Trout can easily outplay you if you don’t have a rod that lets you feel the lightest bites. So we have reviewed some of the top-rated fishing rods on the market to find you the Best Spinning Rod for Trout.
If you are in a hurry:
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 is the Best Spinning Rod for Trout.
Now, let us move to our detailed reviews.
Best Spinning Rod for Trout Reviews
Here is our list of the Best Trout Spinning Rods…
Last update on 2021-09-27 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 is a unique and innovative spinning rod for Trout fishing. It is unlike many of its competitors on the market. This rod is so powerful that it makes fishing simple.
The right combination of graphite and fiberglass gives it a well-balanced feel. The ‘Clear Tip’ design makes this rod highly responsive, which is a must for trout fishing. It comes with stainless steel guides.
The two-piece rod comes with a comfortable handle making it an excellent spinning rod. You will find that it fits right into your hand due to its flawless design. The lightweight EVA grip is a boon when you are out on long fishing trips.
If you are looking for easy-to-use trout rods, then go for a 6 to 7 feet long, lightweight, medium action, or fast action rod.
Ugly Stik GX2 is a durable, easy to use, lightweight, and portable rod. Long-lasting and efficient, this trout fishing rod will not give up on you easily. It is one of the top-rated spinning rods that will surely impress you!
St. Croix Trout Spinning Rod
St. Croix Trout Spinning Rod is specially designed to meet the needs of trout anglers. The success St. Croix saw with the Pan Fishing Series lead to the evolution of the Trout Spinning Series.
Whether you like fishing in small streams or big lakes, St. Croix Trout Spinning Rods come in sizes from 5’4” to 7′.
This rod is truly groundbreaking. It combines SCII and SCVI graphite to improve weight, sensitivity, and balance. The SCVI at the butt provides the stability to set the hook on a big trout. The SCII near the tip provides the flexibility and shock absorption for landing a big trout.
Pac Bay Minima Guides reduce the weight by 20-30 percent to improve maneuverability. The Pac Bay Minima Real Seat with a custom insert improves balance and sensitivity.
This one-piece spinning rod comes in custom colors. It also has a premium cork handle, with Plex Coat and slow cure finish. St. Croix also offers a 5-year warranty. These are a few reasons why this rod is a favorite amongst trout anglers. St. Croix Trout Spinning Rod gives fishermen the ultimate trout experience.
Sougayilang Trout Fishing Kit
Sougayilang Trout Fishing Kit is a great gift for any angler. It comes with a telescopic fishing rod, a spinning reel, and a carrier bag. It also includes a few fishing lures, a fishing line, and some accessories.
You can easily transport this fishing kit from one place to another in a car trunk, backpack, or boat hatch. It strikes the perfect balance between design, durability, and portability.
The spinning rod is well designed, balanced, and sensitive, It easy to use, maneuver and control. You will find it easy to handle even toward the end of your fishing day.
It is one of the top trout fishing kits on the market. It uses fiberglass and high-density carbon fiber. It is lightweight yet durable. You can be sure that this trout fishing rod will last you a long time.
The rod comes with stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts. The reel seat is made of corrosion-resistant aluminum.
Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
The Plusinno trout fishing rod and reel combo is a favorite of ours. It comes with a spinning rod, a fishing reel, some fishing line, and various lures. The combo includes fishing hooks, some accessories, and a carrier bag.
Plusinno is one of the most popular spinning rods for trout out there on the market. It is very easy to use and control, which is a huge benefit for beginners. The rod comes in different sizes to suit the needs of all fishermen out there. Available in two beautiful colors, it has a very attractive design.
The rod uses a combination of carbon fiber and fiberglass for sensitivity and power. It rod comes with hooded reel seats made of stainless steel. It is a portable and lightweight trout rod. You will never have to worry about carrying your trout fishing reels and rods around ever again.
Most people find this rod a very good fit for their hands. You will love the EVA foregrip. It allows you to hold the rod for long hours without feeling tired.
