The Acme Kastmaster spoon is one of the all time classic trout fishing lures. Whether you are fishing a Kastmaster for trout on rivers or lakes it’s distinctive wobble can force a strike on those days when everything else fails.
The Kastmaster lure for trout with it’s thick body is designed for casting good distances. The heavier weight allows it to be worked deep on rivers and streams and from the shore on lakes. Casting it over a pool or deep channel in a river during the summer months can be very effective.
How to Fish a Kastmaster
When casting you will want to cast beyond the area that you are targeting. Once the Kastmaster lure hit’s the water you can countdown to the required depth.
This may require a little practice to get a feel for how quickly it sinks. Once you have the lure in the correct area and depth then you need to retrieve it fairly quickly.
The speed at which you retrieve the Kastmaster is very important. It needs to be quick enough for the Kastmaster to swim with its distinctive wiggle. But not to fast as the faster you fish the lure the shallower it will swim.
When fishing on a lake with a Kastmaster you can really get some distance from the shore. As you work your way along the bank try to cast in a fan like pattern. Casting this way will enable you to cover as much water as possible from where you are standing.
When it comes to color selection always try to start out using the more natural variations. Gold/Silver/Trout patterns to start with and then move on to the brighter less natural ones.
When retrieving you need to vary the speed at which it will swim. So ever 15 feet or so change the speed at which you wind it in. And remember not too slow as you need a bit of speed for the Kastmaster lure to swim properly.
Varying the speed of your retrieval can mean the difference to having a trout follow the lure and then turn away uninterested once it gets a look at it and striking the lure violently. In clear shallow waters you can see trout turn away quite a lot when following any kind if trout lure.
The key to forcing a strike from them is to either twitch your rod tip or vary the speed at which the lures swims through the water.
When fishing on a small river or stream a small silver and blue Kastmaster spoon can be just as effective as a small spinner like a rooster tail. The added advantage of the Kastmaster is that with it’s heavier weight you can get some decent casting distances. The greater distances can mean you can cover a lot more water and usually the far bank is easily within reach.
Fishing a Kastmaster spoon for trout near the surface on a small river can force trout into striking a little bit more. As you retrieve the Kastmaster you can try it get it to swim just under the surface of the water. It’s built in wobble will create a ripple on the surface that trout can find irresistible.
The key to getting this ripple right if to not let the Kastmaster spoon break the surface tension of the water. Instead it is fished a couple of inches below, the wake from the back of the lure then creates this ripple.
What Size Kastmaster for Trout?
| Size | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz | Smaller trout, streams, rivers, smaller bodies of water |
| 3/8 oz to 1/2 oz | Versatile size for various trout species and fishing situations |
| 3/4 oz to 1 oz | Larger trout, deeper waters, lakes, reservoirs |
The size of the Kastmaster lure for trout fishing can vary depending on the specific trout species, fishing conditions, and personal preference. Here are some general guidelines to consider when selecting the size:
- 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz: These smaller sizes are commonly used for trout fishing, especially in streams, rivers, and smaller bodies of water. They are effective for targeting smaller trout or when trout are feeding on smaller baitfish or insects.
- 3/8 oz to 1/2 oz: These medium-sized Kastmaster lures are versatile and can work well for various trout species and fishing situations. They offer a balance between casting distance and attracting larger trout.
- 3/4 oz to 1 oz: These larger sizes are suitable for targeting larger trout or when fishing in deeper waters, lakes, or reservoirs. They can provide a longer casting range and are effective for imitating larger baitfish.
Ultimately, the size of the Kastmaster you choose will depend on factors such as the size of trout in your fishing area, the depth and size of the water body, and the specific fishing techniques you plan to use. It’s often a good idea to have a selection of different sizes available to adapt to changing conditions or experiment with what works best for your particular fishing situation.
