There are few fishes that are as exciting to catch as trout. They have some smarts and when you do land one they really put up a pretty good fight. It is the perfect sport for fishing purists too because you don’t use boats, fish finders or state of the art gear.
It basically comes down to you and the fish. That does not mean you don’t need a good spinning rod when trout fishing. Patience, tactics and a good spinning rod are essential to your success when you are trying to catch this species of fish.
Fortunately, for you, we have dedicated this post to review some of the very best spinning rods for trout fishing available on the market in 2020. We have also composed a helpful guide to steer you on the right path for finding the best spinning rod for your needs. The guide features various useful hints on what to consider when shopping for rods for trout.
A quick search will show that there are numberless models of spin rods. Let us narrow the selection down for you. One model that performs very well, and is very well liked by anglers, is the St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod.
The St. Croix Triumph is a solid combination of length, weight, power, and action. The strong premium graphite pole is strong enough to fight a stubborn trout but remains sensitive enough to catch them trying to steal your bait.
Best Spinning Rods for Trout Fishing in 2020
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Important Characteristics of Best Spinning Rods for Trout Fishing
When you looked at the table above you might have noticed some common traits between all three best spinning rods.
Two of these traits are absolutely necessary for any spinning rod for trout that you are considering buying. That is the size and weight of your trout spinning rod.
Let’s take a closer look at these qualities to see why they are so important.
1. SIZE
Most trout fishing is done in somewhat less open or confined areas like small streams and creeks. You definitely don’t want a long fishing rod when you are trying to move around in these areas. This is especially true if there are a lot of trees or vegetation along the banks.
The less length your spinning rod has the less chance it will catch on something or become entangled. A 5 to 6 foot length is perfect for your spinning rod if you are using it for trout fishing.
I like the slightly longer 6 foot rod myself. Although it is a little harder to maneuver in tight areas, it has the advantage of being a little stronger rod that still has a good feel to it when you have a trout on the line.
There is no way I would trout fish with a bigger rod than this if I was fishing for trout in small streams and creeks.
2. WEIGHT
From personal experience, I can tell you there are few fishing experiences that are as scintillating as having a trout on the end of your ultra-light spinning rod.
The only problem being is if you get overzealous you can break that pole pretty easy if it’s a good size fish you have on there. So you may want to consider stepping it up one weight class to a lightweight rod.
You will still get some good action and at the same time give yourself a little margin of error for your pole snapping too.
3. POWER
The power of a rod is what determines how flexible the rod is, and how easily it reacts to a fish on. The power you need will depend on the type of fish you are going after.
For trout fishing, a light rod is a good starting place. The rod will be flexible enough to both react to a fish bite, and strong enough to fight the trout in without risking a break.
4. ACTION
Action is the rating of the rods ability to bend, and how far back from the tip the rod will bend. Faster rods bend much closer to the tip, while slower rods will bend closer to the middle of the rod.
The action of the rod will determine how well you cast different types of bait, and how the hook sets in the fish’s mouth.
Slow action rods are good for casting baits longer distances, so would be good if you are trying to reach deeper water from the shore.
Faster action rods tend to better for trout because the easy of the rod flexing help to identify when the trout is biting, Having a fast action will also help to hook the fish because when it bite the rod will spring back faster after flexing.
Reviews of Top 8 Models of Best Spinning Rods for Trout Fishing
You know the basics from the chart above as to what is important to look for in a spinning rod that you will use for trout fishing. But those are not the only good features that these trout spinning rods have to offer.
Let’s take a little more in depth look at them and then you will really see why anyone of these best spinning rods will be a great asset on your next trout fishing excursion.
1. St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod Review -Â TOP PICK
A tough, yet sensitive rod designed to nab trout
St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod – image credit dickssportinggoods.com
+ Size: 6’6â€
+ Weight: medium-light
+ Action: fast
Uses/Special feature:Â Â amateur angler – freshwater.
We love St. Croix’s slogan, “Fish More. Worry Less.†When it comes to fishing trout, the deck is already stacked in the fish’s favor. The Triumph goes a long way to evening the odds. St. Croix designed the Triumph Spinning Rod to be a good mix of strength and sensitivity.
