salmon tags.
Many anglers voiced opinions on 1 vs. 2 fish per day. Some felt that with limited time and opportunity, not to mention the cost of fuel, anglers should be allowed to keep 2 fish per day. Others (including this writer) feel that 1 fish as large as a fall chinook is plenty per day. Other arguments revolved around whether hatchery chinook should be included as the 1 fish per day. “Party fishing” was also discussed. Party fishing is allowing anglers to keep a line in the water after taking a 1 fish limit until the boat has limited out. While those in attendance talked on both sides of this issue, I didn’t get a sense that anyone was strongly opposed to party fishing. Whether or not party fishing is allowed will probably come down to how tough an enforcement issue it is. Finally, folks were unanimously against limiting angling on certain days of the week. This possible change won’t go anywhere.
Siuslaw-Specific Changes
Considering the price of gas and the distance folks had to travel, there were several interested folks from our area in attendance. This was great to see. ODFW biologists mentioned they are considering closures of Lake Creek and the Siuslaw above Lake Creek until later in the season to limit snagging. One concerned angler commented that closing these waters until Oct. 10 would be enough time. I’m not so sure. Looking back on precipitation records for Mapleton over the past several decades, October can be a dry month. I am in favor of pushing back the opening of Lake Creek and the Upper River until Dec. 1. We can definitely count on enough water in the river by that time of year to make snagging very difficult. By Oct. 10? Maybe in some years, but not most years.
Other Ideas Mentioned
Other ideas put forth by the audience included: banning the use, sale and transport of salmon eggs for bait (I am in favor of this), limiting the number of female salmon (hens) an angler can take in a season (I am in favor of this) and making it mandatory to turn in your old salmon tag.
ODFW staff will forward regulation changes to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for an early June vote. Stay tuned for the results.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Friday, May 2, 2008
Trout Fishing Is Here
Its that time of year again. The time of year when trout fishermen begin to get their gear out and head to local lakes in search of rainbow trout, which have been stocked in many of our local lakes. There are many things that are great about trout fishing: they’re plentiful, they’re willing biters, they fight hard and you don’t have to wait long for action. Trout fishing is a great way to introduce kids to fishing and nature as the non-stop excitement will keep them interested.
Where Are The Fish?
Rainbow trout are stocked in most of the lakes in the Florence vicinity. Munsel, Mercer, Cleawox, Dune, Erhardt, Carter, Elbow (and others) all have or will be stocked soon. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a stocking schedule available online at
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/trout_stocking_schedules/2008/northwest/north_coast.asp. It tells dates stocked and numbers of trout planted. Rainbow trout are no longer stocked in rivers where they compete with native salmon and steelhead, such as the Siuslaw River. Efforts are best concentrated in lakes with recent stockings. Trout are also available in Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes, though these are bigger lakes that require different techniques for consistent success.
Rods, Reels and Line
You’ll be pleased to find out that the same rod and reel you use for shad fishing also makes for a fine trout setup. The spinning rod and reel combination I prefer is a medium-light outfit consisting of a 6-6 ½ ‘ rod and a reel lined with 6 or 8 lb. test monofilament. Don’t go too heavy or you’ll miss the excitement of the fight. Also, a light setup will make it easier to cast light baits and lures. Local retailers have a fine selection of reasonably prices rod/reel combinations, many just for kids. I generally recommend steering clear of the “closed face” rod/reel combos, especially if you plan on doing any other types of fishing beyond trout and panfish. They won’t take much abuse, and a pain to re-line, and their drag systems won’t hold up to larger fish. While they are good for very young anglers, kids can just as easily be taught to effectively use spinning gear. Just try a few practice casts before baiting up.
Got Any Bait?
You can’t go wrong with Berkley Powerbait. It’s long lasting, buoyant, and trout love it. Take a pinch between your fingers, roll it into a ball, and run your hook through it. Another favorite of mine is a whole nightcrawler, hooked once through the tip, and allowed to slowly sink to the bottom (no weight). Oftentimes you’ll have a fish on before it hits the bottom. Other popular baits include grubs, crickets (can be tough to get) and kernel corn. Lures work great too. Small spinners and spoons for spin fishermen and all sorts of streamers, nymphs and single egg patterns for those fly fishing.
