Trout: The idyllic fish of your dreams

What is it about trout?

When I was a kid, the barber shop used to have a huge calendar on the wall. There was a fly fisherman wading a stream at the foot of a waterfall dressed in a red flannel shirt, and he looked like he was enjoying himself tremendously. That calendar, or at least the picture, hung on the barber shop wall the seven years I lived in Tennessee, and I never once heard anyone mention fishing, or trout, or for the most part anything intelligible. But that picture sparked my interest. Maybe it was the brilliant colors, deep blue waters, silver falls, green meadows and that bright, red flannel shirt.

That picture had a definite impact on my youth, to such an extent that I still pursue that same bit of serenity today. Alas, with age comes reality. I don't own a flannel shirt, much less a bright red anything. I have fished some magnificent waters, but nothing to compare with what hung on that wall so many years ago.

I still fish for trout, both the freshwater variety and those more seasoned along the coastal reaches. I will be the first to admit I'm not as good a fisherman as I claim, at least when it comes to trout. And this brings us back to that old, familiar saying: All fishermen are liars -- except me and you, and I'm not too sure about you.

So far, this season has been one of the best for trout. They are eager to take the hook and as equally eager to follow a general pattern of behavior not seen in many years. With this, anglers are smiling more often on their return to the dock, and bragging rights are equally shared among those who participate.

TOOLS OF THE TROUT TRADE

The basic rig for trout fishing is simple and inexpensive -- that is, unless you have a limited supply of cash to fork over for something you can make for less than a dollar. Believe it or not, people do just that. They are either in too big of a rush or think it is too complicated.

The standard rig is a length of monofilament or thin wire tied to a swivel to which a lead weight is attached, then a snap swivel and your hook. Most fishermen prefer to use a float or bobber, and shrimp is the most popular bait.

But there are more choices. Among them is a rig developed many years ago by one who has long passed. I'll just use his first name, but I'm sure many will soon recognize the source.

Jack fished for trout only on occasion, but when he did, he caught gator trout -- the big boys. I was fortunate enough to fish with Jack on a number of occasions, and the rig he used was a simple bottom rig that he made with wire leader. Attached midway on the line was a three-way swivel, then another length of wire and another three-way swivel, to which the last bit of wire was his down line. Here he attached a snap swivel and a pyramid sinker. A basic bottom rig with moderation, as he liked to call it.

For bait, he was even more unconventional. Jack used squid. I know what you are thinking, but you are wrong. It worked then and it works now.

Jack would take larger squid and trim them with a pair of scissors into thin strips. It wasn't necessary to conceal the hook. Just the sight of these morsels flowing in the current would entice even the most lock-jawed trout to take notice. He seldom used a bobber and often laughed when I tied one on, joking that I "lacked the confidence to be a successful fisherman."

This rig is also good when trolling for flounder, but make modifications to compensate. The best technique when trolling the rig is to use a common flounder rig. Fish the edges of the grass at the turn and stay close to cuts and pockets off the main river. As always, practice makes perfect -- or as Jack would say, "You ain't catchin' if you ain't goin'."

To find out what works best for you is a matter of trial and error. Use what you are comfortable with, but don't close your mind to suggestions. If you aren't catching them, something's not right.

PRODUCTIVE WATERS

The list of this week's waters to try includes areas that have proven to be active for a large variety of species, up to and including trout, flounder, whiting, croaker, spottail bass, tarpon, shark, spot and sheepshead. In no particular order or preference, they all have produced fine catches when the rains and the winds are obliging: May River, Broad River, Skull Creek, Chechessee River, Bryan Creek, Broad Creek, Station, Capers and Ribbon Creek.

While normally the opressive heat of summer would send fish to deeper waters, such is not the case at present. Perhaps it's the large amount of rain that has cooled surface waters, or the cooler evening breezes that are attracting more species to the shallow end of the pool. Whatever the reason, not many are complaining and the fishing has been great for all that participate.

Oh, and for you big-water guys, if you stay at the dock you will only hear about what others are catching. Become part of the convoy. Head outside for a great day while the Spanish and king mackerel are active, the dolphin are hanging around and the wahoo are on the prowl. For a more relaxed approach, try anchoring over one of the many offshore wrecks or reefs for some outstanding bottom fishing. Species taken recently include black drum, triggerfish, grouper, snapper, sheepshead, shark, some nice flounder and an occasional stray also may show interest. Don't overlook the outer buoys on your trip, there have been some good numbers of straggler cobia hanging around waiting for motivation.

