How to Use Trout Roe as Bait

sandwich with roe image by Ekaterina Shvigert from Fotolia.com

Trout roe or trout eggs are often used as bait when fishing for salmon and steelhead trout. These tiny eggs are wrapped in a piece of netting to form a spawn sack, which is then attached to a hook in the same manner as other types of bait. Trout roe can be purchased as loose eggs in some bait and tackle shops, or you can buy the spawn sacks premade. Purchasing premade spawn sacks might be the best bet for beginners, as tying the sacks can be difficult.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Spawn sack netting material
Scissors
Elastic thread
Hook

Step 1

Cut a piece of spawn sack netting material into a 4-inch square with a pair of scissors. Spawn sack netting material is available in bait shops and often comes in bright colors, such as yellow, orange or pink.

Step 2

Place approximately 1 heaping tsp. of cured trout eggs onto the center of the netting.

Step 3

Gather the netting around the eggs, and gently twist the trout eggs inside the netting to create a ball.

Step 4

Wrap elastic thread around the gathered stem of netting two or three times. Knot the thread tightly and then wrap an additional two to three times before knotting the thread again.

Step 5

Trim away the excess netting from the spawn sack, being careful not to cut the thread.

Step 6

Insert a hook through the center of the spawn sack just before casting your line. You do not need to pierce the actual eggs with the hook, just pierce the netting so that the spawn sack stays in place.

Step 7

Change spawn sacks approximately every hour, as they will lose some of their scent in the water.

Tips & Warnings

You also can use magic thread to tie the spawn sack. It is a type of elastic thread specifically made for creating spawn sacks. After it is wrapped around the stem of the sack, it doesn't need to be knotted.

Be patient when you start out tying spawn sacks. The eggs are very small and break easily, so do not get frustrated if you damage the first few spawn sacks you attempt to make.

Article Written By Kittie McCoy

Kittie McCoy has been a freelance writer since 2008. She is also a part-time personal trainer and licensed entertainer in Las Vegas. She enjoys sharing her love of physical fitness and experience in the entertainment industry via her writing.

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