Float Fishing for Early Spring Trout at My Local Lake | Fishing with Rod

In this episode, I return to Hicks Lake at Sasquatch Provincial Park in BC and target rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and kokanee by using an ultralight float fishing setup. The action was non-stop!
Gear used:
Spinning rod:
G.Loomis SR6010 IMX
www.gloomis.com/content/gloomi...
Spinning reel:
Shimano Stradic 1000Ci4+
fish.shimano.com/content/fish/...
Float:
Top Shelf Premium Float, 4g tear drop slider float
www.tspfloats.com/float3.html
Main line:
10lb test PowerPro Braided line
www.powerpro.com/content/power...
Leader:
4lb test Seaguar Fluoro Premier
www.seaguar.com/saltwater/fluo...
Hook:
Owner #6 Mosquito Circle hook
www.ownerhooks.com/product/mo...
Bait:
Pautzke Bait Fire Balls
pautzke.com/pautzke-fire-balls/
Subscribe to go Fishing with Rod: bit.ly/2NfbK3P
Website: www.fishingwithrod.com
Facebook: / fishingwithrod
Instagram: / fishing_with_rod
Twitter: / fishingwithrod
Camera:
Rodney Hsu
Editing:
Rodney Hsu
Music:
"Corporate Romance" by Sergei Stern
"You Set My World on Fire" by Loving Caliber
Copyright: Fishing with Rod Production
My name is Rod, and I am an avid fisherman, fishery advocate, conservationist and educator in British Columbia Canada. On this channel you will find:
🔸 700+ fishing episodes & video tutorials!
🔸 Targeting many different fish species including salmon, trout, steelhead, sturgeon, bass, pike!
🔸 Exploring new fishing spots in the Pacific Northwest and Beyond!
🔸 Conversations on current fishery and conservation issues!
🔸 Fun outdoor adventures with me, my friends and family!
#fishing #troutfishing #trout

[@todddiakow436]

Excellent! I look forward to trying these strategies and technics with my grandkids this spring.

[@HelloEllie2023]

Love to watch the float going down moment, exhilarating!

[@Jmoom12]

Its always a great feeling to see that flout get pulled under the water.

[@doc8068]

Always enjoy your videos Rod. It's fun to panfish with an ultra-light setup.

[@FougereFamilyAdventures]

I love the sound and colour from your videos. Non stop trout. Looks like fun.

[@FishingwithRod]

Thanks! Just replied to your FB msg. 😊

[@FougereFamilyAdventures]

Thank you

[@nnifty1830]

Love it when I’m searching for Hamilton and I find Non-stop trout action!

[@FishingwithRod]

LOL what were you looking for?

[@RGutz81]

always awesome seeing u guys catching fish. Hope this year will have a lot of tight lines.

[@FishingwithRod]

Thanks! 😊

[@donaldnaymon3270]

Great video. Nice day fishing. Thank you for sharing.

[@FishingwithRod]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@SunnyIlha]

Wow great episode.

[@FishingwithRod]

Thank you! 😊

[@ColtonWilson3000]

Nice bout of fishing. I’m more of a bottom fisher myself. But float fishing is definitely a good way to start a beginner off. Thanks for posting again.

[@FishingwithRod]

Thanks for watching!

[@justingallardo6901]

Nice video as always !

[@FishingwithRod]

Thank you! 😊

[@campickford6071]

Nice to see some fresh water fishing again

[@FishingwithRod]

Yep, we rotate all the content so more to come! 😊

[@opb7262]

What a fun video. Thank you.

[@FishingwithRod]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@ryanquick94]

great vid rod

[@HopskysLounge]

I liked the video. I had some decent trout fishing this past weekend. I might have to try some of that Pautzke bait

[@doc8068]

Hopsky's Lounge We use the bait out here in Colorado does really well.

[@danielashjazadeh6165]

@Larry Olszewski calm down. It's not his job, and you shouldn't expect a product for free just because. Contact the company, pay for the product, pay for shipping and customs, and stop complaining.

[@derekeinar]

Awesome videos Rob! Keep it up. You need to put a video out on setting up your fish finder! Cheers!

[@FishingwithRod]

Thanks Derek, I'll put that on the list. 😊

[@markmcmyn8967]

That would be a perfect lake to take kids to.

[@FishingwithRod]

Definitely. It has the quantity and diversity, reasonably close to the city and beautiful nature surroundings.

[@WestCoastWheelman]

Dude your sound quality is so good I'm convinced never to buy a flat bottom aluminum Jon boat. That oil can sound of the waves slapping it would drive me insane by the end of the day.

[@FishingwithRod]

Haha yep! It's definitely loud, probably the only down side about this boat but I am pretty used to it by now, don't even notice it.

[@bigtentoutdoors1386]

Looks great! It would be a perfect day if you had a good friend there with you.

