How to catch trout using a spinning rod

Trout attracts the attention of anglers with its caution and lively behavior on the hook.
The most common device for catching it is a spinning rod. For successful fishing, you first need working gear. Currently, in different regions of Russia you can hunt trout.
Until recently, this fish was rarely caught on a hook. However, the emergence of paid trout ponds made it possible to experience the charm of a rapid bite. One of the most versatile tackles for trout fishing is considered to be a spinning rod. With this fishing rod you can successfully fish both in artificial reservoirs and in rivers or lakes of natural origin. However, not every spinner can boast that he knows the secret of trout biting. Very often the spinning rod itself becomes the cause of failure. What are the main characteristics of this gear that a fisherman needs to pay attention to?

First of all, you need to take the choice of fishing rod seriously and meticulously. It plays a fundamental role in successful trout fishing. The main parameters for selection will be the rod action and its length.

Spinning rod length

Most beginning spinning anglers think quite simply when choosing the length of the rod. Some rely on their height and hand size to buy three-meter poles. In addition, according to anglers, it is more convenient to control the retrieve with a longer spinning rod and it is easier to overcome coastal obstacles in the form of bent bushes or grassy thickets. And a rod with parameters of 2.7-3.0 m allows you to cast the bait further than a similar spinning rod of 2.1-2.4 m.

However, these seemingly compelling arguments also contain controversial points. If we compare the state of trout rivers in European countries with Russian realities, it turns out that the vast majority of our reservoirs are characterized by overgrown, remote coastal zones. With a long spinning rod it is not only inconvenient and dangerous to make your way through the jungle of tall grass and dense bushes. With a three-meter rod it is impossible to accurately cast bait in a small window from an awkward position. And if the spinning rod has a slow action, then casting the bait becomes completely unrealistic.

From all of the above we can draw a simple conclusion. For trout fishing, in each specific case you need a spinning rod of a certain length. Otherwise, you will have to limit yourself to fishing in well-studied paid ponds or individual sections of the river.

Choosing a spinning rod

The choice of spinning rod depends on where exactly you plan to fish.

• Overgrown shore. In such places it is recommended to use a short rod.
• Luring out of pits. For this kind of purely summer fishing, a spinning rod is required that can cast as accurately as possible.

For trout fishing, the most optimal would be:

• Area spinning rod with slow action. It is perfect for hunting trout in ponds.
• Stream spinning. This type of gear is highly specialized. Initially they were made for the salmon family, in particular for trout.

Let's conduct a small rating-review of the characteristics of spinning rods that allow you to catch trout in more or less universal conditions:

Universal fishing rods, which are perfect for rivers with fast currents and ponds where everything is relatively still, have the following parameters:

• Bait weight: up to 7 grams.
• Model weight: Up to 100 grams.
• Material: graphite fiber.
• Availability of touch reel seat: yes.
• Rings: light.

If you are going to do river fishing, then spinning rods with the following characteristics are perfect for trout fishing:

• Bait weight: up to 14 grams.
• Length: 2 meters.
• Number of sections: 2.
• Number of rings: 7.

If fishing is in a pond:

• Bait weight: up to 28 grams.
• Length: 2.5 meters.
• Number of sections: 2.
• Number of rings: 9.

Ultralight spinning rods

The characteristics of ultralight models are extremely diverse. They are used in a very wide range. The span of the rod can reach 2.5 meters, and the weight of the bait can be from one gram to 12 grams.

Ultralight is ideal for trout hunting, because it accepts extremely light baits, instantly responds to bites and makes it possible to make timely hooks.

Ultralights with the following parameters have proven themselves to be excellent in trout fishing:

• Rod: short, 1.5 m, rigid.
• Possibility of fishing among bushes: ideal.
• Handle: short.
• Rings: titanium, light
• Rod: long, 2.3 m, rigid.
• Possibility of fishing in large rivers: yes.
• Sensitivity: especially high.
• Handle: spaced.
• Rod: universal.
• Possibility of fishing in large rivers: yes.
• Possibility of fishing among bushes: yes.
• Bait weight: from 3 grams to 12 grams (overload is acceptable).
• Hardness: medium.
• Build: medium.
• Sensory: high.

