Last Updated on August 3rd, 2020
Best Trout Rod Reviews 2020 | Top Models Reviewed | Editor’s Choice!
Hottest Picks
How We Found the Best Trout Rods
Experts Interviewed
Trout Rods Tested
HOW WE DECIDED
We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.
61
Models Considered
36
Hours Researched
4
Experts Interviewed
267
Consumers Consulted
BOTTOM LINE
The spinning rods coming from the G. Loomis Trout Series are particularly laid out for trout fishing with light tackle. They utilize a typical G. Loomis fiber blend giving a very flexible and light feeling to the rods and yet sufficient power when necessary.
You can purchase them in a set of one or two parts while getting the possibility to travel if you own a fitting tube to cover it.
As far as graphite rod construction is concerned, Fenwick is its innovator. The Eagle range spinning rod series is their product marked for exceptionally good balance and some extraordinary casting possibilities.
These exquisite spinning rods intended for trout range fishing are made of premium SCII graphite by St Croix. It may perform a large variety of actions that can provide a great variety of opportunities for any fisherman.
We are probably talking about one of the best trout fishing rod series one can find these days. This company managed to create a considerably improved trout rod in comparison to the original GX2 rod series. This exceptional version has shown great performance during the time and surely represents one of the best products of this type.
Although its color is pretty luminant, this product can be an excellent choice for fishermen casting a bit further. It is equipped with a very smooth cork handle made of excellent materials, as it is also ideal for saltwater use due to its corrosion-resistant fixtures.
PROS
Enables casting super-far
Flexible and light
Pretty sensitive
High-quality guides
Enhanced durability of the rod
Enables responsive & time-tested actions
Provides a plethora of abilities to the user
Gives extra light and sensitive touch
Very responsive pole
Made with excellent extra-graphite material
Offering different variations in action, power, and length
Fair price
Fast Action
Unique custom design of the cork handle
Shimano spinning reel
CONS
Maybe a bit pricey
Reports of breaking
It does not come with a rod tube
Not designed for braided line
Its maroon color is not popular among fishermen
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How to make your trout fishing experience even more enjoyable? You are probably familiar that buying unchecked products may be risky in terms of quality, durability, and effectiveness.
Having that in mind, we bring you this article to inform you about the best trout spinning rods available on the market.
It would be very difficult to make a comparison between an expensive reel and an average rod. For trout fishing, it is crucial to buy the best spinning rod if you want to cast light lures with better accuracy.
If you aim to get more strikes, it is quite important to get dependable ultralight installation since trout are known to get afraid easily. When you get familiar with some basic features to search for, it won’t be difficult for you to choose the right rod.
What is the most important thing to consider when buying a spinning rod for trout catching? The best option is a rod in the range varying from 2 to 6 lbs. When we talk about the length, then it depends on the targeted fish size, as well as the venue and it has to be from 5-½ feet to 7-½ feet long.
The action needs to be quick and the power should be (at least) light. In the section below, we are providing you with thorough guidance regarding the purchase of such a product. As we are frequently featuring combos, you can also decide to make such a solution as it may be a superb option for beginners. We are providing you with a large list of options.
1. G. Loomis Trout Series
Best of the best
Bottom Line
The spinning rods coming from the G. Loomis Trout Series are particularly laid out for trout fishing with light tackle. They utilize a typical G. Loomis fiber blend giving a very flexible and light feeling to the rods and yet sufficient power when necessary.
You can purchase them in a set of one or two parts while getting the possibility to travel if you own a fitting tube to cover it.
PROS
- Enables super-far casting
- Flexible and light
- Pretty sensitive
CONS
- Maybe a bit pricey
Summary
The spinning rods coming from the G. Loomis Trout Series are particularly laid out for trout fishing with light tackle. They utilize a typical G. Loomis fiber blend giving a very flexible and light feeling to the rods and yet sufficient power when necessary.
You can purchase them in a set of one or two parts while getting the possibility to travel if you own a fitting tube to cover it. It is quite sure that in terms of achievement and sense, the single-piece rod will be the best possible performer.
As we mentioned, this series is a bit expensive in comparison to other rods, but they remain advisable for beginners.
FEATURES
- It is a fiber blend blank
- Purchasable in one and two-piece blanks
- Providing limited lifetime warranty
Table of Contents
2. Fenwick Eagle Spinning
Best for the Price
Bottom Line
As far as graphite rod construction is concerned, Fenwick is its innovator. The Eagle range spinning rod series is their product marked for exceptionally good balance and some extraordinary casting possibilities.
