Bait-casting for Trout
| While certainly not the most popular type of trout fishing, bait-casting is still a very viable and effective way to catch trout. Like with spinning, bait-casting offers some advantages that make it preferable to fly-fishing for some, especially beginners. As mentioned previously, trout tend to eat more bait fish and fewer insects as they mature, which means natural baits can provide excellent opportunities for catching the biggest trout. The scent of natural baits also provides anglers with a way to catch trout in cloudy streams or inclement weather that would otherwise be futile when using flies or lures. Natural baits are also much more effective than flies in early spring or late fall when there are few if any insects. In addition, a level-wind bait-casting reel can minimize line tangles that some spin fisherman encounter when landing a big fish that likes to run. |
As is the case with spinning, a 6 foot or less rod with 2 to 4 pound test is usually ideal. It is best to equip your line with a split-shot weight and a small hook, size 8 to 12 is what I typically use. A bobber or small strike indicator is sometimes helpful, but not always necessary.
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The list of natural baits effectively used for trout fishing is quite extensive, although some are easier to acquire than others. Worms, salmon eggs and minnows are some of the most common and easiest to find natural baits used for trout fishing. Leeches, crawdads and insects are also very effective, though not quite as easy to find. Crickets and mealy worms are useful and can be found in some tackle shops. There are also a variety of household items that fisherman have had success with either using by themselves or combining together to form specialized dough baits – bread, corn, garlic, marshmallows, etc…
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| In most if not all of Missouri’s trout parks, the stores where trout tags are purchased offer various forms of “secret” trout baits, which are essentially made of the same ingredients as the food used in the trout rearing pools. While many look down on this as being too easy for the angler and an unfair fight for the trout, it can be an effective way for beginners to learn how to land and fight trout. But most will agree that the challenge and experience is more enjoyable when not resorting to such tactics. |
| Regardless of whether you’re a beginning fisherman or have been fishing for years, bait-casting is one of the easiest and most effective ways of landing trout. Please make sure to check all the local rules and regulations for bait-casting (and spinning) wherever it is you’re fishing. In many cases, bait-casting is only allowed in limited areas of streams or in some cases not at all, so make sure to check with your local conservation department for fishing regulations to prevent getting penalized or worse yet, negatively affecting the natural trout habitat and the ability of others to fish. |
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