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Powerbait, the choice of KFA champions…
Well, err, I wouldn’t go that far but it works well. When I mention Powerbait I should emphasise I am talking about the mouldable range of Trout artificial baits on the market from Berkley. What started out as little more (For most, myself included) than a gimmick in Australia has quickly caught on, becoming probably the number one way to secure a Trout for the table or release from the bank (Fly fishing still reigns supreme though). For a couple of seasons (And longer for other KFA members) I have been shown the ropes on this unique product, everything from product ranges down to rod selection, rigging and landing techniques.
One of the products strongest assets is its ability to float off the ground, team this with light line, a small running ball sinker, and a spilt shot or float stopper and approximately a metre of leader will hold you in good steed to retain a fish. Its principal when used in my favourite lake location, Jindabyne, is to float above the weeds, lightly weighted in staggered distance out from the bank. Getting to know your ledge depths, drop offs and general area features helps as more and more trips in differing locations will bring drastically different results (If you find the fish once, try the same bank again next trip).
To give you a rundown on the scepticism I showed previously towards this product will only take a minute. Being avid Kayak Fishermen the ideal way to target Trout for many of us is to troll the edges or deep water with diving Minnows or Winged styled lures (Tasmanian devils / Loftys). I would often lose sight of my brethren only to find them huddled round a bent stick on the bank, muttering some colour gibberish that only they could understand. After trolling for hours I now pull over for a well earned rest and another technique, two rods out using the waters profundity. The first time I used it I struck out, the corresponding visit I had immediate success!
The range grows bigger by the day and is available in paste form, various nugget forms and insect patterns (Think Night crawlers, Gents, Grubs and Earth worms). A few years ago Berkley introduced the Gulp range of Trout bait, a softer more blended variant of the traditional kind. Its softer texture along with diverse scents make longer inroads on colour selection and it is always worth a look. The thing about Trout baits is there are so many colour variations and names, Chunky Cheese, Lemon Twist, Lime Twist, Orange Pulp just to name a few. Cycle colours every hour or so if the fish just aren’t taking the bait, certain colours may work better than others given the conditions you find yourself fishing in (This is not a hard and fast rule).
What works one day can be left alone the next, factors beyond our understanding of natural Trout movement step into the equation. Trout patrol beats and often cruise the weed beds in foraging mode, these beds can last for metres and can hold decent concentrations of varying species. If you struggle to get a touch think about the external conditions you find yourself fishing in, is it overcast, middle of the day, Hot? All of these factors play a part but won’t dominate your chances; my number one tip for readers is to fish in a group, staggering your two rods each up and down the bank. Pick varying colours and keep random baits close, no need to chuck them all out 30m (Some fish lie a lot closer than you think).
Many of our Jindabyne trip reports have included the use of Powerbait and more often than not it has saved the day. Nothing like a school of fit Rainbows mooching past your offerings and bagging out swiftly. Andrew McGovern from Pure Fishing TV has a nice little introductory video online on artificial Trout baiting, using the range of Berkley products. If anything, have a quick watch to check out the rigs he used, its not crazy science but effectiveness is the key, especially if your $15 Scrub Worms fail.
http://www.purefishingtv.com.au/?p=157
Well, err, I wouldn’t go that far but it works well. When I mention Powerbait I should emphasise I am talking about the mouldable range of Trout artificial baits on the market from Berkley. What started out as little more (For most, myself included) than a gimmick in Australia has quickly caught on, becoming probably the number one way to secure a Trout for the table or release from the bank (Fly fishing still reigns supreme though). For a couple of seasons (And longer for other KFA members) I have been shown the ropes on this unique product, everything from product ranges down to rod selection, rigging and landing techniques.
One of the products strongest assets is its ability to float off the ground, team this with light line, a small running ball sinker, and a spilt shot or float stopper and approximately a metre of leader will hold you in good steed to retain a fish. Its principal when used in my favourite lake location, Jindabyne, is to float above the weeds, lightly weighted in staggered distance out from the bank. Getting to know your ledge depths, drop offs and general area features helps as more and more trips in differing locations will bring drastically different results (If you find the fish once, try the same bank again next trip).
To give you a rundown on the scepticism I showed previously towards this product will only take a minute. Being avid Kayak Fishermen the ideal way to target Trout for many of us is to troll the edges or deep water with diving Minnows or Winged styled lures (Tasmanian devils / Loftys). I would often lose sight of my brethren only to find them huddled round a bent stick on the bank, muttering some colour gibberish that only they could understand. After trolling for hours I now pull over for a well earned rest and another technique, two rods out using the waters profundity. The first time I used it I struck out, the corresponding visit I had immediate success!
The range grows bigger by the day and is available in paste form, various nugget forms and insect patterns (Think Night crawlers, Gents, Grubs and Earth worms). A few years ago Berkley introduced the Gulp range of Trout bait, a softer more blended variant of the traditional kind. Its softer texture along with diverse scents make longer inroads on colour selection and it is always worth a look. The thing about Trout baits is there are so many colour variations and names, Chunky Cheese, Lemon Twist, Lime Twist, Orange Pulp just to name a few. Cycle colours every hour or so if the fish just aren’t taking the bait, certain colours may work better than others given the conditions you find yourself fishing in (This is not a hard and fast rule).
What works one day can be left alone the next, factors beyond our understanding of natural Trout movement step into the equation. Trout patrol beats and often cruise the weed beds in foraging mode, these beds can last for metres and can hold decent concentrations of varying species. If you struggle to get a touch think about the external conditions you find yourself fishing in, is it overcast, middle of the day, Hot? All of these factors play a part but won’t dominate your chances; my number one tip for readers is to fish in a group, staggering your two rods each up and down the bank. Pick varying colours and keep random baits close, no need to chuck them all out 30m (Some fish lie a lot closer than you think).
Many of our Jindabyne trip reports have included the use of Powerbait and more often than not it has saved the day. Nothing like a school of fit Rainbows mooching past your offerings and bagging out swiftly. Andrew McGovern from Pure Fishing TV has a nice little introductory video online on artificial Trout baiting, using the range of Berkley products. If anything, have a quick watch to check out the rigs he used, its not crazy science but effectiveness is the key, especially if your $15 Scrub Worms fail.
http://www.purefishingtv.com.au/?p=157