NEWS OF INTEREST

• DNR alligator hunting seminars scheduled this month: The S.C. Department of Natural Resources will conduct a series of alligator hunting seminars around the state this month for the public alligator hunt participants, hunting assistants and other interested persons. These seminars will cover such topics as capture and handling techniques, rules and regulations, hunting equipment, processing and other helpful information. The first seminar will be held 10 a.m. Aug. 8 in Hampton County at the James W. Webb Wildlife Center. All notifications for the upcoming alligator hunt season have been sent to successful applicants, and the deadline for the $100 permit payment is Oct. 1. Purchase alligator tags online at www.dnr.sc.gov/purchase.html. The South Carolina Alligator Hunting Guide is available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/alligator/HuntingGuide2009.pdf.

• Help choose the state's next wildlife-themed license plates: The DNR is creating a series of wildlife-themed license plates and is looking for public input. Funding that the DNR receives from the sale of wildlife-themed license plates is used to conserve South Carolina's wildlife and to improve wildlife habitat. Follow the link at www.dnr.sc.gov to rank your favorite wildlife-themed license plate design.

• West Marine boating seminars: West Marine stores in Hilton Head Island and Port Royal, in association with the South Carolina Marine Association, will hold SC Marine Trade Seminars on Aug. 22. Local marine experts will be on hand to speak to the boating public on best practices and preventive maintenance. Learn how to lower your annual boating expenses and how to avoid costly repairs. Check with the store for times and seminar topics. For more information, call Dwayne Schalles at 843-270-1745.

TACKLE TIP: SURE-FIRE SHRIMP

One other thing I forgot to mention, which was a throw back when fishing with Jack. Whenever he used shrimp, he would always use scissors. The man had a fondness for scissors. Jack would remove the horns at the head of the shrimp first and, when hooking up, he did things in reverse. Most people hook from the head to the tail. Don't become a victim of habit. Hook your shrimp from the tail to the head. And if using a cork or bobber, set your depth about 16 inches off the bottom. Let the rig drift in the current and occasionally give the rod a quick jerk. This practice makes the bobber slap those little beads you always are losing in the bottom of your boat. The method also makes the bobber chug or pop the surface. For trout, the dinner bell just rang and it's time to investigate what's on the plate.

CALENDAR

KINGS FOR KIDS TOURNAMENT: What: 3rd annual AMIkids Beaufort Kings for Kids Fishing Tournament; When: Aug. 8, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (weigh-in 3-6 p.m.); Where: Downtown Marina of Beaufort; Cost: $425; Notes: Event is sanctioned by Southern Kingfish Association and raises funds for AMIkids, formerly Beaufort Marine Institute. Captains meeting at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at Waterfront Park Pavilion. More than 100 boats are expected to participate with more than $40,000 in prizes available. Information: Call the Downtown Marina of Beaufort at 524-4422 or go to www.bmikingsforkids.org.

BEAUFORT SPORTFISHING AND DIVING CLUB MEETING: When: 6:30 p.m., second Thursday of every month; Where: Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club, Lady's Island (off Meridian Road); Notes: No reservation needed. Guests are welcome. No charge. Social starts at 6:30, meeting starts at 7 p.m. Information: Call Captain Frank Gibson at 522-2020.

Beaufort Year-Round Fishing Tournament

Standings in the Beaufort year-round fishing tournament (species, boat, angler, weight):

OVERALL

Amber Jack: My Time Out, Ralph Worrell, 62.22

Barracuda: No Slack, Jim Kindwall, 31.32

Black Drum: Simpler Times, Chris Kozma, 10.58

Blackfin Tuna: Holdin On, Mike Perry, 29.38

Black Sea Bass: Mikes Marine, Ralph Worrell, 3.16

Bluefish: Quest, Randy Avery, 1.04

Cobia: No Name, Roy Talley, 69.5

Croaker: Capt. Worrell, Ralph Worrell, 0.42

Dolphin (Dorado): Kelsea, Tim Ferris, 34.82

Flounder: Lil Loo-er, Kristin Kirby, 5.32

Grouper (All Legal Species): No Worries, Joshua Martin, 20.28

King Mackerel: Top Gun 5, Tom Thomas, 10.94

Ladyfish: Capt. Worrell, Jack C. Worrell, 1.48

Little Tunny: Top Gun 5, Ross Holquist, 13.5

Red Drum: Reel Contol, James Vincent Sr., 4.74

Red Snapper: No Worries, Joshua Martin, 29.76

Sheepshead: Little John, John Mucha, 10.96

Spadefish: Happy Dog, Ross Holquist, 10.4

Spanish Mackerel: Chillin & Grillin, Lucas Posey, 5.4

Spotted Seatrout: Seas So Shallow, Steve Roll, 5.6

Spots: My Time Out, Frank Gibson, 0.32

Toadfish: Holdin On, Brian McCaffree, 2.38

Triggerfish: No Worries, Steve Roll, 11.26

Vermillion Snapper: No Worries, Mike Sackman, 5.12

Wahoo: Top Gun 5, Taylor Thomas, 26.64

Weakfish: Capt Worrell, Ralph Worrell, 1.2

Whiting: Only in Dreams, Jim Kindwall, 0.48

FEMALE

Amber Jack: Top Gun V, Lauren Graham, 17.24

Barracuda: Top Gun V, Shana Hisch, 11.48

Black Drum: Foreclosure, Lauren Graham, 3.16

Black Sea Bass: Mikes Marine, Heather Spade, 2.18

Bluefish: Foreclosure, Cindy Reid, 0.4

Cobia: No Worries, Caitlin Sackman, 32.6

Croaker: My Time Out III, Phyllis Gibson, 0.36

Dolphin (Dorado): My Time Out III, Phyllis Gibson, 19.2

Flounder: Lil Loo-er, Kristin Kirby, 5.32

Jack Crevalle: Froggy Daddy, Carol Currin, 3.04

King Mackerel: No Name, Maci Dean, 24.96

Little Tunny: Top Gun V, Lauren Graham, 10.08

Red Drum: Mikes Marine, Heather Spade, 4.52

Red Snapper: Mikes Marine, Heather Spade, 19.6

Sheepshead: No Worries, Debra Coffeen, 7.0

Spanish Mackerel: Miss Fripp, Allison Kindwall, 1.24

Spotted Seatrout: Froggy Daddy, Carol Currin, 2.38

Spots: Capt Worrell, Betty Worrell, 0.24

Toadfish: Capt Worrell, Kelly Childress, 1.06

Triggerfish: Mikes Marine, Heather Spade, 2.64

Vermillion Snapper: Mikes Marine, Heather Spade, 1.22

Weakfish: Capt Worrell, Kelly Childress, 0.74

Whiting: Foreclosure, Lauren Graham, 1.04

YOUTH

Barracuda: No Slack, Dillon York, 9.9

Black Sea Bass: Mikes Marine, Brice Spade, 2.08

Bluefish: Miss Fripp, Allison Kindwall, 0.32

Cobia: No Worries, Caitlin Sackman, 32.6

Croaker: Capt. Worrell, Jack Worrell, 0.4

Dolphin (Dorado): Tort Teaser, Kipper McIntosh, 19.94

King Mackerel: No Slack, Dillon York, 16.94

Ladyfish: Capt. Worrell, Jack C. Worrell, 1.48

Red Drum: Mikes Marine, Brice Spade, 3.86

Red Snapper: Mikes Marine, Brice Spade, 15.76

Spanish Mackerel: Miss Fripp, Allison Kindwall, 1.24

Toadfish: Mikes Marine, Brice Spade, 1.68

Vermillion Snapper: Mikes Marine, Brice Spade, 0.82

Weakfish: Capt Worrell, Tyler Childress, 0.6

Whiting: Foreclosure, Lauren Graham, 1.04

10x10 YOUTH

Bluefish: Capt. Worrell, Jack Worrell, 0.24

Croaker: Capt. Worrell, Jack Worrell, 0.4

Flounder: Seassoshallow.com, Steve Roll, 1.94

Ladyfish: Capt. Worrell, Jack C. Worrell, 1.48

Toadfish: Capt. Worrell, Tyler Childress, 1.3

Whiting: No Name, Chris Long, 1.18