Fishing for Hatchery Rainbows: Catchin' the Stocker Trout

Fishing is truly an exciting activity and a lifetime pastime. Introducing a beginner fisherman (or fisherwoman!) to this wonderful hobby follows the old adage about teaching a man to fish. I have been fishing for many years now, and I have introduced many of my friends to this addicting sport. However, I have found that sometimes, it is difficult to get a friend into fishing if you take them fishing for the wrong type of fish. You really need to find a fish that will bite quite often, and is found in plentiful numbers near most major cities and towns, making it easy to access the place to fish for them. What kind of fish might this? None other than the hatchery rainbow trout! These fish, raised in fish hatcheries throughout the United States, are often stocked in many local lakes and ponds, often near large cities and suburbs. Rainbow trout are usually stocked in large numbers, and many may be caught during these peak stocking times. They really offer a plentiful fishing opportunity, and make great targets for those wanting to introduce someone into the activity of fishing.

Now, when going out to fish for these little rainbow trout, you will need certain types of fishing gear and equipment. First, several light spinning rods and reels, loaded with something like 6lb-12lb test fishing line will get the job done. Try and get a fishing rod that the person you are trying to introduce to fishing will be able to cast easily. This may be a push-button spinning rod and reel, or spinning rod and reel-avoid using a baitcaster rod and reel as these are generally much harder to get the hang of than the previous two.If you have a practice lure (generally, a rubber lure with no hooks on it), get your friend to try practicing some basic casts with whatever rod and reel setup you have. This will help get them used to them how to cast, which is a big help for fishing! Make sure you and your friend have the right type of fishing permits, and know what the fishing regulations are in your area, as they will vary from area to area.