subject: Must-Know Info About Trout Fishing Gear [print this page] Knowing what to take with you on your next trout fishing excursion could be the difference between catching multiple fish and coming home empty-handed. Yes, it is very important to understand other things such as techniques for casting, baiting and reeling in these bad boys, but equally as significant is having a good understanding of appropriate trout fishing gear. In this article we will discuss various types of equipment that are essential to your fishing success.
Clothing and Accessories
It is crucial to wear the right clothing when going fishing. Many anglers make the mistake of wearing bright clothing thinking that as long as they stay out of the water they will not be seen by the fish. Well, this is not a good habit to have because fish and trout especially have great eye sight and can see you even when you're on the river bank, so it is a good idea to camouflage yourself as best as possible. A good way to do this is by wearing brown or dark green so you can blend in with your surroundings. Another thing to keep in mind is to avoid wearing strong deodorant, cologne or lotion. Trout have a keen sense of smell and can be scared away from anything that may give off a strong, unnatural scent.
Rods, Reels and Line
Rods come in a variety of weights and sizes depending on the type of fishing you are doing. You also may want to consider the area where you are going to be fishing when selecting the correct rod. For example, if you are going to be fishing in an area with lots of overhanging trees or other objects that might get in the way then a shorter rod would be best. However, if you are out in the open fishing for larger trout then you may want a longer, firmer rod. When choosing a reel, you are probably going to choose between a fly reel and a spin reel. It depends on the rod you are using because you want the weight of the overall outfit (rod, reel and line) to be good for you. In general, longer rods balance better with heavier reels. Similarly, you can choose your line depending on what type of fishing you are doing. As long as the weight of the outfit feels right to you then you should be ok!
Bait, Lures, Flies and Tackle
In general, what you put on the end of your line depends on the type of water and the species of trout you are trying to catch. Live baits such as worms and grasshoppers work well in most areas as long as the local laws allow for them. Many places disallow live bait fishing because it can be very harmful to the fish. Artificial lures serve as great substitutes for live bait, as they are designed to imitate minnows and small insects. Fly fishing tends to be a great option in rivers. This is not to say, however, that fly fishing is not effective in other types of water. When fly fishing for trout you typically choose between dry and wet flies depending on the area of the river and the type of trout. When deciding which type of hook to use, it is best to know what species of trout is prevalent in the water where you are fishing. For example, Brook Trout are smaller than most trout species, and their bite is not as aggressive as that of bigger species. Small hooks like Gang hooks can be a good option for these smaller fish because they will keep them on your line and can be disguised by your bait.