Okuma Celilo Ultralight Trout Rod
Okuma Celilo is specially designed for trout fishing. It uses the highest quality materials for super strength and durability. It is a favorite for catching trout due to its reliability and performance.
This lightweight spinning rod comes in 6 different sizes 4’6”, 5’0”, 5’6”, 6’0”,6’6”, and 8’6”. The 2-piece set is very easy to set up and makes for a great traveling rod.
The graphite blank provides power with a high level of sensitivity. It can handle line weights ranging from 2-6 lbs. It is very smooth while casting and reeling.
Aluminum guide inserts play a key role in enhancing the performance of this trout rod. These inserts allow power and strength as well as a heightened level of sensitivity. This ultralight spinning rod for trout fishing has everything you need for a big catch.
The stainless steel hooded real seats help with the balance, stability, and weight of the rod. The cork grip provides sturdiness, balance, and stability when a trout is on the line. These lightweight trout rods guarantee a high level of performance.
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
Ugly Stik Elite is one of the top spinning rods on the market. If you want a spinning rod that makes catching trout easy, then you will love Ugly Stik Elite.
This rod is true to its name and has a very elite design. It uses 35% more graphite than most other rods on the market to makes it lightweight and sensitive. It is easy to control and maneuver. This is one of the most beginner-friendly rods for trout.
Ugly Stik Elite is powerful and strong thanks to the high-quality rod blank. It comes with a clear tip design for enhanced strength. The Ugly Tuff one-piece guides do not need you to insert pop-outs.
This rod is sturdy and durable to last you a long time. The cork handles feel comfortable in your hands even during long fishing trips.
Okuma Voyager Trout Spinning Combo
Okuma Voyager Trout Spinning Combo includes a six-foot, five-piece graphite composite rod. It comes with a size 20 spinning reel and a small tackle box. It all folds up into a carrying case.
Okuma put a lot of thought and research while designing this trout fishing combo. It considered weight and durability while keeping in mind the needs of trout anglers. That is why Okuma Voyager is handy for traveling and on-the-go fishing expeditions.
You don’t need much gear for light tackle fishing. Okuma Voyager includes a six-foot graphite composite rod. The rod has ceramic guide inserts and durable reel seats. The cork grip handle fits comfortably in your hand.
The rod holds together perfectly. It is quite versatile and flexible to keep up with a vast variety and size of fish. From trout to bluegill or even bass. But if you are looking for a Bass fishing rod, then check out the Best Bass Fishing Rod and Reel Combo.
The size 20 spinning real has an efficient ball-bearing system. The reel is smooth. This allows for a balance of flexibility, power, and durability.
Okuma Voyager spinning combo for trout spares you the hassle of buying every single piece of fishing gear separately. It takes up minimal space. You can store it in its own custom, soft-sided carry case included in the package.
Daiwa Minispin Travel Spinning Rod
Daiwa Minispin Travel Spinning Rod comes in a five-piece design. You just need to align and attach the five pieces and you’re all set to cast. The rod is 4.5 feet long when fully constructed. Definitely a great size for catching trout.
Daiwa Minispin spinning rods are very durable due to their carbon-fiber exterior. Yet they are flexible enough to get you that great catch.
The 4.5 feet five-piece rod comes with a matching spinning reel. The MS-S500T reel comes with a multi-disc drag system with a fast 5.1 – 1 retrieve. The reel runs smoothly despite being only one ball bearing
It includes GyroSpin balancing and a Twist Buster for twist reduction. The reel is smooth and powerful. Reeling in fishes feels sturdy and solid. You can pull out trout fish up to 8 lbs. You will enjoy the flexibility when fish put up a fight while reeling them in.
Daiwa Minispin comes in its own compact hard case with built-in tackle compartments. When you’re done fishing, you can easily fit the spinning rod and reel for trout inside the case.
Shakespeare Micro Fishing Rod
Shakespeare Micro is one of the most compact trout fishing rods on the market. If you are looking for ease of use and portability, then we recommend you go for Shakespeare Micro. You can carry this compact rod anywhere without any worry.