[@sarac4765]

Headed out to Hicks this weekend! Fingers crossed we hook something

[@Jingling-MelO]

How did u do? What did u use?

[@guyh.4553]

Hi Rod, good video. Having used this method since 2003 I'd like to give you a little hint. I know that your instincts are to jerk the pole when the float goes down. But don't. Wait a couple of seconds and let the fish take it. Then you start to reel in. The circle hook will either go into the side of the mouth or the top. Also try and keep a little tighter of line but not too much. You need some slack for the the to run with to hook themselves

[@BGIS2000]

I agree but he is using an ultra light rod, light weight line etc. which will give him a feeling of a gentle bite so that he can attempt a quick action. I use same technique just like you because I go with medium size rod which is little heavier so I wait till fish really hook on.

[@benh5774]

This video is very zen

[@FishingwithRod]

Thanks! Therapeutic I hope. 😊

[@BGIS2000]

I like fishing at Hicks Lake, not so often bites always in deep side of the lake but for sure you will have chance to catch decent size of trout sometime. The biggest one I caught about 16" rest of them was about 12"-14"

[@FishingwithRod]

Yep! 🙂 We've gotten fish up to 18" and 20" in the past. They're in there.

[@bobfelling6324]

Aluminum boat is a bit noisy when the waves are hitting it , nice and quiet on my float tube. Fish on !!

[@FishingwithRod]

Yep, it definitely can be a bit noisy, that is probably the only down side about this boat. I still love it, and am used to the noise. Being able to stand up (bare foot too on hot days) on my carpeted floor is one of my favourite features in that boat.

[@Nathan123645]

What would you recommend for an all trout tackle rig setup for spincasting

[@osheaferrero7758]

Nice vid I must have missed you up there I food alo t late April early may crushed my pb for the lake with a 21" rainbow maybe I'll catch ya next time

[@FishingwithRod]

Thanks! 😊

[@osheaferrero7758]

Anytime brotha tight lines

[@angelabrandonsantacruz4596]

Can you make a quick video on how you personally add new line to your reels???!!! Which technique you use best?! Thanks

[@FishingwithRod]

I'll put that on the list Angela. What I might do is to get one of the people in the industry to do it so the correct way is shown. 😊

[@angelabrandonsantacruz4596]

Thanks Rod! And this is Angela’s husband Brandon lol! We share a account! Love your videos!

[@XenoDragun]

Is there a local (BC) place that sell the #6 circle hook?

[@MegaNafo]

nice , please make a fly float fishing video

[@scotthuisman5035]

Where can you purchase the fireballs locally?

[@dawsoncoates]

Does the fishing line cut into the float around the top or is there a metal grommet protecting it from wearing out?

[@FishingwithRod]

Dawson, the foam used for this float is fairly hard and pretty hard to cut through. From what I can see, the hole seems to be lined with a plastic tube as well to protect the foam itself, so this should not be a problem.

[@dawsoncoates]

Fishing with Rod Thanks for the reply, I will have to buy one of those floats to try out.

[@natesmultishop1814]

Great video! In the beginning you moved locations a couple of times. How long are you typically spending in an area before you move to try a different spot?

[@FishingwithRod]

I probably spend about 30 minutes at each location before moving. What I'm looking for is spots where fish are cruising by frequently. These fish are generally not stationary, but rather they are travelling along a particular depth based on temperature seeking for food. If I pick the spot correctly, I should be able to see float downs almost right away.

[@natesmultishop1814]

Thank you! Just finished up watching your drift float trip down the elk. Looks like that was a great day as well! Really learning a lot from your channel.

[@FishingwithRod]

Thanks for watching them!

[@lucaslounsbury8515]

had no idea two rods in water was legal. sweet learned something new

[@FishingwithRod]

If you are on your own in the boat at a lake in BC, yes you can use two rods. If there are two or more people, than you can't.

[@allaboutfishing6087]

Do you need a boat with a motor or can an intex Seahawk 4 work?

[@FishingwithRod]

You don't need a motor, most of the productive spots are pretty close to the boat launch.

[@EhFishin]

Great video rod! I'm digging that DSLR boat mount! Where did you get it?

[@westcoastoutdoors2985]

EhFishin I think its made by Scotty

[@FishingwithRod]

The mount which holds my DSLR camera? I use a Scotty No. 368 universal fish finder mount. I screw on a Manfrotto rapid connect adapter so I can connect it with a sliding mounting plate on the base of the camera. The fish finder mount is then connected to a Scotty ball mounting system, so I can adjust the angle of the camera. They are then mounted onto the Scotty side deck mount on the boat. I should make a short video about this...

[@EhFishin]

Fishing with Rod please do! That's a nice little setup. Great work on Hicks lake.. haven't fished there since I was a kid when I was camping. Might be time to try it again.

[@wadewanner914]

Hi Rod - is there a dock at Hicks Lake to fish from or any other lakes near there? Unfortunately we don’t have a boat.

