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As any angler knows, a good trout fishing reels and rods combo can make all the difference when it comes to trout fishing. But with so many different fishing gear options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why I’ve put together a review of the best trout fishing reels and rods on the market. From lightweight options perfect for stream fishing to durable rigs built for heavy-duty use, I’ve got you covered. Not only that, I’ll also give you some tips on what to look for when shopping for your gear. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these Trout Fishing Combos will help you land some big catches.
Best Trout Fishing Reels and Rods List
5 Best Trout Fishing Reels and Rods Review
With so many fishing reels and rod combinations available today, choosing the best fishing gear can be time-consuming. Luckily, in this guide, I’ll show you 5 of my favorite trout fishing reels and rods. I’ll give you my honest review and each trout fishing combo’s pros and cons to help you find the one that best suits you. So check out this list and find the perfect gear for your next fishing trip.
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Best Features:
- Carbon and fiberglass material for durability and longevity
- Reel comes with an instant anti-reverse mechanism to allow back-reeling
The PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is excellent for trout fishing. The rod is made of high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass, making it both strong and flexible. The stainless steel hooded reel seat is corrosion resistant and the EVA fore grip provides comfort when casting and reeling in fish. The combo also comes with a durable nylon carrying case, making it easy to transport to your favorite fishing spot.
Available in 2.7, 7.87, 2.1, 2.4, and 1.8 meters lengths, this telescopic rod is perfect for those who want to pack it up and take it with them on the go. The closed length is 17-21 inches, and it’s portable, so you won’t have to worry about lugging a heavy rod around.
However, there are a few drawbacks you should be aware of. First, the rod is best suited for use with an 8-12 lb line. While this is adequate for most trout fishing situations, it may not be suitable for larger trout. Additionally, the combo’s price is relatively high compared to other rod and reel combos on the market. But it reflects the quality of the materials and features included.
Pros:
- Travel-friendly
- Beginner-friendly
- Made from high-quality material
Cons:
- Not suitable for larger trouts
- Pricey
Bottomline: Overall, the PLUSINNO Fishing Rod, and Reel Combo is an excellent option for beginner fishermen or those looking for a travel-friendly option. However, it is not suitable for fishing large trout. If you are looking for a high-quality combo with numerous features, then this is the perfect combo for you. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, this may not be the best option.
UglyStik GX2 Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Features:
- Durable graphite and fiberglass materials
- The reel features an HT-100 carbon fiber drag system
If you’ve ever shopped for fishing reels and rods, you’d know that Ugly Stik is one of the most prominent brands when it comes to fishing gear. This trout fishing reel and rod combo is made for the entire family to enjoy. The rod comes in a blended graphite and fiberglass material, ensuring that it is sensitive yet durable and long-lasting. The rod comes in different lengths, ranging from 5’6″ to 7′, and reels that vary from 25-sized reels to 40-sized reels.
One of its best feature is its HT-100 carbon fiber drag system. Usually found in many high-end fishing rods, this ‘High Tech’ drag system is made up of carbon fiber washers. The advantage of this design is that it provides a smooth, consistent drag on the fish, which makes it easier to land them. In addition, the HT-100 drag system is less likely to break down than other types of drag systems. This makes it ideal for use in saltwater fishing, where the conditions can be very tough on tackle.
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- High-quality materials
- Numerous rod length options
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with accessories
Bottomline: The Ugly Stik GX2 is a high-quality, lightweight spinning reel and fishing rod combo that can handle bigger trouts. It features a graphite and fiberglass construction for durability, as well as a HT-100 carbon fiber drag system for smooth operation. Overall, the Ugly Stik GX2 is an excellent choice for anglers who need a reliable, lightweight spinning reel and fishing rod combo.
