Trout Magnet Help

[Danocaster]

hey everybody !!

My name is Dan - I'm a guitar builder here in Nashville and have just recently got the fishing bug BAD - I'm hooked !!

I've been lurking for a while but post very rarely. Lemme take this opportunity to thank you all for this great wealth of knowledge you guys share here !!

The question :

I recently bought the basic Trout Magnet kit - as well as their recommended rod / reel along w/ the 2 lb test and flouro leader.

I've had some success w/ small fish hitting it when NOTHING ELSE WOULD. I like that part of it. However , it's SO light - that I find it difficult to :

* control my casts ( as in - where they go - even though I can get 15 ft distance)

* feel the lure enough to know if I'm working it correctly - or even where I am in relation to the bottom. Until a fish hits it - it feels like just line

Do any of you add a little weight to the line to help in these matters ?? Or do I just need to get used to something unfamiliar to me ??

I appreciate any advice guys - and thanks for schooling a newbie !!

any other guitar players out there want a fishing partner ??

[Alphahawk]

Originally Posted by Danocaster

hey everybody !!

My name is Dan - I'm a guitar builder here in Nashville and have just recently got the fishing bug BAD - I'm hooked !!

I've been lurking for a while but post very rarely. Lemme take this opportunity to thank you all for this great wealth of knowledge you guys share here !!

The question :

I recently bought the basic Trout Magnet kit - as well as their recommended rod / reel along w/ the 2 lb test and flouro leader.

I've had some success w/ small fish hitting it when NOTHING ELSE WOULD. I like that part of it. However , it's SO light - that I find it difficult to :

* control my casts ( as in - where they go - even though I can get 15 ft distance)

* feel the lure enough to know if I'm working it correctly - or even where I am in relation to the bottom. Until a fish hits it - it feels like just line

Do any of you add a little weight to the line to help in these matters ?? Or do I just need to get used to something unfamiliar to me ??

I appreciate any advice guys - and thanks for schooling a newbie !!

any other guitar players out there want a fishing partner ??

Many times I....and many others.....will add a size B split shot 12 to 18 inches up the line from the TM. It helps you feel the lure as you twitch the lure.....plus increase casting distance. Fishing the Trout Magnet in the wind can get difficult. Many of us will then use a float and let the action of the chop on the water work the lure. Try adding the size B split shot and you will see a big change in the feel. It does take some getting used to.


Regards

[creekcrappie]

If you are fishing for trout in a stream or river, I normally just use it with the jig head and the ez float. But, if the water if moving fairly fast, and you cannot get it down fast enought, I usually put a bb size splint shot on it. You want it a few inches from the bottom.

[Danocaster]

I'm not really fishing for trout.. Mostly anything but trout

and mostly from the bank - although a Kayak sometimes as well

[creekcrappie]

I have only Had luck with it fishing for trout, althought I occasionally catch some bluegill with it. Have not really fished with it enought for anything else to rate it yet.

[Travis C.]

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

Many times I....and many others.....will add a size B split shot 12 to 18 inches up the line from the TM. It helps you feel the lure as you twitch the lure.....plus increase casting distance. Fishing the Trout Magnet in the wind can get difficult. Many of us will then use a float and let the action of the chop on the water work the lure. Try adding the size B split shot and you will see a big change in the feel. It does take some getting used to.

Regards

I am pretty much the same way. If there is not a float on it then there is a split shot. Only exception maybe the Caney on low water and no shot. My rule is if there is not enought wind or current to move the float then I take it off. If I have to move it then it's better without. Just my rule of thumb.

A lot of times you may be be moving it too fast and why you can't feel it. If you are working it slow enough you'll feel it bounce of bottom or what ever is down there. Slower the better seems to be way to go for me.

[MNfisher]

I actually never use a float and I have only used a split shot 2 times and both were on Pickwick fishing 20-30 feet of water. Otherwise its just the 1/64th oz jig and magnet.

[Danocaster]

so... once you cast it out , you wait for a bit for it to really sink before the 1st twitch ?

it seems that it sinks pretty slow - but , then again , I can't usually see it - or feel it so I'm sorta flying blind

If I can get a 15 ft cast - and then need for it to sink several feet down - it sinks but also comes closer to the direction of the rod ( shore ).

THEN I begin the twitch / retrieve ?

[MNfisher]

I can consistently get a 30'+ cast if the wind isn't affecting it. So that makes a difference. But depending on the depth I am fishing and what depth the fish are at determines if I twitch right away or let it sink first.

[Danocaster]

that's helpful , Mike

I'm probably casting a lot further than I'm saying

I think I just need a bit more experience fishing with these

do you tend to prefer the silver or gold heads ?

[Alphahawk]

Originally Posted by Danocaster

that's helpful , Mike

I'm probably casting a lot further than I'm saying

I think I just need a bit more experience fishing with these

do you tend to prefer the silver or gold heads ?

You will find the black heads are best.....the silver and gold are plated and not as sharp as the black ones. They are coming out with a new hook so this should solve that problem. The TM sinks very slow. This time of year the fish will suspend and it doesn't have to sink too far for you to start working it and get hits. I will fish it without a split shot if there is no wind at all. Depending on the rod you can get a good cadence going and feel the jig head. I will always count down to the depth I want and then start the retrieve. If I am fishing an area I don't know the depth I will count down with several casts and sacrifice a couple of jigs to the bottom so I have an idea of the depth.



Regards

[MNfisher]

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

You will find the black heads are best


Regards

Yep, I only use black

[Tightlines]

Black as well... Alpha is the master, take his advice and cast with it... Congrats Mike on your spread in The Angler!

[Danocaster]

ok...black heads on order - as well as Bison and Purple Redemption

[MNfisher]

Originally Posted by Tightlines

Congrats Mike on your spread in The Angler!

Thanks! I am very blessed to have their support!