Is there a Trout in your pants or are you just happy to see me?

Today's topic is freshwater fishing on a budget.  If you have not known yet, Mr. Ballin On A Budget is an avid fisherman.  Naturally, Mr. Ballin On a Budget is going to show you that fishing with top of the line gear and equipment will not necessarily translate to successful fishing.  I've see many people with fancy schmancy fishing rods and shiny lures skunked at the end of the day while Mr. Ballin On a Budget here with his $10 Big 5 sporting goods rod and reel combo murder those trout and bass leaving Mr. fancy schmancy weeping in a fetal position wondering what went wrong.

For the sake of our target fish, we will use trout as our example because most of the lakes in your part of the woods will most likely be stocked with hatchery trout.

Rainbow trout

Daiwa D-Shock rod & reel combo

Let's talk about equipment.  The most basic and essential equipment is your rod and reel.  If you are just starting out, I recommend getting a rod and reel combination from your local Walmart, Big 5 or Sports Authority.  They will usually run you between $10-$20.  Anything over then you are doing it wrong.  There are usually deals near Christmas time and end of the year when the existing inventory needs to be moved for  incoming inventory.  This is your best time to snatch up a perfect combo for that upcoming fishing trip.  For trout fishing, the lighter the rod and reel the better.  I recommend a 5-6 ft pole with a small reel that fits 4-8 lb test line.  Usually Daiwa and Shakespeare are my go to choice.  What's great about these rod and reel combos are that they come with line already.

Berkley Trilene XL

In the event that your rod and reel combo does not come with line, then do not panic.  I recommend 6lb test as the main line for your spool.  The best bang for the buck line out there is Berkley Trilene XL Smooth Casting line.  This will run you about $7.  This can spool 2 reels with no problem.  You split the cost with a friend or sibling.  Now for the leader line(the line that will connect to your main line and is the line that you will put your bait on).  For the leader line, I recommend going 4 lb test line.  There are many talks about using fluorocarbon as the leader line.  It's great line and virtually invisible, but it will also cost you an arm and a leg.  If you have the money, then by all means buy it.  I recommend 4 lb test line by Seaguar.  It's about $8 or $9.  Before you get your panties in a bunch, just realize that you will be making leader lines out of this and it will last you a good couple of months of intense fishing before you have to buy a new one.  This is a nice investment considering how much you are saving on the rod and reel.

Now for the terminal tackle.  You will need a pack of 3/4 oz egg or barrel sinkers.  You can go up to 1/2 oz but I don't recommend any heavier than that.  These usually cost about $1 a pack.  For hooks you can either use size 8 single hook or size 12 treble hook by Eagle Claw.  These will run you about $2-$3 bucks a pack.  You will also need size Snap swivels or swivels.  The smaller the better.  These will be around $1.30 a pack.  Your terminal tackle should not exceed over $10.  And these are usually good for 4-5 outings provided if you don't hit snags or lose it due to "operator error".  Couple small neon foam bobbers as indicators.

Berkley Dough Bait

As for Bait, I recommend using dough bait which is usually $4 a jar.  Berkley makes a variety of artificial dough baits and Powerbaits.  For budget, I would stick to the dough baits because it has been proven reliable bait for stocked trout.  For colors, you cant go wrong with green, chartreuse, rainbow and white.  Walmart has the cheapest price around.  Usually $3.49 a jar.  Another cheaper option that is also effective that Walmart carries is live earthworm.  They run about $1-$2 for a dozen worm.  They can use a combination of live worm and dough bait that is pretty much irresistible to trout.  This is the equivalent of crack to Lindsay Lohan.




Fishing License and Permit -  If you plan on fishing more than 3 times in a year, I highly recommend buying an annual fishing license.  This is run you about $45 for the year.  A day license is about $14 a day.  So you do the math.  Most stocked lakes will require a fishing permit that is separate from Department of Fish & Game license.  This is what funds all the fishing stocking at the lake.  Fishing permit is usually $5.  For ages under 16, California department of Fish & Games does not require fishing license.  Most likely the lakes will not require fishing permit for under 16 as well, but check with them to be sure.  Here's a video on how to set up your trout rig in the event you need some guidance.

All and all trout fishing is not a very expensive hobby or activity.  I have shown that it does not take the best equipment to catch fish.  It just takes time, patience and luck.  It's a great thing to do when passing the time or when you just want to sit back and relax while enjoying mother nature.  Fishing in general is a great tool in teaching.  Great way for kids to learn about responsibility, organization and patience.  And when you do catch that fish, its dinner on the table and puts smiles on everyone's face.  Sure you can go buy trout at Costco for $3/lb, but you're missing out on the experience and the feeling of catching your own dinner.   Fishing is 30% preparation and 70% luck hence it is called fishing and not catching.  Don't get discourage if you get skunked, there is always next time.

So here are my budget tips:

* If you plan on doing fishing more than twice in a year, invest in a year long fishing license.  Check with the parks and lakes to see if they have yearly permit and parking for discount price.    Buy your terminal tackles in bulk.  You will save in the long run.
* Walmart is a great place to buy your bait and terminal tackle.  Live worms are great bait and cheap for the price
* Garage sales are great places to stock up on fishing items and tackles at very discount prices.