Beginner question

[jenhmb]

HI- I am what I would consider and advanced beginner in the world of fishing. I have done lots of research online trying to learn as I go. One thing that I keep struggling with is that when I go trout fishing and I cast my line out, the line goes slack and does not stay taut. When I see other people's lines they are taut and I cannot figure out what I am doing wrong. I am using a Medium/light rod with 4-6 pound test with a swivel with 1.5 foot leader, a small hook, and powerbait. I do it without a bobber but have tried it with one just to see if makes a difference. But no matter what my powerbait doesn't seem to float and keep my line taut. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[keora]

I believe powerbait is a floating bait that you squeeze around the hook and then cast out. But you can't cast far if you've got a small piece of dough and no other weight. If you reel in a bit to straighten the line you pull the powerbait closer to you.

I think you need to attach a float (US = bobber) to the line, and split shot (US = sinkers ?)nearer to the bait. The shot partly balances the buoyancy of the float, and it also lets you cast further. Usually the distance between the bobber and the hook bait is roughly the same as the depth of water you are fishing in. You'll need to use a plummet (don't know the US word for it) before you start fishing so you can set the bobber at the right distance from the bait. You'll also have to adjust the amount of shot on the line so that the top part of the bobber stands above the water surface.

There's lots of information on the net, I found this in less than a minute:

https://gofishingoutdoors.com/how-to-fish-powerbait-with-a-bobber/

 

[jenhmb]

THank you so much!

 

[@Clive]

I believe powerbait is a floating bait that you squeeze around the hook and then cast out. But you can't cast far if you've got a small piece of dough and no other weight. If you reel in a bit to straighten the line you pull the powerbait closer to you.

I think you need to attach a float (US = bobber) to the line, and split shot (US = sinkers ?)nearer to the bait. The shot partly balances the buoyancy of the float, and it also lets you cast further. Usually the distance between the bobber and the hook bait is roughly the same as the depth of water you are fishing in. You'll need to use a plummet (don't know the US word for it) before you start fishing so you can set the bobber at the right distance from the bait. You'll also have to adjust the amount of shot on the line so that the top part of the bobber stands above the water surface.

There's lots of information on the net, I found this in less than a minute:

https://gofishingoutdoors.com/how-to-fish-powerbait-with-a-bobber/

I almost wet myself reading that

Talk about complicating matters. The diagrams do not show the true picture. The line between the weight and floating bait will not helpfully form an angle, but go straight up vertically and probably cause tangles between the bait and mainline. If you want to use a floating bait then anchor it on the bottom without a float. Or, if you want to use a float then put on a sinking bait like a worm or grains of sweetcorn. A good way to catch trout is to fish worm under a sliding float with bulk shot set halfway down. Cast the float as far as you can then allow plenty of time for the bait to settle at full depth. Then with a tight line raise the rod vertically and back to the horizontal. Then wind in a few turns and repeat until the float is close to you. Keep casting and retrieving in different places, searching the water. Trout are far more likely to react to a moving bait.