Arizona Fishing

Hey for you boys that fish for trout up north, what setups are you using?

I don't think my baitcaster is setup right for that kind of fishing since I live down here in the valley.

And I already have flyfishing gear, but wanna try different means.

 

I use a 6' ugly stick spin reel and 6lb test I have another spool that has 4lb test on it aswell

 

I have an ugly stick and I'm not that big of a fan of it. The girlfriend got it for me for valentine's day. I have a 6lb line on it.

Maybe I just need to change the reel on it and upgrade??

It unspools the line and it gets all tangled up and shit.

**Edit, it's an Uglystick GX2

 

Yeah upgrade your reel and line. I use the Berkley fire line. Its Clear moni. But its not cheap I think was 26bucks for the spool. I will have to check exactly what reel I have its a Shakespeare I know but I forget which model

 

My favorite rig is actually a cheapie eagle claw featherweight rod with a cheap spin cast reel on it and four pound green line. A small hook with power bait with a big split shot about 16" above the hook is what I've had the best luck with around Flag and on the rim.

 

That it is haha what up cody

 

What up cody its Wes!

 

wes, i pmed you. and juan i pmed you as well.

 

Don't use a baitcaster unless you're good at throwing 1/4oz or lighter weight without issues. Best setup is a 6' spinning setup with light light line (6lb max, 4lb preferred). A size 10 single hook (snelled ok) about 3' from a 1/4oz weight up the line works wonders on stock trout when loaded with yellow/orange/bright colors of non-glittered Berkeley Power Bait. Don't use the nuggets, get the dough. Take just enough to press a small ball or diamond shape around the hook to just barely hide the hook and you're good to go. Make sure it is just enough to make the hook end of the rig be able to float off the bottom of the lake. Really compact the bait around the hook and it will survive casting very well.

Cast easily so as to not whip the bait off the hook, and check/change it every half hour or so, or after any significant bites. Trout have excellent vision and I've had them so picky that they will only hit a bait if the hook and knot is entirely hidden. One peek of the hook eyelet, and they won't touch it. Other days, they'll bite a bare hook as I'm reeling it in. Those stock trout get pretty stressed out and won't eat for days after being put into the lake. Usually the week after a stocking is when they're on the prowl.

Cast out, then put your rod in a secure holder of some sort, but not pointing straight in the air. Keep it low. Reel up any slack so you can see even the tiniest bites. If your line goes limp, reel in some slack and wait for bites. Most of my trout bites are hits that bring the bait closer into shore, so be ready for that.

That same rod/reel can also be used to throw small spinners around the shores. Use your baitcaster and heavier line for trolling the lakes in a boat. You will need a medium action rod for that, and probably 8lb test line.

 

Ya i need a new spinner. Not fond of the bait casters

 

I vote this as the best trout and light action spinning reel I've ever owned, and I've had tons. Reason being, their secondary baitrunner drag feature is a built-in clicker and also a way to be able to set up your rod and walk away from it without the fish taking your pole in the water.

Okuma ABF-65 Avenger Baitfeeder Spinning Reel (20lb/320yd)

http://www.amazon.com/Okuma-ABF-65-Avenger-Baitfeeder-Spinning/dp/B000JQMEOU

The ABF-20, their smallest model, is what you want for trout/bass.

You cast out, then tighten up your line while in a pole holder. Then, simply flip the baitrunner drag on the back of the reel and the reel is disengaged HOWEVER it has a clicker built into it so if a fish starts to run away with line you will hear it.

These reels are affordable, have a great ball bearing and infinite anti-reverse, and are smooth as silk. The baitrunner drag was designed to let you have live bait on your hook "run" while you have your bail closed, then just be able to turn the handle of the reel and engage the main drag gears. This setup works great for shore fishing.

 

You guys are awesome. I appreciate the input and recommendations. Maybe I will head to Sportsman's Warehouse soon

 

Let me know if im free. Ill go.

 

As for the no glitter power bait recommendation, I've had great success with the glittery stuff on a few occasions when they aren't biting on the glitter free stuff. But the best approach I've found is to bring 2-3 different varieties in case one doesn't seem to work. I've personally had the best luck with the corn yellow, rainbow, and the garlic power bait varieties.

 

Bump for this thread. Got some new fishing gear, will post pics tomorrow.

 

I picked up a couple as well.

6'6" Cabelas Tourney Trail Med spinner w/ Daiwa Regal XiA reel. $50 w/ free shipping

6' TFO Gary Loomis MH baitcaster w/ Daiwa Exceler reel

The spin reel came with 2 spools, so I was thinking 6# flouro for trout, and something like 10# mono or braid for all around fishing and bass.

Not sure what to use on the baitcaster. 12# mono?

 

Hit up Willow Springs this last weekend. April 25-28.
Big Winds- snow and sleet.
Caught 1 crappie and 2 rainbows: 18" and 19".
Sat in the tent and drank whiskey all day Saturday as it dipped to 30 degrees.




Fishon!
Az

 

I do not know how I managed to miss this fishing thread popping up.. but its good to see that while we all love our Tacomas, we also love some fishing.

I mostly fish Saguaro lake and Canyon lake just because they are close to get started early and hit the lake without too much commuting. One day Ill get a man's job to afford a nice bass tracker, but for now I mainly float tube fish. Got tired of trying to rip lips from the shore so I took to the water to catch my buckets.

My biggest so far this year.. quite shocked I caught her on a nightcrawler in about 3ft of water off of the Sheriff boat dock for those who are familiar with Saguaro.

 

True. Variety is good. I always bring about 6 different colors because if they are usually bound to hit on one of them. Most of the time it's on corn yellow, bright green, orange or pink. Can't go wrong with those 4. The bigger trout love a live minnow either fished on the bottom or off a bobber with a small splitshot and 6' of leader. I made a minnow trap that I use for the Rim lakes that always catches a ton of good minnows with just a piece of bread.