Choosing a rod action

There is an opinion among fishermen that fast-action spinning rods are not suitable for trout fishing. This statement is explained by the fact that even a small pest weighing 500 g behaves briskly on the hook, making continuous jerks. In addition, the friction brake of a spinning reel cannot guarantee victory in this stubborn struggle with fish.

When fishing for trout in snags, spinners have to fully tighten the clutch all the way. In such a situation, there is a high risk of fish disappearing. With each powerful jerk of the trout, the angler's breath catches as the rod bends into an arc. Only a flexible spinning rod allows you not only to withstand the jerks of the fish, but also to slowly but surely tire it.

Today, spinning anglers who are seriously interested in trout fishing have begun to give preference to special fishing rods that have proven themselves in different fishing conditions. These rods are called Trout. They include both ultralight models for hunting pond moths and powerful Heavy class fishing rods for catching trophy specimens on fast rivers.

Trout rods come in two varieties called Area and Stream.

Where to fish

There are not many places in Russia where you can successfully catch trout, and in many regions you can even count them on one hand. This fact forces anglers to use the best tackle and bait to increase the efficiency of their fishing.

Paid reservoirs

Fishing on paid platforms is not favored by most domestic fishermen, but for trout fishing lovers in many regions it is the only chance for the coveted trophy, since there are simply no “wild” trout in some areas.

As a rule, paid reservoirs are small ponds with rainbow trout released there in fairly large quantities - ideal conditions for Area class spinning rods. In most cases, fishing on paid platforms occurs from the shore, but there are also reservoirs where it is allowed to use a boat. Rainbow trout loves cool water, which is why they usually try to stay at depth - this must be taken into account when choosing bait and bait. If the reservoir is, in principle, deep enough, promising points for fishing will be various unevenness of the bottom topography: tubercles, slopes, holes and snags.

Fishing for wild trout

If we talk about fishing in natural reservoirs, then trout is usually caught in mountain rivers and streams. The main principle of this type of fishing is to move only against the current. The reason for this is quite simple: a trout, frightened by the actions of a fisherman (and the appearance of such is inevitable, especially when fishing in clear water with a not very strong current), always seeks to escape by going downstream, even if for this it has to swim under a person’s feet. When a frightened individual swims into the hole where the fish is standing, the rest of the trout in it also freezes and stops responding to the bait. It takes a lot of time for it to calm down, so by moving with the flow, you can spoil the bite for yourself.

In natural reservoirs, salmon also try to stay in holes, especially if the river or stream is not too deep. Often the fish stands under branches hanging over the water, fallen trees, as well as on drains in places where the channel narrows and the current accelerates.

When fishing in mountain reservoirs, it is important to take into account the bottom topography - a large number of sharp stones can lead to snags and line breaks on sharp edges for an inexperienced fisherman.

Also, when fishing in natural reservoirs, it is necessary to take into account the visibility in the water. If it is average, fishing will be most comfortable. However, if the water is crystal clear, it is necessary to cast while being at the maximum distance from the water, since trout, unlike most other types of fish, reacts very strongly to the silhouette of the angler and his shadow.

Currently, the main place for trout fishing in Russia is still paid ponds, since only a small number of regions, such as the Caucasus, have natural reservoirs in which this fish is present in abundance and is not prohibited from fishing.

Spinning rods Area

Rods marked Area game are suitable for catching any fish in artificial reservoirs. They were best studied by masters of trout fishing. For such spinning, several rules must be followed:

• fishing should be carried out in clean water areas where there are no dead hooks;
• The main spinning bait should be micro-oscillators, small cranks, minnow wobblers and spinners.

Among the variety of Area rods for trout fishing, the optimal one is a stick with a slow action and a test load of up to 3 g. Thanks to this spinning rod, it is easy to cast miniature baits long distances, as well as successfully deal with the resistance of prey.