Okuma Voyager Spinning Freshwater Travel Kit
Features:
- Rod is breakable into five pieces
- Reel and rod comes in a travel case
- Comes with a size-20 fishing reel
Are you a traveler? If so, you probably tend to find portable things more convenient, just like the Okuma Voyager fishing rod and reel combo! Apart from its portability, what makes this reel and rod combo stand out is the durability and comfortability you get. It comes in a six-foot rod (that breaks into 5-pieces), which is perfect for casting at a short distance. It also comes with a travel and tackle box.
If portability is your biggest concern, then you’ll find no issues with this rod. However, you might encounter problems with the rod assembly, which may be pretty difficult and time-consuming at first. The biggest concern we faced was how the rod felt like it was about to fall apart after a few castings. While the rod successfully stayed intact, it might not be able to handle bigger and heavier trouts.
Pros:
- Comes with accessories
- Fits inside carry-on luggage.
Cons:
- Suitable for light fishing only
Bottomline: If, by chance, your most significant consideration is portability, this reel and rod combo is the one for you.
PENN Pursuit IV Spinning Reel and Rod Combo
Features:
- PENN Dura- Guides
- HT-100 drag system equipped
- 4+1 stainless steel bearing system
If you’re looking for a durable, classy, and comfortable trout fishing reel and rod combo, you won’t go wrong with what PENN Pursuit IV can offer. This rod is made from corrosion resistant graphite body and also features a HT 100 drag washers. Many anglers prefer this one as it feels like an expensive reel and rod combo, but only for less than $100. This reel and rod combo comes in lengths ranging from 6’6″ to 9′, with varying reel sizes.
Aside from its capability to reel in larger trouts, this Penn fishing combo also comes with 4+1 stainless steel bearings. Stainless steel bearings are typically considered to be the best type of bearing for a fishing reel. And the inclusion of more bearings in this combo helps you create a smoother and more efficient casting motion.
Pros:
- Reputable brand
- Great value for money
- Sensitive but durable
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with accessories
Bottomline: The PENN Pursuit IV Spinning Reel and Rod Combo is my favorite for fishing large trouts. The durable graphite construction can withstand the rigors of fishing, and the numerous features make it a versatile option for anglers. If you have the extra bucks to spend on a quality combo, the PENN Pursuit IV is the best option on the market.
Sougayilang Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Features:
- Comes with a 2000-sized reel with an anti-reverse switch
- Comfortable cork grip
This trout fishing reel and rod combination is a must-have for any skill set. It’s a high-quality, fast-action rod that allows for an easier and better fishing experience. The rod is made from carbon and graphite material, ensuring that the rod is durable and long-lasting in the right conditions. Unlike other brands, this rod comes only in one size—a lightweight 6’9″ rod and a size 2000 reel.
If you’re someone who has their eyes set on aesthetics, you’d appreciate this reel and rod combo. In fact, this combo is an excellent gift for women who want to get on with your hobbies. Quality-wise, it’s a decent budget combo for beginners and light fishing. Many reviews, however, agree that it breaks easily if used with heavier trout.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- Eye-catching aesthetics
- Easy-to-use
Cons:
- Flimsy rod
Bottomline: Beginners anglers on a budget will surely appreciate this fishing reel and rod combo.
Trout Fishing Reels and Rods Buyer’s Guide
There are a lot of things you need to consider when buying new fishing equipment. Here are a few things you have to consider before making any purchase:
Fishing Rod
Length
Try to look for a 6’6″ to 7 ft. long rod. This length is suitable for both short and long casts.
If you’re to cast in a smaller, shallower area, you can opt for a shorter rod, about 5’6″ in length. If you need a long casting distance, you can opt for longer rods, about 9 ft. in size.
But in general, 6’6″ and 7 ft. long trout fishing rods should work for most of your needs.
Rod Action and Power
Rod action and power are, in general, an angler’s preference. Some anglers prefer light action rods as it has increased sensitivity and makes it a bit (fun and) challenging to reel in trout.
On the other hand, most beginners prefer medium-power, slow-action rods as they are better for fishing heavier and larger trout.
