VOL . 39 • ISS . 23
When The Going Gets Tough , Break Out The Dick Nites !
Back when I did most of my fishing
with a fly rod , my strategy when confronted with finicky pressured trout
was to go smaller . If a size 10 fly spooked the rainbows , they ’ d likely be suckers for a No . 16 or 18 fly . And the same sort of thinking can be applied to trout fishing in lakes and reservoirs with traditional gear . When the water is clear , fishing pressure is heavy and the trout are spooky one of the lures that I rely on are Dick Nite Spoons in the small sizes . For the uninitiated , Dick Nites are thin bladed wobbling spoons that do an exceptional job of imitating baitfish . These spoons come in a range of sizes from super tiny to about 2 7 / 8 inches long . When the going gets tough rig a tiny chrome Dick Nite on a 4 pound test fluorocarbon leader add a split shot 36 inches above the spoon and top line troll it at 1 mph 100 feet behind the boat . If you ’ re not
W illfish Tackle isn ’ t a big box
store . In fact , the store isn ’ t very large at all , but it has everything you need
for catching fish from the coast to the Sierra . I ’ ve been shopping at Willfish for a long time because they stock a full line of gear and components . Line , hooks , rods , reels , lures and an array of natural baits . Owner Craig Newton even stocks some hard to find items such as wooden Lyman Lures , the new 2 inch Lyman and Arctic Fox trolling flies as well as products from Luhr Jensen , Mack ’ s Lure , Yakima Bait and GVF Lures . Craig loves to fish and he ’ s always ready with advice whether you ’ re looking for a limit of stripers in the Delta , a double digit cutthroat at Pyramid or just want to enjoy an afternoon soaking PowerBait at a local
Nor Cal Trout Anglers Challenge
by Cal Kellogg
fishing from a boat , you can make the same basic presentation from the banking using a clear water filled bobber just like you ’ d use for tossing a woolly bugger . Fire the bobber rig as far as possible and slow roll that little Dick Nite right back to your feet . You ’ ll be amazed at the results . If you really want to amaze your friends , rig up like this in the spring and you can catch limits of kokanee from the bank at places like Stampede Reservoir ! If you plan on hitting a stream or two this fall , don ’ t leave those tiny Dick Nites home , but you ’ re not going to be using them like you ’ d use other spoons . Tiny Dick Nites are a secret big trout lure for stream anglers that drift them much like you ’ d dead drift a salmon egg . That ’ s right , they don ’ t cast and retrieve their Dick Nites , them toss them up and across and allow them to drift , setting the hook at the slightest provocation . The theory is that big fish see the flashing helpless spoon , assume it ’ s a tiny fish and pounce on it before it has a chance to get away ! For more information on Dick Nite ’ s entire line of products including Dick Nite dodgers , go to www . dicknite . com .
Willfish Tackle : The Biggest Little Tackle Shop Of The Gold Country Foothills ! by Cal Kellogg
lake for some pansize rainbows . If you need to top off your trout and salmon fishing supplies , drop by Willfish and marvel at the wide selection of gear that Craig has packed into his shop ! Willfish also offers Shimano TLD frame conversions upgrading the power and utility of your beloved TLD . Willfish is located at 11944 Masters Court , Auburn , Ca . For more information call ( 530 ) 887-0839 .
3923
Nov 6 , 2020
Sponsor Support For NTAC Tour Strong !
If you ’ ve ever attended a NorCal Trout Anglers Challenge event
in the past , you know that a lot of tackle and bait is given away . Without the tour ’ s extensive sponsor list these special giveaways wouldn ’ t be possible . Gone Fishin ’ Marine of Dixon has come forward as an NTAC sponsor again this year and will have a strong presence at tour events . Thomas Lures , Silver Horde , Yo-Zuri , Mack ’ s Lure / Shasta Tackle , Hot Spot / Apex , Rapala , Luhr Jensen , Pro-Cure and Dick Nite Spoons will be providing an array of lures , dodgers , scents and more . Yakima Bait has jumped into the fray
FALL TROUT ARE HERE AND PYRAMID LAKE OPENS NOV . 2ND !
We carry a Complete Line of EXACTLY what you need to catch Fall Trout and the monsters at Pyramid Lake !
Now available in 2 & 4 inch sizes
Model 81 Lil Red Dot Frog
We offer the Best Selection of Trout Rods available !
Trout ~ Kokanee ~ Salmon ~ Shad
OFFICIAL SPONSOR
9
once again and is providing all manner of baits including the tried and true Rooster Tail and Flatfish that have been killing trout for decades . Berkley is providing line , bait and more . Pro-Cure Bait Scents is also a part of the NTAC team in 2020 , so you ’ ll be seeing Super Gel and other products at events this season . Last but not least , the team at Fisherman ’ s Warehouse are on board . If you want gear tailored to our local fisheries , Fisherman ’ s is a great place to go ! When it ’ s time to purchase gear , please remember these manufacturers and retailers that have stepped forward to promote the great sport of trout fishing across northern and central California .
Draggins
and many more !
and more !
If you have the Will to Fish , we have the Way !
( 530 ) 887- 0839
11954 Masters Court , Auburn CA Willfishtackle . com
PRO-GUIDE V-16
18 Proven Kokanee / Trout Dodgers !
240 different size / color combinations !
We carry the full line of Tracker Boats -- the world ’ s best selling aluminum Fishing Boat !
Call or come in and we will find a model and price perfect for you and your family .
• Accessories
• Tackle
• Service
www . gfmarine . com ( 800 ) 759-1632
3809
3704
4 All Natural Scents ... Kokanee , Trout , Salmon & Shad
82 YEARS of Catching TROUT & KOKANEE 100 % Made in the USA
Without a DICK NITE ... You ’ re Not Fishin ’ Right !
www . dicknite . com • fs @ dicknite . com