Looking for the Best Trout Spinning Reels? You’ve come to the right place.
A quality reel can make a difference whether you have a successful trip or not. So we have reviewed some of the top-rated fishing reels on the market to help you buy the Best Trout Spinning Reel.
If you are in a hurry: Pflueger President is the Best Spinning Reel for Trout.
- PERFORMANCE MEETS VALUE: Pflueger President spinning reels...
- SIZE 35 SPINNING REEL: Features a graphite body and rotor...
- RECOVER 28.1" | 71cm for every turn of the crank. Slow...
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Now, let us move to our detailed reviews.
Top 10 Best Trout Spinning Reels
Here is our list of the top 10 spinning reels for trout…
- Pflueger President – Best Overall
- KastKing Sharky III – Runner-up
- Penn Pursuit IV – Best for Saltwater
- Piscifun Flame – Best Lightweight
- Abu Garcia Revo X – Best All Purpose
- PENN Battle III – Best for Big Fish
- Okuma Ceymar – Best Baitfeeder
- Daiwa BG – Price + Performance
- Shimano Stradic FK – High-End Pick
- KastKing Summer – Budget Option
1. Pflueger President
- Size: 35
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Ball Bearings: 10
- Max Drag: 12 pounds
- Weight: 10.7 ounces
Pflueger President is one of the top spinning reels on the market. It has a high-speed gear ratio of 5.2:1. When you need to let line out quickly, it can do that. But it also works for medium crankbait fishing where you need to go a little slower.
Ten stainless steel ball bearings make the Pflueger President extremely fast and smooth. You can decide how to use it for different fishing techniques. You can even use it at different times of the season.
Due to the stylish black design with gold accents, people notice the reel when I take it to the lake. Those gold accents make the reel stand out. The design is like other models, but you begin to notice the stand-out features when you take a good look at it.
Pflueger President spinning reel offers a one-year warranty. Pflueger knows how to stand behind its products. Their customer service is easy to work with and available by phone or through a form on their website.
2. KastKing Sharky III
- Size: 3000
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Ball Bearings: 10+1
- Max Drag: 33 pounds
- Weight: 10.6 ounces
The KastKing Sharky reel features innovative and cutting-edge technologies for next-level performance. It comes with powerful specs that make it a top reel.
The 3000 is a versatile size for trout fishing. It comes with a 5.2:1 gear ratio and 10+1 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings. The triple-disc carbon fiber drag system offers a maximum drag of 33 lbs.
I was very impressed by the intrinsic and intuitive design of this reel. The reel is built using a high-quality fiber reinforced with graphite. It makes the reel lightweight, smooth, and strong. The special water-resistant design keeps water and dirt out so you can use the reel for saltwater fishing as well.
The Sharky comes with a 1-year warranty that covers manufacturer defects. The warranty becomes void if you make any modifications or damages to the reel. Regular wear and tear are also not covered.
3. Penn Pursuit IV
- Size: 3000
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Ball Bearings: 5
- Max Drag: 12 pounds
- Weight: 11.8 ounces
The Penn Pursuit 4 is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant reel built to last. It can withstand the wear and tear of saltwater fishing. The 3000 reel size is ideal for trout fishing as it comes with an 8-15 lb line rating.
I tested my reel on several fishing trips off the coast of Florida this year. The most impressive thing is the powerful HT-100 carbon fiber drag system. It lets you pull in even the biggest fish. I caught several trout over my trip. Whenever I had to fight with fish trying to get away, it held on until I could reel them in.
The black and silver design is sleek and attractive. It has rings on both the top and bottom of the spool that allow you to see how much more line you have left no matter what angle you are holding the rod.
After using it over many days of fishing, I can say that it is an incredibly smooth and powerful reel that can handle even larger trout with ease. It is easy to maintain and does not need excessive upkeep. Even if you forget to rinse or re-lube it, it will still perform as well as it did out of the box.
