Welcome
Welcome
RDB, welcome to the world of trout fishing. I have been an avid trout fisherman for about 45 years. I LOVE it!
I have also taught a basic fishing merit badge course now for four or five years. I'd never claim to be an expert at anything, as there is always something new to learn. But, I have been around a while and tried LOTS of different gear, tackle and tactics.
Since you are a beginning trout fisherman, here is the rig that I'd suggest. First a 6 - 6.5 foot rod is a good all around choice. And I'm an "old school" dude, so I like fiberglass rods a LOT better than graphite. Glass is heavier, but much more flexible. And glass rods won't break nearly as easily as Graphite (at least that has been my experience). But, graphite is all that is made today for the most part.
I personally use a 5, 5.5, 6 or 6.5 foot ultralight action rod, with fast action tip. But, if you're not experienced you lose a lot of fish and quickly become frustrated. So, stick with the light action rod above. And just about any brand will do for starting out.
I'd suggest a light action rod, that is made for 2 or 4 pound monofilament test line, up to 6 or 8 pound line. And a higher quality rod, will have at least one line guide per foot of length. (I'd choose a 6' rod with at least five guides plus a tip). This takes the strain off of the line, and transfers the fish's power onto the rod.
For a reel, I suggest an "open face" spinning reel. And, I'd recommend a spool with capacity for about 125 yards of 6 pound line. And your reel should be pretty small. You won't enjoy a heavy reel weighing down the butt end of your rod. I use 6 pound main line, and a line leader of 4 pound strength.
Some name brands of reels to look for, and are reasonably priced, are:
Shimano
Eagle Claw
Abu Garcia
Cardinal
Shakespeare
Quantum
Mitchell
(these are usually around $15 - $25)
And slightly better quality ones are:
Pflueger
Penn
(usually $30 - $50)
And more bearings generally means a better reel.
For a terminal rig to catch the fish, and is fairly easy to learn:
Size 16 treble hook
3' of 4 pound leader (line)
a barrel, or snap, swivel
a medium sized barrel shaped slip sinker
rainbow, spring green, and / or orange colored Berkley's Power Bait
Slide the weight onto your main line. Then tie a swivel onto the main line. (The weight will slide down and rest against the swivel). Tie your leader onto the opposite end of the swivel. Tie the hook onto the end of your leader. Roll up a small ball of power bait and smoosh it onto your hook, so that it covers the hook.
Now toss your line in the water (provided that you've remembered your fishing license). Leave some slack in your line. The bait will float off the bottom. When a fish picks up your bait, your line will tighten. Set your hook and reel in your fish!
Enjoy!
P.S. The trout will usually swallow the bait, and you'll have to kill/keep them. This is NOT the correct method to use, if you wish to catch and then release your fish back into the water.