PROS
- High-quality guides
- Enhanced durability of the rod
- Enables responsive & time-tested actions
CONS
- Reports of breaking
Summary
As far as graphite rod construction is concerned, Fenwick is its innovator. The Eagle range spinning rod series is their product marked for exceptionally good balance and some extraordinary casting possibilities.
It consists of burled cork handles and guides made of stainless steel with SS304 chromium-plated inserts weighing one-half of the guides made of aluminum oxide. Nevertheless, these high-quality rods made by a classic producer can be purchased for a very popular price.
This model may also satisfy your wish to cast in very small streams, lakes, or ponds and these characteristics are included even in its pretty short 5’6” model. This series also includes an ultralight 8’ model which is difficult to find but can be pretty useful in situations when it is necessary for a long distance with a very light lure.
FEATURES
- Built from SCII graphite
- Tuned action & fast taper
- Guides made of aluminum-oxide
- Reel seat by Fuji DPS
- Including 5-year warranty
3. St. Croix Triumph
Bottom Line
These exquisite spinning rods intended for trout range fishing are made of premium SCII graphite by St Croix. It performs a large variety of actions that can provide an abundance of possibilites for any fisherman.
PROS
- Provides a plethora of abilities to the user
- Gives extra light and sensitive touch
- Very responsive pole
CONS
- It does not come with a rod tube
Summary
These exquisite spinning rods intended for trout range fishing are made of premium SCII graphite by St Croix. It performs a large variety of actions that can provide an abundance of possibilites for any fisherman.
All of these rods are packed with fine cork grip handles and line guides made of aluminum oxide. Their reel seat is produced by Fuji and St. Croix and provides the buyers with a five-year warranty. Its 6’6” length may vary from ultralight/fast or light/fast in terms of power and speed.
This solid rod can also be purchased in two pieces which makes it suitable to be stored in the back of your vehicle at any time.
FEATURES
- The blank is made of SCII graphite
- Prepared for tuned action & is a fast taper
- Guides made of Aluminum Oxide
- Reel seat produced by Fuji DPS
- Warranty for five years
4. Ugly Stik Elite
Bottom Line
We are probably talking about one of the best trout fishing rod series one can find these days. This company managed to create a considerably improved trout rod in comparison to the original GX2 rod series. This exceptional version has shown great performance during the time and surely represents one of the best products of this type.
PROS
- Made with excellent extra-graphite material
- Offering different variations in action, power, and length
- Decently priced
CONS
- Not designed for braided line
Summary
We are probably talking about one of the best trout fishing rod series one can find these days. This company managed to create a considerably improved trout rod in comparison to the original GX2 rod series. This exceptional version has shown great performance during the time and surely represents one of the best products of this type.
The Elite series of trout rods introduced 35% more graphite material in the process of production of the Ugly Stik blanks. The boosted amount of graphite in the rods provided us with considerably higher sensitivity when compared to the initial models. It is important to note that the Ugly Tuff guides positioned on the Elite do not have any inserts. The elimination of guide inserts provides a reduction in the weight of the blank, as it also reduces line wear.
Its guides which are designed in a single piece are laid out into a smooth piece making it possible for lines to run through them without causing much friction thus providing distant casts and bigger precision. Its range differs depending on single or two pieced variations as well as several various ratings in length, power, and action.
In case the buyer is on a tight budget this may be one of the most viable options because the best models are not always the most expensive ones! It can be used for a variety of water types and is very suitable for throwing light lures or bait.
FEATURES
- A representative of clear Tip technology
- Equipped with Ugly Tuff 1-piece line guides
- Belongs to the next generation Elite series
- Has superb value
5. SHIMANO Stimula 2-Piece Spin Rod
Bottom Line
Although its color is pretty luminant, this product can be an excellent choice for fishermen casting a bit further. It is equipped with a very smooth cork handle made of excellent materials, as it is also ideal for saltwater use due to its corrosion-resistant fixtures.
PROS
- Its Fast Action will enable the user to cast in a superb style
- Unique custom design of the cork handle which is extremely comfortable for use
- Has a highly durable reel seat which works perfectly in combination with Shimano spinning reel
- As its guides and fixtures are made from corrosion-resistant materials, it is suitable for use in saltwater
- It is engineered in composite blank construction thus benefiting the graphite and the durability of fiberglass
CONS
- Its maroon color is not popular among fishermen
- Although its medium power is pretty strong for trout fishing, it also provides you with catching larger fish
- The spinning rod is made with a composite of fiberglass and graphite as it also has guides made of aluminum oxide. Its reel seat produced by Shimano is regarded for its constancy and constitution while the cork handle marks better ergonomics as it is custom shaped.
- It is seven feet long and has fast action and medium power. Having a one-year warranty, it is packed with a multi-practical hook keeper.
