The Secret Weapon
By Rich Hughes

For centuries man has tried to catch the elusive Trout. We have tried everything from corn cobs to hardened plastic oddities that resemble "prehistoric tadpoles". Not until that late 20th century have we discovered - cows eat corn and fish eat worms. This revelation and the "worm theory" is one that has perplexed many an Angler. In present times, we now harness the power of worms or the "spice" as we will refer to in this study. We will ride the worm into the darkness of the mind of the fish and uncover the secrets of clear water fishing. 

In this chapter of the Secret Weapon Part I, we will look at equipment, techniques, rigging methods and the actual worm itself. We will take you on the journey of the Spice into the depths of the river bottom. In parts of our study, we will refer to trout as the main species of fish we are trying to catch - with some reference to other species. Thinking always like a fish, we will conclude with hook removal and the heroes welcome.

The Worm
The "Worm" or "Spice"- might resemble a larvae, maggot, or caterpillar. If we can harness the power of the spice we will learn vital information about our underwater journey. Even the most experienced fly fisherman understand the complexity of the larvae or worm. The worm is a vital part of the food chain beneath the natural surface of the water. We know for sure, after the rain, "worms" slide into the river bottom and the feeding frenzy begins. Worms evolve from a variety of forms that species such as trout, bass and panfish all seek for nutritional value. While fishing in south florida, we discovered that bass will eat the larger variety of worms. For our study we used a 12" (inch) "bass assassin" power worm. After catching five bass over 4lbs. in a four hour period, we have determined the 12" inch power worm is by far the superior method of catching bass. Specific studies indicate the 12 inch power worm also closely resembles a small snake and therefore attract the largest of predator fish. Try a 12" bass assassin worm the next time you go bass fishing! For the purpose of this study we will concentrate on the smaller 3" worm as it pertains to trout. 

Equipment
Although many believe in the Fly Rod - we have discovered that the "Spinning Reel and Rod" have actual advantages over the Fly Tackle. In Fly Fishing we hope the trout will see the miniature Fly and Fly Larvae. In a fast moving stream your chances are minimal at best to catch bigger trout and hope they rise to the surface to obtain your offerings. The ratio of "weigh-to-feeding" is important to note in this refrain. Studies show that larger trout will move in relative distance to their size to obtain food. In other words, larger trout will not move as far to obtain their food as smaller trout. Therefore, one might conclude, that the largest trout will not swim to the surface to obtain the Fly offering. Most larger species will watch a meal float by and wait for "more substantial meal" that renders itself closer to it's position. We will uncover the "Secret Weapon" which actually slows down the bait presentation to catch more fish. If you want to catch bigger fish, don't use flies. Think about it ! Would you rather eat steak or salads? Enough said...

Pick up your spinning rod and follow me!

This is the most important section of the "Secret Weapon" you will need to obtain the follow to ensure you catch fish. 

Line
• Stren or Trilene ( 4 lb ) "Low Vis Green" - mono-filament (for your main line).

• Stren or Trilene ( 2 lb ) " Mono Chromatic Vanishing " - Fluorocarbon (this is for your leader).

Tackle
• 1/8 once or smaller "tube" sinkers 
(the tube sinker will ensure you will not get snagged in between the rocks in the river) Do not use round weights because you WILL GET SNAGGED and ruin your day!

• No 12-14 (Small) Eagle Claw Bait Hooks 
(notice the barbs on the shaft. These will ensure your worms will not slide off the hook)

• Small "barrel swivels" any type will do as long as they are the smallest black swivels available.

The Spice
The magic of the spice/worm attracts even the most evasive trout!

This is the most advanced worm on the market - Berkley PowerBait Trout Worm.

Colors
• Natural
• Red
• Yellow

"The Secret Weapon" - Uncovered...

The Rig
• Thread your tube weight onto the 4lb test main line first.

• Tie on the swivel to keep the weight from sliding down to the hook itself
NOTE: Trilene knots work best!

• Now tie on 5 feet of the 2lb vanishing - flourcarbon for your leader 
NOTE: This should be two arm lengths of leader ! vanishing is the only line you should use because the fish get spooked by the line in clear water ! Don't deviate from the plan !

• Now tie on the small No 12 -14 hook..
NOTE: The smaller the hook - the better as not to get snagged ! You can crimp down the main barb on the hook end. This will make releases easier but you might loose a few if your not careful.

• Thread the Power Worm onto the hook being careful to thread the worm from the fattest part of the worm first. 
NOTE: Make sure the worm is not completely straight on the hook. There must be a small bend in the worm along the hook bend. Maintain this the entire day adjusting as you need to ensure the worm action rotates or wiggles in the stream. 

Now that you have acquired all the necessary tackle, you will need to rig this to your spinning gear. Follow the rig and tackle section and you are on your way to catching more fish than you ever imagined. For all of you Fly Fisherman out there, I tie my own flies too and I have never been able to match the success of the "power worm". Do not dismay, you can tie the same power worm to fly rod with a sink tippet and achieve the same results - I hope you feel better!

Remember this, as our bait sponsors might say " Always think like a fish, no matter how weird it gets"

Happy fishing!

Rich Hughes 

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