Tying a trout line can refer to two main aspects: mastering the essential knots for attaching tackle to your fishing line for trout, and the method of setting up a longer line with multiple hooks, sometimes called a trotline or longline, for passive trout fishing. Both are crucial for successful trout angling.
Essential Knots for Trout Fishing Tackle
Strong and reliable knots are the foundation of successful trout fishing. They ensure your hook, lure, or leader stays securely attached, preventing lost fish and tackle. Here are some fundamental knots every angler should know for trout fishing:
Tying to a Hook or Lure
When attaching your main fishing line to a hook, lure, or swivel, you need knots that are strong and hold tight under pressure.
- Palomar Knot: This is one of the strongest and most reliable knots, especially effective with braided line but also great for monofilament and fluorocarbon. It's relatively easy to tie and retains much of your line's breaking strength.
- Best Use: Attaching hooks, lures, and swivels.
- Line Types: Excellent for all line types, especially braided.
- Improved Clinch Knot: A classic and widely used knot for tying monofilament and fluorocarbon lines to hooks, lures, and swivels. While slightly less strong than the Palomar with braid, it's a solid choice for lighter monofilament lines.
- Best Use: Attaching hooks, lures, and swivels.
- Line Types: Best for monofilament and fluorocarbon.
Joining Lines (Leaders, Mainline)
Connecting two lines, such as your main line to a fluorocarbon leader, requires knots that are smooth, strong, and can pass easily through rod guides.
- Blood Knot: Renowned for its strength and slim profile, the Blood Knot is ideal for joining two lines of similar diameter, making it perfect for attaching a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader to a main line of comparable thickness.
- Best Use: Joining leaders to main lines, or two pieces of line.
- Line Types: Best for monofilament and fluorocarbon of similar diameters.
- Double Uni Knot: A versatile and strong knot capable of joining lines of differing diameters, including monofilament to braid, or a heavier leader to a lighter main line. It's a reliable choice when line types or sizes vary.
- Best Use: Joining lines of different diameters, including braid to monofilament/fluorocarbon.
- Line Types: Versatile for all line types.
Knot Reference Table
| Knot | Primary Use | Best for Line Types |
|---|---|---|
| Palomar Knot | Attaching hooks, lures, swivels | All, especially braided |
| Improved Clinch | Attaching hooks, lures, swivels | Monofilament, Fluorocarbon |
| Blood Knot | Joining lines of similar diameter (leaders) | Monofilament, Fluorocarbon |
| Double Uni Knot | Joining lines of different diameters | All, including braid to mono/fluoro combos |
For detailed, step-by-step instructions on tying these knots, you can find excellent visual guides and tutorials online from reputable sources like Animated Knots by Grog or TakeMeFishing.org.
Setting Up a Multi-Hook "Trout Line" (Trotline or Longline Method)
Beyond individual tackle knots, "tying a trout line" can also refer to the method of deploying a longer line equipped with multiple hooks for passive fishing. This technique is often used for catching fish like trout in specific environments. It's crucial to check local fishing regulations, as the use of trotlines or longlines is often restricted or prohibited.
Across a Channel or River
This method leverages the natural movement of fish through a confined waterway.
- Secure the First End: First, tie your main line securely to a strong, fixed anchor point on one side of a channel or narrow river. This could be a sturdy tree, a large rock, or a specialized bank anchor.
- Stretch and Bait: Stretch the line tautly across the water to the opposite bank. As you stretch it, attach several baited hooks at regular intervals along its length using snelled leaders or dropper loops. Ensure your baits are appealing to trout.
- Secure the Second End: Finally, tie off the other end of the line to a secure anchor point on the opposite bank. This strategic placement ensures that any fish, including trout, passing through the channel will encounter your baited hooks.
Out into a Lake
When fishing a larger body of water like a lake, you can deploy your multi-hook line differently.
- Weigh it Down: To run your multi-hook line out into the open water and ensure it reaches the desired depth and stays in place, tie a heavy object, such as a brick or a purpose-made anchor, to one end of your line. This will weigh it down to the bottom, keeping your baits in the feeding zone of bottom-dwelling or mid-water trout.
- Mark with a Float: Alternatively, you can attach a highly visible floating marker or buoy to the end of the line. This keeps the line suspended at a certain depth (if weighted in the middle) or simply marks its location for easy retrieval. A floating marker also allows you to adjust the line's position or retrieve it without disturbing the fishing area too much.
Key Considerations for Multi-Hook Lines
- Legality: Always verify the specific regulations regarding trotlines or multi-hook lines in your fishing area. Many jurisdictions have strict rules on the number of hooks, line length, labeling, and unattended lines.
- Bait Selection: Use effective baits for trout, such as worms, powerbait, corn, or small cut bait, depending on local preferences and regulations.
- Placement: Position your line in areas where trout are known to frequent, such as deep channels, submerged structures, or along drop-offs.
- Safety: Ensure your line is visible (if required) and poses no hazard to other boaters or wildlife.
