TROUT FISHING WITH SPINNING Rod: Detailed Guide 2024

Trout fishing is one of those things that just call to you when the season rolls around. They’re pretty easy to catch, and they make for a delicious meal!

What’s cool is that trout fishing appeals to everyone, whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned pro. But let’s get real, it’s not a walk in the park.

To snag some trout with the least hassle, there’s some prep work involved and some skills to sharpen. That’s where you need to have a good guide on setting up your spinning reel and rod for trout fishing comes in handy.

It’s like your go-to manual when things get tricky. Trust me, these step-by-step instructions can be a game-changer, if you’re feeling stuck in this fishing game.

WHAT IS SPIN-FISHING GEAR:

Consider the spinning Gear as a duo, a spinning rod and reel. The best part about spinning rods is how they’re set up, the rod has these eyelets below it, and the reel hangs under the handle.

When you turn the handle, the reel’s spool spins, which is pretty neat.

What’s awesome about spinning rods is that they’re beginner friendly. You don’t need expert skills, they’re much easier to handle than those trickier bait-casting setups. They’re like your reliable friend who’s always there, especially when you’re just starting out.

They’re versatile, ready to handle different situations. But if you’re after bigger fish, you’d need a stronger reel for tougher lines and to handle.

Learn more about  trout fishing and use of fly rod for trout fishing, as a beginner.

YOU SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING GEAR:

The Spinning Rod:

Go for a 7-ft spinning rod, even if you’re a youngster. Shorter rods might seem easier, but trust me, longer rods are better for learning to cast.

And, while trout fishing, you’ll be casting a whole lot more than reeling in the fish.

Now, let’s talk about different rod lengths and their best uses:

5-6 ft. spinning rod is great for stream trout or tiny creeks, and places with lots of brush and trees. Works well with small lures and baits.

6.5 -7.5 ft. spinning rod is like your all-around champ. It’s good for catching small to larger trout in different river sizes. Whether you’re using light or heavy baits, this length has your back.

8- 9 ft spinning rod is for the big league. Perfect for going after those hefty trout, especially in deeper waters or larger rivers. Ideal for techniques like float fishing and using bait in bigger waters.

Pro Tip: When you’re fishing in smaller streams with lots of trees and brush hanging around, you’ll want a shorter trout rod. Shorter rods, like around 5 feet long, are great because they’re less likely to get tangled in the trees, and you won’t risk damaging your rod while casting.

But, if you’re out in more open spaces where trees and brush aren’t causing trouble, you can go for a longer trout rod, like around 6 to 7 feet long. That length works well for most trout fishing scenarios. Going even longer, like 8 feet, might be a bit too much, though.

The Spinning Reel:

Reel sizes for trout fishing are like shoes, got to get the right fit!

You’ve got different sizes like 10 to 15, 20 to 25, and 30 to 35. Think of them as small, medium, and large.

So, the small ones, like size 10 to 15, are good for those cozy little streams and creeks where you don’t need super long casts. They’re perfect for smaller baits and those light, tiny lures that small trout dig.

Then there’s the medium crew, size 20 to 25. These are like all-rounders. They handle everything from small to larger trout in different waters, especially in lakes and rivers where you might need to cast a bit farther.

Now, the big ones, size 30 to 35, are for big trout, big rivers, and big lures. They’re perfect if you’re aiming for those large trout or fishing in fast, large rivers. Plus, they can hold a ton of lines for those epic battles with big fish.

Generally, a size 20 or 2000 reel is a safe bet for trout fishing.

 But…

Matching your reel size to your rod and the size of the fish and the water you’re fishing in is key.

Well…!

You want a reel that can handle those long casts and the crazy runs big trout might make.

Reel Ratio:

Ratios are like speeds on a car. They are low, medium, and high.  

Starting with the gear ratio of 6.2.1, it’s just right. This medium speed is perfect for trout lures. It lets you Reel in nice and slow, which is great for those lures that work best at a leisurely pace.  