Summary
Although its color is pretty luminant, this product can be an excellent choice for fishermen casting a bit further. It is equipped with a very smooth cork handle made of excellent materials, as it is also ideal for saltwater use due to its corrosion-resistant fixtures.
Made of a fiberglass graphite composite to improve the longevity of this model which has durable fixtures and a one-year warranty. The user should keep in mind that this is a medium power rod, while you can cast easily and smoothly only in fast action.
FEATURES
- Action varying from medium to heavy
- Made of two pieces and is 6 feet long
- 1/4-3/4 oz of lure weight
- 8-17 lb Mono line capacity
- Ideal to use in freshwater
6. OKUMA Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rod
Bottom Line
We are talking about a rod that has ultralight power and lightweight action and is 5’6” in size. Being shorter makes it a suitable piece for anglers looking to cast in smaller creeks and streams.
PROS
- Made with high-quality graphite
- Its cork grips are produced from high-grade materials and include manual support
- Speed and action without excessively disturbing the fishes are provided by Ultralight Power and Lightweight Action
- It weighs almost half of a 6’6” rod, but it still provides admirable accuracy and sensitivity
- The possibility of corrosion is reduced with the reel seat, guides and inserts being made from durable materials
- Its durability and corrosion resistance is increased with the aluminum oxide guides and the rod being made of sensitive graphite.
- The front and rear cork grips are made from high-quality cork, while the covered reel seat is made with stainless steel of exquisite quality.
CONS
- The rod may snap as it is not laid out for holding big trouts
- Not Designed for larger fishing areas but small creeks due to its short rod
- Although many people prefer a single piece rod, the two-pieced one is excellent for traveling
Summary
We are talking about a rod that has ultralight power and lightweight action and is 5’6” in size. Being shorter makes it a suitable piece for anglers looking to cast in smaller creeks and streams.
This product is an excellent spinning rod useful for smaller areas due to the high-quality graphite design which makes it extra-light. It provides the user with better accuracy and farther casting than usual due to its fast action characteristic. Simultaneously, its durability is increased due to the stainless steel modelling. Let’s not forget the super comfortable cork grips which provide easy fishing without any possibility of arm pain in the process!
FEATURES
- Designed with excellent material ensuring with durability and quality
- Two Pieces with 5’ length
- Produced in the United States
- Blank made from Sensitive Graphite
- Guide Inserts made from Aluminum Oxide
- Hooded Reel Seats made from Stainless Steel
- High-quality Fore and Rear Cork Grips
7. Berkley Trout Dough Series
Bottom Line
This spinning rod series can bring excellent action when a trout is on the other end of the line. Its fantastic layout is specially crafted to improve performance in trout fishing. The model was designed to perform in combination with the prominent bread trolls but we are sure it will be well-suited with a large variety of insects and lures.
PROS
- Provides extra-light touch
- Rod taper varying from medium to fast
- Excellent package size
CONS
- Its single grip may represent a problem in some cases
- May quickly break if the fisherman attempts to rough up the catch
- Difficult to catch fish without using a reel
Summary
This spinning rod series can bring excellent action when a trout is on the other end of the line. Its fantastic layout is specially crafted to improve performance in trout fishing. The model was designed to perform in combination with the prominent bread trolls but we are sure it will be well-suited with a large variety of insects and lures.
This spinning rod is extremely lightweight which means that you will feel a very soft tension when facing a fish on the other side of the line. When the trout hits your spinner, you will feel the strike very clearly since the rod is designed to give a sensitive touch.
This series brought to you by Berkley is finely produced and available for a very popular price. Being made of a firm fiberglass blank provides the rod with strength. The other features are the extra-light cork handle and six corrosion-proof guides made of stainless steel.
You can make your fishing set complete by adding a Daiwa BG spinning reel to your Berkley Trout Dough rod to gain light and quick real action. By choosing the KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing line you will make your set full, and become more successful with trout catching.
FEATURES
- Particularly light
- 4’6” in length
- Designed for fast action
- Excellent for trolls and lures
8. KastKing Perigee II
Bottom Line
This rod will give you sufficient power to wear down the trout as you are reeling it in. Among the most important features of this product is that it has a dual function. Not all of the users are familiar with equipment which can serve for different purposes. This rod produced by KastKing can serve both as a baitcasting and a spinning rod as it is designed with two tips.
PROS
- A good merger of fortitude and extra-light sensation
- It feels like a single-piece rod although made with a changeable tip
- Provides quick action and slick casting
- The tip and the rod have a lifetime warranty
CONS
- It has a bit of a loose reel seat
Summary
This rod will give you sufficient power to wear down the trout as you are reeling it in. Among the most important features of this product is that it has a dual function. Not all of the users are familiar with equipment which can serve for different purposes. This rod produced by KastKing can serve both as a baitcasting and a spinning rod as it is designed with two tips.
