CTFishTalk.com: Southford Falls, Bethany West, and Mill River (Hamden) 5/20 - Connecticut River Reports ( CT River Reports ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

Mattyk182 · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 94 Location: Hamden

This is my first report here! I had a good day fishing but could have done much better if I didn't lose about 10 fish!

I started out at Southford Falls at 6 am fishing the main pond. I caught a Rainbow on my first cast which was about 10 inches (nothing special). After catching a Sunny a few minutes later on the next cast, I decided to fish a pool near the fast water which I've had luck at before. I Pulled in a 13-14 inch rainbow. I threw at the same spot and lost a fish each throw because the water was just too fast and I couldn't get the fish in the air to land it in my net. Then comes a possible PB which I had on the line and went to get it in the net. The handle snapped off of my net and I lost the fish. It had to be at least 16 inches (Rainbow). That was the last fish that I had a chance at there.

I left for a place called Bethany West which is a small Lake that my friend told me about. I thought I'd give it a try and I instantly caught about 7 sunnies (Almost had another one on my Rapala SSR 05 of all lures lol!) I went on to catch my first largemouth of the year on a trout worm but it was pretty dinky.

I then left for lunch which is right across the street from one of my favorite spots of the Mill River. I quickly ate and headed there for a few casts before I called it a day. My first cast landed a nice brook trout that has some beautiful color to it!

I called it a day after this and at work as I'm typing this. Wish I could have stayed out all day!
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Going for that trophy fish!

fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

What kind of hooks are you using? Somehow it sounds as if they are not quality hooks or your not getting a good hook set! I try to buy only Owner, VMC, or Gamakatsu hooks. I used to use Tru Turn but have a hard time finding them now anywhere near me.
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There's a fine line between fishing....

and standing on the shore like an idiot!

Mattyk182 · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 94 Location: Hamden

SAP284 · Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 655 Location: Central, CT

Nice report. Don't feel bad about not landing fish. I fished today and caught 3 crappie, 1 lmb, 1 pickeral, and 2 pike. Sounds like a decent day, but in actuality I lost just about 10 fish today too, and on treble hooks....my line broke (I had 20lb fluro and a pike cut right though it).

Try using Gamakatsu hooks like fishfinder said. I really like those. If you are going for bass I like the 3/0 Octopus Circle Hooks.
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Steve

Mattyk182 · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 94 Location: Hamden

SAP284 · Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 655 Location: Central, CT

No Problem! I am still learning everyday too, that's what this site is for!

I rarely fish trout. I couldn't find anything on Dick's or Walmart, but to give you an idea these might be ideal. Maybe someone else can fill you in as well. Also my suggestion is to check out the hook isle with Gama's and you could find something similar to the size you need. They usually have a good selection at Dick's - at least near me they do.

http://www.outdoorproshop.com/Gamakatsu-Single-Egg-Snelled-p/gamakatsu-egg-single-snl.htm

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Gamakatsu-Snelled-Single-Trout-Egg-Hooks-Red/739410.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dgamakatsu%2Btrout%2Bhook%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=gamakatsu+trout+hook&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Those are called single snelled egg trout hooks.
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Steve

Mattyk182 · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 94 Location: Hamden

SAP284 · Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 655 Location: Central, CT

I think you should be okay, they have them in difference sizes. They sell worm hooks (a ton of different types) but I am not sure about trout because I know you need to have smaller and lighter tackle. Make sure you check the hook isle out if you go there! There's a ton of stuff there. Good luck.
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Steve

fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

The Eagle Claw will work too so dont go out of your mind. A lot of the time I end up with them when I go to look for hooks in my supplies and realize Im out and need some asap. Just dont buy the cheap no brand no name brand hooks that some places do sell like KMart and such.
_________________
There's a fine line between fishing....

and standing on the shore like an idiot!