Plus, it still gives you a bit of speed if you need to zip that lure in fast.

Now, the lower gear ratios, they’re like the strong and steady types. They’re awesome when you’ve got lures that need more power and less speed.  

They’re also handy when you’re dealing with some heavyweight fish.

Then, there are the high-gear ratios. They’re like the extra fast and furious! They’re not a must for trout fishing, but they’re cool for situations like float fishing where you need to cover long distances quickly. 

The left number in the ratio tells you how many times the spool turns. The higher the number, the faster you reel in that line. 

Spinning Rod Weight:

For trout, the best bet is a lightweight rod, but depending on where you’re fishing, you might need different types:

ULTRALIGHT Spinning Rod: Perfect for streams and small creeks where small trout hang out. It’s great for using small baits and those tiny, lightweight lures that these little fish love.

Light/Medium to Light Spinning Rods: These are like your all-purpose rods. They work well for catching small to larger trout in different river sizes. Whether you’re using lighter or heavier baits, these rods cover a wide range.

Medium Rod: When you’re after the large trout in larger rivers or lakes or need to cast far or fish in deeper waters, this medium rod comes in handy. It’s got the strength for bigger trout and the power for heavier weights to reach those deeper spots.

Line and its weight for trout fishing:

There are three main types:

1. Mono-filament Line
2. Fluorocarbon Line
3. Braided Line

Mono-filament is what a lot of beginners start with. It’s easy on the wallet and simple to use, especially for float fishing. But here’s the thing, it can stretch a lot and sometimes gets all coiled up, causing a bit of trouble.

Now, fluorocarbon is like an underwater ninja, it’s almost invisible down there!

Plus, it’s tough and holds up well against wear and tear. But cheaper versions might not cast as smoothly and can end up tangling, which will cause you headache. Moreover, it’s a bit pricier.

Braided line is like the thin, strong hero of the bunch. It doesn’t stretch at all, and you can pack more loads onto your reel. It’s also great because it floats, perfect for using baits and lures.

But lack of stretch can be tough on hooks and might cause issues when you’re setting the hook.

Plus, it’s a bit trickier to handle, especially for beginners, it tends to tangle more and can even freeze up in colder weather.

Quick tip: When it comes to trout fishing, the line color you pick can make a difference. Clear or green lines tend to be the winners most of the time. They blend in with the water, making them less noticeable to the trout.

But there’s an exception! When I’m float fishing, I switch things up. I actually prefer using brightly colored lines. It’s like a beacon underwater, making it easier to see when the float moves or dips. That way, I can spot the bites more clearly and react faster.

So, for the most part, sticking to clear or green lines is the way to go. They keep things stealthy and work well in most trout fishing situations. But when float fishing, those bright, colorful lines can be a game changer, helping you keep an eye on what’s happening beneath the surface.

Line Weight:

Starting with a 2-to-4-pound line, it’s perfect for those small trout in cozy little streams. It’s the go-to when you’re after those smaller fish in water.

Moving up to the 4-to-6-pound line, this is your all-rounder. It’s great for small to mid-sized streams and handles trout up to about 8 pounds.

Think of it as your trusty partner for most trout fishing situations.

If you’re tackling larger trout, that’s when the 8-to-10-pound line steps in. It’s also the way to go when using big, heavy lures. This beefier line can handle the hustle and bustle of bigger waters and larger trout.

Leader:

When it comes to trout fishing, using a leader is like adding a secret weapon to trout fishing setup.

I stick with a fluorocarbon leader that’s about 2 to 6 feet long, no matter what method or fishing line I’m using.

Why? Well, this type of leader is like your invisible shield, it’s harder for the trout to see and it’s tough against scratches and wear.

Here’s the thing, it’s all about being stealthy. Fluorocarbon leaders blend in better underwater, making it less likely for the trout to notice it.

Moreover….

They’re pretty sturdy, standing up to all the rubbing against rocks and other rough stuff in the water.

