6 expert tips for early-season brook trout

#4 USE SMALL BAITS

Tie on any lure that imitates a small fry, such as a small jerkbait or a simple snelled hook baited with an earthworm. When I’m fishing with a baited snelled hook, I also use an attractor, such as a Lake Clear Wabbler (above) or Williams Flasher Spoon. The wide, oval shape of these attractors, as well as their action, ensures my offering stays in the upper portion of the water column. Keep in mind that if the spoon begins to spin instead of sway side to side, you’re working it too quickly and the line will twist. To further prevent spinning, attach a swivel in front of the attractor and another one behind it, which will counter the rotation of the snelled hook. Snelled hooks and jerkbaits aside, small 1/16- and 1/32- ounce jigs are also good choices. As for fly fishing, two streamers attached one behind the other on floating line can also be effective Whatever you choose, just be ready to set the hook at the slightest nibble or bump.