Fishing Waders - Boot Foot Or Stocking Foot Which Do I Need?

I've been fishing in rivers and streams for over 25 years, and I remember when I didn't know what the difference between waders with a "boot foot" and waders with "stocking foot" was. I actually didn't used to understand what these terms meant, and more importantly how they related to me. In this article I'm going to explain the difference between these two options when it comes to choosing a pair of waders .

If you're reading this article you either are thinking about buying a pair of waders or you need a new pair and don't know which option will serve you best. This article will explain the good and bad points of each wader option so that you can make a more informed decision.

When it comes to waders there are two main types of material that you want to concern yourself with; breathable material and/or neoprene. Any of the fishing waders that you might purchase need to be made from one of these two materials. If the fishing waders that you are considering are made out of anything other than breathable material or neoprene, you need to reconsider. These two materials are the most effective materials for fishing waders to be manufactured from.

1. Boot Foot Waders - "Boot foot" fishing waders means that the waders have the boot manufactured into them. In other words the boots are part of the waders. This makes transporting your waders and keeping tabs on your boots easy, but boot foot waders can be much less comfortable to move from fishing spot to fishing spot in. Boot foot waders are fine for the person who doesn't move from fishing spot to fishing spot very often, and doesn't have to hike into fishing area's, although these waders could be carried in a back pack. In my opinion if you are a first time wader buyer, boot foot waders are a great place to start, you simply by them in your shoe size and you're good to go.
2. Stocking Foot Waders - "Stocking Foot" waders have a neoprene sock sewn into them, and wading boots have to be purchased separately. Although purchasing your boots separately adds an additional cost, stocking foot waders are much more comfortable to move around in. If you are anything like me and like to cover a couple of miles, crossing the river several times when fishing, these waders are the way to go. Stocking foot waders are incredibly comfortable. As a matter of fact, once suited up, these waders feel like you're wearing a pair of khaki pants! When it comes to fishing waders, more experienced wade fishermen tend to go with this type. Although a little more expensive, because of the fact that your boots have to be purchased separately, these fishing waders are the much more comfortable option.

Now you know the difference between "boot foot" and "stocking foot" waders. Think about the time you spend fishing in waders and make your decision accordingly. The both have there good and bad points, but at least now you know the difference.

What Is The Best Size Hook For Trout Fishing?

If you walk down the "fishing hook" isle at any tackle shop or search any sporting goods website for fishing hooks, the choices can seem almost unlimited. Deciding on the proper size and style of hook to use for your favorite style of fishing can be a difficult task, but at the same time is one of the most important aspects to experiencing success on the water.

I am a trout fisherman and have been fishing for trout for over 20 years and one of the questions that I get asked more often than any other is, "what is the best size fishing hook for trout?" The problem with this question is that there is no one answer, other than of course as small as possible, but at the end of the day this answer doesn't do anyone much good. Below, I will answer this question by listing the 3 most popular types of fishing hooks that are used for trout fishing, along with the sizes that are the most effective within each style of hook. Depending on your favorite style of trout fishing, you can then use this information to determine the best size hook for you.

1. Treble Hooks
   - Treble hooks are very popular among trout fishermen who like to use dough style trout baits such as Powerbait when fishing for trout. Treble hooks can also be used when trout fishing with soft cheese (such as Velveeta) or even marshmallows as well. Many anglers tend to use treble hooks that are entirely too large under the mistaken assumption that "the bigger the bait, the bigger the fish", when in truth a # 12 or #18 treble hook is all that you need to use when fishing for trout.


2. Gang Hooks
   - This style of fishing hook is not known by a lot of trout fishermen, but it should be. A set of gang hooks is a pair of fishing hooks tied in tandem and is an excellent choice when fishing for trout with live bait. This fact is especially true if a technique such as drift fishing is being employed. The best sizes of gang hooks to use when trout fishing would be #8 or #10.


3. Single Hooks
   - Single fishing hooks are used by many anglers when fishing for trout. The most popular and effective styles of single hooks for trout fishing are salmon egg and bait holder. Again the bottom line here is "smaller is better" and the best sizes to use when fishing for trout would be #10 or even #12. Single trout fishing hooks are also available that are painted red, which is an option that many trout fishermen swear by when it comes to single fishing hooks for trout.

Armed with this information you should never again have to ask or wonder when the best size hook is for trout fishing. Even though the saying isn't that helpful in choosing the best hook option for you and your favorite trout fishing style, it is nonetheless worth keeping in the back of your mind that "the smaller the better" when it comes to any type of effective trout fishing hook. The reason for this is because trout are a species of fish that are generally used to eating many small meals throughout a day, so matching your trout fishing bait to the size of the meals that the trout are used to eating is never a bad idea and will generally result in more bites from hungry trout.

How To Rig Powerbait To Catch More Trout

Are you interested in knowing how to rig Powerbait to catch more trout? I assume so, or you wouldn't be reading this article. In this article I'm going to reveal the best way to rig Powerbait to catch more trout, and the best times to use said trout rig. These two valuable pieces of information will help anyone catch more trout on their next fishing outing.

When talking about trout and Powerbait I think it's important to describe what it is we're fishing for. When you use Powerbait for trout the bottom line is that you're fishing for stocked fish, rather than 'native' fish. These are trout that have been raised and 'planted' by the government. There's nothing wrong with this, it's just the way it is. For the most part the rig that I'm going to describe is used for still fishing in lakes. This can be modified as you see fit, but for me, Powerbait is only used when still fishing is lakes for stocked trout.