Now, here’s a

QUICK TIP:

Unless there are fish with sharp teeth, like pikes, in the area, skip using a metal leader with a snap swivel. You see, those metal leaders can spook the trout, it’s like trying to sneak around in a loud, flashy outfit. But if there are toothy critters around, using a metal leader could save your line from getting snipped by their sharp teeth. So, keep it stealthy with a different leader unless those toothy fish are in water!

So, for trout fishing, a fluorocarbon leader is a smart move, it keeps you hidden and your line intact, making it easier to reel in those sneaky trout.

Knots:

Knots such as Palomar or Clinch knot are the best option.

Swivels, and Snap Swivels:

A lot of anglers use the wrong ones or go way too big, and that can mess with your fishing game.

Here’s the deal,

A small snap swivel is super handy for stopping line twist when you’re using lures like spinners or spoons.

But this is important, using a big snap swivel can mess up how the lure moves and even make it easier for trout to spot it.

So, smaller is better in this case.

Now, those small swivels? They’re like the glue that connects your line and leader. They’re fantastic for joining them together and they prevent that annoying line twist.

However, if you’re tying your leader directly to the lure, they come in really handy for keeping everything running smooth.

Spin-fishing Rig:

Setting up your trout fishing gear is like putting together the puzzle. It’s not just about the rod and reel, it’s about how you handle the line, hooks, and leader.

The leader setup is important. It’s like the secret ingredient that can make your fishing adventure a success.

Choosing the right line size, hook type, and leader setup that matches your fishing method is key.

You know, a lot of anglers struggle to catch trout because they don’t get the leader setup right.

It’s something I’ve learned through years of trying things out. So, paying attention to how you set up that leader can really make a difference in landing those trout.

Spin-fishing for trout using bait:

When it comes to catching trout, using bait with spinning gear can be a real game-changer. There are some cool methods like float fishing, drift fishing, and plunking that work wonders in different waters.

Float fishing is about suspending your bait below a bobber, it’s awesome for rivers, lakes, or ponds.

Then there’s drift fishing and bottom bouncing, which involves letting your bait drift down the river without a bobber. It’s super effective in shallow waters.

Now, onto the good stuff, the baits that really get trout’s attention. I keep it simple and stick to live or natural baits that mimic what trout usually eat like eggs, flies, worms, grubs. These baits tend to trigger a natural response in trout, making them more likely to bite.

I’ve learned from experience that artificial baits from jars or store-bought ones like corn don’t usually work as well. They just don’t get the same reaction from trout.

When it comes to lures, spoon, spinners, crank-baits, and jigs are my go-to choices. They’re effective, and most fish species never say no to a well-presented lure.

 Spinner-fishing for Trout:

When it comes to trout fishing with spinners, it’s all about that flashy blade and the vibes it sends out. The spinner blade creates both flash and vibration that really gets the attention of trout. Sometimes, it’s the vibrations alone that lure trout in, especially in murky waters or during nighttime fishing.

Picking the right size spinner is key.

Sometimes using smaller or larger ones can be just as effective.

For bigger fish or when fishing in larger rivers and lakes, I opt for sizes 4 or 5, they cast farther and attract those larger trout.

In smaller streams, I stick with smaller sizes like 0 or 1, they’re perfect when going after smaller trout, around 8 inches or less.

When it comes to spinner colors, silver is the winner overall. But other colors like copper, gold, chartreuse, black, and orange have their moments too.

Copper and gold shine in clear water, while chartreuse is a hit in dirty water. Black works well both in clear and dirty water, even at night. And orange? It’s a great attention-grabber.

Using a small swivel or snap swivel with spinners helps prevent line twists, a little trick to keep things running smoothly.

Retrieval rate:

When you’re using a spinner to fish for trout, how fast or slow you reel in matters a lot. Each spinner works best at a specific speed, it’s like finding the perfect rhythm for dancing. You want it to twirl smoothly in the water, not just flop around aimlessly.

