How much weight is too much for trout?

I’ve been trying to keep my weights between 1/4 - 1 oz, depending on the winds but my line keeps on getting blown all over resulting in slack. I know that trout are sensitive but what’s the most I should use for trout fishing? Is 2 oz too much? 1.5?

Look at the specifications on your rod. It will tell you what the rod is rated for. Also the the specific type of fishing or body of water ( still or moving waters ) will help to dictate the appropriate amount of weight needed.
 Some instances you will want as little weight as possible others you will need enough for a stationary presentation.
 For me I try to use just enough for the results I am trying to accomplish.  Err on the side of lighter you will catch more fish.

What techniques are you using?  Still-fishing on the bottom?  Suspended/mooching?  You're talking fishing with bait, right?

If still-fishing with your weight on the bottom, a sliding egg sinker is your best bet.  Give it some slack so the fish can pick up the bait without feeling the weight.  If you tighten the line when a fish has taken the bait, they will feel the weight.  If it's a 1/4 ounce or less, it's probably not a big deal.  But if you're using a 1 or 2 ounce weight, you'll want to keep feeding slack line to the fish so they can run with the bait and not feel the weight.

For suspended/mooching, the weight doesn't really matter.  Your rod is already supporting the weight of the sinker, so when a fish bites, they're going to feel the rod and not so much the weight (unless they swim upwards with the bait).  However, your bite detection will decrease with heavier weights.

I’m fishing the bottom with a slider attached to a bass casting weight because I have braid. Giving a bit of slack makes sense! I’ll try different weights when I’m out and see what’s the lightest that I can use. I have a Fenwick Eagle spinning rod that’s rated 5/8 oz at the top end. Will it damage the rod if I go beyond that?

Are you fishing on the river or lake? I’ve never used more than 1oz when bait fishing on the lakes. I only use the 1oz so I can cast it further from shore.

My trout gear setup,7'-7'/6" light spinning rods
Lures 1/8 to 1/4 is max
Egg sinkers 1/4-1/2oz
Line weight 2-4lb mono
Hope this helps

if you're using egg weights, it doesn't matter how heavy the weight is.  I actually use 1.5 a decent amount while fishing from shore so I can launch it the shit out there.

I’ve been trying to keep my weights between 1/4 - 1 oz, depending on the winds but my line keeps on getting blown all over resulting in slack. I know that trout are sensitive but what’s the most I should use for trout fishing? Is 2 oz too much? 1.5?

sounds like your line might be too heavy,if your fishing for trout (bait fishing) 6# should be max (mono)but if you have a hard time landing fish,use cheaters line (braid)10-15#

I’m only fishing in lakes when it comes to trout. The weather hasn’t been too good lately and I’ve encountered some 15 mph winds at times.

Hmmm, I haven’t thought of that. I’m using 30lb braid with a 10lb leader. I’ll downgrade the braid to 15lb and see. I would’ve thought that heavier line is more stationary but I guess not haha

I only use 6# mono and 6# mono leaders on a 6ft ultralight wind or no wind on lakes with an 1/8 oz egg sinker. It’s a fun fight when a 7# Lassen rips the rod off the stick that’s to hold it!

This has been very helpful! I'm going to switch to 10lb braid and a 6lb mono lead. While we're on the subject of fishing line, is 30lb braid and a 20lb leader suitable for ocean fishing? I fish pretty close to shore and on jetties if the water isn't calm enough.

This has been very helpful! I'm going to switch to 10lb braid and a 6lb mono lead. While we're on the subject of fishing line, is 30lb braid and a 20lb leader suitable for ocean fishing? I fish pretty close to shore and on jetties if the water isn't calm enough.

On a kayak, you want to be sure that you can break off easily if you snag the bottom.

@Lir I looked at that rod and a couple of others that people here have recommended and it’s jusf too pricey for me 😭 But I have considered it since trout season is pretty long (spring and fall).

@Lir I looked at that rod and a couple of others that people here have recommended and it’s jusf too pricey for me 😭 But I have considered it since trout season is pretty long (spring and fall).

the rods I use average 60-80$okuma sst

I’ve been trying to keep my weights between 1/4 - 1 oz, depending on the winds but my line keeps on getting blown all over resulting in slack. I know that trout are sensitive but what’s the most I should use for trout fishing? Is 2 oz too much? 1.5?

I usually go 1/8 to 1/4 oz for planted bows fishing the bottom.