The basic trout fishing setup is often more complicated than that of other targeted game fish

Trout fishing requires an entirely different setup than other larger gamefish, simply because, the typical trout is alot smaller than the average Northern Pike, Walleye, Burbot.... you name the fish, its probably going to be bigger with the exeption of a few. Trout are not nearly the predator that northern pike, musky, and walleye are. Trout are usually looking for smaller more natural looking lures. When trout fishing you must use light action rods, light line and light lures.

My favorite trout fishing rod has always, ever since I started fishing been the same. It's not the best, not the worst. Its a good all round rod, reel combo. It works great for me.

I use a 5' ultra light action Shakespeare Ugly Stick. It is short and very flexible. It has enough sensativity to detect light strikes. This rod can cast light lures well, you have to have a rod that can cast 1/8th ounce lures a good distance. The ultra light rod has alot of flex but has enough backbone to keep tension on a fighting trout.

The line I load a trout reel with is typically 4 lb test monofilament. I do not use any terminal tackle such as leaders or swivels unless I absolutly must. I tie the line directly to the lure whenever possible. The light line lets a person cast the tiny little spoons and spinners that trout love. It is very dificult to cast a small trout lure with heavier monofilament or a braided line.

The reel is a Mitchell 3X Gold . It has been a very reliable friend. I have had alot of reels that won't stand up to the amount of fishing that I put them through. It wasn't my first trout reel but if I can keep it together for another 40 years it just might be my last. "I know, slim chance but I'm gunna try". I did have to send it in for warranty repair once. This was due to me having a truck tailgate and a reel collide in a most violent manner. We don't really want to talk about that. I will just say, don't be in to much of a hurry, bad things can happen.

Anyways, what I am getting at here is that you can buy pretty much any reel to put on your trout rod. If you plan on fishing once or twice a year the 20 dollar combo from wally world will probably do. if you have a world class trout stream in your backyard, spend the extra $80.00 and fish that heck out of that stream.

Even fishing once a year the $20.00 reel may only last a short time. Buyer beware, in my experience, you do get what you pay for.

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