Now, here’s the cool part; every spinner is unique. They come in different sizes, shapes, and weights. So, figuring out the right speed for each one is super important.

Here’s a little trick I’ve learned; give your spinner a gentle tug a few feet ahead of you. Watch the blade, if it starts spinning like a little boat propeller, you’ve hit the sweet spot.  But if it’s not spinning, no worries! You can carefully adjust it by bending the blade’s edge slightly with pliers or flattening it a bit using a hammer or rock. This helps adjust the spinner’s speed, so it moves just the way you want it to in the water.

Paying attention to this reeling speed can really up your chances of getting those trout interested and taking a bite.

Spoon:

Spoon fishing for trout is a top-notch method, especially in bigger rivers or lakes. The trick with spoons is to reel them in at a slow to medium speed. These spoons have a cool wobble and flash that looks a lot like tasty bait-fish, luring in the trout.

When it comes to spoon sizes, anything from one inch to 4 inches can work wonders for trout. If you need to cast far, especially in a lake setting, go for a longer, heavier spoon for better results.

As for colors, silver, gold, and copper are top choices for spinning for trout. But spoons come in a different color.

I’ve found that gold-orange and copper-orange combinations can really reel in the trout. Yellow spoons work great too, probably because yellow tends to be a winning color for trout.

And if you’re fishing in murky waters or when it’s getting dark, chartreuse spoons work like magic.

Crank-bait:

Crank-baits and hard jerk-baits are like the chameleons of fishing lures, they mimic the look and movement of real bait-fish.

When I’m after big wild trout, these baits are my go-to choose.

When it comes to choosing the right size for trout, crank-baits around 1.5 to 2.5 inches have been quite effective in my experience. 

I’ve found that a 3.5-inch crank-bait is a real winner. But sizes between 3 to 4.5 inches have also worked wonders for me. I’ve even had success reeling in trout using larger 6-inch crank-baits.

Now.

Let’s talk about colors, my top pick is the black-back with a silver and white underbelly, t’s been a standout performer for me.

In murkier waters, yellow and chartreuse crank-baits have worked like magic.

But honestly, most minnow and shad patterns have been reliable choices whenever I’m out fishing for trout.

Plugs:

Plugs are awesome lures for trout fishing. They’ve got this cool, wobbly movement that drives trout wild, especially when you’re reeling them in nice and slow.

I find they work like a charm when the trout aren’t feeling too lively.

Guess what’s next?

I rely on plugs a lot, especially during the chilly winter months. It’s like they have this special appeal that grabs the attention of less active trout.

When it comes to colors, the strategy for plugs is pretty much the same as for crank-baits.

Stick to those trusty colors you’d use for crank-baits, whether it’s that classic black-back with silver and white, or those bright yellow and chartreuse shades. These colors seem to work wonders with plugs too.

Jigs:

Jig fishing for trout works wonders in almost any water. These jigs are gold when trout are hanging out near the bottom, munching away.

For float fishing, grab a smaller 1 to 2-inch jig, it’s perfect for that method. But if you’re more into jigging or twitching, opt for a slightly larger 3 to 4-inch jig for better results.

When it’s about those smaller trout, there are these tiny micro jigs that work like magic. They’re a fantastic choice for smaller trout.

When it comes to colors, black is a rock-star choice, but the perfect color might depend on how clear the water is or the weather conditions. I’ve had great success with yellow, black, olive, tan, and white colors.

Spin fishing Setup for trout:

When you’re getting set for trout fishing, think about starting with a six-pound test line, it’s like your main fishing line.

You’ve options for the material, like using mono or even a strong braided line, but for this gig, mono’s usually my go-to.

Then there’s this thing called a leader, it’s like an extra bit of line, about three to four feet long, and you attach it to your main line with a swivel. Swivels are these handy connectors.

Now, about your spinning rod, it’s not just for regular lures, you can actually make it work for flies too. Just add some weight to those flies and you’re good to go.

