Trout fishing requires specialized equipment to help you land the fish of your dreams. Here are the must-have trout fishing gear recommendations you should know about.
Best Trout Fishing Gear for Beginners
As mentioned, trout fishing requires specialized tackle for a great experience. If you’re just getting started with trout fishing, here are some of the must-have gear you’ve got to get your hands on!
Waders
Waders are important equipment for trout anglers. You’ll often find yourself in the water when you’re trout fishing, and you’ll need waders to keep yourself safe and dry.
Since trout are much more likely to be found in colder water, many anglers wear insulated waders.
Additionally, there are a couple of different options to choose from, so you’ll find a good pair. You can also purchase waders with the boot or buy them separately. If you’re new to trout fishing, a good pair will protect the bottom of your feet from getting wet.
A Fishing Vest
Let’s face it: you can’t bring much with you when you’re wet wading. However, a good trout vest can be a lifesaver on fishing trips.
It provides plenty of space for all the essential tools you’ll need, so you’ll never have to carry your tackle box around again. You can wear one to store your other gear, like light lures, a hook, or even flies.
While it’s optional, fishing vests can come in handy, especially when you don’t want to wear chest waders.
Not only that but getting a vest will give you extra storage without having to break the bank. Whatever your budget is, there’s a vest you can purchase!
Landing Net
A landing net is a helpful device that trout anglers use to catch slippery targets. Trout are active and hardy fighters, which makes them difficult to snatch.
With this, a net is a handy tool that ensures you land a trout and helps you release the fish more easily.
Additionally, modern landing nets have rubber coatings that don’t remove the important slime off of your trout. With the help of a good net, you can protect the trout’s delicate skin and safely release them back into the water.
Bait
Most anglers use various baitfish imitators, like small inline spinners, spoons, and minnow baits. However, other baits like crawfish and insect imitators work as well.
But, if you’re new to fly fishing, start with a half dozen common patterns. Most fly fishing experts recommend the woolly bugger, elk hair caddis, simple scud, light Cahill, and grasshopper.
Besides these, using simple baits like salmon eggs can also increase your chances of catching trout and even other fish.
Fishing tip! If you’re planning to catch trout in rivers, check out our list of the best trout lures for rivers!
Camera
Many trout fisheries across the country allow anglers to catch fish and keep them. However, others have strict regulations on how much anglers can catch to protect fragile populations.
That being said, a camera is a great way to make memories on your fishing trip.
With a camera to capture the moment, you can share your experiences when you return. You can also brag about catching big fish to your friends!
So, if you’re not confident in your skills, try fishing for “catch and release” and take a camera with you!
Forceps
If you’re going to fish for trout, some of the most important tools you’ll need include pliers, forceps, and nippers. Primarily, you’ll use these tools to cut lines. Fly anglers use forceps to release trout, while anglers use small pliers as part of spinning outfits.
Another great thing about these tools is that they’re expensive and take up very little space. If you don’t have either, you can also grab a simple nail clipper for trimming knots or cutting a line.
Tackle Box
Tackle boxes are accessories that help you identify your fishing equipment, organize them, and keep track of its use.
Fly anglers have fly boxes that they need to keep their flies organized and share with others. They also have places to hold their leaders, so they don’t lose track of what they’re tying on.
Whether you’re fly fishing or casting, you’ll need a tackle management system. Of course, the type of box you need will vary depending on what kind of fishing you enjoy. Small and soft fly boxes work best when fishing from small streams, ponds, and rivers.
Trout Fishing Tips for Beginners
Trout and fly fishing are outdoor sports that you can enjoy. If you’re new to trout fishing, here are a few trout fishing tips that you should keep in mind!
Where to Catch Trout
There are a huge variety of different trout species, from rainbow trout to lake trout and more. Because of this, an angler can find trout in almost any freshwater setting.
A river, small or larger streams, and even lakes are good fishing spots. With this, it’s important to scout the area for good trout fishing spots.
Most times, fishing maps are made available by a state’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. However, you can also explore other sources of information, including your local fly fishing gear shop or a fellow angler.
Additionally, online forums also provide information on areas you want to go to.
The Best Equipment for Trout Fishing
Fishing for trout is a great activity that doesn’t require much equipment, unlike bass fishing. If you’re looking for a more economical or smaller fish, trout is a good option.
Many anglers recommend using a medium-weight rod that’s about six or seven feet long. If you want a basic trout rod and reel combo, use a spinning reel and a four or six-pound monofilament floating line.
Aside from these, you can also use a fly rod with fly reels. Additionally, trout eat almost anything, so you don’t need to have particular lures. Artificial lures are popular, but you can also use live bait like crickets.
Time to Reel That Trout In!
Over the years, trout fishing has become an increasingly popular outdoor activity that every angler can enjoy. But, before heading out, make sure you’ve got everything you need, from fly rods to your favorite lure.
Of course, depending on your preference and current conditions, you’ll have a range of fishing tools. Whether on a boat or in small streams, these trout fishing gear will surely get you started!
That said, go and get yourself trout and even some panfish!
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