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For many anglers that ponder ways to fool trophy brown trout, flies, spoons or egg sacks are three likely lures in which they tend to place their focus. Those who regularly stalk trophy browns may even tender a tasty morsel of live bait for habitually stubborn slab browns. Moving water anglers can now pilfer an extremely productive method from their still water friends and include hard stick baits in their bag of tricks.
Anglers who regularly pursue trophy browns from lakes and impoundments are well aware of the liklihood of hard stick baits to consistently produce trophy catches. Now take this knowledge to the moving water environments that hold potential for trophy browns and watch these otherwise crafty creatures just go out of their minds as they ferociously crush hard sticks with such vehemence, they will truly almost “rip the rod out of your hands!”.
Hard stick baits, or jerk baits, have really come a long way since the birth of floating balsa-wood lures like those made by Rapala. With improved understanding as to how fish strike lures under certain conditions, and what actually triggers fish into striking more times than not, breakthroughs have been established in fine-tuning hard stick baits and their intricate colors and designs, as well as their rates and depths of suspension . Many companies have mimicked forage so well, it almost seems unfair to the fish…..Hmm, not really!
Under specific conditions, there may not be a more superior method for coaxing trophy browns than offering them a hard stick bait. We are not referring to the one-to-three-inch lengths found in the trout fishing section of the local tackle store or Walmart. Three-and-one-half-inch to six-inch models have proven to be exceptional in their ability to persuade otherwise apathetic trout into fierce strikes. Companies like Bomber, Smithwick, Rapala, Yo-Zuri. Lucky Craft and Team Daiwa all manufacture both floating and suspending models that have proven effective on brute browns.
There are several effective ways to present stick baits. River trout, especially those native to the river, are frequently finicky with their feeding habits. They will often target a very specific food source. If an angler’s enticement does not match that food source specifically, fish will likely not consider striking it. Stick baits and jerk baits trigger reaction strikes from trout feeding on large forage like minnows as well as those feeding on small terrestrials. Reaction strikes may occur from a trout that is otherwise not feeding on forage, but is simply reacting to vibration or flash of the lure encroaching into its territory.
Aggressive trout prefer feeding in current. In larger rivers they frequently use the top portions of runs, shoots and pools for feeding. Areas with shallow, fast moving water that merges with a deeper run or pool are classic feeding zones. And never forget the tail out, or location where water becomes shallow and swift as it exits a run or pool. Cast the lure directly into flowing water and slightly upstream. Then begin an aggressive, twitch-and-pause retrieve. Change the speed of retrieval and length between pauses as indicated by the trout’s preference. Here’s an important hint. When trout are aggressive, the lure cannot be “ripped” too fast. The rod, not the reel, should work the lure. The reel’s purpose is to reclaim the line. Strikes are violent and fifteen-inch trout may initially feel like trophies. Floating and shallow-running lures made by Bomber, Smithwick or Team Daiwa are better choices in shallow water with current. Many strikes occur late in the retrieve and downstream while retrieving the lure into the current, so be prepared for short strikes.
Large trout that are not feeding tend to be lazy. Lazy fish often prefer more placid water. When fishing deep, calm pools and eddies, suspending lures create reaction strikes from lethargic trout. There may also be large trout feeding in deep, calm pools. When big browns are looking up through the water column, floating stick baits ripped frantically just under the surface entice slamming strikes.
Another classic area, specifically during low, clear flows, is the main river channel. The largest browns seek the deepest water during high light penetration periods. The main river channel provides the necessary depth and cover when water is lower and less turbid. The main river channel, when supporting moderate depths and located directly below a fast, shallow rapid or run, will usually hold several willing trophy trout. Cast jerk baits from one side of the channel as close to the opposite side as possible. Then work the lure through the channel. Strikes frequently occur in the middle of the channel or just after the lure exits the deeper water of the channel and enters shallower water.
Many colors will persuade trout. The best producers are those with black backs and silver, gold or chartreuse sides. Combinations of white, blue, light purple and orange also tempt strikes. Be prepared to experiment with different colors and depths of suspension as flows and turbidity changes.
Leave the conventional light-action trout tackle in the garage when fishing for trophy trout in large rivers and streams. Hook sets are vital as native monster browns frequently leap like steelhead when hooked in warmer water. Large brown trout, when hooked in cold water, repeatedly roll over the lure. This motion can dislodge hooks easily. A 6 ˝ to 7 foot medium action graphite rod, like those made by B&R Outlaw Rods, works nicely for achieving adequate hook sets, as well as for effectively retrieving jerk baits and stick baits. Longer rods offer better fish fighting characteristics when fishing larger flows. Softer tapering rods are essential for optimal hook setting. Medium-sized spinning reels like Shimano’s 2500 series are good choices when spooled with six to ten pound Gamma copolymer line. Bait casting gear is applicable as well.
When a large trout slams a stick bait constructed with multiple sets of treble hooks, a real mess can ensue. Pinching down barbs on hooks may cost an angler a fish or two throughout a day of fishing. This practice surely prevents excessive injury to fish (and fishermen!) and will help preserve these extraordinary creatures. A long-nosed pliers is essential for hook removal and quickly returning trout to the water.
There’s nothing bad about catching a powerful trophy brown trout, no matter what method is used. When unconventional methods are necessary, try hard stick baits. When you just want to move the needle on the fun-meter, try hard stick baits. It will assuredly give new truth and meaning to the oft-used fishing axiom, “That fish darn near ripped the rod right out of my hands!”. It may just happen.
Destinations:
1. Lehigh River—Contact Dean Druckenmiller
2. West Branch Delaware River
http://www.backwoodsangler.com
3. Middle Allegheny River—For more information, contact Red Childress at Allegheny Guide Service
http://www.alleghenyguideservice.com
4. Upper Delaware River—Contact Tony Ritter
http://www.gonefishingguideservice.com
Please check local fish and game laws as many of these waters have special regulations areas.