[pct-l] pole fishing?

[ilja at cs.caltech.edu (Ilja Friedel)]

Hi Bluce,

On Fri, 10 Dec 2004, Bluce Ree wrote:

> Very cool... what size hooks, line and what kind of
> bait do you use?

I would recommend against bait. The most effective bait are salmon eggs. 
(You can buy them in little preserved in little jars.)
The problem with it is, that the fish inhale it deeply and it is very hard 
to remove the hooks. Trout are nearly as crazy for flies made from furr or 
feather. Here the hook most often is attached to their lips.

For small trout in the 5-7 inch range in the High Sierra hook/fly sizes 
are typically chosen in the 14 (large) to 18 range. These flies immitate 
insects In slightly larger streams (Bubbs, Kern etc) you might try 
grasshopper immitations or crystal/wooly buggers sized 10 or 12 for trout 
that are 8-12 inches long (rarer).

Log on to cabelas.com and check out items IE-115799, IE-115800, XE-316312, 
IE-317268, IE-317274, IE-317269 for suggestions.

Fishing line is measured in test strength. I think that 4lb is a good 
number to attach to the hook (about 3 feet long). I use another 7 feet 
of floating fly line (because it floats, casts easier and is highly 
visible). But fly line is usually very expensive, so any replacement or 
just 10 feet of 4lb test will do. (The fish don't mind, and if it is not 
windy it works well.)

A small swivel to clip the line to the end of the rod will complete
the setup. IE-113969, IE-110700

The biggest trick with trout is to not spook them. They can get very 
nervous when they see your dark body against a bright sky. But if hiding 
behind trees or rocks or at dusk you have an advantage. Polarized 
sunglasses help, but they are there even if you can't see them. (And will 
go for the fly.)

You'll need a CA fishing licence (USD 35 to 80) and regulations. The limit 
is typically 5 per day. (Some regions/trout differ.)

Ilja.