Fishing for Trout in Australia often leads the keen angler into the colder elements and the appropriate personal weather protection is important .
Main stream items like basic warm clothing - waders - fishing vests - gloves - etc are all important to making the fishing experience enjoyable and productive out there on the water .
Lets start with warm layers for Winter .
On the lakes or streams I fish in NSW and Victoria I've found Thermal underclothing a great asset in approaching fishing spots when the temperatures are below the Zero mark on the campsite thermometer
Most Trout Fishos and people in general that venture outdoors in Winter know about the benefits of 'layering' - The thermals are sometimes not thought about or left at home so it's just a reminder of their importance .
One other issue with chasing trout or native fish is the colour of your gear .
If your chasing trout in a canary yellow t-shirt or raincoat - your catch rate will drop dramatically as you are highly visible to the fish that live in crystal clear water .
Deep green -beige - olive - camo colours work the best and will improve your catch rate on the water .
Ex- Australian Army clothng is a good start - especially in Auscam .
I have found that most good disposal stores have an adequate range of clothing for the serious fresh water fisho
Gloves are important and especially when fishing in the Winter season
In Winter I carry a full range of gloves - from full on 'Thermos' to Light fingerless Pure Wool gloves .
Casting can be a problem with gloves - but I find the fingerless gloves are a good option .
There are many choices available in all kinds of materials .
'Waders' - in both Summer and Winter conditions are an essential part of trout fishing in streams , rivers and even on some lake shores .
Especially when the river bank is covered with blackberry bushes or just natural scrub .
Most trout fishos have two types of waders - Thigh height and Full height bib and brace .
The ability to wade through the water and proceed up stream to more productive water is a huge bonus for the keen trout angler .
They come in a variety of materials and the basic rubber styles are quite inexpensive .
I prefer the Neoprene waders as they have more flex and hold body temperatures quite well in all cold climate conditions .
They also serve a double purpose as you can use them to check depths of river crossings before plunging your Land Rover into a swimming hole
'Fishing Vests' - Each to his own
There are so many suppliers of fishing or fly fishing vests out on the market place its like a jungle of trees as to what to buy for your own style of fishing .
One important issue is that most vest suppliers have a range of 'Summer and Winter' styles .
Winter fishing vests have fully enclosed pockets and fully lined front and back materials to keep the angler warm in cool conditions .
Summer fishing vests have an open mesh construction to keep the angler cool in extreme heat conditions down on the water .
I prefer 'Thomas Cook Adventure' vests - but they are now out of production .
'Columbia Clothing' make a great range of vests but you have to shop around in Australia to get them at a good price .
Most important thing with a vest purchase is the 'Size'
Its much better to try on a vest at your local supplier than to order one from an on-line shop .
'Outer Layers' - Coats and Jackets
Freshwater fishing can lead you into some pretty harsh climate changes so your outer layers of clothing should be fit for the purpose .
Two of my favourites are :- Driza-Bone and Polar Fleece Coats and Jackets .
I have two Driza-Bone coats - long and medium lengths that have lasted for years without any problems .
I also carry a few Polar Fleece Jackets that I consider essential for warmth and comfort whilst fishing in Winter conditions .
Best time to purchase top quality Winter gear is in mid Summer or either side of the Winter season .
You can get a top quality New - Polar Fleece - Australian Army - Aus Cam Jacket for around $50 AU at most good Australian disposal stores
'Knives' - - Every Fisho has at least 'one' good fishing knife
The choice is almost infinite and everyone will have an old favourite fishing / camping knife that they take with them on a fishing trip .
I've been a knife collector for over 40 years so I guess I know something about the subject .
Most fishing and camping trips for trout only require a good general purpose knife and a fish filletting knife .
I generally take a good quality 'Folder' knife and a good quality 'Fillet' knife .
'Buck' knives and 'Schrade/Marttiini' knives are my favourites for quality and longevity of holding a sharp edge .
Note :- A sharp knife - Is a safe knife - No exceptions !!
'Rods - Reels - Lines' - - The choice is really a personal decision
This is where you can spend lots of money on various types of outfits for different fishing situations .
I personally have 57 rod/reel/line combinations but thats only because I've been an enthusiast for a very long time .
You can break it down to a few categories to simplify things ,
Bait Fishing
Spin Fishing
Troll Fishing
Fly Fishing
If your starting out in Trout Fishing a basic 6' to 7' foot medium action rod with a quality egg beater style of real and good 6 pound fishing line will be all you need to catch fish from - bait - spin - troll - fishing situations .
Personally - I like Shimano and Abu Garcia Rods and Reels .
For Fishing Lines I like 'Maxima' Ultra Green for a general Trout fishing combo outfit .
If you have any specific questions about each categorie then please ask
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