Setting Up Your Trout Tackle Box: 16 Items To Carry

I find trout fishing therapeutic, walking out into my favorite stream, and listening to fish jumping in the water. When I lived in Colorado, I went trout fishing frequently. So, I know a thing or two about what you need to bring to get these beautiful creatures to bite. Thus, please stick with us as we uncover what you should be carrying in your trout tackle box.

16 Items You Need to Carry in Your Trout Tackle Box

Rod and Reel

First, before you purchase any trout tackle, you want to ensure you have a quality rod and reel combo. For trout fishing, we recommend the Quantum Optix spinning rod and size 30 reel. For instance, this rod features a durable and lightweight graphite-composite blank. So, it’ll be plenty strong enough to pull in small and medium-sized trout.

Also, the included Quantum size 30 reel is nice. Highlights of this reel include four bearings, a patented no-tangle design, and a TRU balance rotor. Therefore, giving you a smooth and easy retrieval.

Fishing Line

Next, you want to line your new trout rod with either a monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line. For example, a product we like to use is the Berkley Trilene XL monofilament. Additionally, we enjoy Berkley’s line because it has low memory, making backlashes less likely. Also, it casts smoothly and is sensitive enough to detect strikes. Typically, trout anglers will select fishing lines in either a 4 or 6-pound-test.

If you need assistance lining your new fishing rod, please check out our tutorial for spooling spinning reels.

Rooster Tails

Then, rooster tails are an effective and fun way to target all trout species. For instance, these lures by Worden spin and flash to attract fish. The Worden’s rooster tails come in a ½-ounce to ⅜-ounce weight and have over 100 available finishes.

Additionally, we recommend going with a ⅛ to 1/32-ounce weight; these sizes seem to produce fish consistently. Also, some of our favorite finishes of this rooster tail are:

• Rainbow fry
• Grey minnow
• Brown trout

Berkley PowerBait

Now, some older generations of trout anglers might say fishing with dough bait is sacrilegious. However, if using PowerBait is a legal baiting method in your area, why not utilize it. For example, we find trout go wild over the salmon egg, garlic, corn, and extra scent flavors. Thus, we think every trout angler should have a couple of jars of PowerBait handy in their tackle box.

Spoons

Next, spoons are a classic trout lure. Specifically, spoons are an attractive piece of tackle because they imitate injured baitfish. Plus, the flashing of a spoon is another desirable characteristic of this type of lure. If you would like to add spoons to your arsenal, we recommend checking out this pack by SouthBend.

Pautzke Fire Worms Soft Bait

Then, you want to load up your box with a good selection of soft baits. For example, we recommend the Pautzke Fire Worms. These Fire Worms imitate plump, delicious mealworms that make trout go crazy. For instance, you can hook these worms either through the head or on a wacky worm rig. Plus, these Fire Worms arrive in compact and resealable packaging for easy storage.

Rapala Original Floater Jerkbait

Next on the list of must-have tackle is Rapala’s Original Floater jerkbait. Many trout anglers rave about this hard bait by Rapala for how effective it is. For example, finishes we like of this jerkbait are:

• Firetiger
• Gold
• Bleeding Pearl

Additionally, trout are smarter than you think, and they have decent eyesight. So, using a jerkbait with a realistic design like these Rapala ones will help you fool these clever creatures.

Water Gremlin Removable Split Shot

Then, a set of split shots with various weights is something every angler should carry. Typically, when you’re rigging your line for trout, you want to go with the lightest weight possible. For this reason, we prefer this split shot pro pack by Water Gremlin, as it has various included weight choices. So, you can go as light or as heavy as needed, depending on what type of water you’re fishing.

Leland Lures Trout Magnet Jig Heads

Next, you’re going to need a handful of quality jig heads in varying weights to target trout. For example, we like Lelang Lures’ Trout Magnet jig heads. These jig heads come in a pack of five with sharp size eight hooks. Additionally, the 1/64 oz jig heads are an ideal weight to use for trout and panfish.

Leland Lures Trout Magnet Grubs

Then, the best thing to pair with your Trout Magnet jig heads is some colorful split-tail grubs. For instance, these split-tail grubs have a killer action to them, which slays trout. Also, you get a variety of colors within this grub kit. Additionally, if you would like more insight on what pattern to use, check out our article on lure colors.

Treble Hooks

Another critical item in any trout angler’s tackle box is a nice set of treble hooks. For example, treble-styled hooks are excellent for when you’re fishing with dough baits. Typically, most anglers like to go with size 12, 14, or 16 treble hooks for trout. If you’re looking for a great set to add to your fishing tackle, we recommend getting these by Danielson’s.

Worm Hooks

Additionally, worm hooks are another classic piece of tackle to add to your trout arsenal. For instance, we recommend using Gamakatsu’s worm hooks; they’re sharp, durable, and land fish. Plus, you can pick up these Gamakatsu worm hooks in sizes 10 to 16. Furthermore, these hooks work well with both artificial soft plastic worms and live bait.

Egg Hooks

Next, another effective hook style for trout is an egg hook. For example, these Eagle Claw egg hooks are sharp and easy to snell your line onto for a better hookset. Also, they’re straightforward to use; simply bait your hook with a juice salmon egg, and you’re good to cast it. If you would like to learn how to tie a snell knot, check out our tutorial on how to tie one.

Salmon Eggs

Then, another item you’ll need to pair with your egg hooks is a jar of Atlas Mike’s salmon eggs. Atlas Mike’s makes this bait in a variety of flavors and colors. For example, we recommend the UV-Glo, cheese, garlic, and corn-scented ones for trout fishing. Also, this bait is easy to hook into, and it stays on well during a cast.

Barrel Swivels With Snaps

Another item I like to keep handy while trout fishing is barrel swivels with a snap, like these by Greatfishing. These snap-on swivels make it easier to change out your pre-rigged leader lines quickly. Furthermore, this particular set has various included sizes, from a number 6 to 10 barrel swivel. Plus, it comes in a compact carrying case, so you can keep your tackle organized while out on the water.

Snap-On Float

Lastly, another iconic piece of trout tackle is a snap-on bobber like Eagle Claw’s floats. Bobber fishing with a juicy worm is one of the most classic and simplistic ways to target trout. Additionally, Eagle Claw’s floats are available in a 1 to 1 ¾-inch size. Plus, they’re highly visible out on the water, so you’ll readily see when you have a strike.

Which of These 16 Items Are You Going To Add to Your Tackle Box?

To conclude, trout fishing is a fun way to enjoy nature, whether you plan to angle solo or with others. Thus, when it’s time to get out there, ensure you prepare your tackle box with the best gear.

So, which of these items are you likely to add to your trout tackle collection? Let us know in the comments below. Do you know someone that would enjoy angling for trout? Then, please consider sharing this article with them via social media.