Honest gear recommendations for still-water trout

An affordable telescopic rod and reel combo that collapses down for easy transport — no fighting gear in the truck or through trees on the hike in. You do not need expensive gear to catch trout.

A 40L fishing backpack that fits five 3600 size tackle trays in the bottom compartment alone — plus a full top compartment, rod holders, and tons of pockets. I have used this for three years and it has held up outstandingly.

One of the best scented soft baits for still water trout — deadly on a jig head when retrieved from shore or trolled on the water.

A proven hard bait for still water trout — deadly on cast or troll at any depth.

A legendary 6-pack spinner kit that covers every still water trout situation in one purchase.

A 30-piece metal spoon set covering every still water trout color situation at just $1 per lure.

A 50-piece Amazon's Choice jig head set for still water trout fishing.

The only accessory I run on almost every lure — adds erratic flutter on the troll and extra action on the cast when nothing else is triggering strikes.

A size 10 salmon egg hook light enough to keep floating baits like PowerBait Mice Tails buoyant. Same trusted 2X strength gold hook as the size 8, just smaller.

A clean drop shot rig for still water trout — tie a size 8 salmon egg hook, leave a 2-foot tag end, and clip the 1/4 oz weight to the bottom. Keeps your bait suspended right where trout are feeding.

A fluorocarbon-coated copolymer line that gives you near-invisible presentation and easy handling. 4 lb test is the go-to for still water trout bank fishing.

A simple but essential piece of still water trout rigging — bobber stoppers let you set your float at an exact depth and slide it up or down without cutting and re-rigging. Small size is the one to get.

A quality slip float for still water trout — pair it with bobber stoppers to lock in your depth and present floating baits right where trout are feeding.