A
s an example, I was on a
charter this past week, and the client on the back of
the boat was outfishing the client on the front of
the boat four to one. You could just see the tension
building with every fish that entered the box. Both
individuals had the exact same gear from rod, reel,
line, lure, and even cork, yet one angler was bringing trout over the gunnel like a pro while the angler
up front was just getting frustrated. Lure placement
was even the same, but where the difference came
was in the snap of the cork when it was popped.
The angler up front was really popping it hard,
while the angler in the rear was making a sharp but
subtle snap of the wrist which was creating the perfect bait action the fish wanted that day.
It’s the simple things we often overlook or just
don’t pay attention to that can make all the difference in the world when it comes to fishing.
Sure, when trout are schooling under the birds,
you can likely catch them on a gum wrapper
wrapped around Silly Putty; but let’s be real, how
often do you get the chance to chase birds on
every outing? Pay attention to your gear, your surroundings, and what the water is telling you; and if
you can’t figure it out, but your partner can, just pay
attention to what they’re doing and that alone can
usually remedy the problem.
50
June 2016 www.marshandbayou.com
Here are a few of those simple details that often get overlooked:
BRAID VS.
MONOFILAMENT/
FLUOROCARBON
Sure, braid is amazing. It casts for days,
it lasts forever, it’s abrasion resistant, and most of
all, it’s as sensitive as Siri to a Cajun accent, but it
isn’t a great trout line. The first thing I usually
want when searching for trout is clean water, and
a solid color line is that last thing I want in clean
water. The “almost nothing” stretch properties
of braided lines are a great way to rip lips, but
that’s not what we want for trout. Monofilament
or fluorocarbon, on the other hand, have a great
deal of stretch and allow for a nearly invisible
characteristic when in the water. It is always a goto when it comes to speckled trout fishing.
ROD STRENGTH
Some like heavy rods and others like
medium- light rods; and while rod choice is usually a preference, the way it sets and the way it
Have you ever been on a
trout trip with someone who
seems to be in tune with
everything on the water, yet
you outfish them three to
one, or better yet, have you
ever been the person being
outfished?
Time and time again, I’ve
witnessed the scenario
take place with both
friends and clients. I
am not at all
ashamed to say that
while I’ve been on the winning side of this scenario,
I’ve also been on the losing
side; and more times than
not, it all comes down to the
details.
by Capt. Casey Brunning
Marsh & Bayou Outfitters