Hooks, Sinkers, Etc.
Since trout are not likely to be right on the surface, you’ll need to get your presentation down close to the bottom in order to catch them. Start out by tying on a small (#4 or #6) hook and place 1 or 2 small lead splitshot 18 inches above the hook. Barbless hooks are O.K. – especially if you plan on releasing your catch. Just remember that keeping steady pressure on the fish (don’t let the line go slack) is the key to landing fish with barbless hooks. Cast out the bait and use a forked stick in the sand to keep your rod up and out of the sand (sand is bad news for reels). Bait under a bobber can be effective, but try at least 4 feet of line between the bobber and your bait. Trout will be more likely to come to the surface during low light conditions, such as early, late, and overcast days. So, get out there with the whole family and don’t forget to take a picnic lunch to enjoy when the bite slows down.
Drop me a line and let me know what you think about these or other topics.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
Where Are The Fish?
Rainbow trout are stocked in most of the lakes in the Florence vicinity. Munsel, Mercer, Cleawox, Dune, Erhardt, Carter, Elbow (and others) all have or will be stocked soon. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a stocking schedule available online at
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/trout_stocking_schedules/2008/northwest/north_coast.asp. It tells dates stocked and numbers of trout planted. Rainbow trout are no longer stocked in rivers where they compete with native salmon and steelhead, such as the Siuslaw River. Efforts are best concentrated in lakes with recent stockings. Trout are also available in Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes, though these are bigger lakes that require different techniques for consistent success.
Rods, Reels and Line
You’ll be pleased to find out that the same rod and reel you use for shad fishing also makes for a fine trout setup. The spinning rod and reel combination I prefer is a medium-light outfit consisting of a 6-6 ½ ‘ rod and a reel lined with 6 or 8 lb. test monofilament. Don’t go too heavy or you’ll miss the excitement of the fight. Also, a light setup will make it easier to cast light baits and lures. Local retailers have a fine selection of reasonably prices rod/reel combinations, many just for kids. I generally recommend steering clear of the “closed face” rod/reel combos, especially if you plan on doing any other types of fishing beyond trout and panfish. They won’t take much abuse, and a pain to re-line, and their drag systems won’t hold up to larger fish. While they are good for very young anglers, kids can just as easily be taught to effectively use spinning gear. Just try a few practice casts before baiting up.
Got Any Bait?
You can’t go wrong with Berkley Powerbait. It’s long lasting, buoyant, and trout love it. Take a pinch between your fingers, roll it into a ball, and run your hook through it. Another favorite of mine is a whole nightcrawler, hooked once through the tip, and allowed to slowly sink to the bottom (no weight). Oftentimes you’ll have a fish on before it hits the bottom. Other popular baits include grubs, crickets (can be tough to get) and kernel corn. Lures work great too. Small spinners and spoons for spin fishermen and all sorts of streamers, nymphs and single egg patterns for those fly fishing.
Hooks, Sinkers, Etc.
Since trout are not likely to be right on the surface, you’ll need to get your presentation down close to the bottom in order to catch them. Start out by tying on a small (#4 or #6) hook and place 1 or 2 small lead splitshot 18 inches above the hook. Barbless hooks are O.K. – especially if you plan on releasing your catch. Just remember that keeping steady pressure on the fish (don’t let the line go slack) is the key to landing fish with barbless hooks. Cast out the bait and use a forked stick in the sand to keep your rod up and out of the sand (sand is bad news for reels). Bait under a bobber can be effective, but try at least 4 feet of line between the bobber and your bait. Trout will be more likely to come to the surface during low light conditions, such as early, late, and overcast days. So, get out there with the whole family and don’t forget to take a picnic lunch to enjoy when the bite slows down.
Drop me a line and let me know what you think about these or other topics.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
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