PowerBait is a simple trout fishing technique that is both easy and effective and catching stoked trout. However, there can be more to the story than simply chucking a ball of bait out and waiting for a bite. Understanding what to use and what adjustments you may need to make on the water can be a game changer.
If you are just a beginner or are having a hard time producing results this article is for you. Here are some helpful PowerBait fishing tips that will help you catch more fish.
PowerBait Fishing Tips
Tip 1: Use Lighter Line
Line size may not seem like that big of deal, but it can make all the difference. Trout have a keen eyesight and can easily detect heavier line.
In my own experience, I have noticed a huge uptick in my catch rate when I power down to a lighter line. Trout have a harder time picking up lighter line and tend to be more willing to eat.
The heaviest line I will ever use when fishing with PowerBait is 6lb test. The sweet spot seems to be anywhere from 2 to 6 Ib test depending on the situation. I would recommend using 4lb test in most cases.
Always use the lightest line size that you can get away with. This is especially true if you are fishing small lakes and ponds or if the trout are finicky. Water clarity, fish size and the type of structure all play a role in determining the right line size to use.
Bottom Line: Use 4 lb test (never go heavier than 6lbs)
Tip 2: Use a Smaller Treble Hook
The size of your hook is game changer. Don’t make the mistake of using too big of a treble hook (believe me it isn’t fun). The smaller the hook size the better.
I still remember the day I painfully learned this lesson. I was out fishing with some friends and despite everyone around me catching fish, I for the life of me couldn’t catch anything. At first, I thought it was the spot. After switching spots on the boat multiple times, my buddy looked at my hook and laughed. “You are using too big of hooks “, he said. Since that day, I always make sure I have the right size hook tied on.
I have found size 14 to 16 treble hooks to be the most effective. If you go bigger than that you tend to not get bit as much and if you go smaller you might have a hard time setting the hook.
Bottom Line: Use 14 to 16 size treble hooks
Tip 3: Small Bait Size is Key
Many anglers make the mistake of putting too much PowerBait on their hook. You may be thinking; bigger bait equals bigger fish right? This just simply isn’t the case when fishing with PowerBait.
Try using just a dime sized ball. You want to make sure that there is just enough PowerBait to cover your entire hook. No more, no less. Too little of bait will leave your hook exposed producing less bites and too much may cause you to miss more fish.
Bottom Line: Use just enough PowerBait to cover your hook
Tip 4: Adjust Your Leader Length
This is one of the biggest mistakes that I see many anglers make. I get it. Its easier to just stick with one leader length the entire time or until you break off. But trust me. You are going to want to adapt your leader length to the area you are fishing in. But don’t be lazy and changing up your leader size, will be worth it.
I will always start of by using a 16” leader and adjust accordingly:
Longer Leader When:
Fishing in grass or other structure (keep it above the structure)
- Cloudy conditions
- Colder
- Fish are higher in the water column
Shorter Leader When:
- Warmer conditions
- Sunny
- Fish are holding at the bottom
Bottom Line: Get more bites by adjusting your leader length to match the fishing conditions.
Tip 5: Choose Colors Based on Conditions
Everyone has their go to PowerBait colors. Mine are green garlic, chartreuse and rainbow. But don’t be afraid to mix it up.
Fishing conditions are ever changing. Adapting is key. What may have been working in the morning in low light conditions, most likely won’t be working in the afternoon when the sun is out.
Clear and Calm Days
Your best bet on clear sunny days are going to be your light natural colors. Yellow, light greens and pinks all do well in these conditions.
Cloud days and Stained Water
Your bright glitter colors really shine on cloudy days or when there is lower water visibility. Chartreuse is my favorite color in these situations. Orange, rainbow,
For more information on selecting the right PowerBait color check out our (Insert PowerBait color Article)
Bottom Line: Don’t be afraid to mix up your colors and adapt to changing conditions
Tip 6: Use Scent
Have you tried all of these fishing tips and still aren’t getting them to bite? Try using fishing scent.
I’m not going to pretend that I know the exact science behind this one. But I can tell you from experience, using the right scent will get you more bites.
Trout will hit scented baits harder and tend to hold onto them longer than baits that aren’t scented. Although, some bottles of PowerBait already come scented adding a bit more every time you re-cast is a great way to get more bites.
I have always had good luck with Berkley’s PowerBait Trout Scent. Any type of garlic attract also works well.
Bottom Line: Use scent to attract more bites, especially in tough conditions.
Tip 7: Switch Locations
If you are not having any luck in a spot, don’t be afraid to move around. This may mean finding a spot within your spot or moving to the other side of the lake.
It may surprise you that even a small adjustment to your location can pay big dividends.
Just last year I was fishing a local reservoir and wasn’t having any luck. We made a small move about 25 yards and got into a huge school of fish. We spent the next few hours catching fish every few casts.
There is always a sweet spot in every good fishing spot.
A lot of anglers make the mistake of staying in an unproductive spot for too long. If you haven’t caught anything in a half an hour or so, move on. Try another spot.
Bottom Line: Move around until you can find fish