The handles of Area spinning rods are short and are designed to be manipulated with only one hand. As an example, here are several popular models of this class:

• Shimano Cardiff Area Special;
• Major Craft Troutino;
• Smith Fieldream;
• Graphiteleader Belezza;
• Hearty Rize Area Master.

A little about fishing technique

Closer to spring, the most effective fishing is closer to the bottom of a shallow body of water. At the end of summer and closer to autumn, trout bite at virtually any depth.

Long-distance casts are most effective so that a wobbler or spinner can play in thick water layers. Then the trout finds them the most interesting opponent.

Smooth retrieving is the key to success; before retrieving the bait, pause before the next cast. It is during these stops that bites usually occur.

Do not rush to complete the wiring, let the last meters be smoother. The spoon and its petals should move smoothly; slight trembling and unnatural vibrations always alert the trout.

If you decide to start fishing for trout in a shallow body of water, then do it by wading. The fish is not afraid of everything in the water, the fisherman is no longer invisible to it, and the places where the trout are hiding are, on the contrary, more visible to the angler.

Fishing for trout on a platform

All anglers engaged in spinning fishing in the pond are doomed to catch, because the trout have not had time to adapt and are caught on almost all types of bait. The only thing that trout, which are accustomed to living in large groups, are trained to do is absorb food; when they find themselves in bodies of water, they naturally become more voracious.

If you decide to hunt trout on a platform, we advise you to first start fishing around the entire perimeter. Pay attention to the nooks and crannies of the pond, especially those places where there are reeds, bushes and other vegetation - trout prefer these areas.

If you are fishing with a spoon, let it go 20 centimeters deep, then smoothly bring it to the very surface. When the bait hangs at the very edge of the water, a bite usually occurs. This is not surprising, because trout are accustomed to feeding, so the spoon seems like food to it.

If all the good spots are occupied, you still have a chance of catching a large specimen, just lure it with a good, long-range cast. After casting, quickly rewind the thread and replace the bait with a smaller one. After that, throw again.

Fishing for trout in streams

Fishing for trout in streams using a spinning rod is a very dynamic activity. It is necessary to perform 5-7 throws and move to a new place. If all your casts are unsuccessful, then most likely there are no fish, or the trout are simply scared. This is also possible if the trout has escaped and is now afraid to swim out to hunt. If you move to a new place and repeat a series of throws, the trout will start biting again.

We advise you to cast exclusively in the direction of the sources of the water flow, upward, because trout always stops against the water flow, waiting for prey. Therefore, you should move upward along the coast.

Catching this amazing species is one of those exciting activities that develops patience and endurance in the angler. Trout is a worthy opponent!

Stream rods

The very name of this category of spinning rods speaks about their purpose for fishing in the wild. These rods are more powerful than their analogues from the Area group, although the line includes the entire range of fishing rods: from ultralight to heavy models.

A distinctive feature of Stream rods is their rigidity. These spinning rods are designed for twitch fishing in fast currents. The material used for manufacturing is a composite with a high glass content.

Some Stream spinning rods are equipped with metal reel seats. The best baits for trout fishing are minnow wobblers, crankbaits and spoons.

Among the elite samples of trout rods from the Stream group, it is necessary to highlight:

• Banax Mega and Ultra;
• Croix Wild River;
• Daiwa Silver Creek;
• Major Craft KGLights;
• Tenryu Juvia;
• Pontoon-21 Unitra.

The best budget ultralight spinning rod

No. 5 – Mikado Matrix 888 Ultralight Spin

Mikado Matrix 888 Ultralight Spin
This model is produced in Poland. It has high strength characteristics, is durable, reliable and easy to use. This is an excellent option for catching various predators that are greedy for small bait. Overall, the Mikado Matrix is ​​a whole line of rods, and nothing bad has ever been said about any of them. Ideal option for a beginner.

