Trout Fishing on an Economy Basis.

Trout fishing can be as economical or as expensive as you care to make it.  It can be easily tailored to any budget.  If you care to spend less than $20 for equipment or as much as several thousand, it can be accomplished.  Here is a list of the most economical items in a package, which is ideal for a child, or even an adult, to get to enjoy the pleasure of fooling the trout.  The package consists of:

3 piece cane pole with line: $5.00.

Handful of assorted dry flies: $7.00.

Cheez-Whiz sandwhich: $1.00.

Beating the recession by going trout fishing on a budget: Priceless.

Recession got you down?  The best entertainment during a recession is, of course, trout fishing.  First, there is the need to get your mind off of your frustations.  Nothing like the rushing water on a stream to accomplish that.  Second, there is the fact that trout are one of the few things that don't worry about the economy.  They don't stop feeding just because the stock market is sputtering.  Third, you don't have to spend gobs of money to get started.  Here are some tips for trout fishing on a budget:

Use inexpensive equipment:  The first choice is to borrow someone else's equipment.  A lot of people have old equipment they're not using anymore, and you may be able to borrow it.  If you choose to borrow a spin cast rod and reel combo, then you can purchase a few hooks and bait or a couple of spinners, and you're good to go.  However, you need not buy the bait or the spinners, if you choose to use live bait. (Dig up some worms or collect some hellgramites.)

The least expensive equipment to purchase is a cane pole, usually costing around $5.00.  You will only need a few feet of standard monofilament on the end of it, a dry fly attached to the end of the line, and a small stream with large rocks to hide behind.  Hide behind the rocks and dangle the fly just over top of the water, letting it land on the water and float downstream.  The fly can be dangled above the water as well, in a figure eight motions, and the trouf will jump as high as he can to get it.  Sometimes it will take him more than one try!

It's possible to use old tennis shoes (or sneakers, depending on what area of the country you're from) and shorts, in lieu of wading boots and waders.  However, either glue carpet on the bottom of the shoes or be prepared to get wet by falling in to the cool refreshing mountain water.   Athletic footwear has nowhere near the gripping power as felt soled boots (which are falling out of favor because of their abilty to spread unwanted organisms among trout streams).

You can make due without a fishing vest by wearing shorts with numerous zippered or buttoned pockets.  For years, my Dad has even used a free, promotional carpenter's apron he got from a hardware store.  It can be spray painted in your favorite camo colors. (Insider tip: make sure your small plastic tackle box, your nail clippers and your needle nose pliers are tied to the apron if you're prone to falling in the stream.)

Pack a lunch, consisting of a piece of fruit, crackers, and a sandwhich.  One of troutu's staff even brings Cheez Whiz  sandwhiches.  Can you say "Low Budget?"  Bring a bottle of water  (or two) to wash it all down.

Find a couple of fishing buddies to carpool with, to share the gas, and you're good to go and remember to always have a license, and practice safety and catch and release as well!