Portability combined with efficiency gets it a place on our list of top spinning rods for Trout. With this trout rod, you can change your fishing spots as often you desire.
Shakespeare Micro is a lightweight fast action rod. It uses graphite composite to improve sensitivity. It comes with a traditional reel seat, supported by cushioned hoods. Stainless steel line guides and inserts make it durable.
The handle comes wrapped in cork so that your grip remains comfortable. This fast action rod will impress you with its efficiency.
KastKing Calamus Trout Fishing Rod
KastKing Calamus Trout Fishing Rods come in 9 different options from 4’6” to 7’. The models range from ultra-light to medium-heavy. The smallest rod is a one-piece, while the other 8 are two-piece rods.
KastKing Calamus rods are great for trout but fair just as well when fishing for many other species. You can use these rods for catching crappie, smallmouth bass, and panfish.
The KastKing Calamus series offers many premium components that improve strength and sensitivity. Even the smallest ultralight rods are strong and durable.
The rods use titanium guide frames and rings to keep them lightweight and sensitive. The graphite real seats are very beneficial for weight reduction. The handle and the split fighting butt are both wrapped with dense UVA foam to make this rod comfortable.
The KastKing Calamus series has 9 pole options, catering to all trout fishing needs. The ultra-light 4’6” one-piece rod is great for catching small trout. While the 7-feet two-piece medium-heavy rod can handle even the biggest trout.
The spigot ferrules make it easy to set up the rod and allow for easy storage and travel. Starting at just 2.5 ounces, these rods are great for different fishing techniques.
Okuma SST Ultralight Trout Spinning Rod
Okuma SST ultralight spinning rods for trout come in three different sizes. The available options are the 5’ 6”, 6’ 0”, and 7’ 0”. Each rod comes in two pieces, making it a great choice for traveling.
Okuma SST is a favorite amongst trout fishermen. These rods use only high-quality material for top performance and durability. The IM-8 construction provides flexibility and sensitivity. The stainless steel guides increase sensitivity even more. The Zirconium inserts reduce the friction to make your trout fishing experience smooth.
The cork handle adds to the lightness and strength. Premium fore and rear grips make them comfortable while adding to the aesthetics.
Trout anglers all around the world love the Okuma SST spinning rod. It is perfect for using lightweight lures in streams. You can also use it for drifting baits like grasshoppers and worms. Although it is an ultralight rod, it can handle up to a 6 lb. line.
Proven for performance and reliability, the rods are also backed by a 1-year warranty.
Daiwa Megaforce Spin Casting Rod
Daiwa Megaforce is an ergonomically designed spin casting rod for trout. The rod length is almost 8 feet. Yet it is lightweight, sturdy, and durable.
It is a fast action rod that comes with a graphite rod blank. The portability, combined with effectiveness makes it one of the top-rated fishing rods for trout.
The cut-proof aluminum oxide guides will not wear down with frequent usage. It is resistant to corrosion so will not have to replace it anytime soon.
The reel seat is authentic and holds on the reel. The soft cork handle feels great on your hands even after fishing for hours.
Berkley Lightning Spinning Trout Rod
Berkley Lightning is a sensitive spinning rod engineered for Trout angling. It is great for using light lines and dough baits while trout fishing. It is perfect for lightning-fast hook sets thanks to its sensitivity and strength
With a 24-ton graphite blank construction, this rod can provide years of service. The multi-modulus graphite blank gives you enough strength to battle any size trout.
The aluminum oxide inserts on the stainless steel guides prevent corrosion. Also, this combination makes for a smooth and easy experience when casting. Being able to cast long distances gives you many more options when trying to find fish.
The real seat on the lightning rod is double locking, making sure that your reel is always stable. The rubber cork handle adds to balance and stability while providing great comfort.
Berkley Lightning Spinning Trout Rod is well balanced and versatile. The two-piece rod comes in three different sizes – 6’6”, 7’0”, and 8’0. It can handle 2-6 lbs. of line weight. You can use it for many different fishing techniques.
