ネイティブトラウト（渓流）

Basic Structure of the Rig

• Rod: In small mountain streams, short rods of 4'8" (about 142cm) to 5'3" (about 160cm) are standard. Their compact length makes it easier to maneuver around trees and tight spaces.
• Reel: A small 2000‑size spinning reel is commonly used. High‑gear (HG) models are preferred for quickly controlling the lure and retrieving slack in fast currents.
• Line: The mainstream setup is PE line around 0.6号 paired with a 6lb fluorocarbon leader for abrasion resistance. Alternatively, 4lb nylon line is widely used across Japan for its ease of handling and low trouble rate.
• Lures (Minnows): Small minnows around 4–5cm are the primary choice.
• Clothing: Since you often walk in the water, wear waterproof waders or, in summer, a cooler and more mobile gaiter‑style (wet‑style) outfit.

Fishing Procedure

1. Approach (Entering the Stream): Trout face upstream, so the basic rule is to fish upstream from downstream. This keeps you out of the fish’s line of sight. Move quietly, stay low, and approach from behind to avoid being detected.
2. Casting: Precision is essential—cast accurately into small pockets such as gaps between rocks or slack water. Use thumbing to soften the splashdown and avoid spooking fish.
3. Action (Luring):
   Twitching — Move the rod tip in small, sharp motions to give the lure irregular action that triggers curiosity and feeding instincts.
   Upstream Retrieve — Cast upstream and retrieve slightly faster than the current to make the lure swim naturally; this is the most efficient method.
   Range Control — If there’s no response, change lures or adjust the countdown after splashdown to explore different depths.
4. Bite & Hook‑set: The first cast is the most important—fish respond best to the initial presentation. Watch closely for the moment a trout chases and strikes the lure, and set the hook firmly.
5. Observation & Record: Stream trout often change their coloration to match their surroundings. Observing their patterns or taking photos for records is one of the joys of this style of fishing.