With a length of 6’6†you have a rod that provides strong casting power, and helps control the pull of the fish so you exert less effort while reeling in your catch. The fast action of the rod gives it a high degree of sensitivity at the tip to more easily feel when a fish is jumping on your bait.
The medium-lightweight of the Triumph is an amazing blend between flexibility and power. The give and take of the rod give the fish just enough room to allow the hook to grab hold as the rod flexes back and pulls into the fish’s mouth.
The premium cork handles provide a comfortable grip that doesn’t punish your joints when you squeeze a little too hard during a long fight.
Don’t forget the reel –
A rod is only as good as the reel attached to it. To pair with the St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod, we recommend checking out the Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel. This reel provides a smooth cranking action and high durability to match the dependability of your new Triumph rod.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable rod with great sensitivity.
- Durable SCII graphite pole with Aluminum-oxide guides.
- Easy to cast, even with further distances.
- Rod performs well with different types of bait.
Cons:
- St. Croix’s warranty is tough to work with.
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2. Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod Review
Strong but flexible graphite
Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod – image credit fleetfarm.com
+ Size: 5’6â€
+ Weight: medium heavy
+ Action: moderate fast
Uses/Special feature:Â Â frequent fishing – freshwater.
The Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rods are the culmination of over 60 years of rod building experience that has created a superior class of best spinning rods. While this rod doesn’t have the lightweight and fast action of some other rods, the build quality and performance of the Eagle will not leave you wanting when you cast for trout in your favorite hole.
Fenwick built the Eagle Spinning rods with B2 burled cork that has the feel of cork used in most rods but has much higher durability than standard cork. The result is a consistent feel to the grip of the rod you can rely on with each cast.
To maintain a lightweight feel to the rod, Fenwick built the rod out of strong but flexible graphite with guides made of stainless steel. The stainless steel material not only is lighter weight, but resists damage and corrosion build, allowing your rod to last longer, and have the same action with every catch.
A rod is only as good as its reel -Â
To top off your rod package, check out the Pflueger President Spinning Reel. This spinning reel is designed with 9 stainless steel ball-bearing to give a smooth feel when reeling in your catch.
The body and rotor are made from strong and durable graphite for lightweight and comfortable action.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Light, but still strong and durable.
- Good tip sensitivity, even with medium weight and moderate action.
- Good balance and feel while casting, and reeling in.
Cons:
- Joint, where two pieces join, can come apart easily.
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3. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod Review
High performance at a very affordable price
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod – image credit uglystik.com
+ Size: 5-feet
+ Weight: ultra-light
+ Action: fast
Uses/Special feature:Â Â comfort grip – budget rod
Almost any angler out there has stories about epic showdowns with their favorite Ugly Stick. The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod is the perfect companion to create a lifetime of fishing stories.
The first thing you need to know about the Ugly Stik Elite is that it requires so little effort to wield into glorious river combat. We don’t go fishing for the exercise, after all. Well, most of the time.
The ultra-light rod has a length of just five feet which falls right into our criteria for the ideal spin rod length for trout fishing. The lightweight of the rod makes the Ugly Stik super sensitive to fish tugging on the line, which means that you will feel even the sneakiest of fish trying to steal your bait. The graphite composite body of the rod is what provides its lightweight and power.
Shakespeare specifically focused on durability when designing the Ugly Stik Elite with the Clear Tip, so that users would have a reliable rod for years. Grabbing the Elite will mean you will only need to purchase one rod for your trout battles and rely on it year after year.
The cork handle is elegantly designed for comfort and ease while in a fight with a stubborn trout. The end cap is firm, yet soft, so that you can anchor it against your body while wrestling you catch to shore.
The one-piece stainless steel line guides are not only strong, but smooth to give you a great cast every time, and their lightweight contributes to enhanced vibration sensitivity. Better sensitivity means you can feel the fish better with the rod in your hands.
Attaching your favorite reel to the Ugly Stik Elite is simple and dependable thanks to the blank style reel seats that include cushioned stainless steel hoods. The tapered top grip allows for a higher variation of reels, giving you the utmost in customization options.
Even though this spin rod would fall into the budget category of rods, you definitely are not going to be short on quality. The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod offers high performance at a very affordable price.