Length - 2.14-3.05 m, weight varies from 160 to 210 g. The product is elegant, beautiful and durable, made of carbon fiber type MX-9. Has good modern ring fittings. The handle is made of cork. Kevlar braid provides a high level of strength. At the same time, the product maintains minimal weight, allows you to make fast and long casts and is very convenient to use.

pros

• easy
• high strength
• ease of use
• Suitable for different predators
• suitable for beginners
• ideal for fast casts

Minuses

• not detected

Prices for spinning rods Mikado Matrix 888 Ultralight Spin

Mikado Matrix 888 Ultralight Spin

No. 4 - Shimano Force Master

Shimano Force Master
This is a spinning rod from China, but this does not make it bad - just cheap enough, and therefore accessible to everyone. This is a very durable option, the cost of which starts at about 3 thousand rubles. To be precise, Shimano Force Master is a whole series of rods, and the price may be higher on some certain models.

It is noted that this option is made of durable materials - for example, fine-crystalline carbon fiber, and has reliable and high-quality fittings. But his sensitivity is low. But the option is suitable for using a variety of baits, such as wobblers, spinners, and so on. Features a long service life.

In short, this spinning rod is the ideal combination of price and quality for an amateur fisherman and a thrifty owner. Perfect for the beginning fisherman.

pros

• high strength
• nice price
• ideal for a beginner
• reliable
• durable
• you can use different baits

Minuses

• low sensitivity

Prices for Shimano Force Master spinning rods

Shimano Force Master Ul ultralight

No. 3 - Shimano Catana CX 210UL

Shimano Catana CX 210UL
Another “Chinese” that is praised by many. The model is fast with a bias towards medium action and is ideal for a beginner.

The spinning rod has a test weight of 1-11 grams and a length of just over 2 meters. The product is made of durable composite materials (XT 40 & Geofibre) and equipped with a cork handle. Holding it in your hand is comfortable in any conditions and in any weather. The weight of the product is only 104 g. The model is very sensitive, making it easy to make long casts.

The cost of this option starts from 2.5 thousand rubles. Therefore, it should be chosen by those who are not ready to spend a lot of money, but want to try fishing with an ultralight rod. Included is a convenient case for storage and carrying.

pros

• easy
• inexpensive
• high strength
• ergonomics
• high sensitivity

Minuses

• not detected

Prices for spinning rods Shimano Catana CX 210UL

Shimano Catana CX 210UL

No. 2 – Favorite White Bird WB-682UL-S

Favorite White Bird WB-682UL-S
An excellent composite version of a fishing rod with a length of just over 2 meters and a weight of only 80 g. Lightweight, convenient, ideal for a beginner, not only because of this, but also because it has a low cost.

The spinning rod has a rod made of carbon fiber material - carbon fiber/carbon fiber. The handle is made of one of the newest and most popular materials - Eva. It is pleasant to hold in your hands in any conditions. The Korea SiC guides are arranged in a special way, so the rod makes it possible to cast without difficulty even over long distances.

The appearance of the spinning rod is quite stylish. The only disadvantage is low sensitivity.

pros

• durable product
• inexpensive option
• unique ring arrangement
• Eva handle
• comfortable use

Minuses

• low sensitivity

Prices for spinning rods Favorite White Bird WB-682UL-S

Favorite White Bird WB-682UL-S

No. 1 - Daiwa Spinmatic

Daiwa Spinmatic
Rods from this Japanese brand - Daiwa - have long been in the TOP of the best products. The brand itself has also repeatedly been included in the ratings of the best gear manufacturers. And it is not surprising that the Spinmatic model, the cost of which varies within a couple of thousand rubles, is popular.

The spinning rod is made of sicylated graphite, which allows it to be considered one of the most durable. But at the same time it is plastic, since it has cavities in the upper part. This allows you to use the rod for high-precision casting of small and light baits. The handle is made of cork, comfortable and ergonomic for the hand.

