The opening day of trout season is officially here and the warmer weather is drawing anglers out into the spring air!

Although I ventured out last weekend for the youth mentored fishing day it wasn’t the same atmosphere that we have come to expect for the opening day of trout.

All of the sporting good stores and bait shops are stocked full of trout enticements and terminal tackle. Fishing rods and reels are on sale and the choices of fishing line will boggle your mind.

When it comes to trout fishing you need to consider a few basic choices to get started on a fun day.

One of the most basic choices is in choosing a fishing rod and reel.

The best fishing rods for trout would likely be in the ultra light to medium weight rods.

The type of rod you choose is up to your own personal preference however most anglers will consider a spin casting, closed face or fly rod.

The cost of a rod can range from $15 to $150 depending on your budget and tastes.

Most of us will choose a rod in the middle of those cost ranges with kids starting at the lower end of the price range.

Reels should match the rod you choose because the reel that you will use should complement the rod weight.

For example a small spinning reel that holds 100 yards of line or less of 4 lb. test needs to be with a rod that will match that size such as a 5 foot long ultra light spinning rod.

It can seem complicated but just remember all things must be kept in balance; line – rod – reel.

I personally prefer a spinning rod/reel combo using 6 lb. test line for fishing as a general rule.

The type of water that you fish on also sets the standard for your equipment choices.

Anglers who head for native streams or brushy areas will likely choose lighter equipment that is easier to handle in small spaces.

I know anglers that will use longer rods to handle larger trout when fishing Lake Erie tributaries in case they land into a lunker.

The more you fish the more you will customize your equipment to match your water and you!

Don’t overdo it when you start out call a friend that has some experience in this area, it can save you money and help you get started out.

Consider combo sets that are fishing ready.

Over the years I have tried everything from live bait to shiny spinners to mad scientist concoctions.

Oddly enough each has worked on certain days with certain waters and the trout that resided in them.

That’s the beauty of fishing; you must always be prepared for the elements of water conditions, light conditions, water temperatures and finicky trout.

One year I was up at a stream north of Oil City called Pithole.

The stream was small and clear with a few holes and undercuts to concentrate your fishing efforts. Every item that I normally used was ignored by the trout in this waterway.

An old friend of mine (Jim Colosimo who has since passed) handed me a small jar with small glowing green salmon eggs. He chuckled and said “try these out and then get ready for an immediate hit!”

I was skeptical until I drifted my first offering to the fat brookies under the bank cut.

In no time I had a creel full of awesome trout. Strangely enough I never found the eggs to be effective at any other location.

Live bait is a tried and true method for fishing trout as well.

Choices range from minnows, red worms, maggots, wax worms, meal worms and small night crawlers. Some anglers use dough type baits that come in all kinds of colors and flavors. Others use salmon eggs, marshmallow baits and even corn as an offering to the trout.

Two other groups challenge the bait fishermen on the water, the spinner fisherman and the fly fisherman.

These groups have a greater skill set needed as they require more finesse and knowledge of trout habitat.

The fly fisherman will likely be in an area that is more isolated and wouldn’t be caught dead in the local stocked trout spots.

Solitude and space is the ticket for these specialists.

Spinner fishermen are likely looking for more open waters as well as they cover water surfaces with their frequent casts and retrieves.

Regardless of your skill set or fishing choices get out on the streams and lakes this weekend.

Take part in one of Pennsylvania’s long standing outdoor traditions and also remember that when you feel that first tug on your line to yell out… Fish On!

Jay Hewitt is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle.