Rainbow Trout

[XtremeAngler]

I went to Centennial Park in Friendswood this afternoon. Supposedly they stocked 1000 rainbows earlier today. I have never fished one of these before, but I figured the first day would be the best and the action would get progressively worse in the days that follow.
I went and bought the Powerbait trout nuggets and fished for 2 hours with a buddy with no luck whatsover. I had one ultralite rig on the bottom (just a hook with a splitshot about a foot up from the hook) and another with a cork suspending the bait 2-4 feet (I tried different depths). I didn't even have a bite! I talked to a few other people there and only 1 guy had caught 1 fish. Nobody was catching anything it was just dead. I had always heard that the fishing right after the stocking is fairly steady. Did I just have bad luck or am I doing something wrong or what?

[007]

http://www.fishwestend.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5218#post5218

[Milkjug]

I normally tried to go the next morning after a stocking. It seemed like the fish bit better after a little time to adjust. I've heard of people limiting quick right after they dump them too though

[TTU Wader]

I've had just about the same luck as you when I went. I'm done with those stupid rainbows lol

[Milkjug]

Come on now, you can't beat those drag screaming runs

[XtremeAngler]

I went ultralite and it was my first time to use a spinning reel in a long time, which made things interesting. Needless to say, I missed my 50 mg and curado haha. Nothing like trying to cast a splitshot and hook into 15+ winds with a spinning reel

[FP10]

You can use trout rods if that is all you have. You need a small sliding weight, then a small swivel tied to about a foot or so of 2# leader. Top that off with a size 16 trebel hook. Put enough powerbait to cover the hook and cast it out. Let it sit. If you have any other questions let me know.

[XtremeAngler]

Thanks for the info FP10. I might give em another shot and I'll try rigging up that way next time

[FP10]

BTW the first day of the stock is actually the worst. They are in a little shock from the drive and being dumped in.

[Unclehandy]

Blackbeard and I push the limits in the summer. We use the ultralight set ups with 2lb test and bring in 25"+ reds. Now you wanna see some screaming drag! Also make sure your trolling motor is charged and ready to go, cause they will burn off that line in seconds unless you can gain some ground with trolling motor. But non the less, it is always amazing when you bring them in. It reminds me of catching 200lb sharks offshore, but your arms dont get quite as sore!