Gear 101 - Getting into trout fishing is easy

by Jacob Lucas

Getting into trout fishing doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive

Whether you want to try spin or soft bait fishing, fly fishing, or the relaxing form of bait fishing there are entry-level fishing sets that are all you need for catching fish and can set you on a lifelong journey of enjoyment.

Spin or soft bait fishing

The pathway that most people take to get into fishing.  It’s uncomplicated, casting is easy, and inexpensive to get into.  Here’s all you need:

• Rod and reel set – easiest purchased as a combo with line already rigged (usually 8-10lbs)
• Lures – a handful of lures in different weights and styles/colours
• Soft baits – good bang for your buck and are so realistic the trout can’t resist them. Grab a pack or two of jig heads and some soft baits in different colours – you won’t regret it!
• Small bag/hip pack – allows you to carry what you need and be mobile. With spin fishing, the more you move the more you catch.

Bait fishing

With the same spin set mentioned above, all you need are some bait hooks, and small sinkers to get the job done. 

• Bait: worms are free (trout love them too), and there are plenty of deadly products on offer such as supermarket prawns or ‘chunky cheese trout nuggets’ - but check your local fishing regulations first.

Bubble and fly

With your basic spin set, you can catch fish on what they are eating the most – and that is river bugs. Simply head to your local river, find a good run (knee to waist deep riffle is ideal), then cast up and across – winding in as the fly comes closer – when the bubble dips – you’re on!

• Bubbles – cost a few bucks each
• Flies – a small handful of basic weighted nymphs to imitate insects that trout feed on

Fly fishing

The world of fly fishing appears complicated but doesn’t need to be.  Entry-level gear is reasonably priced, but the next steps are key: learning to cast and reading the water.  The better you can do this the more fish you will catch.

• 5/6 weight rod/reel set – can be purchased with fly line included as a combo
• Flies – a handful of basic nymphs and dry flies do the job.
• Leader/tippet – carry a spare tapered leader and a roll of tippet (5-6lbs is ideal).

Other useful gear

• Multi-tool – does the job of cutting line, removing hooks and has a knife to clean your trout
• Polarised sunglasses – will add to your enjoyment by removing glare to help you see fish. They will make you a better angler as you can spot fish trailing your lure, so you will learn where the best parts of a river are to fish. For the fly angler, spotting fish first gives you a big advantage
• Landing net – makes the job of landing fish much easier; essential if you want to release the fish safely
• Small pack or vest – to carry your gear

YouTube is one of your greatest resources for learning how to fish, from tying basic knots to learning to cast a fly.  Fish & Game has dozens of great videos online to help you catch fish, check out some popular videos here:

Spin fishing tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NdYcJV221s

Soft baiting tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9eSh1artGI

Bait fishing gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7iQ65iXKRM