Lures for the Backcountry: The "Must Have"
arsenal

Date: |
9/2/2001 |
Tackle type: |
Lure |
Manufacturer: |
Acme, Kalin's,
Panther Martin, Thomas Buoyant |
Reviewer: |
JIP |
Introduction: Labor day weekend is
known to be one of the most busiest weekends in the year. People are
everywhere! Having a nice BBQ outdoors, traveling to National parks, and
doing many other road trips or activities is common. But what you may not
know is fishing is also very popular during this time. When the local
waters are over-populated with both fishermen and recreational folks, I head to
what I consider my backyard, that is the backcountry at Yosemite National Park.
Being "out there" away from most of the people I am able to relax and fish in
peace, unless I run into black bears that want to ruin my weekend getaway.
Trout fishing in the backcountry is extremely fun, but you will need to know
more about the lakes and rivers before you head out, and of course what lures to
carry with you along with the other 30 pounds of necessities.
Recommended Trout
Lures |
Manufacturer |
Type |
Weight
(oz.) |
Color |
Acme |
Kastmaster |
1/8 |
FT,
RT |
Acme |
Kastmaster |
1/12 |
Gold |
Kalin's |
Trout
Tube |
1/16
and 1/32 |
Smoke/Clear sparkle |
Kalin's |
Trout
Tube |
1/32
and 1/80 |
Black |
Panther Martin |
Classic Regular |
1/16 |
PMR-BZ
(Black Zebra) |
Thomas
Buoyant |
Spoon |
1/6 |
Red
Gold |
What, When, Where, Why, and How: Using an ultra-light outfit
and lures, by far, is the most exciting and one of the most enjoyable method of
trout fishing, except fly fishing. Now that we have the bag of tricks for
the backcountry, I will now try my best to show you when to use this lure, where
to use it, why this lure works, and how to fish it.
Acme Kastmasters are
well known to fishermen. Everyone should already have at least one in
their tackle box, and if not then this is a definitely must have
lure. This is a popular lure because you can use this lure almost
anywhere, but in the backcountry I apply the Kastmaster in lakes and deep large
pools of calm water in rivers or streams. When the fish are deep or when
you need casting distance this heavier and aerodynamic lure works good.
The Kastmaster creates an irresistible movement and the colors they come in are
probably two of the many reasons why this lure works. Fish the lure with a
constant retrieval, stop and go method, or twitch it once a while.
Panther Martins are one of my choices when the fish are more
shallow. I fish this lure in rivers and streams because of the
design. You are able to fish this lure slow because it does not sink
quickly, and some of the patterns imitate what the trout normally eats in the
backcountry; that is the reason why I carry the black zebra pattern.
Thomas Buoyants are under the class of spoon lures like the
Kastmasters. The red on gold color is my favorite one from this
manufacturer. Fish this lure in lakes when the fish are holding deeper
during mid-day with a constant slow retrieval, and once a while twitch it to
make it look lively.
Kalin's Trout tube mini jigs are killer lures to bring with you during
your adventure in the backcountry. These mini tube jigs have never failed
me when fishing is tough. Fish the Kalin's during the morning and evening
when the fish are feeding near the surface of the water in lakes, river, or
streams; or in any shallow water. This is because most of the time the
fish are feeding on flies that land on the water. Some of the reasons why I like the mini tubes is that they stay
in the striking zone for a longer period of time, sinking slowly, it lands on the
water without spooking the cautious trout, and the fish mistakes the
tube as some sort of insect. Fish the trout tube by casting the lure in
front of the fish about five feet and let it sink slowly, or you can fish it
using a very slow and gentle retrieve.
Conclusion: As you can tell from my list, all the lures are
small in size. Do not carry heavy lures because the trout feed on mostly
small insects such as beetles, flies, small grasshoppers, etc... Also
because it will add weight to your backpack. When I fish in the
backcountry, I use only premium Trilene XL monofilament 2-4lb. test line and set the drag
loose. There is a good reason why I recommended these specific lures and
colors because they have worked wonders for me! You can always experiment
with others, but don't forget to bring what I have mentioned above.
Have fun and
keep on fishin!
