Plugs for Trout

[THE EG]

While I'm practicing my fly fishing I'm heading to the Hooch to toss spinners. I like throwing plugs occasionally and I remember reading that #5 Rapala's are good for the Hooch. Can anybody give me a little more information for around McGinnis Ferry? What color? Sinking or floating? Why #5 size? Do any other plugs work well?

[Hooker]

EG,
The #5 Floating Rapala in silver or rainbow trout works well for skinny water (less than 2'), and for twitching through blowdowns. I also like a #5 Shadrap (deep diver) for the deeper runs and pools. I've found that on the long deep runs, most of the bites occur in the middle of the river instead of on the bank. There is more current in the middle which moves more food. Also, I think the Great Blue Herons pick off a lot of the fish that hold on the shallow bank structure.
Last year I started fishing a bait called a Yozuri Pin Minnow, and I really liked it, and that's what I'm starting out with this year. Also, Yozuri has come out with a new crankbait called a Snap Bean that looks real good.
At McGinnis, the best place to work crankbaits is between the gravel ramp and the shoals above the bridge. There is a series of blowdowns and the main river channel that concentrates fish against the west bank.
Also, be sure and pinch the barbs down and sharpen the hooks before using a crankbait. It helps both you and the fish when it comes to getting the hook out.

Hooker

[NightOwl]

Sorry, I don't know the size ratings, but I love a 2 1/2 " rainbow rout pttern Rapala OR a small Rebel minnow with silver sides. I've got trout up to ...well dang big....ok ok, 5 or 6 lbs. on the Rapala. Roostertails in the rainbow patt. work wonders at times also.

[spinner]

Hello....Can't speak for georgia rainbows but a size 5 or 8 husky jerk in blue/silver or burnt orange has done wonders for me with browns...Also...if you want to search the net go to panther martins....heck of a lure for browns..spinner......

[superchub]

EG....FOr me three standbys are always in my spinning box along with the usually silver and gold fare...#5 blue floating rapala...the smallest Lil' Cleo spoon in gold (couldn't stand it Hooker! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif and a passle of red plastic angle worms,rigged with the the hook toward the back end..and reusable ZINC splitshot to adjust depth...if the silver and gold rapalas don't work I go to the blue then the gold lil cleo then the angle worm...Hanging out with the bad influences of Flyguy, Aaron and Cocoon I haven't thrown a LURE in a bit, instead concentrating in learning how to duck my front and back FLY cast! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif Note, Aaron my correct usage of lure and fly!! I'm still trying to break from the Dark Side of spin fishing but dogone it, deep inside, it still has a hold on me! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif (Hail Hooker! I believe we can turn young Luke, I mean Aaron, back to the Dark Side!! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif.........Whoa! ok I'm back now..shouldn't mix Starbucks and Evan Williams I guess! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif)
PS..for Drifter and OLe Man...Lets definitely plan on having a Tying session...As long as I can bring Mr. Willams with me...though he's 90 years old he's still pretty strong and spry!
FOSMOTT....SC

[THE EG]

Thanks for the info guys. I assume the #5 Rainbow pattern Rapala is the empty space in the Rapala's rack at the three stores I happened to be in this weekend.

[ICHTHUS]

EG,

In addition to the floating Rapalas I've had excellent luck using thier Countdowns. Look like the floaters but sink. The name comes from the fact that thier supposed to sink at a rate of a foot a second so you can judge how deep your fishing. Obviously in fast water this will change some but in slower areas and pools they work great. Rapala also makes shollow running shad raps that don't get hung on the bottom like the deep runners do if the pools are only 4-6 feet deep.
When the water is stained badly from rains the brighter colors like firetiger and pearch with the orange belly sometimes will get more hits.

[NightOwl]

I have talked to Mr. Lucas and you are all in a ton of trouble !!!( hehe) Little Cleo, huh? Naw,...I've used them but a rostertail or small rainbow pattern minnow do it for me,.....but maybe I'll pick up a few just in case ! When does DH open in NC??? I neeeedddd a big brookie for the wall !

Owl
( ducking and dawning combat gear,...it's a stocker for Pete's sake! )

[pschlemm]

I too favor the Rapala countdowns - they've recently come out with jointed countdowns which I can't wait to try (one day when I leave the fly rod at home.

[Flyguy]

Owl.....DH is open as we type. Go forth and delay your harvest.



Flyguy