How To Catch A Trout With Powerbait
There is really nothing difficult about catching trout with Powerbait, the entire process is really pretty straightforward. In this article, I'll explain exactly how to rig up and with any luck, catch a trout with Powerbait. The technique and rig I'm going to describe is for use while still fishing in a lake. Before I explain the actual rig, lets start with your rod, reel, and line. Your rod and reel should be no heavier than light action. I prefer ultra light action rods and reels for trout fishing, but light action is tolerable as well. As far as your line is concerned, for trout fishing line heavier than six pound test should not be used. I prefer 4 pound test, but again, six pound test is tolerable. Now that we have our rod, reel, and line worked out, onto the rig.
For this simple Powerbait rig you are going to need 4 things. Egg sinkers(1/4 to 3/8 oz.), small barrel swivels(size 10 to 14), pre-tied gang hooks(size 8 or 10), and Powerbait (whatever colors you prefer). Begin by grabbing the end of your line and slipping on an egg sinker. Now, tie a barrel swivel onto the end of your line. The barrel swivel acts as a "stopper" for the egg sinker, as well as preventing any line twist. Now tie a pre-tied set of gang hooks onto the opposite end of the barrel swivel. This is the basic rig used to catch trout with Powerbait. As you can imagine, the gang hooks enable you to present twice as much Powerbait, which is obviously an advantage to you, the angler.
At this point you want to add enough Powerbait to cover each hook completely. With this rig, the weight sits on the bottom, and the Powerbait floats above it. Once you have the Powerbait added to each hook, you can cast your offering out. Let it sink to the bottom and slowly reel in the slack line. You're going to want to prop your rod against a rock or set it in a forked stick. You want your line to be completely taught. Once it is, it's time to wait for a bite. Your rod tip will begin bouncing when a trout is biting your offering.
The normal rule of thumb is to wait 30-45 minutes and you haven't received any bites, reel in and check your Powerbait. If everything is okay with your bait, recast and do the same thing. If you still don't receive any bites, it's time to change spots. It usually doesn't take trout long to bite Powerbait. Sometimes a different color is just what the doctor ordered, so changing colors if you get no bites is sometimes a good idea as well. The bottom line is this rig and technique will help you catch trout with Powerbait, there's no doubt about it. I've been using this exact technique for more than twenty years, and rarely do I come home empty handed. If you fish for trout with Powerbait, this is the best way to do it.
Author: Trevor Kugler
Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.....Montana!
Pre-Tied Gang