Add a little line to your rod -Â
Pairing your Ugly Stik with the KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line will give you more consistent casting, more natural lure swimming action, and a zero stretch to make it just a little bit easier to land that hook in the fish’s mouth.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- High Quality and durable.
- Easy to use for beginners and experienced anglers.
- Good action.
- Very good casting.
Cons:
- Not good for large fish, but comes in higher weights for larger species.
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4. PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Review
+Size: 5.91ft
+Weight: 5.29 ounces
+Action: Light
Uses/Special feature: complete kit – fresh and saltwater.
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel ComboÂ
Our next pick is ideal for trout anglers of all experience levels because it includes a lightweight spinning rod, a feel, carrying case, line, lures, and hook. The PLUSINNO Fishing Rod & Reel combo will get you started if you are new or experienced and save you money; plus, you will also get the peace of mind that all components work together seamlessly because they are designed to work together.
The 5.91ft model, in particular, is a great choice for most anglers because it’s ideal for both freshwater and saltwater trout fishing, so there is no need to splash out money for two different kits. The handling of this rod is also comfortable, plus the durable fiberglass body is flexible.
The use of carbon fiber and fiberglass ensures that this rod will last many years of use. The telescoping mechanism makes it easy to store and carry on trips.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Durable, lightweight carbon fiber construction
- Comfortable handling
- Collapsible rod design
Cons:
- Fiberglass is susceptible to splintering if left in the sun
- Expensive
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5. G Loomis Trout Panfish SR6010 Gl3 Review
Strength with lightweight
G Loomis Trout Panfish SR6010 Gl3 – image credit gloomis.com
+ Size: 5-feet
+ Weight: ultra-light
+ Action: moderate
Uses/Special feature:Â trout – confined freshwater.
If you are looking for the perfect trout spinning rod that combines strength with a lightweight feel, then this very well could be the trout fishing rod of choice for you. It is a professional trout fishing rod in every aspect of its construction.
A 5-foot rod is the absolute perfect size for trout fishing in confined areas. It is a great rod that has a tremendous feel to it also once you set the hook in the mouth of any medium to small-sized freshwater fish. Those who have tried this rod often describe the feel of it as being very ‘soft’ and ‘sensitive’ which is ideal for trout fishing.
This 1-piece spinning rod is really lightweight too. You will barely notice its weight even if you have a long walk or wade to your favorite trout fishing hole. That means you will not get arm fatigue as fast as you would with a heavier rod. This G Loomis rod is also surprisingly strong for its weight too.
Among its other fine features are its Fuji reel seat, a moderately light taper, and a dual cork handle. This rod even looks great with its sleek black metallic finish. It’s a terrific all-around light duty fishing rod that you can use in a variety of different ways when fishing.
Get your fish on the line -Â
The G Loomis Trout Panfish is a great companion to the Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line. This line is is a near-zero stretch Mircoline designed for high sensitivity, especially when going of trout.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-light feel.
- Professional quality from top to bottom.
- Ideal compact size for trout fishing.
Cons:
- The dual grip is not for everyone.
- Only serious anglers should consider purchasing this rod.
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6. Cadence CR7 Spinning Rod – 6’9†Review
Extremely lightweight
Cadence CR7 Spinning Rod – 6’9â€
+ Size: 6’9â€
+ Weight: 4.8 ounces
+ Action: Fast
Uses/Special feature: Single-piece reliable design – a variety of sizes
For this review, we selected the six-foot nine-inch rod, but the Cadence CR7 Spinning Rod is available in various sizes from 5’10 through 7’6; also, they offer varying actions. Our choice has a medium heavy-fast action ideal for trout fishing.
This rod features a one-piece design known for its reliability because it doesn’t have hinges or need to be assembled. The dimensions are slim enough to store easily and carry along on trips.
This rod’s handle is made from cork with an ergonomic design that is comfortable and provides great grip so you can use it for long periods of time. The spinning action is the best you can find in this price range.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Available in different sizes
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Slim single-piece design
Cons:
- Steel body susceptible to rusting
7. KastKing Perigee II Review
Power to wear down the trout as you reel it in
+ Size: 6’7â€
+ Weight: medium-light
+ Action: Fast
Uses/Special feature:Â high flexibility – fresh or saltwater.
