In this article I'm going to explain, to the best of my ability, how to fish with Powerbait in the most effective way I know. The technique works quite well and I've personally out-fished anglers also using Powerbait sitting within 20 yards of me, that are using the same bait! The first thing to keep in mind is that I believe in light line for all my trout fishing. That means in my opinion no fishing line heavier than six pound test monofilament should be employed. I personally use four pound test, but six pound will suffice as well.



This technique only requires 4 pieces of fishing gear, other than your rod and reel of course. Those four things are: small barrel swivels (size 10 or 12), egg sinkers (sizes ¼ to 3/8 ounce), and pre-tied gang hooks (sizes 8 to 10), and a jar or two of Powerbait. That's all that id required for this very effective way to fish with Powerbait. Pretty simple, huh?

I'm obviously assuming that you're going to be fishing in a lake situation as well. This is where I've always had my success fishing with Powerbait. Begin by grabbing the end of your line and slipping an egg sinker onto the line. Now tie on one of the small barrel swivels (this should act as a "stopper", stopping the sinker from going past the swivel.) If for some reason the sinker slips over the barrel swivel, add a small split shot to sot the egg sinker from slipping beyond the barrel swivel. At this point tie a pre-tied set of gang hooks onto the other end of the barrel swivel. This is the rig for fishing with Powerbait.

Now add Powerbait to each hook (you want enough Powerbait to completely cover each hook). Now you want to make sure that your Powerbait is floating, so set the rig into the water at shore, and make sure the sinker sinks, and the Powerbait is floating. If the Powerbait sinks, you haven't added enough, so simply add more to each hook. Once you know that you have enough Powerbait on your rig for it to float, it's time to cast.

Cast your line out and allow it to sink. Once it's on bottom, slowly reel in the slack line. Now prop your rod against smoothing stable (large rocks and forked sticks work well). Once your rod is propped up, slowly reel in all the slack line until your line is completely taught. Now it's time to wait. I usually wait 30-45 minutes and if I haven't received any bites (your rod tip will bounce when you get a bite), I reel in and check my Powerbait. I do this two times and if I still get no bites, I change spots. It usually doesn't take long to get a bite. Trout, and especially stocked trout (which is probably what your fishing for in a lake) love Powerbait. My friends and I have always joked that they must feed the trout Powerbait in the hatcheries, because it seems like they're addicted to the stuff. The bottom line is that the rig described in this article is the most effective way I've come across to fish with Powerbait.