Easy to set up, the Berkley Lightning is becoming popular amongst trout fishermen. It comes at an affordable price. With many different premium features, this rod offers great durability and performance.
Do You Need a Specific Fishing Rod for Trout
I’ve been fishing trout for my whole life. I’ve heard of people who have been fishing for decades with the same rods they’ve used for 40 years. But all rods are not created equal.
There are several things to consider before buying a fishing rod. The first is the size of the fish you are going to catch. A bigger fish will need a larger rod as well as a heavier tackle. The most popular trout rod is the 7 feet, but other rods can handle smaller trout as well.
The next important part is to choose a rod that has the correct balance of power and sensitivity. Trout can grow to be up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds. You need a rod that is sensitive enough to feel the bite, but strong enough to fight the fish.
I’ve had the pleasure of fishing with some really awesome rods. I’ve used almost every type of rod imaginable and have been happy with all of them. But, you must choose a rod for your specific needs. For example, if you want to catch trout, a dry/soft-tip rod is the best choice.
What Type of Spinning Rod is Best for Trout
There are so many different types of spinning rods available, but there are some that stand out above the rest. A spinning rod for trout should be strong enough to resist a fish’s powerful strikes. Yet it should be sensitive enough to detect the slightest nibbles on your bait. It should also be light enough to cast quickly and with precision.
If you’re a beginner, I’d recommend choosing a spinning rod with a line weight of around 16-18lbs. This will give you enough power for most situations and not too much slack on your line for the weaker fish.
The length of the rod is also important. A 6′ rod is good for shorter distances, while anything over 7′ is suitable for larger bodies of water.
Most trout fishermen swear by a 7′ spinning rod with a medium-light action, while others prefer a 7’6″ medium-heavy rod. The best way to determine which rod is right for you is to go out and try them.
How to Choose a Spinning Rod for Trout
You can buy a spinning rod for trout fishing by heading to the local tackle store and picking the one on sale. This will put a trout rod in your hands and get you off fishing, but is it the right option for your style?
There are many factors that you should consider before buying a trout fishing rod. We will help you understand these factors so that you can buy the Best Trout Spinning Rod out there on the market.
Before we start, here is a quick 2-minute video on how to choose a spinning rod when you walk into a tackle shop.
Trout fishermen always want to increase the hook-up rate to have a better chance of landing more fish. If you learn about construction, weight, action, and length it will help you pick a suitable trout rod.
Material
The composition of fishing rods has evolved from the bamboo poles to the fiberglass and graphite blanks we see today. Graphite is more expensive than fiberglass. But it offers much more. The best trout rods use a composite of different types of graphite. Graphite rods hold up when fighting the fish and balances the power when you are casting.
With a graphite rod, you have a much stronger but lighter rod, with an increased sensitivity level. Increased sensitivity is very important for trout fishing.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is a big factor in trout fishing. So it is important to learn about the line guides. Quality line guides are as important as the material and the build quality of the rod.
The line guides influence how well the rod can cast, as well as being able to feel when you have landed a fish. There are different types of inserts on the guides, like aluminum or stainless steel.
Balance
Stability is a must when trout fishing. That is why it is so important to understand what makes a rod sturdy and balanced.
Different grips come on rods. Every fisherman should test these out to see how it feels. Both the cork or the foam grip have their benefits and will get the job done.
Each fisherman has their own take on what feels comfortable to them.
Action
The action of a rod is how the rod reacts when you apply the force to it.
The rod action is usually categorized in three ways, heavy, medium, and light. A light action rod is suitable when fishing for trout as it can cast lighter lures further. It can also handle the fish better when it leaps out of the water.
The action influences the sensitivity and how well the rod casts. It also determines how the energy gets transferred to the lure when striking. Understanding how the action works will help you buy a suitable and durable trout fishing rod.
Length
When searching for the right trout rod it is necessary to take the length into account. Rods that are 6-8 feet seem to be most favored by trout fishermen.
Every fisherman has their own preference based on body type and fishing style. Depending on the size of the rod, control, accuracy, and ability to play a fish that’s hooked, will change.
