Common Trout Fishing Errors
Common Trout Fishing Errors
Written by: Len Harris
Photos by: Len Harris
Trout fishing can be frustrating when
the trout are not cooperating. Some of the
time it is not the trout being willy. A trout has
the brain the size of a pea. Trout are instinctive and
react to situations that are out of the normal for their
environments. More often than not it is
angler error that caused the lose
of a trout or not even getting that hook up.
Before you even get out on the stream you have
very important decisions to make. Your
gear you use is the first common error an
angler makes. They don't use the proper tool
for the job. Just because your friend uses a
2 weight rod on trout doesn't mean you should.
That 5 foot ultra light spinning rod is not the tool
for the job along with the trendy 2 weight rod.
The 4 pound test mono for your spinning rod is
inadequate in tight quarters. That 6x leader on your
fly rod is good for 10 inch trout but for most situations
you will break off on the hook set. That fly rod may
need to be left home because your back cast is restricted.
A 2 weight fly rod or an ultra light spinning
rod would NOT have been the correct tool
for the job for this monster.
More gear problems. That line needs to be
maintained. Line needs to be kept clean and
out of direct sunlight when stored. The reels
you are using are very important. They need
to be kept free of dirt. During the closed season
they need to be cleaned and lubricated. Too much
lube attracts dirt and too much is as bad
as not enough. Sharpen those flies and hooks
during the closed season. Your leaders won't
last forever. Even if they are in an envelope you
should test the leaders for strength.
Dress for your surroundings. The colors you
wear are very important. It is not necessary to
wear camouflage. It is important to wear earth
tones and match the time of the year you fish. If
you are fishing early season the colors need to be
more washed out and browns will be the the ticket.
When the world turns green, the drab greens
should be used. Leave that white tee shirt at
home. It does NOT blend with the surrounding.
Your cap is important also. Your cap will give you
away right away. Red and bright yellow caps are a
no go. A dark cap with white
lettering is like a neon sign.
Wear drab colors or go home without a life long memory.
Scout your area before going out. Know
the holes and the approaches to them. If the
approaches are open in early season it does
not mean it will be clear in mid summer. Your
back cast could be seriously hindered when the
foliage grows up. There is nothing wrong with
clearing a casting lane in front and behind you
like a bow hunter does. I have had many holes
ruined by a stray twig that blocks your cast.
Know what the trout are biting. Take stroll
on a country road and see what is hopping or
crawling on the road. Sit at your local bridge
and see what floats by. If it rained buckets the
day before the water should be dirty and a small
fly on the surface may be futile. Don't limit your
arsenal to flies only. There are very good spinner
for muddy water and the trusty night crawlers
is a sure fire bait after a big rain.
A big flashy spinner was the ticket this day after a big rain.
So you are getting out of your car and putting
on your gear. Make sure you don't over or under
dress. If you are fishing muddy slippery banks those
felt boot waders or wading boots will turn in to skis .
A lug sole is a must. Look in your vest before you
head out. Make sure you have brought your entire
arsenal. A good pair of hemostats are essential for
unhooking trout. Make sure your net is big
enough for the trout you have targeted and
the attaching release is in functional order.
You are approaching your first hole. Your shadow
control is very important. If your shadow hits the
water you might as well throw a big rock in the hole.
You have spooked that hole. Your approach should
be light of foot. Try to avoid stepping on twigs near
your hole. The snapping sound rings through the
ground and the smart bigger trout won't bite.
Jumping down a bank within 20 yards of a
hole is a bad move also. Stay out of the water
unless it is absolutely necessary.
You are there now. The hole is in front of you.
Your early season scouting comes in to
play now. You know where those fish are
laying. You have to decide if you want
quality or quantity now. If you are targeting
the biggest trout in the hole the cast needs
to be made accordingly. The smaller or
subordinate trout will be in the not so
good feed lanes. The big trout will
have the best feed lane. You need to
present your cast above the prime run.
Fight the urge to cast too far or trying to
drop the cast on the trout's head.
Your choices before you hit the water are as
important as the ones on the water. Don't assume
your gear worked good last fall and it will be fine this
spring. You know what assume means correct?
Broke lines and a poor outing. Check your gear
and tight lines to all.
Common Trout Fishing Errors
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