FS Digest

I’ve been going for a few days now in some small, local lakes at Western Washington and i’ve only successfully hooked 1 trout out of hundreds of casts. I don’t know what i’m doing wrong, whether i’m using the wrong kind of bait or the wrong kind of line setup, but I would like some tips and solutions for trout fishing in the pacific northwest.

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by rungbungrung

FS Digest

Also curious!

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by e1dar

FS Digest

From the shore, Powerbait is a good option. I've caught tons using it. I typically use the rainbow nuggets. I put on some split shot weights and leave a 2-5 foot leader depending on the lake.

Another option that I enjoy is throwing a rooster tail (or similar style lures), cast it out, let it sink a little bit, give it a small tug to get the blade spinning, and retrieve!

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by macnw

FS Digest

Ah ok. I have two unopened rooster tail spinners from Blue-fox but i haven’t really thought much about using them. How should i set up my rooster tails? Should i attach a snap swivel and use a leader for the spinner? Sorry if the questions are obvious but i am a complete beginner with little-to-no knowledge about fishing. Also, should i put power bait on my spinners too?

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by rungbungrung

FS Digest

I use a leader and swivel to avoid as much line twist as I can. And no need for Powerbait on the spinners. No need to apologize, we all have to start somewhere! I am no where near an expert so someone else may be able to offer you some better info, I'm just going off of what I do!

Also another classic option would be a hook with a worm and a bopper set up!

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by macnw

FS Digest

So the trout in the local lakes in my area are usually between 9-13inches according to WDWF and i was wondering two things. How long should I make my leader? And what size hook should I use for trout? I’ve read guides online but they all give me mixed answers as some of them say size 6 and some say size 4.

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by rungbungrung

FS Digest

What lakes are you fishing in WA? I’m in Tacoma and just started fishing again!

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by fischmioli

GLA Loc: WA State

If fishing with Powerbait on the bottom, make sure your leader is long enough to rise above the weeds on the bottom. I use size 8 Octopus hooks and a 3-4 foot 4 or 6 pound leader. Sometimes a worm and a mini-marshmallow works well. Just make sure your bait floats.

I use a snap swivel in front of my Rooster Tails and most of my lures, just makes line twist more manageable and makes it easy to experiment with different colors. Good Luck!

springerdavid

Where in WA?

rbeehler1377 Loc: Washington

Well some may say that you could be holding your pole in the wrong hand, but no, I will not say that. Lol,.
There are a multitude of variables, the leader, the size of the hook, the time of day, the bait and how it is applied to the hook,,this is majority IMPORTANT. Where you are fishing and what you are fishing for determines what lures, bait, pole, hooks and line. Don't forget the net, last year I bought a folding net and this year after on outing that I discovered that a hook would get fouled in the net and took more time getting the hook out of the net than getting the hook out of the fish. After that episode, I looked online and found a replacement net to put on the frame that I like.
FB AKA- ROCKHOUND RICK in Tacoma
My last trip fishing, showed me I had to modify my tactics for the same lake. I had spent hours using my tried and true method of rigging and once I tried fishing a different way, I caught bigger fish and had my limit in just a couple hours.

Eastern Brook and Tiger Trout

rbeehler1377 Loc: Washington

rbeehler1377 Loc: Washington

I would use two snap swivels. One to your main line and one to the lure. Lures and flashers can add to twisted line. In reeling, if your drag is set too light and your are trying to reel as a fish is taking line, this will add to twisting you line, pump your pole and reel as you can gain line. Don't try to horse a big fish in, if it is larger enough and not played out, they could break a light leader.

Hootervillain Loc: Darrington,Washington

Sorry, but I have been trout fishing in washington since I was 3 years old(52 now) and I have never seen anyone use 2 snap swivels. You dont even need a leader really. Just put 6 or 8 lb test on your reel. Tie a snap swivels on and attach it to your rooster tail. I put a removable split shot on the line about 18 inches above my snap swivels to aid in casting and to get a little more depth during retrieve. Not always. Works great for me in lakes or river. I always catch trout. Always.