i am new to this site and have not been fishing in many years so i can't remember how to set up a line for using baits like power baits or even the good old worm. i met a guy who set his rig using 3 slip sinkers then a link with a hook and some power bait. that left the hook floating in the water about 12" above the bottom. my problem with this is that you can't tell when a fish is playing with your bait. any suggestions or web sites would be a huge help. thanks

buy some of the pre rigged hooks from eagle claw or gamakatsu or anything like that. tie a snap or swivle on your main line with a slip sinker or split shot above that and put the hook with leader on the snap.

For trout:

6 1/2'-7' ultralight to light action spinning rod

Ultralight spinning reel capable of holding at least 100 yards of 4lb-6lb test line

1/4oz. bullet, sliding sinker and 1/8oz. sliding sinker; bead; size 12 black, barrel swivel; 2'-4' of 2lb. or 3lb. leader; size 8 baithold hook with 3 PowerEggs (They float and the trout cannot knock them off) or a small size 12-14 treble hook with paste, PowerBait; squirt shrimp oil on the PowerBait / PowerEggs.

With the long, ulralight rod and 4lb. test line, you will be able to cast a LONG distance with minimal weight. The sliding sinkers will allow you to FEEL the bite. Set the reel's drag light and you will have alot of fun with your trout and be able to catch fish in the 5lb.+ range, too.

GOOD LUCK!