When it’s time to hook up your bait or lure, grab a short one ft segment of line (mono or fluorocarbon, your call) and attach your bait or lure to that. It’s like giving your bait its own little space to move around without messing with your main setup.

When targeting trout, especially in smaller streams, it’s smart to go for really light-weight gear.

 I usually use a 3000-size spinning reel paired with an 8-12lb braided line. To that, I attach a 3-4ft fluorocarbon leader.

My rod is usually around 6-8ft and has a light action. The goal here is to keep everything super light.

You can also try a bait-caster, when your lure is at least 1/8oz., it might cause a tangled mess, so I stick with the lighter setup for a smoother experience.

A general guide for size:

The table provides information on reel size (spinning), mainline (braid), leader line (Floro), spinner size, water conditions, and the size of trout you might catch using these setups. This kind of guide can help you select the appropriate gear depending on where and how you plan to fish for trout.

The rod type recommended for all the data below is a 7-foot light-medium action rod.

CATCH THE TROUT USING SPINNING GEAR?

Casting lures:

When it comes to gear for trout fishing, I usually go for a 6’6” to 7’ spinning rod. This one’s perfect for tossing artificial lures for trout.

It’s got enough strength but isn’t too heavy, making the whole experience pretty fun. Lighter tackle also lets you feel the bites better and control your lure’s movements.

Spinning rods are ace for rainbow, brook, and brown trout in rivers. They give you the flexibility for accurate casting and enough power to wrestle those fish.

Now, for catching trout with spinning gear, you’ve got a bunch of choices; plugs, crank-baits, spinners, and spoons work wonders. If you’re stream fishing, try mimicking freshwater shrimp, small crayfish, or sculpin with tiny jigs and spinners.

Finding trout in rivers means targeting slower, deeper water next to faster currents. Trout love hanging out in these spots waiting for food to drift by. For ponds and lakes, look for shallow-to-medium depth water around points, islands, and drop-offs. The trout here are often swimming at different depths, so adjust your fishing to find them.

When you’re setting your hook, be gentle! Trout have delicate mouths, so swapping treble hooks for single ones and pinching down barbs helps protect them. Casting your bait away from the bank or boat lets you cover more ground and depths. Play around with your retrieval speed and movement to entice the trout.

Lastly, match your bait to what’s in the water, trout are fans of minnows, shiners, and shad. With these tips and the right gear, you’ll be reeling in trout like a pro.

Jig Fishing:

In rivers, trout often chill in slower, deeper spots close to faster currents. Aim your bait upstream of these areas and let it drift downstream where trout are likely waiting for a meal.

In lakes, check out shallow-to-medium depth spots near points, islands, or drop-offs where trout tend to hang out.

Gear and Bait:

Consider using a 7’ medium spinning rod when trolling or jigging for smaller trout. It should be sturdy enough to handle bigger fish. Pair it with 10–20-pound braid, which doesn’t stretch like mono-filament, ideal for deeper waters. For bait, try spinners, spoons, furry jigs, or jig heads with minnows or wax worms.

Effective Tactics:

When you find a good spot, position your boat along the edges where trout might be schooling. Experiment with dropping baits to different depths until you start getting bites. Adjust all baits to that depth and start reeling them in.

Jigging Techniques:

To lure in trout, jig your bait at different depths. Start with gentle movements and gradually intensify them. Trout often strike while the bait is falling back down, making it easier to hook them.

Rod Choice:

Whether you opt for a spinning or bait-casting rod, choose the one that feels most comfortable for vertical jigging.

These tips should help you get started and improve your chances of catching some trout.

Drift fishing:

Gear and Bait:

A 6’6” to 7’ spinning rod, just the right size to keep the trout interested. A 4-15 pound mono-filament line, a bit light but perfect to feel those bites. Bait like Minnows, shiners, worms, and even corn or bread. It’s like a buffet for these trout!

Locating Trout:

In the rivers, these trout are the stealthy type, hiding in slower, deeper waters where the quick currents meet. You’ve got to cast your bait upstream of these calm spots and let the river’s flow do its magic. Trout lurking in these edges just wait for your bait to drift by, and you get the strike.

