Trout Fishing Equipment – Basic Gear For A Successful Day of Trout Fishing While Using Spinning Gear

As the weather begins to warm and spring rears it's beautiful head, after a long winter of short days and very cold weather, many people turn their attention to the idea of going out and catching a few trout. I know this because I am one of these people and have been for many years and in this post I will outline some of the basic trout fishing equipment that you will need for a successful day of trout fishing. What qualifies me for knowing this information? Namely the fact that I have been fishing for and catching trout for almost thirty years, so I have a little more than an inkling of the necessary trout fishing equipment.

This gear is what I consider "the basics" and are all items that I believe every serious trout fisherman should have in his or her arsenal. I use all of the items and personally wouldn't head out onto the water without any of them. Experience has taught me that the following trout fishing equipment is all integral to having a successful day of fishing for trout.

1. A Fishing Vest - Although fishing vests are generally thought of of something that fly fishermen wear, I have found that as an ultralight spin fisherman, a fishing vest is great for carrying and accessing all of my tackle and equipment when I am on the water fishing for trout. Fishing vests have many pockets, zippered and otherwise, which are great for housing all of your necessary trout fishing gear. Small plastic tackle boxes fit perfectly in the larger pockets and are great for storing all of your spinners, spoons, stick baits, and other trout fishing lures, while the many smaller pockets are perfect for holding sinkers, floats, extra fishing line, etc.
2. Hemostats or Small Pliers - Hemostats or small pliers are necessary for removing small fishing hooks from the mouth and throat of caught trout. The reason I personally prefer hemostats is that they are very lightweight and thin and can be 'clamped' to your fishing vest for easy access and storage when not in use. A hook removal tool such as hemostats or pliers are also a must if you are primarily a catch and release trout fisherman as I am.
3. A Bait Bag - One of the best baits to use for trout are live fishing worms (especially in river fishing situations) and the simplest and easiest way to carry live fishing worms on the water is called a bait bag. This small bag clips to your vest, belt, or shirt and makes baiting up and re-baiting live worms a snap. If your like to fish for trout in rivers, you'll wonder how you ever fished without a bait bag.
4. Split Shot Sinkers - Whether you are "drift fishing" with live trout bait, casing small spinners or spoons, or even bottom fishing in a lake with Powerbait or another trout bait having an assortment of split shot sinkers with you at all times is a great idea. These easy to use sinkers are a great way to add weight to your line, regardless of the trout fishing technique that you choose to employ.
5. Extra Fishing Line - Although this isn't something that you will need on every trout fishing trip, when you do need it there is no substitute for an extra spool of fishing line. So, whatever pound test line you prefer to use when fishing for trout, make sure that you have en extra spool of fishing line with you at all times.

Make sure that you have the aforementioned gear, along with your favorite trout bait and hooks, and you will be ready for a successful day of trout fishing. Is there other equipment that you can use when trout fishing? Of course, but this basic gear will no doubt enable you to have a successful day fishing for trout no matter where you like to fish.