[@FishingwithRod]

Hi Wade, there isn't a dock at Hicks Lake, not one where fishing would be good anyway. However, there are lots of spots along the lake shore where you have access to water deep enough for good fishing.

[@wadewanner914]

Thanks Rod much appreciated. Do you happen to know if there are any lakes near Hicks Lake that have docks that you could recommend?

[@adventureswithbear]

Mike Lake in Golden Ears Prov Park has a decent fishing dock and is stocked with catchable rainbows.

[@smallpaulissmall5582]

I wonder if there are any good spots to fish from shore at Hicks?

[@FishingwithRod]

There certainly are good shore fishing spots at Hicks Lake. Most of the spots have access to deep water not too far from shore. You can find quite a few spots within a short walk from the day-use area/boat launch.

[@Gsr2011]

Can you do a video on how you rigged that float

[@FishingwithRod]

Yes I think so. I was not thorough enough on explaining the setup in this video, so most likely I will do a separate tutorial on this. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@italiantroutaholic8926]

hey rod ever thought of a video on Float tubing for trout????

[@Coastalfishes]

Italian Troutaholic probably going to be very difficult to film

[@italiantroutaholic8926]

not of you have another foat tube with a camera on it???

[@Coastalfishes]

Wish I could do this but I currently do not have a boat or a kayak

[@FishingwithRod]

They can be caught from shore quite easily too.

[@garychiang2568]

Take a look on Craigslist and there are always some canoes for sale. With an investment of $500 and some patience you can get out on the water pretty easily.

[@MegaNafo]

Pear Fishing , I bought a inflatable boat , cheap one , Intex , Seahawk $35 from walmart , pretty cool for lakes

[@LaiYouttitham]

Rod, are we allowed to fish with 2 rods?

[@FishingwithRod]

Yep. In BC, if you are alone in a boat on a lake, you can use two rods.

[@littlegoobie]

same for great lakes and when ice fishing.

[@LaiYouttitham]

Thanks for the info Rod, I was told not to before by someone on one of my camping trip, Now I know :)

[@Jimithy98]

Every time I’ve used this method I have caught fish.

[@FishingwithRod]

Great!

[@thelocalangler]

hey rod is that left over food on the corner of your mouth? sorry i had too lol

[@FishingwithRod]

Yeah... You almost should get a prize for being the first one to notice it lol... I had a donut just before I started filming this, and I was quite thorough on my wiping, but clearly missed a spot... It was a painful video to edit when I had to stare at that for hours, but decided to put this up anyway! The things I do for subscribers. ;)

[@sherylarsenault8078]

Yes as a mom & grandma it makes me want to wipe you mouth sorry

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Are you still using braid for the main line?

[@FishingwithRod]

Abunai One For this particular trip, I used mono for main. I don’t like to use braid for float fishing.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Thanks.

[@dahutful]

Used to use those eggs as a kid. Even then I wondered just what fish took them for, because they look completely unnatural

[@FishingwithRod]

Salmonid in general will go for anything spherical IMO, because they resemble fish eggs. More often than not trout will also go for the split shots on your line, which usually result in the fish being foul hooked.

[@volitanttitan8127]

How deep was ur float set at?

[@FishingwithRod]

It was around 4 to 6 feet.

[@Coastalfishes]

You're allowed to use two rods?

[@johndixon5323]

Pear Fishing- check your state, or province..sometimes for around 10-15$, you can add a second rod endorsement to your fishing license.

[@Coastalfishes]

John Dixon We live in the same province

[@coldhcm1796]

The current BC freshwater fishing synopsis says "It is unlawful to use more than one fishing line, EXCEPT a person who is alone in a boat on a lake may angle with two lines." (pg.9)

[@tylerbax8074]

In British Columbia, Canada if your in a boat by yourself you can fish 2 rods with more that 2 people it is one per person

[@bobjim8687]

Great video! Can someone recommend me a good lake to fish in lower mainland? preferably for bass. And from shore since I have no access to a boat

[@FishingwithRod]

Mill Lake, Sturgeon Slough, Sumas River, Pitt River Marsh, Deer Lake in Burnaby can all be good for bass fishing.

[@bobjim8687]

Fishing with Rod can I have some tips on how to fish sturgeon slough? I have tried before and caught a little crappie. Which part do I fish? the inner part of it or the mouth? And what technique? Thanks!

[@adventureswithbear]

Sturgeon slough I tried but only caught carp. I think once it warms up, use the top water. Poppers, frogs etc

[@sherylarsenault8078]

I have never had that amount of bites there ever :(

[@FishingwithRod]

Better go and get it done then.

[@riehamada8959]

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

[@garychiang2568]

Fishing update: the fish are all gone. Nothing to catch there. Move on. I’ll stay and will post updates when they come back.......

[@FishingwithRod]

lol...