Fishing Articles and Information

How To Rig Synthetic Bait

By Trevor Kugler

Many anglers use synthetic bait, mainly for trout fishing, and in this article I'm going to describe the best way to rig this "trout play dough" up.

Although fishing with synthetic bait seems somehow unnatural, a couple of times a year we all need to catch a trout, and the only place to fish because of weather, run-off, and such is a local lake that's been planted with trout.

Synthetic bait is best employed in lakes, and thus still fishing is the preferred method.

Before I continue, let's quickly define our terms.

When I refer to the term synthetic bait I'm referring to any man made trout bait that comes in a little jar.

One of the manufacturer's names for such bait is Powerbait.

What brand you choose to use is up to you, the important thing to keep in mind is the fact that it floats. You want to use a floating synthetic bait. This insures that your bait will float off of the bottom, above any underwater debris.

The next thing to keep in mind is that you're using light line. By light line, I'm referring to line that's no heavier than six-pound test. I personally prefer four-pound test, however six-pound is passable. You see, trout have very keen eyesight and can easily detect your line under the water if it's too heavy.

This means that you need to employ fishing line that's as light as possible. The lighter your line, the more bites you will get.

To rig this type of bait, you only need a few things. Those items include: egg sinkers (1/4 to ½ ounce), small barrel swivels (size 10 or 12), pre tied gang hooks (size 8 or 10), and the bait itself. That's it. That's all the gear you need to effectively rig synthetic bait.

Begin by grabbing the end of you line and slipping on an egg sinker. Now tie one of your barrel swivels onto the line. The swivel should act as a "stopper" for the weight. At this point tie on a set of pre tied gang hooks, to the other end of the barrel swivel. This is your basic rig.

Now add enough bait to completely cover each hook on the gang hooks. This means that you should have 2 balls of bait on your rig. Don't you think twice as much bait would be an advantage? Now cast your offering into the water and allow it to sink to the bottom.

Slowly reel in the slack line until your line is completely taught. Now rest your rod against an immovable object, and it's time to wait. Your rod tip will start to bounce when you receive a bite (it shouldn't take long). My normal rule of thumb is to wait a half an hour to forty five minutes and if I receive no bites, I reel in and re-cast.

What was just described is the most effective way to rig synthetic bait, especially for still fishing. There is nothing as effective as a gang hook rig for fishing with synthetic bait. These hooks also work quite well for live bait (such as live worms). If you weren't sure how to rig synthetic bait, know you know. This rig is extremely effective.

Trevor Kugler is an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.....Montana!