4. Piscifun Flame
- Size: 2000
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Ball Bearings: 9+1
- Max Drag: 13.2 pounds
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
Piscifun Flame is an ultralight trout reel that offers excellent value for money. It weighs only 8.5 oz. The hollow graphite body and lightweight gears let you focus on reeling in your catch instead of tiring yourself out.
But, I was really impressed by its smooth performance and high power drag. The 9 ball bearings plus one roller bearing make the reel very smooth. The 13.2 lbs of drag power ensures you have no trouble fighting your catch.
The drive gear, pinion gear, and triple drag washers work well together to deliver this level of power. We caught quite a few trout without experiencing any issues while reeling in even medium or large fish.
We also loved the braid-ready spool. It saves you time as you don’t need to load a mono backing line before loading the braid. You will usually see this feature only on premium or high-end reels.
Overall we are happy to recommend Piscifun Flame. You won’t find a lighter reel with such a smooth performance and powerful drag. It is one of the best reels for trout fishing as per our reviews.
5. Abu Garcia Revo X
- Size: 20
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Ball Bearings: 7
- Max Drag: 11 pounds
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
Abu Garcia Revo X is a lightweight yet sturdy reel. You can use it to catch even big trout without any worry. It comes in different sizes that you can use for targeting anything from small trout to big 30-inch trout.
The Revo2x20 seems a good all-around size for most freshwater trout anglers. It comes with 7 ball bearings and a 6.2:1 gear ratio. Its smooth drag offers incredible stopping power up to 11 lbs.
This reel weighs only 7.7 oz. The C6 carbon body ensures a lightweight design and durability. It is corrosion-resistant so you can use it for fishing in freshwater or saltwater.
We had an excellent experience with this reel. The all-black look is very stylish. The spool offers a higher line capacity than many competing models. The rocket line management system lets you control the fishing line with ease.
We caught many rainbow trout in our local river using this reel and never had any problems. It makes us happy to suggest Revo X to anyone looking for a durable and lightweight spinning reel for trout.
6. Penn Battle III
- Size: 2500
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Ball Bearings: 5+1
- Max Drag: 12 pounds
- Weight: 9.7 ounces
The Penn Battle III is a top-rated spinning reel for catching big trout. Penn has outdone itself when designing this third generation of the Battle series. It comes with a lot of top features that make it stand out.
The 2500 size seems ideal for trout fishing. It comes with 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearings and a 6.2:1 gear ratio. The CNC Gear technology ensures that the gears are smoother than earlier versions. All parts move so fluidly, that you can feel the quality of engineering.
The famous HT-100 carbon drag system delivers the powerful 12 lb drag you need for large trout fish. The carbon fiber drag washers treated with grease ensure the reel stays smooth over seasons.
We recently tested this reel for inshore saltwater fishing and we caught quite a few brown trout, redfish, and drums. But this reel doesn’t need our recommendation. It has so many fans who swear by its performance. If you search online for a top spinning reel, you will find the Penn Battle featured in most of the lists.
7. Okuma Ceymar
- Size: 1000
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Ball Bearings: 7+1
- Max Drag: 12 pounds
- Weight: 6 ounces
Okuma Ceymar comes with a bait feeder system that allows you to control both the rear and the front drags. The ability to switch between the front and rear drags is very helpful. The on/off auto-trip system combined with a powerful drag gives you the best chance of landing a trout.
The CBF1000 size reel comes with a 5.0:1 gear ratio and a 7+1BB bearing drive system. It is a powerful yet lightweight reel that allows you to reel in even bigger trout with ease. You can pair it with any ultralight rod for casting light lures and baits.
The reel comes in a sleek box, with product information on the front. When you open the box, you will see your reel packed inside. You need to place the handle on the reel before you can use it.
Ceymar Baitfeeder Spinning Reel is extremely popular due to its price, performance, and ease of use. It is an excellent option if you’re looking for a solid reel for trout fishing without breaking the bank
8. Daiwa BG
- Size: 3000
- Gear Ratio: 5.6:1
- Ball Bearings: 6+1
- Max Drag: 15.4 pounds
- Weight: 10.8 ounces
Daiwa BG is a high-quality spinning reel for saltwater and freshwater fishing. It comes in different sizes and you pick a model as per your specific needs.