The location where that you plan to fish will also help you determine the length of rods.
For instance, if you are fishing in a small stream, a shorter and more accurate rod will be great. A shorter rod will allow you to cast your line right into the areas you need. If you are fishing in a larger and open stream, a longer rod will help you cast further.
Weight
We have discussed different factors that you should be aware of while shopping for a trout rod. The weight of the rod can also impact the performance, so it is important to understand it.
When fishing for trout, the rule of thumb usually is, the lighter the rod the better. Lightweight rods will allow you to cast lures further. Trout love to jump out of the water to attempt to dislodge the fish hook. Trout can also use the flow of the stream against you. But the lightweight trout fishing rods can counter that.
Angling the fish rather than the skull dragging it into the net is much more technically sound. A lightweight spinning rod allows you to execute the angling techniques better.
When hitting the trout streams, 1-5 lbs. rod will give you a good fishing experience. For the best performance in these streams, it is best to stick around 1-3 lbs. If you like to use deep diver lures then it will be best to buy a heavier rod, something from 2-6 lbs.
Reflective Coating
Another key factor to be aware of when trout fishing is the reflective coating on the rod. If you are fishing on a clear sunny day, the reflection can spook the trout, giving up your location.
Some fishermen sand off the coating of their expensive trout fishing rods. Luckily, many manufacturers sell matt finish, rather than high gloss rods. Having the right finish on your rod, and keeping your location secret, will help you land more trout fish.
Budget and Warranty
When shopping for a trout rod, it is important to consider price and warranty. Since there are many different brands and series, trout rods come in wide ranges.
Prices can range anywhere from $30-60, all the way up to several hundred. Warranty doesn’t come with every brand but is usually offered in 1, and 5 years, or lifetime packages.
When considering price and warranty you should consider how much you will be using the rod. The kinds of places you will be fishing and for what size fish, also play a big role in deciding price and warranty.
If you are a regular angler and find that a more expensive rod suits your style, a lifetime warranty is best for you.
How to Rig up Your Trout Spinning rod
Now that you have a good trout rod, you’ll need to set it up to get the most out of your fishing experience. If you’re a beginner, you might have a hard time figuring out how to rig up your spinning rod.
I’m going to give you a quick tutorial on how to rig up your trout rod. Rigging up a trout spinning rod is not a difficult task. All you need is a quality spinning rod, a spinning reel, some tackle, and some line.
Here are the 3 steps to attach the reel to the rod and insert the line into the reel.
- First, attach the reel to the rod. Open up the reel, pull out the spool, and put it on top of the rod. Attach the reel in such a way that it can be easily removed from the rod.
- Next, rig up your reel with the appropriate spool of line. For inserting the line into the reel, you need to take the end of the line and insert it into the top of the reel.
- Last, you need to attach the line to the rod by winding it through the reel seat and threading it through the guides. Now you are ready to spool up with tackle and cast your line into the water!
It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or an advanced angler, you can use these tips to rig up your spinning rod in no time!
Editor’s Choice
Just to recap, here is our pick of the Best Spinning Rods for Trout Fishing…
Last update on 2021-09-28 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
All the spinning rods on our list will get the job done when it comes to trout fishing. But, Shakespeare GX2 stood out as the Best Spinning Rod for Trout during our reviews. It is a medium action rod with a fiberglass and graphite blank.
St. Croix Trout Spinning Rod is next on our list. The dynamic blend of SCVI and SCII carbon sets this rod apart. This rod’s sensitivity, power, and stability are second to none due to quality line guides and split-style real seats.
Choosing the right rod for trout fishing can make your fishing experience worthwhile. You should look for ease of use, effectiveness, and durability when buying a new trout fishing rod. Buying one of the top-rated spinning rods can make a great difference to your fishing experience.
We hope you like our pick of the Best Spinning Rods for Trout. If you would like us to review any other spinning rods for trout fishing then let us know. We will include it in our next update of the trout fishing reels and rods reviews.
