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I have used floating line---the same line (7-8 WT) I use for fishing for bream and bass, and a6-8 foot mono leader for speckled trout and I've caught some--on a Clouser minnow. And that's because I was too lazy to rig up the right way for trout and reds. Now I want to rig up a reel specifically for trout. How do you guys set up for trout? I don't give a damn about reds, if I catch one fine, but trout are my target.

Hurry with your replies I might go tomorrow.

OD

Take me with ya. How's that for a fast reply.

40-pound butt section attached to the fly line with Perfection loop connection. 30/20/15 graduated leader joined by blood knots. Loop knot to fly. If reds or other fish around, you can always add a short bite tippet of 20# fluorocarbon leader. Or you can buy knotless tapered fluoro leaders. I like small poppers (foam or balsa), Deceivers, shrimp patterns (Ghost shrimp, epoxy and Cook's Critters) and Clousers. Natural olive/pearl, tans and yellow work well.

Good luck OD. Post up your results.

Great. Thanks for the reply. Do you use sinking line? I found some in my tackle bag, but thought it might be too much work to cast it. And thanks for the tips on attractors.

Juan, once this weather clears, we'll go get on some. I thought I might try it tomorrow but it looks like some rain lingering in the area.

OD

Old Dog wrote:Great. Thanks for the reply. Do you use sinking line? I found some in my tackle bag, but thought it might be too much work to cast it. And thanks for the tips on attractors.

Juan, once this weather clears, we'll go get on some. I thought I might try it tomorrow but it looks like some rain lingering in the area.

OD

I was kidding... today is the Warden's shopping day and I'm way behind on the honey do list but holler if and when you wanna go.
I may throw the fly rod in the boat and give it a try next week.

I might suggest a full intermediate line. Gets fly down a little when water is moving well. I seem to have the best luck when using.

To clarify, tie butt section to fly line with a Uni or nail knot. Perfection loop on the other end to quick connect leaders.

I've used intermediate for tarpon at times, but mostly I'm using a floating in sight-fishing situations. eightwt is exclusively a buggy whipper, so his suggestion is a good one. If you have a spare spool, you can load one of each and use according to conditions.

Thanks again for the hints guys. I can go lighter on lines and rods because I'll never target tarpon and can usually wait out any red I catch. I am retired and in no hurry.
OD

I'll use a either a 7wt or 8wt - normally an intermediate line (Cortland Little tunny or something similar) for deeper water, floater for shallower water and topwater flies - 80% of the time and blindcasting with the intermediate line on the 7wt. Mono leader for the floater with a 12lb fluorocarbon tippet and a fluorocarbon leader/tippet for the intermediate. Clousers, EP Minnows and Gartside gurglers will cover most of your needs. A fly rod can be the best thing for trout - fall especially. Find the right place and it's a fish every cast.