What Color Kastmaster for Trout?
| Color | Water Conditions | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Silver/Chrome | Clear water, bright conditions | Mimics baitfish, effective in various situations |
| Gold | Stained or murky water | Creates contrasting flash to attract attention |
| Rainbow Trout | Varies | Imitates rainbow trout or when feeding on fish |
| Natural Colors | Areas with vegetation, feeding on insects | Brown, green, or black to mimic natural prey |
| Bright Colors | Low-light conditions, murky water | Chartreuse, orange, fluorescent pink, etc. |
1. Gold Kastmaster
Probably the best of all the colors you can choose, the gold Kastmaster lures for trout have probably caught more than the rest combined. Used on over a deep pool in a river this kastmaster spoon is very reliable.
2. Chrome/Neon Blue
The silver and blue can be great on dull days when the gold is not quite bright enough. This is easily the next most popular Kastmaster color to the gold one above.
3. Firetiger
Firetiger color is really best on large rivers and in lakes as it may resemble baitfish that the trout are feeding on. On rivers it is best used after a prolonged rain period when the river is running a little higher than normal and the water clarity is not as good.
4. Rainbow Trout
Many Kastmaster lures come in a pattern that imitates the coloration of a rainbow trout. These lures can be effective when trout are feeding on smaller fish or if there are rainbow trout in the water you are fishing.
5. Bright Colors
In certain situations, using brighter colors like chartreuse, orange, or fluorescent pink can be effective, especially in low-light conditions or when the water is murky.
How to Rig a Kastmaster?
Rigging a Kastmaster lure is a relatively simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to rig a Kastmaster:
- Gather your equipment: You’ll need a Kastmaster lure, fishing line, and appropriate fishing tackle such as a fishing rod and reel.
- Tie your line: Attach your fishing line to the rod and reel using a suitable knot. The most common knot used is the improved clinch knot, but you can use any knot you are comfortable with.
- Select a leader (optional): Depending on your fishing situation, you may want to add a leader between your main fishing line and the Kastmaster lure. A leader can provide extra strength and abrasion resistance, especially if you are targeting larger trout or fishing in areas with structure. Use a suitable knot to attach the leader to your main line.
- Tie a lure attachment knot: Take the end of your fishing line or leader and tie a lure attachment knot, such as a Palomar knot, to the split ring or the eyelet of the Kastmaster lure. Make sure the knot is tight and secure.
- Trim excess line: After tying the knot, trim any excess line with a pair of scissors or line clippers, leaving a small tag end.
- Check your rig: Ensure that the knot is properly tied and the lure is securely attached. Give it a gentle tug to test its strength and make any adjustments if necessary.
- Prepare your fishing rod: Set up your fishing rod by adjusting the reel’s drag, setting the appropriate line tension, and ensuring the rod is assembled correctly.
- Cast and retrieve: With your Kastmaster rigged and your fishing rod ready, cast your lure into the desired fishing spot. Allow the lure to sink to the desired depth, then retrieve it by reeling in with a steady or erratic retrieve, depending on the trout’s feeding patterns and your fishing strategy.
Tackle
Given the extra weight that a Kastmaster lure has for it’s size you can stay on light to medium spinning tackle. There really is no need to use ultra-light spinning tackle. A size 2500 and up trout spinning reel and up should be good enough.
For a rod a fast action, six and a half to seven foot spinning rod should do the trick.
A six lbs fishing line should be strong enough and still ensure long casting of the lure. However if you are casting a heavier one on a lake you will need to ensure that the line is strong enough depending on how heavy you go.
If trolling a Kastmaster from a boat then you will need to use some of the larger sizes to help get the lures down deeper. Beware though like any fishing lure no matter how big a size you go with it there is a natural limit as to how deep a Kastmaster will swim.
There needs to be a balance struck between how fast you are trolling with a kastmaster and how deep you can go without weight added or the use of a down-rigger.
If you plan on targeting some big lake trout down deep then I would suggest the use of a down-rigger over adding weight to your line. The downrigger gives a very measurable and reliable way to get to your target depth without changing how the Kastmaster swims through the water.