...

Trout Flickin’

Articles on this site are out of date since some go back to 2006. Regulations and property ownership may have changed since publication. It is your responsibility to know and obey all regulations and not trespass on private property.

I have not seen much published on casting techniques for trout.  Plenty of stuff out there on bass – you can read about flipping, drop shotting, tube zipping and any number of other techniques.  Working trout is inherently different given the tight holes you find yourself in – especially on the narrow streams here in Virginia.  For years, I used my standard casting techniques as I fished these narrow pockets.  The traditional spin cast is to reel the lure up to the rod tip; leaving a few inches of slack and then gently throw it using an underarm, sidearm or overhand motion depending on the amount of space you have and your vertical position relative to the targeted pool.

All that changed on my last trip.  We were working the Hughes River and had to work around significant amounts of deadfall to reach the really sheltered pools.  In addition, this was not a really wide stream up at the Northern end were I was working, so accuracy in short bursts was absolutely required.  By accident, I discovered what I think will be a new trout killer technique – the trout flick.

Click here for a video – you have to watch closely to see the splash of the lure hitting deep on the other side of the log.

On one cast, I misjudged the retrieve and ended up with the Panther Martin lure tight against the rod tip.  I was excited about the spot I was in and did not take the time to undo the bail and let out a few inches of line.  Instead, I flicked it at the target.  I was amazed at how straight and true the lure flew – it was like it made a beeline to the target.  Wow!  Here was a way to throw under logs fallen across the stream and into the sheltered nooks formed by overhanging rocks.  I worked that cast all afternoon – when you need a short throw to a small target it seems to be the way to go. 

I also discovered that this works best with a longer rod – a reasonably stiff one – not one of those short, really wobbly rods that get sold as “ultra light”  Find a rod that was designed for a lure that weighs between 1/16 and 1/4 oz and it should work pretty well.

Unless stated otherwise, this article was authored by Steve Moore

Disclaimer and Warning:  The contents of this site reflect the opinion of the author and you, the reader, must exercise care in the use and interpretation of this information.  Fishing is a dangerous sport.  You can slip and fall on rocks and sustain severe injury.  You can drown.  You can get hooks caught in your skin, face, eyes or other sensitive places.  All sorts of bad things can happen to you when to go into the woods to visit the places documented here.  Forests, streams and lakes are wild areas and any number of bad things can happen.  You must make your own judgment in terms of acceptable behavior and risk and not rely on anything posted here.  I disclaim all liability and responsibility for any actions you take as a result of reading the articles on this site.  If you do not agree with this, you should not read anything posted on this site.

Disclaimer and Warning:  The contents of this site reflect the opinion of the author and you, the reader, must exercise care in the use and interpretation of this information.  Fishing is a dangerous sport.  You can slip and fall on rocks and sustain severe injury.  You can drown.  You can get hooks caught in your skin, face, eyes or other sensitive places.  All sorts of bad things can happen to you when to go into the woods to visit the places documented here.  Forests, streams and lakes are wild areas and any number of bad things can happen.  You must make your own judgment in terms of acceptable behavior and risk and not rely on anything posted here.  I disclaim all liability and responsibility for any actions you take as a result of reading the articles on this site.  If you do not agree with this, you should not read anything posted on this site.

Scroll to Top