First Time Trout Magnet User

[FlipaYak]

After reading posts by AlphaHawk and others, I decided to give the Trout Magnets a try yesterday. I was fishing at Williamsport.

I started at Blue Cat fishing to the left of the boat ramp around the outlet pipe. I have a Quantum spinnning reel spooled with 6 lb gold stren on a 6' medium action Ugly Stik Lite rod. I started out with a 1/64 oz TM in Bulldog.

The wind was up, and with my rig I couldn't get much distance. Tried the twitch method and got nothing. I put on a peg float, let the wind and waves do the work, and caught a small bluegill.

I moved over to Goldeneye to get out of the wind. I fished around the boat ramp. Tried the twitch method and nothing. Fished under a float and caught two bluegill and two bass on Bulldog and Mealworm.

I am getting a new reel Saturday and spooling it with 8 lb Nanofil, which I hope improves my casting distance. I'll be back at it again on Sunday and this time I'll be in my kayak.

[agelesssone]

Don't use 8 lb nanofil, I've got that on a reel that previously had 4lb nano on it. Use 4 lb, it will greatly enhance your casting distance.
I mainly throw 1/16th oz jigs so I can get away with 8 lb. But four is a whole lot better, and two is even better but hard to find. Probably have to order it online.

[browntrout]

FlipaYak,
First let me say welcome to the forum. I would urge you to use either 2 or 4 pound test with the trout magnet and also be sure to use a good quality leader. The size of the line makes a HUGE difference when using the trout magnet. I am posting a link to a video that goes into more depth. I am sure Alpha will weigh in on this also and confirm what I am telling you. Again welcome to the forum and catch a bunch.

http://www.troutmagnet.com/video-detail.php?id=4

Roy

[tcintn]

Being part of the Trout Magnet family I agree with Browntrout .
Watch the video which he posted. Beside using 2 lb test line,use a 2 lb test floro leader along with a light action rod. I am not a big proponent of the twitching method like Alphahawk uses. Only because I am not that proficient with a 9' rod. I also know that attaching floro to nanofil can be difficult sometimes.Since I am mostly catching trout,the T M works best when you have movement with the lure under the float and not letting it hit bottom.
PM me sometime and we will communicate on some other thoughts on using the T M.
Ed

[FlipaYak]

I read a lot of info on here and knew that everyone would recommend 4 lb or 2 lb nanofil. My only concern is being able to handle it with my hand, that is tie knots with it.

I was born without my left hand and the hand I have isn't too steady. The 8 lb nanofiil is the diameter of 2-3 lb mono. Right?

I'm worried that the 4 lb or smaller nanofil may be too small for me to comfortably handle. I may go ahead and pick up a spool of 4 lb today so that when the 8 lb comes in the mail tomorrow I can get a feel for both and return the one I don't want to keep.

I've watched all the TM and crappie magnet videos. They were very helpful. The twitch method feels a little unnatural to me right now.

My in-laws have a 3 acre lake that's bass crowded but full of 10" plus bluegills. I'll be there in April and plan to use those bluegills to develop my confidence in different TM techniques.

[browntrout]

I would suggest using the SOS line that is sold by TM. Is is a true mono but it will cast a mile and it is a great quality line plus the price is right. It will be about the same diameter of the 8lb nano you are using now.

Roy

[agelesssone]

If your lake is bass crowded, you need to get in there and take out a bunch of them smaller bass. They cannot eat the larger bluegills and are competing with the adult bass for food. Need to thin them out. I have a friend who won't let anyone fish his 2 acre lake and it is full of 8-10 inch largemouths. Rarely do we see a two pound bass swim by.

[FlipaYak]

If your lake is bass crowded, you need to get in there and take out a bunch of them smaller bass. They cannot eat the larger bluegills and are competing with the adult bass for food. Need to thin them out. I have a friend who won't let anyone fish his 2 acre lake and it is full of 8-10 inch largemouths. Rarely do we see a two pound bass swim by.

I agree but it's not my pond. We don't eat that much bass, and my in-laws can't stomach the idea of me killing every bass I catch.

It's your typical pond story: guy digs a pond, tells his buddies who fish, his buddies who fish put adult bass in it before bluegill, and everyone wonders what happened, "We put a bunch of 6 and 7 pounders in there, but I don't know what happened."

[Alphahawk]

don't use 8 lb nanofil, i've got that on a reel that previously had 4lb nano on it. Use 4 lb, it will greatly enhance your casting distance.
I mainly throw 1/16th oz jigs so i can get away with 8 lb. But four is a whole lot better, and two is even better but hard to find. Probably have to order it online.

x2

[Alphahawk]

FlipaYak I see you are in Spring Hill. I live in Columbia. Don't feel bad about not catching any fish out at Williamsport...I was out there today after Normandy and only caught one small bass. The water is still very cold and the Gills and even the crappie are not that active there yet...but soon. If you PM me I can arrange to meet you and will spool your reel....reels....up with all the SOS 2# test you want. It will save you from having to buy any just to try out to see if you can tie it. Be glad to help you out anyway I can.



Regards

[Reel Tune]

FlipaYak I see you are in Spring Hill. I live in Columbia. Don't feel bad about not catching any fish out at Williamsport...I was out there today after Normandy and only caught one small bass. The water is still very cold and the Gills and even the crappie are not that active there yet...but soon. If you PM me I can arrange to meet you and will spool your reel....reels....up with all the SOS 2# test you want. It will save you from having to buy any just to try out to see if you can tie it. Be glad to help you out anyway I can.



Regards

Welcome the FishingTN, FlipaYak

This is what we're all about, helping others. This is a very nice gesture Alphahawk.

[FlipaYak]

FlipaYak I see you are in Spring Hill. I live in Columbia. Don't feel bad about not catching any fish out at Williamsport...I was out there today after Normandy and only caught one small bass. The water is still very cold and the Gills and even the crappie are not that active there yet...but soon. If you PM me I can arrange to meet you and will spool your reel....reels....up with all the SOS 2# test you want. It will save you from having to buy any just to try out to see if you can tie it. Be glad to help you out anyway I can.

I'll be back at Williamsport with my dad on Sunday.

Here's my challenge. I have one good spinning reel. It needs to catch bluegill, crappie, bass, and catfish all one spool of line. I think the 8 lb nano may be the best combo of cast distance and strength for me.

Alpha, thank you for your offer.

[SAMBOLIE]

I'll be back at Williamsport with my dad on Sunday.

Here's my challenge. I have one good spinning reel. It needs to catch bluegill, crappie, bass, and catfish all one spool of line. I think the 8 lb nano may be the best combo of cast distance and strength for me.

Alpha, thank you for your offer.

FlipaYak, I will add a Shimano Spirex to your arsenal if you want it. It has a spare spool.
If you will send me a pm with a location to meet you in Spring Hill I will deliver it to you. If you want to include a phone # in the pm I will call you.
Do not list your phone # on the forum. Merv is known for making crank calls. :)

I tried to attach a picture of the reel. Not sure I did it right.

[FlipaYak]

Thank you. PM sent.

[MNfisher]

Very kind of you guys! Welcome Flipayak!