This guide discusses the gear for traditional stream trout fishing and fishing for anadromous rainbow trout in the Great Lakes. Many of the artificial lures and much of the equipment required for this type of fishing is available on Ebay.

When fishing for rainbow, brown, or brook trout (and arctic char or Dolly Varden) in small streams in some lakes, a rod between four and a half feet to seven and a half feet should be sufficient. Virtually all manufacturers of spinning rods make models that fit this description in ultralight to medium actions. I'm partial to Berkley's Cherrywood line, Eagle Claw's Featherlight and Blue Diamond Graphite series, Shakespeare's Wonder Rods, Sigma, & Ugly Stiks (and even their Alpha line--but these rods don't have the reputation of holding up too well), inexpensive rods commonly available on Ebay like "Foxy" light glass rods and "Dolphin" medium action graphite composite rods have fared well for me, and Silstar/Pinnacle makes any number of rods good for pursuing trout in small streams and lakes.

Spinning reels that that are good for this type of fishing have relatively fast rates of retrieve and should have line capacities of over 100 yards of 4 to 8 pound test. Monofilament and fluorocarbon lines are the best for this sort of fishing.

There are a plethora of acceptable rods and reels of this nature available on Ebay.

Lures that generally work well on stream trout, both stocked and native, are small spinners such as Mepps, Panther Martin, Blue Fox, or Rooster Tails. Small spoons like Phoebe and Kastmaster also produce fish. Baits that work well are nightcrawlers and red worms (especially when the water is slightly high and stained after a rain), grubs, maggots, mealworms, helgramites (particularly in the summer), and minnows like dace, fatheads, or shiners--when rigged with a double hook and fished with a few small splitshot and a double hook out of the anal vent.

Prepared baits like Powerbait from Berkley or  cured salmon eggs also perform well. Marshmallows and canned corn or even cheese also take fish in the early spring.

Trout like holes beneath rapidly moving water and over-hanging structure in streams and also can be taken from under the ice in lakes where the ice has begun to recede.

Line should be relatively light to prevent spooking the fish. Monofilaments and polymer lines between four and eight pound test are usually sufficient.

Steelhead fishing differs in that a longish rod from eight to ten and a half feet with a light to medium action is typical when pursuing these larger fish. The use of a long rod allows anglers to utilize a lighter line (typically six-pound or eight pound fluorocarbon). Fenwick, Daiwa, G. Loomis, Lamiglass, Eagle Claw's Starfire line and Silstar/ Pinnacle all have offerings that will meet the needs of the steelhead (and salmon) fisherman.

Mini-foo jigs tipped with maggots, small salmon eggsacks (hand-tied is best due to the fact that most commercially available types are too large), and single salmon eggs work well. Late in their run, minnows also work well.

Fishing at the mouth of a tributary should produce fish during their run (typically from September to April), but they are also fond of structure similar to their smaller brethren when found further inland in streams.

Hooks ranging in size from size six to size twelve are required for pursuing both trout and steelhead. The sharper the hook, the better. A small float can be useful when pursuing steelhead.

A rod that is too stiff will take all of the fun out of fishing for stream-residing trout and will also impede sensitivity. When fishing for steelhead in the late fall or winter, a cooking spray like Pam works well at de-icing the guides on your rod.

Applying scent to your bait or lure, especially when in pursuit of steelhead, is very helpful. Berkely, Pro-Cure, Baitmate, and Uncle Mike's all make fish attractants that I've personally had a degree of success with.

Neoprene or insulated chest waders are practically a necessity when fishing for steelhead, but hip boots will suffice for trout angling in small streams and rivers. An appropriately sized net is also very helpful.

I hope this brief primer has been helpful to those looking to purchase trout fishing tackle on Ebay. Many of the items mentioned above find their way onto online auctions and can be had for a reasonable price.