Now, in the lakes, it’s a different game. Trout love chilling near points, drop-offs, or islands in about 3-12 feet of water. They’re like suspended day-dreamers there. So, go ahead and try different depths to find where they’re hanging out.

Tactics:

Trout absolutely adore the calm water amidst the river’s hustle-bustle. And for this, live bait is your golden ticket. Use that spinning rod, you’ll need its accuracy to get that live bait exactly where the trout are lounging.

Casting Techniques:

Imagine, you cast your bait upstream, and it glides along with the current, right where the trout are present. It’s like serving them a delightful treat as it drifts by. With a spinning rod, you’ve got control, guiding that bait just where it needs to go.

Trolling:

Gear and Bait:

Having a rod that’s just right, not too heavy, not too light is perfect for reeling in trout. You’re using this strong fishing line that doesn’t stretch, making it ideal for trolling. Your bait game is strong too, small spoons, spinners, plugs, and crank-baits that look just like the food trout love.

Finding Trout Hots-pots:

When you’re trolling, there are certain spots in the lake that are like trout magnets, points, the edges where the water gets deep, spots around islands, and those sneaky drop-offs.

These are the places where trout love to chill. Once you get a bite and feel like you’ve hit the jackpot, mark that spot and either circle back or drop anchor and try a different trick to catch more.

Tactics:

You’re like a fishing maestro; rigging multiple rods with different baits and colors, each set at different depths. It’s like giving the trout options for their meal, hoping they’ll take the bait.

If you notice a bite at a specific depth, adjust all your baits to that level to lure in more trout. You can even use planer boards to spread out your bait far from the boat, making it more likely for trout to notice.

Ice fishing:

Gear and Bait:

The short rod, perfect for ice fishing, not too heavy or light. And your fishing line is just right, not too thin or too thick, but strong enough for the trout.

You’re using baits like tiny spoons, jigs, and natural goodies like shiners, minnows, wax worms, meal-worms, and salmon eggs. Trout can’t resist these treats.

 Finding Trout Under the Ice:

First things first, looking for water that’s not too shallow or too deep, around 8 to 15 feet with some structure or a slope nearby. Checking out the land around the lake helps you figure out where to fish.

If it’s flat around, chances are the water’s not too deep close to the edge. If you spot a steep slope nearby, that’s likely a deep spot in the water.

To know how deep the water is, you drop something heavy through the hole until it hits the bottom and then measure the line length. Trout usually chill near the bottom or just a bit up from there.

Tactics:

Jigging is your secret move. Those small spoons, spinners, and jigs are your go-to. You can use a jig head with a minnow or some worms, trout can’t resist these either.

Another trick is to let a lively minnow swim freely down the hole, but this might attract other fish too, not just trout.

Trout love the daylight, so that’s your best bet for ice fishing success.

When it’s dark, it’s like turning off the lights underwater, so trout aren’t as active. People do catch trout at night, but it’s not as easy.

WHY ANGLERS SUGGEST USING LIGHT GEAR?   

Using light gear is super helpful for a few reasons.

If your gear is lighter, it means less strain on your arm when you’re casting. Imagine tossing something heavy again and again, it will tire you out fast. Lighter gear saves your arm from feeling like it’s about to fall off and scaring away the fish.

Now, let’s talk about the line itself…

When it’s lighter, you can cast those small lures much farther and more accurately. You know those tiny things that mimic food for the fish? Well, they don’t make much noise when they hit the water, which is good. Fish can get spooked by big splashes. Lighter gear helps you sneak up on them quietly.

Lastly, lighter line isn’t just about being thin; it’s also about how it behaves in the water. You see, thinner line gets pushed around less by the water’s movements. That makes it harder for fish, like trout, to spot. They’re less likely to see it and get suspicious. So, it’s like you’re giving yourself an advantage by using gear that’s harder for the fish to notice.

