Trout Rig
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One of the easiest ways to catch trout, especially in a lake using spinning or spin/cast gear is to use the trout rig. This is an especially good technique for beginners, children, or someone who just wants to assure they catch fish. The technique allows you to put 3 hooks on your line (the state limit) and uses Berkley Power Nuggets, Power Bait, Crave, or similar scented (floating) baits. You can use this technique from a boat but it's mostly used by bank fishermen. It's a good technique when fishing is slow and you just want to sit back and let the fish come to you, which isn't a bad techniqebecause trout are always on the move. With a trout rig it allows you to use 3 hooks and to suspend 3 baits, instead of only one, approx. 9 inches, 18 inches and 27 inches off the bottom. Of course the distance between the hooks can vary to what you can handle on your cast and what works best for you. To use a trout rig tie 4 snap swivels onto the end of your line (I usually use 6 pound test for trout). I normally estimate about 2 1/2 - 3 feet at the end of the line and tie on the first snap swivel using a double knot (like you'd use to tie your shoe). Tie on the second swivel down at least 9 inches below the first swivel so that the hook on the top swivel doesn't snag the lower swivel. Then tie on the third snap swivel at least 9 inches below the second again using the double knot. At the end, and at least 9 inches below the 3rd snap swivel, tie on the last snap swivel using an improved clinch knot of other knot that you'd normally use to attach a hook to the bottom of your line. I frequently will use a little larger snap swivel at the bottom because it will hold the bell sinker and will be hitting the bottom and taking the most abuse. Next clip on a snelled #8, #10, or your favorite snelled trout hook on the top three snap swivels. A snelled hook is one that has about an 8 inch piece of line attached to it with a loop on one end and the hook at the other. You could tie a hook directly to the main line but you wouldn't get the advantage of the free floating Power Nugget or Bait. A few anglers make their own snelled hooks. When the snelled hooks are attached add a 1/2 to 1 ounce bell sinker to the bottom snap swivel. The size of the weight depends on the wind, current or depth you're fishing. You want to be able to let the weight lay on the bottom without moving around. When you're rigged up put a Power Nugget on each hook, buring the hook completely into the Power Nugget so that no hook is shown. Make sure the snelled hooks are not tangled around the main line and cast the rig into the lake. Let the weight sink to the bottom then tighten the line so that there is a little pressure on the rod and you have a slight bow at the end of your rod. The bait will still be floating free at 3 different depths off the bottom. You can sit and hold this rig but another way to fish it is with a hod holder. Many anglers put a small bell on the end of their rod so that it rings signaling a bite. The problem is that if you're too far from your rod or too slow in getting to the rod to set the hook often the fish will have stolen your bait. If you can stand to rod the rod so you actually feel the fish hit the bait you won't lose as many fish. With most kids a rod holder is the best idea. Hope this helps you understand the Trout Rig and helps you catch fish. If you have questions or ideas on how I can improve this page or other things on this web site please send me an email and let me know. You can also stop in and see me on Friday's, Saturday's and every other Sunday after church in the fishing Department at Sportsman's Warehouse in Aurora and you can read my fishing articles in Colorado Fishing and Hunting News. Until then, God Bless and keep a tight line. |