A history of compromise
The marmorata trout is a powerful fish, which can measure more than 1 meter, but which can be fished with relatively light lures. It is then essential to find a compromise between lightness and power in order to fish correctly without risking to lose the fish of his life!
In summer, some lures are leaded with only 1 or 2 grams of leaded head, which makes sets weighing between 3 and 5 grams for the lightest. A rod with a power of 5-20 grams is then ideal, provided that you have a big reserve of power in case of encounter with a big fish.
As for the length, here again, you have to find the right compromise between a rod that is not too long so that it remains manageable, but with a minimum of length nevertheless to effectively control drifts and casts. The length of the rod also helps to fight fish in shallow areas by keeping the braid away from the many rocks sticking out of the water. A rod length of between 2 meters and 2.20 meters seems to be the perfect compromise for fishing for marmorata trout.
Combos taken away
For our trip in Italy, we each took a rod in the above mentioned powers. Being all rodbuilders, we obviously took home made rods. Stella went with her 68ML which is given for 3-15 grams, but has a very large taper and therefore a good power reserve. A Daiwa Exceller 2500 reel completes this combo.
For my part and for Ghjuvà it is two blanks from NFC that we selected for our trip, the 733Xray and the 705IM mounted respectively with a Certate 4000 and a Ballistic 3000. These combos are the ones we use for all our medium size fishing, both in the sea and in fresh water. So we know this equipment perfectly, which is important for confidence and concentration throughout a trip in search of a fish.
These reels are obviously filled with braid to gain casting distance and feel, the diameters are between PE0.8 for Stella's reel and PE1 for Ghjuvà's and mine. The leader that we used is a fluoro of Siglon brand, with a resistance of 10lbs. Again, it is a top-of-the-range product that we use regularly and in which we can have confidence, both in its resistance to traction and abrasion. With a diameter of 0.26mm, it remains the best compromise between discretion and power.
Our two fly rods are also home made rods, with the same blank: the lighthouse 864-4, a fast and precise blank made of 4-ply, easy to handle for the poor fly fishermen that we are.
The rest of the material
As far as the equipment is concerned, we travel light with each one a small bag to put the boxes of lures. The fishing of the marmorata being an itinerant fishing in river, it is important not to be overloaded, especially when the kilometers follow one another.
We are three and we decide to take two landing nets, because even if we stay together, a landing net can be lost quite easily, the continuation will prove it to us. Of course, all the usual small equipment of the trout fishermen is with us, namely a measuring rod to measure the fish, a pliers to unhook them, fluorocarbon, a wire cutter, etc.
As for the clothing of the fisherman, the strong temperatures of August allow us to walk in the water without waders. So we leave in shorts with hiking sneakers to keep a good grip and not risk to get hurt.
Caps and polarized glasses are also essential for effective sun protection. Of course, neutral colored clothing is preferable, especially when fishing downstream when the fish are looking up.
