If you need to handle a fish prior to release, it is best to slip on a cotton glove. The glove enables you to grip the fish without having to squeeze it, avoiding damage to vital organs. A unique lure for catching salmon or trout is "The Flying Condom". It produces a heavy throbbing action when fished properly.
Get a map of the lake or river you are fishing. When you have success, mark the spot (on the map) with an X and describe the weather conditions, fly-lure used etc.
Most lures will work better if attached to the line with a loop knot (such as a Uni Knot. This will allow the lure to swim/work in a more natural way.
The correct way to net a fish is to wait until it is played out and has turned on its side, and then draw it over a fully submerged net head first.
When fishing still waters look for inflows such as streams and waterfalls. These inflows of water deposit foods that attract baitfish, which in turn attract trout.
Before storing a reel that has been used in saltwater, soak it for ¾ of an hour in a bucket of water to get the salt out of the reel.
Old socks make great protectors for reels.
The best way to set your hook is with a sideways motion. Sweep the rod sideways until you feel the line tighten and hold the pressure until the fish begins to fight. This is particularly effective if fishing a river where the current often causes a bow in the line and an upward strike often causes the line to slacken, hence lost fish.
If you are fishing for trout and notice them surface feeding near the bank where no hatch is apparent, they could be feeding on ants.:
Taking the curl from the line:
If your trace gets all curled up and kinked, especially after catching a cod, get a small piece of rubber bicycle inner tube. Fold the rubber in half and run the line through it.
Always wet your knot when tying a knot in nylon line. This reduces friction when pulling the knot tight and helps tighten the knot. The friction creates heat and damages the nylon and can create kinks, which can be an indication of heat damage.