This is a versatile reel that you can use for a variety of fishing techniques. The anodized aluminum body is corrosion-resistant. It holds up well even in harsh conditions. It does not show signs of wear or corrosion even after many uses.
The BG3000 size seems a good option for trout anglers. It comes with a 5.6:1 gear ratio and delivers a maximum drag of 15.4 lbs. The spool has enough line capacity to let you chase any fish that tries to run.
Overall we are very impressed by this reel. The 6+1 ball bearings and the digi-gear system improve the speed and power. The ATD system makes the drag very smooth. We are happy to recommend it whether you plan to fish in the sea or catch some freshwater trout. Daiwa BG provides top performance backed by great service.
9. Shimano Stradic FK
- Size: 2500
- Gear Ratio: 6.0:1
- Ball Bearings: 6+1
- Max Drag: 20 pounds
- Weight: 8.3 ounces
Shimano changed the game with the Stradic FK. It gives you strength, power, and a maximum drag of 20 pounds to let you catch anything from a minnow to a stingray.
Shimano Stradic FK comes loaded with features. The Hagane body makes the reel lightweight and durable. The Hagane gears improve performance and smoothness.
The Fluid Drive II combined with the propulsion line management system makes casting smooth. The X-ship technology reduces friction between the spool shaft and gears to help you cast farther. The Dyna-Balance cuts down on rotor wobble and the Power Roller II helps reduce the line twisting.
The 2500-size reel comes with a 6:1 gear ratio, 6 ball bearings, and an instant anti-reverse bearing. The anti-reverse technology is great. There is no more give to your line as the hook will set itself when the fish takes the bait.
The price tag may be a little intimidating. But remember with the useful life of this reel you are going to burn through many cheap models. Shimano Stradic FK will last long enough for you to get worth your money.
10. KastKing Summer
- Size: 3000
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Ball Bearings: 9+1
- Max Drag: 13 pounds
- Weight: 9.5 ounces
The Summer 3000 comes with tons of excellent features to make it easy for you to catch all the trout you can. It offers a maximum drag of up to 13 lbs. The drag system is powerful enough for you to catch even medium-sized fish without any worries.
The reel weighs only 9.9 oz. The lightweight design makes it easy to handle the reel. Yet a corrosion-resistant body assures you that it will last you a long time.
The anodized aluminum spool comes with a powerful launch lip which allows you to cast farther with ease. It has a very high line capacity so you do not need to worry about running out of line.
The 5.2:1 gear ratio allows you to wind up hard when you catch a fish that is giving you a fight. The pinion system is very precise to ensure that all your catches stay hooked.
Summer 3000 is the best budget trout spinning reel you can find on the market. It comes with 9 stainless steel ball bearings and an instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing. So you get smooth casts and retrievals.
Review Methodology
We understand the importance of dependable fishing gear and that’s why we take the time to review each reel on our list. We aim to provide you with the most comprehensive and accurate information to earn your trust.
Our reviews include our own field tests as well as feedback from other anglers and customers. The key factors on which we evaluate a reel:
- Performance during our field tests.
- Feedback from existing customers.
- Price, warranty, and customer service.
Field Tests. We have a team of expert fishermen who test each reel in real fishing conditions to see how well it performs. We test each of the reels on casting, retrieval, power, smoothness, and durability.
Customer Feedback. We ask other trout anglers to provide us with their feedback. This helps us to get an idea of how the reel performs in different situations. We also take the time to analyze hundreds of online customer reviews. It helps us get a sense of customer satisfaction and any common complaints.
Price, Warranty, Customer Service. We understand that budget is an important factor for many people. So we try to include options across different price points from premium to budget to cheap. We also evaluate the warranty and customer service provided by the manufacturer.
We believe in our approach and hope we can help you make the right choice as per your specific needs.
How to Choose a Trout Spinning Reel
Spinning reels are great for trout fishing. They are our go-to choice when we need an ultralight setup for targeting trout. Any one of the best trout reels on this list can help make your fishing trip successful.
