Scout Float Trip, Jul 31-Aug 03, Spin Rod Lures

[MaxDrown]

I am taking the Scout troop on our second annual float trip on the EPR from Jul 31-Aug 03. Last year's trip was a great success and the boys are very excited to go again this year. We will be floating from Greer to Riverton.

I fly fish and no little to nothing about spin fishing. I have been introducing them to fly fishing, but, due to the cost of acquiring new gear, most of our Scouts will be fishing with spinning tackle. Last year I was not prepared with the proper lures to get them onto some fish. I am looking for some suggestions on what lures to use to maximize their success this year.

[Brian Sloss]

marabou jigs in various colors (1/16-1/8oz), smaller crankbaits (rebel crawdads are great) that dive deep, some rooster tails in various colors and heavier to get down a little more. A minnow trap can catch you bait below the trophy area.

[Gavin]

I'd add some kastmaster spoons to you kit as well. Here's a nice article that covers the basics.

http://www.missouritrouthunter.com/LureFishing.htm

[RSBreth]

Another great rig is a weighted float and whatever nymph you would regularly use on fly gear - sometimes works better on spinning gear, actually.

[MaxDrown]

Another great rig is a weighted float and whatever nymph you would regularly use on fly gear - sometimes works better on spinning gear, actually.

Can you explain that in more detail for me, please?

[LittleRedFisherman]

Try some Zig Jigs, they were designed for the tailwaters, but have worked well for me on the EP. Brian, is a big fan of marabou on the that river, and rightfully so, they perform well there for trout or bass! I had the best luck just jigging and popping the jig off the bottom back to the boat, or what they call the "pop and drop", that should also be easy for the kids to fish, and catch fish!!

My buddy Chad fishes a lot with a jig and float on spinning tackle, much the same way I do with my flyrod. Other than the advantage of mending the line in a good drift with the flyrod, that works will for him with his casting rod. Good luck, can't wait to hear your report!!

[Mark]

My fav is black rooster tail with glitter on tail for Blue Ribbon.

Second the minnow trap below Turner. Also below Turner, suggest for scouts pink and white power eggs - one jar of each and they can fish all day cheaply. And my personal go to cheap bait - a bag of frozen small salad shrimp ($1.50 for a bag of 30 in most grocery stores) fit perfectly on a #6 hook. Make sure they have enough weight to bounce along the botttom. If they aren't tying a few hooks throughout the day, they aren't fishing deep enough.

Check out the new bait shop on AA between Turner and Whitten access. Great prices.

Good for you taking a group of scouts - kuddos for making a difference in kid's outdoor expeeriences.

Good luck and give us a report.

[MaxDrown]

The canoe trip was a huge success! The boys and leaders had a great time. We caught some fish, explored all of the springs, camped on the "sandbars", and did a lot of swimming and goofing around. I tied them up 100 marabou jigs beforehand, so they had plenty of lures to use. My son caught his first trout and first smallmouth, both on a flyrod. The rain start during the night of our last night, so we timed the trip perfect to avoid the flooding.

https://plus.google.com/photos/102667900124709882552/albums/5910106114912933425?authkey=CIPDq8bZnbjGDQ

[Wayne SW/MO]

Excellent. Scouting can be a great asset to young people.

[Brian Sloss]

It was great having your troop down again this year, see you in a couple of weeks.