Q&A for How to Catch Trout

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  • Question
    What are some of the most common mistakes people make when getting prepared to fish?
    Kathy Sparrow, MA
    Fishing Instructor
    Kathy Sparrow is a fly-fishing instructor and adventurer at heart. Kathy is the co-founder and previous manager of the Kingfisher Inn, a fly-fishing lodge on the Lower Laguna Madre in Texas. She is the author of "On the Mother Lagoon: Flyfishing and the Spiritual Journey" and "The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout” a novel conveying the feminine perspective of fly fishing. Kathy is also a Certified Canfield Trainer in Canfield Methodologies. She guides individuals through the process of embracing change by expressing confidence, awareness, and courage through the tools of writing, fly fishing, and intentional conversation. She has a MA in English with an emphasis in Literature and Cultural Studies from the University of Texas-Pan American.
    Fishing Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Probably not preparing for the weather. It's going to rain sometimes. Always keep rain gear ready. Having backup equipment is also really important. Make sure you have two rods with you because things happen. Polarized glasses are an absolute must. Those allow you to see into the water. Mindset is the other thing to prepare. Go with a sense of adventure. Know that you're probably going to make mistakes, we all do. You might not catch fish and that's okay but you're going to learn something in the process and if you do catch fish, that's a bonus.
  • Question
    Is there still a change to find fish in a stream after it has been recently stocked and fished?
    Community Answer
    Of course. There will always fish left. A lot of time, the fish are spooked by the presence of people, and only a few are actually caught. Wait until it dies down a little, then go fishing. Focus on areas that have a lot of shade and vegetation, as this is where the fish will be hiding.
  • Question
    Is fishing a small stock pond different than fishing a stream (for rainbow trout)?
    Community Answer
    Yes, because the stock pond is going to be stocked every day. The stream has more current than the pond, you will have to be able to drift the worm, whereas in a pond you can just let it sit.
  • Question
    If the fish are not biting and are jumping all around, how can I catch them?
    Community Answer
    Using live bait, staying quiet and making slow movements to make the bait seem alive often help.
  • Question
    What kind of spinner is best for trout?
    Community Answer
    Try a red spotted spinner or a whole red spinner.
  • Question
    Where should I go fishing for trout?
    Community Answer
    The best place to fish for trout is by a river or a flowing body of water.
  • Question
    Can I fish for trout without a reel?
    Community Answer
    It would be difficult, but you could hand line it.
  • Question
    If I leave the hook in the fish, won't the fish die?
    Community Answer
    If your line snaps while reeling it in, then it will either die or the hook will rust and fall out, but do not leave it in on purpose. If you can, take it out with pliers.
  • Question
    How do I know when I have a fish on the line?
    Community Answer
    The fish will usually tug or pull on the line and it will bend the tip of the rod. If you have your finger on the line, you will feel it tug.
  • Question
    If the fish swallows the hook, does this leave the hook inside and trim the line as close to the hook as possible?
    Community Answer
    Its rare but if you are eating the fish, you can cut the line and remove the hook when you gut it. But if you are going to release it, cut the line and don't try to remove the hook because it will cause pain. It would be useful to check with a ranger or expert fisherman, who can explain and show you what is best to do.
  • Question
    Is trout fishing different than fly fishing?
    Community Answer
    Fly fishing describes the type of equipment and technique used to catch a fish, which can include trout.
  • Question
    What is the most effective way to properly clean trout of its innards and gills simultaneously?
    Community Answer
    You don't actually need to remove the gills, but if you wish to all you do is cut off the head, which removes the gills, and leaves the gut cavity exposed. From there you can cut the belly of the fish to its anus, and remove the guts. Then you can fillet or cook them whole. My recommendation for cooking is to wrap the fillets (or whole fish without the innards) in tin foil with butter, lemon, garlic salt, pepper, and a little rosemary, and grill it.
  • Question
    What should I do if my lure sinks to the bottom when I cast it out instead of floating down?
    Community Answer
    You should use a lighter lure, or instead, start slowly reeling in the line as soon as your lure enters the water.
  • Question
    Will worms stay afloat in water, and what is the name of the red item shown in step four?
    Community Answer
    Worms will sink easily in still water, but not with a bobber. The red item is salmon roe, which is the eggs that salmon lay; it is good bait for trout, and is usually advertised as salmon eggs.
  • Question
    Will earth worms stay afloat in water?
    Community Answer
    No, they will sink in water.
  • Question
    Is silver a good colour for spinners and spoons?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Silver is a natural color for baitfish that trout will eat. If the water is clear, go for something natural, if the water is muddy, use a pink or red spinner. Gold would also be another natural color.
  • Question
    What is the best way to catch trout from a kayak in a lake?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what trout. If the answer is lake trout, try to find where a shallow part of the lake drops off steeply to deep water (10-30 feet where it drops off to anywhere past 50 feet). If it is rainbow trout, then work the edges of the lake where they would be eating. If it is brown trout, try to do the same tactic for lake trout, but also later in the evening when it starts to get dark go into tributaries of the lake and cast into undercut banks with a spinner or minnow.
  • Question
    Could I fish for trout in midday?
    ANDREW JENSEN
    Community Answer
    You can. If you want any chance of getting fish you will have to have some experience though, as the fish will not bite as readily. Morning and dusk are the best times for a beginner.
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