What caught my attention about the KastKing Perigree II fishing rods was the dual function. Admittedly, I’m a sucker for equipment that can serve multiple purposes. The KastKing comes with two tips that can make the Perigree II either a baitcasting rod, or a spinning rod.
As a spinning rod, the KastKing offers a rod black made from carbon fiber that provides flexibility and strength, while being environmentally friendly. The grips are made of high-density EVA foam for a comfortable grip.
I also like the Saf-T-Keeper hook holder that is meant to help keep you from accidentally hooking your fishing buddy, or a tree, not that that has ever happened to me.
KastKing built the Perigree II to give flexibility throughout the length of the rod, as well as the power to wear down the trout as you reel it in. Fuji O-ring line guides help to keep your line exactly where you want it the entire time you are fighting that fish.
The features of this rod help to form a rod that works with you, instead of against you with every cast and every reel.
Add a line a reel -Â
KastKing has a complete line of fishing tools to help you create a high-performing rod. The KastKing Sharky III 2018 Spinning Reel is made of a carbon-fiber body to maximize strength while reducing weight. Paired with the KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line that offers superior sensitivity and zero stretches, and you have yourself a lightweight, strong, and sensitive trout nabbing package.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Good combination of strength and lightweight feel.
- Even with changeable tip, feels like a one-piece rod.
- Smooth casting and fast action.
- Lifetime warranty on tip and rod body
Cons:
- The reel seat is a little loose.
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8. Hurricane Calico Jack Inshore Spinning Rod Review
Strong rod with powerful and accurate casting ability
Hurricane Calico Jack Inshore Spinning Rod image credit fieldandstreamshop.com
+ Size: 6’6â€
+ Weight: medium-light
+ Action: Fast
Uses/Special feature:Â Â budget rod – fresh or saltwater.
The Hurricane Calico Jack Inshore spinning rod is another rod that is a good multi-species rod that is made of durable materials that can survive use in fresh or saltwater.
The rod blank is made from IM7 graphite, which is the industry standard measurement that basically says help you with homework writing that this rod is lightweight enough to handle easily, but has the stiffness you need to have a strong rod with powerful and accurate casting ability.
The Hurricane Calico Jack Inshore Spinning Rod uses Fuji line guides for consistent and durable line performance when both casting and reeling in your prize trout. The combination of ultra-light graphite and quality line guides give this rod high sensitivity with fast action.
When paired with a quality reel and a strong braided line, you can get a package that increases your chances of setting the hook. It is still up to you to find the fish, and coerce them to go after your bait.
Here’s that rod and reel you wanted -Â
Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line is a strong braided line constructed with spectra fiber to provide outstanding abrasion resistance while retaining high sensitivity. Pair the line with the Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel full-metal body to have a combo that is determined to catch the best trout.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Great power to weight balance.
- Feels comfortable with great sensitivity.
- Performs like a rod with a much higher price.
Cons:
- Cork grips aren’t as tough and comfortable as similar rods.
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Right Spinning Rod Can Make for a Great Trout Fishing Experience
Fishing for trout is easily some of the most fun you will have with a rod in your hands. Few freshwater fish have the energy and strength to put up the battle a trout can. Plus, they cook up deliciously making a battle win that much more satisfying.
As with any sport, quality equipment makes all the difference to your enjoyment. A rod that is the proper weight and length will make all the difference in whether you head home a victor, or just tired and hungry. Be sure to look for a rod that is between five and six feet long.
A rod is only as good as its reel, so check out the best spinning reels to complete your package for trout fishing.
For your general trout fishing, you want to go with an ultralight model. Or if you want to include some larger fish in your day, go for a light-weight model.
All of the rods we have presented to you are a great option to maximize your enjoyment, but without a doubt, the St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod deserves your attention. This rod’s combination of strength, durability, and sensitivity to a fish on will give you a distinct advantage over the tricky trout.
The St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod comes in a variety of lengths and weights to suit your needs. No one rod is good for every style of fishing, but the St. Croix Triumph is a great rod for trout that has features that will forgive the average fisherman a few mistakes.
Check it out today, so you can be ready to fish before the weekend hits.