But there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to choosing an ideal spinning reel. So, we’ve compiled some tips on how to choose the right reel for your specific needs. Size, gear ratio, power, and performance are some of the factors you should consider to find out if a reel is good for trout fishing.
Reel Size
An important factor when choosing a spinning reel is the size of the reel itself. The reel size has a direct impact on the feel of your rod, how it balances in hand, and its casting capabilities. So if you are planning to buy a new reel, then make sure you pick the right size.
The size of the reel depends on the weight and size of the trout you’re planning to catch. We suggest you pick the light or ultralight reels for trout fishing (size 2000 to size 3000 reels).
Heavy-duty reels (over size 4000) are perfect for catching big fish in tough conditions. But you must choose one that has the strength and durability to last.
The reel size also impacts the line capacity or how many lines you can load on the reel. It is an important factor to consider when choosing a reel.
Check out our reviews of the Best Trout Fishing Rods if are looking for a new rod to go with your trout reel.
Ball Bearings
The ball-bearing system is an essential component of a spinning reel. They play a crucial role in the smoothness of the reel.
As a rule of thumb, the more ball bearings a reel has, the smoother it will operate. So it is important to pick one with at least 4-5 ball bearings. Some spinning reels come with more ball bearings, which makes them even smoother, but often at a higher price tag.
But when picking a reel, don’t just look at the number of ball bearings. You also need to consider the quality as low-quality bearings can get damaged quickly. Whereas high-quality bearings will have even lesser friction and last longer. Also, check that the bearings are well-sealed so that water and debris can’t get inside.
You will generally find stainless steel or ceramic bearings in spinning reels. Stainless steel bearings are more common and less expensive. Ceramic bearings are the smoothest but most expensive.
Drag System
The drag system of a spinning reel plays an important role in controlling the fish as you reel it in. It works by applying resistance to the spool as you retrieve your line to help you control the fish.
That is why you must look for a quality drag system when picking a spinning reel. But what makes a good drag system?
It must be strong and smooth so that the fish doesn’t get away when you’re reeling it in. It must be powerful enough to handle the weight of the fish you’re targeting. The drag power offered by a spinning reel is always listed as part of the specifications. Smaller reels offer lesser drag power whereas bigger reels offer more drag power.
A quality drag system will also come with a range of adjustments so that you can easily adjust it even while fighting the fish.
If you plan to fish in harsh or saltwater conditions, then you must pick a reel with a sealed drag system. A sealed drag system will prevent any dirt and debris from getting inside. It will also protect it from saltwater corrosion and damage.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio is another important spec you need to consider when choosing a spinning reel. The gear ratio determines how fast or slow you can retrieve your fishing line.
A higher gear ratio will let you retrieve your fishing line faster, but it offers less power to fight any fish. On the other hand, a lower gear ratio will give you more power, but it makes the line retrieval slower.
So you need to keep in the size of the fish you will be targeting and the body of water where you will be fishing when deciding what gear ratio you need.
Pick a spinning reel with a higher gear ratio if you plan to go fishing in rivers or streams with a strong current. But choose a spinning reel with a lower gear ratio for fishing in calmer waters such as lakes or ponds.
For trout fishing, we suggest you look for a reel with around a 5:1 to 6:1 gear ratio. It will let you retrieve your line faster, but still, give you enough power to fight up to medium-sized trout. It will also help you to make longer casts to reach farther waters.
Material and Construction
Durability is essential for any fishing gear. A good spinning reel should be able to withstand harsh conditions and last you a long time. The materials and build quality play an important role in determining durability.
Graphite and aluminum are two of the most common materials used in the construction of spinning reels. If you plan to fish in saltwater conditions, then graphite is a good choice as it is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. But it is not as durable as aluminum.
Aluminum is more durable and gives you a solid feel when reeling in a fish. It is also corrosion-resistant. But aluminum reels are heavier so you will find it uncomfortable to use them for a longer period.
Besides the material, you should also look at the quality of the construction. Check for any signs of poor craftsmanship, such as any wobbles or strange sounds when using the reel.
