A question that comes up a lot for anglers new to trout fishing is how to use Powerbait for trout fishing. Let's begin by defining the term "Powerbait". When I refer to the word "Powerbait" I'm referring to any synthetic bait that comes in a small container and is molded onto a hook as bait. Synthetic baits like this are made by different companies, and the only important thing, as far as catching trout is concerned, is that your synthetic bait floats.
Using Powerbait for trout fishing is really quite simple. There are a few things that can be done to tip the odds into your favor though. The first of these things is to make sure that your using light fishing line. We are talking about fishing for trout, which means that the water that you're going to be fishing in should be fairly clear. Couple this with the fact that trout have very keen eyesight, and the bottom line is that you should be employing light fishing line. I suggest four-pound test monofilament.
The next tip is to make sure that you're using small hooks. The smaller your hooks, the les visible those hooks will be to the fish (which is a good thing). Again, trout have very keen eyesight and can detect hooks very easily. For this reason, small fishing hooks should be employed. I suggest size 8 or 10 hooks for almost all trout fishing.
Along with the size of your hooks, the way your hooks are set up is important as well. This is why I suggest using gang hooks. If you don't know what gang hooks are, they are simply a pair of small hooks tied in tandem, thus enabling you to present bait naturally, or in the case of Powerbait, gang hooks enable you present twice as much bait. Doesn't it seem as if this would work to your advantage?
Here's a great rig for using Powerbait to catch trout. Begin by taking the end of your line and slipping on a small egg sinker (1/4 to ½ an ounce). Now tie on a small barrel swivel, which will act as a "stopper" and help prevent line twist. On the other end of the barrel swivel, tie on a set of pre-tied gang hooks (size 8 or 10). Now add enough synthetic bait to each hook to completely cover each individual hook. This is your rig. Now cast it out and let it sink.
Slowly reel in the slack line and set your rod against a solid object. You want your line to be completely taught. Your rod tip will start to bounce whenever you get a bite. My normal rule of thumb is to wait thirty to forty five minutes, and if I don't receive any bites, I check my bait and re-cast. This rig works extremely well for trout fishing with Powerbait (or any floating trout bait).
Another important thing to keep in mind is when you are fishing. That's right, there are some times that are better than others, which is why you should always pay attention to the weather and moon. That's right knowing how the weather & moon relate to fishing will pay huge dividends in your fishing success. This simple information has a huge impact on you catching trout, believe it or not.
These simple tips and techniques will help you catch more trout when fishing with Powerbait, or any other synthetic trout bait. How am I so sure of this fact? Because, I've been using this exact information to catch more trout for more than 20 years and know how effective it is.