I have a question about trout fishing but more specifically about Hook size.
I had been using size 10 straight shank hooks with a worm hooked over twice, and managed to catch a few, but lost more.

I then went to a size 10 bait holder hook and managed to keep more of them.

I then moved to a size 8 bait holder hook and have about the same success ratio as with the 10.

While switching back and forth I've managed to get robbed of my worm often enough to make me ask, would a smaller hook or larger hook increase my ratio?

What size/style of hook do you guys use?

I am stream fishing. My current set up is the main line (10lb) > 2 split shot > swivel > leader (about 2-3' of 5 lb) > the hook.

 

I prefer the size 30.06.
Saves all the work of cleaning 'em, if ya get 'em just right.



Now back to your regularly scheduled thread.............

 

Have you tried a treble hook? Either the #8 or #10 should be fine. What kinda rod are you using? Light, medium, heavy? I'm think'n your line may be a little heavy. Try an 8 pound test line and see what hapens. With a lighter test line your going to feel the fish bite better. What kinda fishing line are you using. I use/recommend P-line. The stuff is real strong and durable. If your set-up is to heavy your probably not even felling the fish.

 

I use a berkley 6 foot it has to be light or medium light - next time I head to the car I can confirm. I have a 4or 5 ft light ugly stick that I take with me and it's carrying 6 lb test. In my opinion it's too light though - maybe I'll give it another go tonight.

 

Depends on the trout size. Most of the time, I use a #6 or #8 hook coupled with an Ultra Lite with 4 or 6 pound test clear line. I've had a few break the line, but that was fun too.

 

2-4 wt 7.5-9ft fly rod with 2# tippet works better than worms. any time

 

I have never tried trout fishing without a fly rod.. Is it possible?

 

Try 8 lb, it'll let you cast a bit further with a light sinker, and sink quicker. The try a lighter leader, at least 4'. Try a #10 fly hook. Just a couple passes on the hook. Even a #12 if you want to try leaf worms. the biggest hang up I have using wworms, is that those suckers tend to grab onto everything, causing you to get hung up more.

 

Grew up fishing trout in Montana, and don't think I EVER used a worm. Best bait ever was plain grasshoppers on 6 lb line, #10 hook. Always good for a full stringer.

Only change when going from the Boulder River/ creeks to the Yellowstone was a slightly larger sinker.


wormsareforbluegillsEd

 

Ever tie a worm immitation?

 

Now Red, your on a different level.......stay with us simple folks .

The last time I rafted the river, I caught a 11~12 incher by accident. I was fishing with worms out of the garden for redbreast and redeye bass. 5' ultra light with 6# line. 1 split shot and a #6 (I think) cricket hook. I thread the worm up the entire shank and leav ea little head and tail off each end to wiggle. He hit it just as it hit the water. THat long shank works real good if you are using regular worms....If you use meal worms, I would have no idea.

FWIW - JKE

 

For giggles, ever try a red/white striped soda straw? Cut a piece about 1/2 inch long and give it a little "tail" to make it spin. Use on a long shank hook and crank like the devil. Brookies love 'em.

Seriously, give it a try.

Ed

 

Found a big brown with a sausage link in his gullett once. Seen some BIG browns take a worm after pounding a hole with spinners. When I get into the "tight" brookie spots, I'll use a worm. Way back in the cedar swamps, where the creek may disappear for a while. They rarely see the sun, so they're pretty black, but when you clean them, that's the brightest red meat.
Headin' out, see ya guys..

 

Well I moved to 8lb line and a 4lb tippet and indeed I can cast a lot farther with a lighter weight.
I used a size 8 straight shank snelled hook and the top two inches of a night crawler. Worked pretty good. Not sure if it's solved my worm thieving problem or not as I did get to stay out very long this weekend just long enough to catch one and then head in.