This is an excellent option for catching small predators, as well as for catching trout and perch. Much depends on what kind of bait the angler chooses. This is a neat spinning rod, lightweight and perfectly balanced, which also has excellent performance indicators. The product has an excellent, reliable spool holder. It is also equipped with good fittings - the rings have silicon inserts.

pros

• inexpensive option
• Japanese manufacturer
• high strength
• allows you to make accurate throws
• excellent balance

Minuses

• not detected

Prices for Daiwa Spinmatic spinning rods

Daiwa Spinmatic UL ultralight

Reviews of Daiwa Spinmatic spinning rods

Coil

The right trout spinning reel is just as important as a good fishing rod. Experienced spinning anglers recommend focusing on inertia-free models with a high gear ratio (at least 5:1). This choice is explained by the fact that when moving the bait downstream, you have to very quickly rotate the “meat grinder” handle, and this is not particularly pleasant. The optimal gear ratio would be 5.2:1 or 6:1.

To equip a spinning rod, you need a reel with a reliable instant reverse stop. When rotating, it should calmly collect the fishing line, and the line handler should be clearly fixed. During reeling, the angler can feel the play of the bait, which also indicates the positive properties of the reel.

When to catch

As with any fish, the behavior of trout depends largely on the season during which the fishing takes place. As the temperature and weather change, the fishing tactics that bring the angler maximum results must also change.

in spring

The spring period is considered difficult for trout fishing. After wintering, the activity of the fish gradually increases, it begins to move around the reservoir in search of food. However, melting snow and ice leads to an increase in water levels and, accordingly, to its pollution, which impairs visibility for fish and significantly reduces the likelihood of a bite. After the mud settles to the bottom, it is a favorable time for trout fishing. At the end of spring, when the water has not yet warmed up, but has already become transparent, you can catch this fish throughout the entire reservoir, including closer to the surface.

When fishing in conditions where the water is slightly polluted, brightly colored baits will be more effective, but if the water turns the color of coffee with milk, it will be more effective to simply stay at home.

In summer

The hot season has its own specifics for trout fishing. At this time, baits with greater depth become most relevant, since the fish, in search of cool places, slide deeper and deeper as the water warms up. The most active bite at this time is observed at dawn, as well as at sunset.

The most promising places in summer are hard-to-reach places, such as snags or driftwood submerged at depth. It is important that the baits used have the most active and interesting game, since during the hot season the reservoirs in which trout live are abundant in food, and it can be difficult to provoke the fish to bite.

in autumn

In autumn, trout fishing is considered the most productive. This happens due to the fact that in the second half of October this fish, like most others, begins to actively feed before the onset of winter cold. Moreover, the water temperature at this time gradually decreases, due to which the trout have the opportunity to leave the holes in which they spent most of the summer and begin to look for food in the water column. In summer, this fish also becomes less timid, which makes the fisherman’s task easier.

In the autumn, trout fishing can be quite effectively carried out until the freeze-up, and all this time the bite, with a high degree of probability, will be quite active.

in winter

During cold weather, only professional fishermen dare to fish for trout. Many spinning anglers, due to the lack of opportunity to fish with their favorite tackle, put the rod aside and wait for the onset of spring, while others, using spinners and jigs for ice fishing, go hunting again. In winter, trout are passive, but in most cases they prefer to stand in the largest and deepest holes, called wintering holes. With the help of an echo sounder from the ice, it is quite possible to locate the sites of this fish and, possibly, catch a worthy specimen.

Features of ultralight spinning rods, their advantages and disadvantages

Anglers prefer UL (ultralight) spinning rods for their ability to bring big catches. Microbaits, which can weigh even less than 1 g, attract both small representatives of peaceful fish and large predatory individuals. Therefore, when, for example, a pike weighing 6 kg bites on such a device, certain skills are required to get it, and the delight experienced from fighting a predator knows no bounds.

However, these models require proper handling to avoid breakdowns and other unpleasant consequences. And since the cost of UL spinning rods is quite high, adequate use of the device requires experience, which can only be acquired through the learning process.

When choosing a suitable ultralight spinning rod, you must be guided by some selection rules. There are several criteria:

• rod device;
• fishing line test;
• coil.