Basics Needed to Start

Trout fishing is one of the most relaxing and exciting hobbies out there. It is a lot of fun but if you have never gone fishing before, it may be a daunting task to begin. Where to start? What do I need? Where do I go to fish?

If you are lucky, you have a friend or a family member who could become your mentor. There are also plenty of resources on internet, local libraries, bookstores, and specialized fishing magazines. Utilize them and learn as much as you can before buying anything. Once you know that trout fishing is for you, here are essential 15 things to get you started.

First of all, you don't need to go for the newest gadget or top-of-the-line equipment. Basic, good quality rod, reel, and line will do. If you are just starting out, you may not even need to buy them. There could be fishing shops in your area that rent you most of the gear needed. Many items can wait until you get hooked on trout fishing and it becomes your passion. However, there are few things you will need to buy immediately. Following is the list of the basics you cannot do without:

• Rod
. If you are planning to buy one, think about quality and comfort. They are rated on three scales: line weight, length, and flex. Consult the local shop to match the one to your needs. Get the best one your budget allows. A good quality rod makes your casting easier and more enjoyable. The cheap and poorly designed one will likely bring just frustration for not being able to cast well.
• Reel
. Essentially the place where you keep your line. Here you can save some money. No need to buy the most expensive, the smoothest running one.
• Line
. The weight of the line primarily depends on the size of your fly rather than the size of the fish you are after. For trout fishing you will be fine with weight from 2 to 6. Most trout fishing is done with floating line; however, you may sometimes need sinking one. Again, consult the shop to get the one matching your needs.
• Because fly lines are opaque and heavy, you need a transparent leader to connect your line to the fly. You can always make them. But if you are just starting out, buy them - they are not expensive.
• Flies
and lures are imitations of insects and small prey trout feed on. For starter, get a selection of the most common ones. Remember, trout feeds on familiar objects. If you want to catch one, your fly or lure need to match the local insects in size, pattern, and color. Get to know the area where you are going to fish as well.
• Fly box
. You store all your fishing needs here. It will keep you organized.
• Nippers
or scissors for trimming the line. Don't think you can break the line with your hands or teeth.
• Fishing license
. That can be obtained in any sporting goods store. I strongly advise you to learn about laws and regulations for the area you are going to fish.
• Small pliers or hemostat. Very helpful for removing hooks from fish (and sometimes yourself!).
• Brimmed hat
with preferably dark-colored underside. Remember, sun reflects from the water and hits the underside of the rim and may dazzle you.
• Polarized sun glasses. Not only they protect you from "stray hooks", you are able to see more trout while fishing.
• If you are going after bigger fish - 12 inches and up - buy a soft-meshed landing net. Very useful for handling your catch. It is safer for trout regardless if you keep it or release it back into water.
• Gloves
for handling the fish and hooks. Trout are slimy and hooks are sharp. Gloves come in handy.
• Although not a necessity, you may consider buying a vest. It provides easy access to all the necessary things.
• Optional extras
include rain jacket, insect repellant, sun screen, strike indicators, fly floatant, extra tippet spools, small split shot for sinking nymphs, drying patches for used flies, and first-aid kit.

That's about it. Now you are ready to go fishing. It would be a good idea to go along with someone more experienced in the beginning. Seeing how the things are done is the fastest way to learn.

Also, remember why you are fishing. Surely it's about catching trout but there is more to it than just that. It's about great time spent in nature, away from the stress of modern life. It facilitates time to relax and renew. Finally, here is your chance to outwit the smart, beautiful, and wild trout. Come face to face and conquer them. Enjoy the thrill!

Peter Ryba is a trout fishing enthusiast. For more great tips and information about trout fishing [http://www.theessentialtroutfishingguide.com/trout-fishing-basics/], visit www.TheEssentialTroutFishingGuide.com [http://www.theessentialtroutfishingguide.com]