need some trout advice

[trout taco]

Split shot weight and float placement will dictate where the bait is in the drift. I prefer to use a float 90% of the time with butter worms and salmon eggs. Float or not you want the bait near the bottom so the fish can see it in a natural manner. Think of it like this... A fly fisherman doesn't load up on split shot and let the nymphs sit in pool. Enough weight to get the flies down and drift, at the end of the drift repeat. This is same concept but on simpler scale the idea is have a natural drift. Trout will move up in the water column to eat. True float fishing is done with multiple different size split shots long leaders, a float with two elastic bands, a long rod and a centerpin reel. Here in NJ you can modify it for these small-medium size rivers. I can take a picture of a few basic rigs I use here in NJ if you would like.

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by trout taco

I can take a picture of a few basic rigs I use here in NJ if you would like.

Absolutely!

From my understanding the float allows the rig to drift and not anchor to the bottom, and the weight keeps it as low as the float allows.

Is there anything to stress about rod movement? Keeping the line tight as well as letting the bait float naturally seems like a challenge as well. I guess you'd have to work with the slack line and simply watch the bobber/float?

[trout taco]

Originally Posted by thmyorke1

Absolutely!

From my understanding the float allows the rig to drift and not anchor to the bottom, and the weight keeps it as low as the float allows.

Is there anything to stress about rod movement? Keeping the line tight as well as letting the bait float naturally seems like a challenge as well. I guess you'd have to work with the slack line and simply watch the bobber/float?

I'll post a picture tonight for you. It's not so much a tight light line technique. If you cast up stream you have to keep up with the slack, you don't want to set the hook with slack and once the float is in front of you can mend the float and let it float down stream some. If your free time google/youtube float fishing. You will get the jist. The only draw back to it is consistently changing weight and the float depth.

[AndyS]

I like jigs, low and slow in the winter.

[Capt. Lou]

Some other criteria that bears some mention is fishing in accordance with stream conditions & water temperature . Invest in a temp gauge & take temps those can be important even more so in winter.
Recognition of trout holding water is of paramount importance , even stocked trout will move especially big fish to water that offer proper food & cover .
Reading water is of paramount importance to catching consistently , many time I have taken a dozen trout without changing my position.
Many lures work in winter but when water temps plummet bait will systemically
out perform.
This being said by an ardent lure fisherman, I go with what conditions dictate.
I stay away from hi discolored water in winter , prefer days just like today to fish moderate sun or full sun being my first choices in winter .
Over the past 6 seasons I've taken 37 trout over5#'s all from publicly stocked waters!
Today was no exception 8 for 11 up to 7#'s all feisty bows & the big girl was so,tough & clean looked like a golden in water !
I could only fish 3 hrs today but if u put in the time & figure out the rest this winter trout fishing is like a sickness , any good day I Gotta get on the water !
Good luck! And I was suppose to cod fish today thank god that was cancelled 👍

[Billfish715]

Not for nothing, but, knowing the river is just as important as technique, bait, etc. if you are 50-100 feet away from a "spot" you won't catch any. Most of the holes near the stocking points get hit hard. Try getting away from the crowd. Speaking of stocking points, it's important to know them if you fish in NJ. You have to have a few backup spots if your primary spot isn't producing. Finally, stay away from the spots where the bucket brigades hang out.

[bigboy5522]

Winter is a tough time you need to get your lure right in front of the fish, they wont really chase like in the spring/fall. Jigs under a bobber like others have said or try your luck in the spring when they stock. Might be easier to catch some then and build your skills.