I did some wade fishing today on the South Fork near Conant. I went to my "secret" spot and caught 6 but had to work for 'em. I then fished by the boat launch by the bridge and caught 4 more. 1 rainbow, 5 browns and 4 cuttys. All were caught on Gulp minnows. Biggest brown was 18"...see pic. I broke off a huge rainbow, my fourth time this season I had my line break. I'm using 6lb trilene XL, it's fresh but I think it's getting cut by the teeth of the larger trout. I keep a loose drag but I would like to avio this . Any suggestions would be appreciated..Tom JL
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Are you sure it's being cut close to the hook? 6 pound line isn't very strong. It could be breaking off against underwater obstructions. If you're sure, just switch to a heavier leader.
Nice fish, though.
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I had the same problem w/ magnathin line after about a year on the spool. I've since switched to maxima ultragreen. I have only had breaking problems that I can trace back to my own fault in some way or another since then. Great pics and report! How are you rigging the gulp minnows for fishing the S. Fork? I've thought about trying it a few times but never gotten around to it.
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I have been threading the minnow on a #4 baitholder hook, thru the "mouth " of the minnow, letting it stick out of the back or belly. Then I put a small split shot about 18" up the line from the minnow. Cast it upstream, let it sink for a second then twich your rod tip, reel once or twice, stop, and repeat. This rig looks exactly like a dying minnow. I have not thrown a Rapala all season and have caught a lot of big trout. Check out my reports from the Wind River on the Wyoming board. We caught some pig rainbows all on Gulp. I like to try new things but I am really excited about this Gulp minnow method. I caught a 24" brown earlier this season right where Rainey Creek dumps into that side channel. That spot gets pounded by bank fishermen. I have heard of fly fishermen using the 2.5" minnows on sinking line and slaying "em. And the best part is it's cheap !! I dont mind breking off a rig.
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Thanks for the info. That looks like a great method. With the price of Rapalas I will try anything different.
I would try 8lb P-line still very thin, but it has a coating that protects the mono from abrasion. I have loved it for bass fishing.
Windriver
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what a great day and those are some beautiful fish [cool]
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I have been using the P-Line Halo, and sometimes get frustrated at how strong it is. The Maxima is a good line, but it is quite large in comparison to the Halo or other flourocarbon lines.
I also hit that stretch of river on Saturday, and caught 10 cutts, 1 bow, and two hybrids. I was surprised, because I usually only catch browns. Nonetheless, it was a really good day.
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Thanks for the info. I'll have to give it a try[
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Thanks for the input on lines. I will have to try some of your suggestions. I'm heading out of town for a week, so no fishing for a while...that sucks !!
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I know for me that that type of fishing is brutal on my line..the line gets all sorts of nicks and scrapes from bouncing off the bottom..I have to change my line quite offen.
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I've caught several Brown Trout in the 4, 5, and 6 pound range this year using Trilene XL 6 lb. line and haven't had any problem with line failure but I always use about a foot or two of braided line above the hook with a swivel. If you get a snag the line will break at the swivel. This way the line at the hook will be protected from those nasty sharp teeth. Takes a little longer to rig up but it is well worth it when you get the bigger fish on.
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