Trolling for Trout with nightcrawlers

i usually use 6-8lb test

-FF

i usually use 6-8lb test

Totally, maybe in a little stream, or serene mountain lake, a 3lb leader is needed, but when trolling, the fish cant tell the difference between a needlefish, or a rapala, and a real minnow, but he can see the line and know its a bad thing? Really?  who knew fish were so smart.

i usually use 6-8lb test

can see the line and know its a bad thing? Really?  who knew fish were so smart.

Maybe they are, maybe they're not, but I like to give a fighting fish a fighting chance.  For leaders, I use between 4 & 6 lb. test.

Michael

Maybe they are, maybe they're not, but I like to give a fighting fish a fighting chance.  For leaders, I use between 4 & 6 lb. test.

Depends for me. If I'm fishing somewhere like LL where I know most of the fish I will catch will be in the 12-14" range I use 6lb. If I'm fishing a place like Del Valle where I could possibly catch a 10 lbr or maybe a striper I'll use 8lb.

-FF

Here we are squabling over a difference of a couple pounds when I think what's even more important than the strength of the line is the quality and age of the line.

Michael

You may consider it squabling....to each his own, I'm just relaying what I use for trout fishing. You make a good point about age and quality though.

-FF

  My current trout set up is 6lb Trilene Vanish on my 5'6" uglystik (shimano spriex 2000 reel)  Connect my mini-flashers to swivel, then at other end of flashers, about 2' of 4 to 6lb test leader, and a spinner. (Usually either 1/16oz or 1/8oz Roostertail, White or Yellow, with the hairs cut back just so hook is exposed.  Missed too many hits as fish grabbed hair)  With my down rigger on my alum boat @ aprox.50' I allways hooked dinner fish with this set up.

Troy

Ive used the Kokanee killer with a piece of night crawler on the second hook, worked wonders for me. Also put on A split shot troll slow or fast very effective.A kokanee killer is just like A wedding ring with two hooks.

You may consider it squabling....to each his own, I'm just relaying what I use for trout fishing.

No, No, No!  I wasn't calling you out or anything.  Maybe squabling was a poor word choice.  Maybe splitting hairs would have been a better choice of words.  Guess what I was trying to say is that the difference between 4 & 12 lbs. is not as critical as some other factors.

Michael

i usually use 6-8lb test

can see the line and know its a bad thing? Really?  who knew fish were so smart.

Maybe they are, maybe they're not, but I like to give a fighting fish a fighting chance.  For leaders, I use between 4 & 6 lb. test.

Michael

I must admit I've never quite understood this. A fighting chance for what? To snap the leader and swim around with a hook/lure in it's mouth trailing some fishing line? Worse still it's gut-hooked, or snagged?

I always use heavier gear, usually without problems. If I want to fight I'll go to Berkeley Pier and scrap some batrays.

(I won't come on a message board for one: I mean, please don't take this the wrong way, I'm not picking a fight, I just would rather horse the fish in so I can either release it quicker or knock it on the head sooner).

LOL.. Mission accomplished... I fully intended on starting some squabbling.  Guys get so up tight over the leader weight thing.  I figure the fish has plenty of fighting chance even on a main line.  They dont have to bite in the first place, and even if they do you still have to play them easy, or you just pull the hooks.  Plus, i let almost all of them go except for dinner occasionally, and the main goal is to land them, give em a kiss and send em on their merry little way!

It's not squabbling, it's friendly internet discussion.

which is really fun if people aren't too sensitive. it's the best way to learn some things at times.

if you read ronnie kovac's trout fishing in california, he says

1. use 2-4 lb leader for bait dunking 'cause when the bait is just sitting there, sometimes they will see the line.

2. if you are trolling, you can use heavier line, like 8-12lb.

I don't like losing my flashers or dodger and all the DFG planters I catch in the penninsula lake-lets are pretty much minnows.

plus I've figured out that a 0.75" to 1.5" lure is best for the tiny planters and lighter line might give it a little better action.

So I use 3lb or 4lb leader and some greased carbontex drags set on super light and super wimpy long rods. the mainline is 6lb cause thicker line doesn't get quite as deep with the lighter weight. I might troll with 10lb braid this year.

no DFG planter fish has broken my leader yet.  I would be stoked to see that happen actually.

A few decent bass have popped my worm and I landed those guys too cause I was out away from structure.

Looks like my local lake is finally scheduled for some planters next month...

just remember what that one commercial said: "BIG FISH DONT JUST BREAK YOUR LINE, THEY BREAK YOUR HEART!"

maybe that's the key. where I am fishing for trout, the only big trout are bass,  .

Bottom Line...the lighter the line the more "HOOK UPS'....Down side you might not land the "BIG ONE".

Ken kickfish