If you are on a budget, you can check out our pick of the Best Spinning Reel Under 100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the Best Trout Spinning Reel?
When it comes to choosing a reel for trout fishing, there are so many things to consider before buying. Price, performance, and features are a few things to consider before buying your next reel.
The key thing you need to know is what type of fishing you will be doing. It will help you pick a reel that meets your needs.
For example, if you’re fishing for trout in a pond and don’t need to cast farther, then a smaller reel is perfect. But if you’re targeting bigger fish such as a lake trout then you will need a larger reel.
A good way to pick a reel is by reading reviews or asking other anglers who have used it and found success.
What is the Best Size Spinning Reel for Trout Fishing?
To pick a reel size, you need to know where you’ll be fishing and what size trout you will be targeting.
The small trout weighs about 1.5 pounds. So if you are targeting small trout in streams or rivers, a light to ultralight reel will be enough. Small reels usually come in the 1000-2500 size range.
If you want to go after medium-sized trout, then we recommend 3000 to 4000 size reels. But if you are planning to catch trophy trout, then you need to pick a 5000 or above size reel.
What Should I Look for in a Spinning Reel for Trout?
There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing a trout reel. Some key features to look for are quality bearings, a braid-ready spool, a graphite construction, and a multi-disc drag system.
The first is the quality bearing system. It is important that the bearings can withstand saltwater fishing conditions. A braid-ready spool ensures you don’t need to load mono backing before loading the braid.
The graphite construction helps in reducing weight while still providing strength. The reel housing needs to have machined aluminum so it can provide strength and balance.
You should take into account what size reel you need. If it needs to be lightweight, or oversized for larger trout you may catch.
You should also make sure that it has excellent value. If you are on a tight budget you may not be able to find something with all these features at a lower price point.
What Type of Reel Should You Use for Trout?
There are many different types of fishing reels but baitcasting, fly, and spinning reels are the most common. Now, we will try to evaluate each of these for the specific purpose of trout fishing.
Baitcasting Reels: Great for experienced fishermen who want to cast long distances and catch larger fish. But you mostly find trout in small streams or rivers where baitcasting reels are too heavy to be effective.
You can check out our pick of the Best Baitcasting Reels Under $150 if you’re looking for a baitcaster.
Fly Fishing Reels: Great for fly fishermen trying to catch trout in fast-moving water. Fly reels are a good choice for fly anglers but it has a big learning curve. So these reels may not be ideal if you are a beginner or just getting started.
Spinning Reels: These reels are extremely popular as they are lightweight, versatile, and easy to use. You can use them for fishing in streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes. You can use spinning reels for catching trout with ease even if you’re a beginner.
What are some of the good brands for a quality reel?
As a lifelong fisherman, I have put myself through the wringer looking for the best trout fishing reels. The only way that you are going to find the perfect reel is by doing your research and testing different brands.
While there are many different manufacturers, we will help you narrow down the brands that are worth exploring.
The following are some of my favorite manufacturers:
- Pflueger
- Penn
- KastKing
- Abu Garcia
- Daiwa
- Shimano
- Okuma
Conclusion
When looking for the best spinning reels for trout, it is important to pick the right reel as per your needs. But there are a variety of reels available on the market. So we reviewed many of the best reels out there to pick the top 10 reels for you.
Pflueger President is the Best Trout Reel as per our reviews. But all the reels on our list are reliable, durable, and affordable. You can pick any one of them to help you get the job done.
KastKing Sharky III is another incredible reel for an affordable price. Penn Pursuit IV is an excellent option for saltwater. Piscifun Flame is one of the lightest models on our list. Abu Garcia Revo X is a great all-around reel for targeting the most popular fish species. Shimano Stradic FK is a top-of-the-line option if you need peak performance.
But let us know if you need more help finding the right reel for your next fishing trip. We are happy to answer all the queries we get.
We hope you like our list of the Best Trout Spinning Reels. Let us know if you would like to us to hands-on test any other reel. We will include it in our next update.
