| One of the biggest mistakes that I see on rivers | | | | of my days without ever seeing another "worm |
| and streams throughout the country is people | | | | ball". I personally use a size 10 hook. Well actually |
| fishing on a nice trout stream with fishing | | | | two size 10 hooks tied in tandem. It creates the |
| equipment that would enable them to fight and | | | | most natural presentation possible, and alleviates |
| land a 25 pound striped bass! This is often | | | | the dreaded "worm ball". And let me tell you |
| overlooked as a reason people are unsuccessful, | | | | something; I've caught some very large fish on |
| but it shouldn't be. You're fishing equipment, | | | | size 10 hooks! Much larger than you might think is |
| meaning your rod, reel, line size, hook size, etc. | | | | possible. So match your hook size to what you're |
| It's all of critical importance to the outcome of | | | | fishing for as well. |
| your next fishing excursion. | | | | Now you might be saying, "This is all fine and |
| Let's begin with an example: If you're fishing for | | | | dandy on my local trout stream, but...." I know |
| trout out of your local trout stream, you know | | | | what you're thinking. What if you're after a bit |
| that the likelihood of you hooking into a 5 pound | | | | larger quarry? Let's use another example. How |
| rainbow trout is very slim. Therefore line any | | | | about trolling for Pike in Northern Ontario? A five |
| larger than 6 pound test is overkill. Six pound test | | | | foot ultra light rod, spooled with four pound test, |
| means that the line will stand up to at least six | | | | isn't going to enable you to land much more than |
| pounds of pressure before breaking. Also consider | | | | your bait for these bad boys. But remember, the |
| that the bend of the rod helps take pressure off | | | | same principles apply. |
| of the line as well. So six pound test is more than | | | | In this scenario the likelihood of hooking into a |
| strong enough for your local trout stream. I just | | | | Northern Pike any larger than 25 pounds is very |
| don't know if I can take seeing another "bird's | | | | slim. Therefore, as with the other example, 20 |
| nest" of old line on my local trout stream that is | | | | pound test should be more than enough. If you're |
| obviously 10 pound test! | | | | squeamish, go with 25 pound test, but that should |
| For this example a rod bigger than light action is | | | | do it. Remember, the larger in diameter the fishing |
| overkill as well. A decent light action rod should do | | | | line, the easier it is for the fish to see. So in this |
| the trick. The lighter action the rod and line, the | | | | example, I would say to use a medium to |
| more bites you will be able to detect as well. I | | | | medium/heavy action rod with an appropriate reel |
| personally use a five foot ultra light rod, spooled | | | | attached. Then spool said reel with 18-20 pound |
| with four pound test for almost all of my trout | | | | test line. I personally always tend to go as light as |
| fishing, but some people do think I'm a few bricks | | | | possible. I guess it's just in my blood. I just don't |
| short of a load. Oh well, it's always worked for | | | | need to see any more yea-hoo's out there trolling |
| me. | | | | for Pike with a surf casting setup. |
| What about hook size for the above example? | | | | The bottom line is this: Match your equipment, |
| I've been out on the local trout stream and seen | | | | reel, line, hell all you're fishing gear to the size and |
| anglers (although I use the term loosely) trying to | | | | type of fish that you're fishing for and we'll all be |
| thread a night crawler onto a size 4 hook! You | | | | better off. Not to mention the fact that you'll |
| know what this creates don't you? This creates | | | | catch more fish and probably have more fun. |
| the ever popular "worm ball"! I could go the rest | | | | |