One of my goals for this year was to catch a lake trout. The best body of water to catch a lake trout from shore is Wachussett Reservoir. I fished several spots and exploited several methods. I learned something new on each trip and applied it on my subsequent trips. Today, it everything came together: fish on!

The first thing that helped me catch my first lake trout was my rod. The average rod length on the banks of Wachussett Reservoir is 7 feet. A 7 foot rod does not have enough length to propel a shiner or chunk to the distant holes where lake trout lurk. I use 9 and 10 foot St. Croix Mojo Surf rods. These rods propel shiners or chunks three times further than a 7 foot rod.

The second thing that helped me catch my first lake trout was a custom sinker. The sinkers used by anglers on Wachussett Reservoir range from 1/2 oz to 1 oz. I use a custom 2 oz sinker that I make using heat shrink tubing and two 1 oz steal bullet weights.

The third thing that helped me catch my first lake trout was the bait. I used a chunk of mackerel with secret sauce. The mackerel chunk was secured to a 7/0 in-line circle hook via elastic.

In addition to catching a fish on this trip, I also caught more knowledge. I am already planning my next lake trout trip to Wachussett Reservoir. I have mackerel! I also have yellow perch!! Lake trout beware!!!