TROUT FISHING IN LAKES USING SPINNING GEAR:

When you’re after trout in lakes using spinning gear, finding them is a bit trickier compared to rivers.

But there are some hot-spot areas to check out, look around coves, where creeks flow into the lake, or near big rocks. These are sweet spots where trout often hang out.

Now, in lakes, you’ve got plenty of ways to hook those trout. If you’ve got a fish finder and spot some trout, you can cast or jig with spoons, spinners, or plugs. Or, drop live bait like ciscos and  shad to lure the suspended trout.

And here’s a neat trick, if you’re clueless about where the trout are hiding, try trolling. That’s moving around slowly in your boat with bait behind you.

For this, grab an ultralight or medium-action spinning rod. The lighter one’s awesome for smaller trout with little baits. But if you’re aiming for bigger guys or trolling, go for the medium-action rod for more strength and control.

TROUT FISHING IN RIVER USING SPINNING GEAR:

When you’re spinning for trout in rivers and streams, you can totally borrow some tactics from fly fishing. See, trout love hanging out in specific spots in the water.

Look for places where the water’s a bit calmer near faster currents, like eddies or deeper pools. That’s where trout chill, waiting for food to float by.

If you’re using live bait like minnows, worms, or salmon eggs, let it drift in the current. But try nudging it toward the slower water edges so trout lurking there can spot it.

For artificial lures, cast your bait upstream at different angles. Then reel it in just a tad faster than the water’s flow. Not too fast, though!

Trout are sharp-eyed and might go for it if it looks like prey. Spinners, little spoons, and jerk baits work great here!

SOME TIPS FOR ANGLERS:

Ideal condition:

When it comes to fishing for trout with spin gear, picking the right conditions can really up your chances. If the water’s murky and the weather’s cloudy with a bit of wave action, that’s gold for spin-fishing. Those conditions create the perfect setup for reeling in some trout.

But when it’s clear and calm or sunny, it gets a bit tougher. That’s when using smaller lures and lighter lines can make a big difference.

Also, when it starts cooling down in fall and winter, trout tend to get more active, so spin-fishing can really shine during those chilly months.

What’s cool about spin-fishing is how simple it is gear-wise. You don’t need a load of stuff like with fly-fishing. A spinning rod is super easy to keep in your car, just in case you spot a fishing spot. And if you’ve got a collapsible or four-piece rod, it’s easy to hide away in your car. Toss in a small box of spinners, and you’re all set whether you’re hitting the water by boat or heading out on a hike.

Casting upstream:

When you’re in rivers, try casting your spinner upstream. Then, reel it back just a bit faster than the current. This cool trick helps your spinner sink down closer to where the riverbed is. That’s often where trout like to hang out, so it’s a good spot to attract their attention.

 Water coverage:

When you’re out fishing, covering a lot of water is key, especially on big rivers or spread-out lakes. Sometimes, spin-fishing is perfect for this. If you find a bunch of trout and they seem uninterested in your spinner after a while, that’s when switching to fly-fishing can be clever.

See, trout can get wise to spinners pretty quick. Once they say “nope” to that spinner, they’re not likely to change their mind. But if you give the water a break and come back later with fly-fishing gear, that might just do the trick.

Here’s a tip I use: on big rivers, I often start with fly-fishing upstream in shallower spots. On my way back down, I switch to spinning gear for those deep pools and tricky spots where trout might be hanging out. It’s a bit like having two tricks up your sleeve

CONCLUSION

Trout fishing is super fun, and lots of folks enjoy using lures, bait, or flies to catch them. But here’s the secret sauce: having the right gear can make all the difference.

So, here’s the deal: when you’re picking your gear, think about the size of the trout you’re after. If they’re on the smaller side, lighter gear works great. But if you’re aiming for the big ones, go for stronger stuff.

Also, where you fish matters! The length of your rod should match the environment you’ll be fishing in. And always try to get the best materials for your rod, it’s like giving yourself an edge against those clever trout!