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that conviction. Small plastic “tails” are great for jug trout — schoolies — but the big trout often favor big offerings. This especially is true in the shallows where the loner trophies often roam to feed, where wading and poling are so efficient.


Longer 5- to 6-inch unweighted (or lightly weighted) plastics can be effec- tive, especially under calm, clear, finesse situations. The fly rodder can


I cannot totally fault whipping out a


stringer, as I did long ago, or bending the


brute into a cooler but times and attitudes are different now, and many mold mounts are drop-dead beautiful.


use a variety of slow-sinking streamers that imitate finger mullet or pinfish. But mullet-imitation plugs, either slow-sinking or floating, are the per-


centage choice for joining the 30-Inch Club. Most of these are 4-to-5 inches in length, a solid mouthful. They also cast well, a bonus when covering water. Topwaters of the “dog walker” type


are hugely popular and certainly have produced rhino-class trout but if I had to bet everything on one strike, I’d go with a slow sinker. Even big trout can strike short on a jiving surface lure. Or maybe you get a sketchy hook-set on a long chunk with wind belly in the line. The sub-surface lure allows the fish to really clamp down. Non-stretch braid might improve


the percentages of sticking a big fish on a long cast, but I must admit I don’t enjoy using gel-spun line on a casting reel; quality mono just feels better, smoother. I strongly recommend using a monofilament shock leader or bite tip- pet testing 20 or 30 pounds. Average trout are not notorious for cutting or fraying the typical 12- to 15-pound mono, but the twin wolf teeth in the top of a big jaw occasionally can clip a casting line. I’ve seen this soul-deaden- ing calamity, usually at close range. Assuming your monster trout comes to hand, consider catch-and-release. Have a measuring tape and a water-


resistant pocket camera handy and, if possible, an accurate weighing device. I cannot totally fault whipping out a stringer, as I did long ago, or bending the brute into a cooler but times and attitudes are different now, and many mold mounts are drop-dead beautiful. You don’t need the dead fish for a stun- ning reproduction.


The Spotted Grail is the best we’ve got, the best that any angler has the right to expect to catch. And there is great satisfaction in watching a truly awesome trout swim free, breathing and glowing, swelling with power and promise, capable of passing its superi- or genes onto future tides.


Joe Doggett was an outdoor columnist at the Houston Chronicle for 35 years. He retired in February, 2007, but continues to write occasional guest features. He also is a contributing editor for Field & Stream, and senior contributing editor for Texas Fish & Game. Doggett’s writing has been recog- nized by Outdoor Writers Association of America, Texas Outdoor Writers Asso- ciation, Associated Press, United Press International, and the Houston Press Club.


A LEGACY OF CONSERVATION


OIN THE SPECIAL GROUP OF PEOPLE who have made a lifetime commitment to marine resource con- servation, and become a life member of CCA. With your one time $1,000 mem- bership contribution, you will receive this distinctive CCA life member display piece.


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To create your own legacy of conser- vation and become a life member, contact Robert Taylor, CCA Director of Development, 1.800.201. 3474.


Coastal Conservation Association


6919 Portwest, Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77024


1.800. 201. FISH www.joincca.org


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