A simple way to catch trout

If you're just getting into trout fishing, PowerBait is an excellent bait to use. It isn't just for beginning anglers either; year after year, experienced anglers catch lots of trout with PowerBait.

PowerBait fishing—the necessities

The rig you'll use is simple and works incredibly well. The items you'll need include:

1. 1/8 -1/2 oz egg sinker
2. Size 12 or 14 barrel swivel
3. 2-6 lb test line
4. Size 16 or 18 treble hook
5. 2-3 jars of PowerBait Set up your fishing pole

Run the line from the reel through the eyelets of the fishing pole and out the top of the pole. Then, hold the egg sinker, and slide the end of your fishing line through it. Next, tie the end of the fishing line to one end of the barrel swivel using a fisherman's knot (video). Then, cut 18 inches of line from your spool of fishing line. (The 18 inches of cut line is called a ‘leader.') Using a fisherman's knot, tie one end of the 18-inch leader to the other end of the barrel swivel. Then, tie the open end of the test line to a treble hook. Your set up should look similar to the image found at fishingmyway.com.

Bait your hook

With your index finger, scoop enough bait out of the jar to cover the hook. Roll the bait into a ball, and squeeze it around your hook. Be careful not to poke yourself! Once it's on the hook, soak the PowerBait in the cold lake water for 10 seconds. Soaking the bait will allow it to solidify on the hook.

Casting

Cast your bait 15 to 30 feet from shore, and let it sink to the bottom. You'll know you've hit bottom when your line stops leaving your reel. Once this happens, reel in any excess line that's floating on top of the water. You shouldn't need to turn your reel more than five or six full circular motions to gather the excess.

Fish on!You'll know a fish is biting when your line goes straight and the tip of your pole bends. If you're not already holding it, pick up your pole. When you feel the line go tight or the pole tip bend, pull up and back with the fishing pole to set the hook. Then, reel in your fish!

Tips and tricks

1. Because PowerBait is a floating bait, you can control how far off the lake bottom your bait is. The length of your leader will determine how far off the bottom your bait floats. For example, if you cut a leader that's 18 inches long, the PowerBait will float 18 inches off the bottom of the lake.
2. If you're using this fishing rig, and you're not catching fish, you can make a few adjustments. First, try using different colors of PowerBait. For example, start with glitter chartreuse. If you don't get a bite within 20 minutes, switch to Captain America color or rainbow color. Second, try different depths by changing the length of your leader. If 18 inches isn't working, shorten the line to 12 inches and then to 6 inches. If you tend to reel in a lot of weeds, try using 24 inches of leader to float your PowerBait above the weeds.

PowerBait tips2. Glitter and scented (garlic) PowerBaits work best.

1. Use dry hands when handling PowerBait. Wet hands make the bait sticky and hard to work with.
2. Keep your PowerBait clean; don't drag it on the ground or the dirt
3. Be aware of the smells / scents that are on your hands. For example, if you just applied sunscreen or hand sanitizer, wash your hands so the scent from the product doesn't get on the PowerBait. Other baits In addition to PowerBait, other natural baits, such as nightcrawlers and meal worms, can be fished using the same techniques as PowerBait. They'll often produce fish on days when PowerBait isn't working. Switching up your bait, as well as trying different leader lengths, will help you catch fish consistently. Fly and a bubble If you're not familiar with fly fishing equipment, you can still use artificial flies to catch fish that are actively feeding at the surface. Simply attach a small clear plastic bubble to the end of your line, and fill it about half full of water. Next, cut about 18 to 24 inches of leader. Tie the leader to the bottom of the bubble, and then tie a fly to the end of the leader. The bubble will provide enough weight to cast the fly with either a spinning or spin cast outfit. A slow retrieve across the surface will produce hits from the actively feeding fish.

   These fishing techniques work great for all lakes, reservoirs and ponds in Utah that contain trout. With these set ups, you'll be catching fish in no time, so don't forget to grab your fishing license. As always, share your tips and tricks on the comment board.

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