- 1). Use a light -- or even ultralight -- spinning rod and reel combination. Select a pole that is about 5 feet long and load the reel with 6 to 10-pound test monofilament fishing line, depending on the size of the trout in the pond.
- 2). Tie two small "J" or circle hooks to the end of the line about an inch or two apart, with the hooks going in opposite directions.
- 3). Use live bait that is common to the pond, such as minnows, grasshoppers, earthworms or crayfish. Hook the bait through the back so that they remain alive and swimming when open the hook. Select an artificial lure, such as a spinner-bait, if live bait is not available.
- 4). Cast your line a few feet away from you and let it drift on the surface of the water close to the shoreline -- rainbow trout are surface feeders. Tighten up any slack in the line and jerk the rod tip occasionally if your bait is not making enough movement.
- 5). Set the hook immediately when you get a strike. Let the trout run for a few seconds before reeling it in.
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