Thread: What size spinning gear for trout.

I use a Shimano backbone 6'6" 3-5kg and a 2500 reel. 6lb line mono max if you are fishing small clear rivers (braid needs a trace or else the clued up trout will see the line)

You can use bigger rods but you loose "feel". Some soft mouthed trout (Mainly Browns) will nibble and nibble at your lure but not actually take it, you need light gear in order to feel the bites and strike to set the hook.

Veltic and toby's work well as a base set of lures. Just mix up the colors. Green works well in the summer months up here on the central plateau, Mepps black fury worked amazing on the middle reaches of Rangitikei. Black and gold is the old fall back color for the change of light. Pink can aslo work well and soft baits for when nothing else is working. (I haven't quite worked out how to use soft baits)
Don't be afraid to use the bubble and nymph method.

Light tackle in small tight rivers and heavy lure for the big stuff. My lures range from 6g to 12g.

Never felt under gunned except when a Kahawai took my lure at lake ferry.

Don't forget to check the local regulations in regards to bait/lures and hook count (triple vs single point) as all of these can change as you travel up a river system.