There is a reason it is called “fishing” rather than “catching”…because more often than not you are doing the former, not the latter. Of course it could just as accurately be called “luck” as it does not matter how good you are every successful angler relies on a little bit of mystical intervention to ensure success.  Every good angler also knows that trick and tips are every bit as much a key to filling the creel as knowledge and experience. With this in mind I would like to offer the following tips to help you gain that little bit of edge needed to get over the hump.

1. Tic Tac Travel Box – an empty Tic Tac container makes handy emergency tackle box, perfect for carrying the bare essentials as you wade to the next sandbar or venture to a secluded spot and do not want to carry a full size box with you. Glue a hook sharpener to the side and fill with hooks & split shot and hit that secret spot.
2. Salt makes ice last longer – adding salt to your cooler with cause your ice to last longer ensuring your fish aren’t give a second chance to swim on the way back to the dock. If you are worried about salting your fresh water catch add salted water to recycled plastic bottles, freeze and create your own ice packs.
3. Vacuumed bait – frozen bait for deep seas trips can be expensive, especially when purchased dockside. Decrease you cost by buying in bulk beforehand and sealing pre-rigged sets in vacuum bags. Take a day’s supply and only open what your need, as long as the others were kept on ice they can be saved for another trip.
4. Skip the handle – closing the bail on your spinning reel causes a small amount of slack to build on the spool. Prevent this by closing the bail manually as soon as the lure or bait hits the water. This is also a good way to stop your cast on a dime if it looks like you will overshoot your mark.
5. Extra long, ultra-light in a pinch – if you find yourself in need of an extra long ultra-light rod but do not have one with you switch to your flyrod. Most light weight flyrods will readily accept a micro reel and give you the light touch and extra reach you need for those super spooked trout or crappies.
6. Nail that action – looking for a little extra action in you plastic baits? Add a nail. A small finishing nail in the head of your worm, body of a shad or tail of a crayfish will create a whole new dimension of action. When you no longer need it just pull it out and return to normal.

The bottom line is fishing is like back ally fighting – there are no real rules just what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes you need a tackle box full of choices, sometimes you need to thing outside the box all together!

Good luck, good fishing!

Winter trout fishing typically means ice fishing, which is, of course, a great way to catch massive fish if you do not mind sitting on a giant ice cube all afternoon. However, if you happen to live near a limestone stream, you can forgo the deep freeze and still catch trophy winter trout.

Limestone streams provide a perfect opportunity for late winter fishing when most other streams are frozen over. Because limestone streams are spring feed their temperature tends to remain steady, at least in the area adjacent to the feeder springs, and resist freezing. Not only do free-flowing limestone streams offer open winter water, but they are also prime habitat for a wide variety of trout species – the perfect combination for year-round angling success.

When fishing winter limestone waters, you may need to downgrade your tackle. The fish are not going to be aggressive and the open patches of water small, both factors that will likely result in fish being easily spooked by heavy spoons or high test line. The perfect set up consists if an ultra-light rod & reel outfitted with 4lb. test line. Preferred terminal tackle includes small spinners, spoons and even live baits. Just remember that smaller is better.

Once you have the proper gear in hand, it is time to find the perfect stretch of stream. Although riffles and tailwaters are ideal during the traditional season, during winter they are unlikely to produce. Instead, look for deeper pools where trout can obtain a little additional protection from the weather. Narrow your search in the same manner you would any other time by locating downed trees, brush and cut banks that provide even more cover.

Do not forget to have proper gear on hand to protect you from the elements either. Even if you do not plan to go into the water, always a risk during freezing temperatures, dress as if you will. Dress in layers and be sure to include both a wind and water resistant layer just in case. You should also ensure that you wear proper headwear, gloves and boots capable of protecting you from dangerous frostbite. Whenever possible I prefer an outer jacket or coat with armpit vents, easily opened via a zipper, as these allow me to gain additional ventilation when walking and sweating but button up and retain as much heat as possible when still.

Finally, be prepared to wait and go slow. As I said early, winter trout are sluggish and feeding much less aggressively than you are accustom. Tempting these fish to strike will require a slow and methodical presentation and even repeatedly placing your bait or lure in the right strike zone. You need to be aware of your movement and the picture you paint for any watchful trout to ensure you do not unknowingly alert them to your presence. Just as smaller is better when it comes to your gear, the same is true with the impact you make while stream side.