If we concentrate on its spinning rod function, this company has produced a rod made from carbon fiber thus increasing strength and flexibility, while remaining ecologically friendly. It also features high-density grips made of EVA foam providing a pleasant grip.
Among its very useful features is the Saf-T-Keeper holder for hooks which is supposed to prevent the unwanted hooking of your fishing mate, some plant, providing you with extra security.
The producer developed the Perigee II model to provide the users with thorough practicality of the rod, and additional capability of wearing the trout down. The line guides produced by Fuji O-ring will help the fisherman keep the line properly throughout the whole time while the fish is caught.
The many possibilities brought by this rod will help the user arrange it most suitably, and have the maximum efficiency in every cast and reel.
This producer has developed a thorough line of fishing equipment so you can obtain a high-quality rod. This exact model is produced with a carbon-fiber body which helps in maximizing its fortitude and maintaining extra-lightweight. When combined with the KastKing SuperPower Braided fishing line which provides excellent sensitivity and no stretches, you will get an extra-light, durable and delicate tool for trout fishing.
FEATURES
- 6’7” in length
- Medium-light heaviness
- Fast action
- It has a high-flexibility special feature suitable for saltwater and freshwater.
Things Worth Considering When Buying a Trout Rod
Many important features should be taken into account when one purchases a spinning rod specialized for trout fishing. For this we generally recommend you purchasing one which would be approximately 6 inches long and has a fast action feature.
What should be the length of the rod?
This feature greatly depends on the water in which you are planning to cast and should generally lead you when you are choosing the most appropriate rod. If you decide to choose a longer rod you can cast further in comparison to shorter rods. The reason for this is that they have a longer reaching lever.
When the fishing pole is longer, you will require more strength for the rod blank. However, your rod will straighten up towards the direction of your casting once power is concentrated in the blank.
What should be the power of the rod?
When you are determining the power your choice should be ultra-light. You generally have the rating engraved on the blank which gives you information about the weight range most suitable for the rod. Commonly, the rod power and action are used recklessly by some anglers.
This characteristic gives you information about the fortitude of the rod blank i.e. the weight of its line and lure. The ultra-light power rating is the most suitable for spinning rods. The range of the poles should vary between 4 and 6 lbs. In case you are catching fish in large rivers, you may need a particularly powerful rod meaning that a light one may not be a fit.
What Should Be the Action of the Rod?
When we are talking about the rod action we mean to describe the bending which usually happens when the blank is burdened. For example, a moderate action rod will bend in the middle of a third. On the other hand, a fast action rod will bend higher on the top of a third of the blank. The latter has greater sensitivity in cases the fisherman is using smaller lures.
Fast action rod is also preferred for better tip sensitivity and more precise casting. When anglers prefer large crankbait fishing, a slow to medium action rod is recommended, which is not suitable for catching the much lighter trouts.
What should the rod be made of?
The best trout spinning rods are certainly made from graphite material. Nonetheless, some blended rods can also be found. We are talking about the ones blended with fiberglass which are more durable and sensitive.
Among the things which have little or no effect upon the casting performance of the rods is the utilization of foam or cork handle so this option is really up to you.
These fishing rods can be a bit easier to break because they are usually made from lighter graphite and are not powered with fiberglass. When we compare them to modern ones, the older fiberglass rods are more durable and can handle more pressure. This means you should take great care of your gear if you want it to last longer. You should evade leaving them on the ground since they may crack if you apply the slightest bit of weight on them.
Conclusion
At the end of the review, we have to determine the best option in general. As we mentioned in the separate articles, the UglyStik GX2 spinning rod is quite better in contrast to products from this category. It has performed greatly on many tests as its blank is considerably richer in graphite thus providing higher sensitivity. Moreover, it contains removable inserts which can reduce the weight for a further increase of sensitivity. It also provides the user with a great variation of a range which is not common for lighter rods.
All of these characteristics make it the best solution for these categories and we strongly advise it to buyers since it has few shortcomings and many advantages.
We like to share product recommendations with you and hope you like them! Just to make you aware FishingLab may collect a small share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
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I love to write for readers with a genuine interest in enjoying the fishing. Hence, I started this blog to provide you guides so that you can have a better and more pleasant fishing experience.
James Williams
Staff | FishingLab
Article Name
Best Trout Rod Reviews 2020 | Top Models Reviewed | Editor’s Choice!
Description
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Author
James Williams
Publisher Name
Fishing Lab
We like to share product recommendations with you and hope you like them! Just to make you aware FishingLab may collect a small share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.