Many people ask what color Powerbait is best. I've always said that I've never believed that it matters. If one color isn't working, try another color, it's as simple as that. Stocked trout are no very sophisticated (to say the least) and I simply don't think that color matters much. The important thing to remember is that whatever color you use, make sure that it floats. Flotation is the important aspect this type of trout bait.

Begin by taking the end of your line and slipping on an egg sinker (1/4 to ½ ounce). Now tie on a small barrel swivel (size 10 or 12). The barrel swivel acts as a "stopper" for the weight and helps to prevent line twist. Now tie on a set of pre-tied gang hooks, size 8 or 10 is usually best. Now add enough Powerbait to each hook to completely cover each hook. In other words, when you're done you'll have two balls of Powerbait hanging from the end of your line. This is how to rig Powerbait to catch more trout.

Now cast this rig into the lake, let it sink, and slowly reel in the slack line. Now prop your rod against an immovable object and wait. Your line should be completely taught. The rod tip will bounce when you start to get a bite (it shouldn't take long). Now how do you make sure that you're fishing at the best time?

The best time to be on the water fishing is determined by the weather and moon. All you have to do is pay attention to the weather and moon, and plan your fishing trips accordingly. Seriously, the weather and moon have an incredible impact on the feeding activity of trout and the better you understand this phenomenon the better. This might sound strange, but it's nonetheless true.
Begin using these tips sooner, rather than later and you will begin catching more trout. Albeit stocked trout, but hey sometimes an anglers got to do what he or she has to do.

Catching Trout in a Lake

At this time of year when the rivers and steams become high and muddy, many anglers are reserved to catching trout in lakes. Catching trout in a lake means that you will be fishing for stocked trout much of the time, and stocked trout mean that they shouldn't be terribly difficult to catch. Think about it, if a bear is born and raised in captivity, how much of a mean streak to you think said bear will have? Not much and I feel the same way about trout raised in captivity. Sure they're fun to catch in a pinch, but given the choice, I would much rather catch native trout who have grown as nature intended, and not in a glorified aquarium.

That being said, catching trout in a lake can be quite productive and fun when done properly. How is it done properly? The first thing to do is begin using a set of gang hooks. Obviously anglers know about hooks, but gang hooks are a bit different. You see, gang hooks are simply two small hooks tied in tandem. For trout fishing I suggest size 8 or 10 gang hooks. Gang hooks allow the angler to present a worm in a completely natural manner, and when it comes to catching trout in a lake allows the angler to present Powerbait in a very effective manner.
Although many different baits can be employed while attempting to catch a trout in a lake such as cheese, corn, and marshmallows, the most effective bait that I've found is Powerbait or similar synthetic baits. When a set of gang hooks is employed, no the angler can present twice as much bait, thus doubling their chances of a hook up! This is obviously quite an advantage.

It's quite simple to set up a gang hook rig. Simply take the end of your line and slip an egg sinker onto it (1/4 should work if it's not too windy). Now tie a small barrel swivel onto your line that will act as a "stopper" for the egg sinker. If the egg sinker can slip over the barrel swivel, attach a small split shot to act as a "stopper". Now tie a set of pre-tied gang hooks onto the other end of the barrel swivel (You can make your gang hooks yourself or buy them, it's up to you). Now add your Powerbait or similar synthetic bait to each of the hooks on the set of gang hooks. I like to use just enough bait to completely cover each hook. This is your gang hook still fishing rig. Simply cast this out and let it sink to the bottom. Then slowly reel in any slack line, and wait.

I usually wait for at least 30 minutes before checking my bait if I haven't received any bites. After an hour, I'll usually re-bait, sometimes with a different color. Sometimes something as crazy as the color of your Powerbait can make a difference? You can never tell with these stocked trout. I think they are born without brains in some cases. Who knows what the scientists do to breed these finless wonders? The point is that sometimes the color of the Powerbait makes a difference, and experimentation is the only way to find out which will work best on a given day. At the end of the day, this technique will enable you to catch trout in a lake, especially if stocked trout live in that lake.

Always Use a Longer Fishing Rod When Trout Fishing in the Spring

I don't know about you, but I'm primarily a river angler. There's nothing I enjoy more than standing in a flowing river and fishing. To me, there's something spiritual about the entire process. Many times the terms 'spiritual' and 'fishing' seem to reserved for fly fishermen, which is obviously a complete fallacy, but I digress. As the spring fishing season begins, it means that in many parts of the country, our rivers and streams become high and muddy because of run-off, rain, or a combination of the two. When rivers and streams become high and muddy, fishing becomes much more difficult.

The biggest mistake anglers make with these high water conditions is to try to use the same fishing rod that they use in "normal" water levels. This is a huge mistake and a big reason attempting to fish when the water's high is difficult. If a longer fishing rod is employed when the water is higher, fishing is much less difficult.

A longer fishing rod enables the angler to "feel" both their bait and the bottom much better. As a matter of fact, it makes all the difference in the world. In normal river and stream situations, I use a five foot ultra light fishing rod and reel for my fishing. When the water id high in the springtime, I use a six foot six ultra light rod and reel. That's the only thing that I do differently and it makes all the difference in the world. I still use four pound test line, gang hooks, and live worms. The only difference is that in the springtime I use a longer fishing rod.

This simple tip makes a ton of difference and is so easy. You can even use the same reel that you normally do, just have your longer fishing rod available when the water is higher. And the cost of having an extra rod is minuscule, when compared with the amount of fishing time you gain. So have a springtime fishing rod available, so you don't miss out on this productive time of year. Using a fishing rod that's too short in high water situations will simply result in you feeling so many more less bites that it's not worth fishing with. Having a longer rod available for these high water situations is a great idea.