If you are looking for a trout fishing reel and rod combo, don’t forget to check the rod’s action and power, as it can absolutely define your fishing experience.
Guide Count
A rule of thumb for buying trout fishing rods and reels would be that there should be one guide for every foot. A six-foot rod would have six guides, while a seven-foot rod would have seven. If possible, look for a trout fishing rod with more guides than its length.
More guides would mean that the stress on the line would be evenly distributed along the rod, making your fishing rod more durable and capable of catching heavier fish.
Fishing Reel
Type of Reel
An angler can choose four reel types: spin-casting, baitcasting, spinning, and fly reels. Each one has different pros and cons, but the reel that gives you your money’s worth would be the spinning reel. Spinning reels are versatile and are more suitable for catching small to medium fish like trout.
Reel Size
Reels come in many different sizes, and each one is made for a specific purpose. Reel sizes usually range from 1000/10 up to 30,000.
As expected, 1000/10 size reels are suitable for smaller species, while higher-sized reels are best used for catching large fish.
2500/25 sized reel is the best size for catching trout, but 1000/10 or 2000/20
In addition to that, each reel size corresponds to a rod length. That’s why if you’re a beginner, I suggest that you purchase a trout fishing reels and rods combo rather than buying them separately.
Other things to consider when buying trout fishing reels and rods
More than the rods and reels, anglers should also consider other fishing gear that may help them catch fish quickly, namely: lures and hooks.
Baits and Lures
Lures are as crucial as any fishing gear you may have. There are many types of lures to choose from, but professional anglers prefer to have these five baits handy: worms, fish eggs, flies, small minnows, and artificial baits. Remember that your lure will be responsible for hiding your hook in plain sight.
Hooks
Trouts have excellent eyesight. This means that they can see your lures and hooks in the water. Anglers prefer to use single hooks because they are easier to hide in plain sight with the help of lures.
There are different types of hooks that you might want to experiment on (circle hooks, J-hooks, barbless hooks, and Kahle hooks), some more damaging than others. If you plan to return the trout to the water after catching them, always opt for the barbless hooks, as the damage would be less severe.
Trout Fishing Tips
Fishing in stagnant water
If you want to catch trout in still water, the best thing you can do is to own a fish finder and live bait.
A fish finder helps you locate trout, especially during the hot seasons when they tend to reside in the deeper parts of the lake. Live bait, on the other hand, looks appealing to trout as they are more lively and mimic the movement of their natural prey.
Fishing in fast-moving water
Trout fishing in fast-moving water can seem intimidating at first. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that fishing in rivers gives you a better chance of catching one.
If you’re fishing in fast-moving water, always do it from the side banks (as they tend to wander more around those areas!) and ensure that you cast your reels upstream. Because of the water movement, your lure appears more lively and appealing to the trout.
Best time for catching trout
Fishing is more than the right trout fishing reel and rod combo. It’s also about being in the right place at the right time.
The best time to fish trout would be at dawn, up to two hours after sunrise. Another time would be three hours before sunset. You can also have a better chance of catching trout at night as they tend to feed more in the dark.
Best season for catching trout
Trouts love insects! The more insects and small fishes there are, the more they become active. With this said, the best season for trout fishing would be in the late spring and summer, as the waters are warm. If you still have not made the connection, warm water is where most insects hatch. Trouts live in the cool parts of lakes and rivers but tend to rise to the surface to feed.
If you seem to have missed the hot season, don’t worry! You can still catch trout even during autumn and winter. There won’t be as many trouts to catch, but you can still bring home some if you’re patient!
FAQs about Trout Fishing Reels and Rods Combo
What depth should I fish trouts in?
Trouts like living in the dark parts of the water, but they do move towards the shallow parts to feed. This means that you can catch trout both in shallow and deep water. But note that trout living in lakes like to wander in different depths, depending on the season.
Can you go trout fishing after the rain?
Yes. It might even be better because the rain tends to wash over small nutrients and particles, including insects, which trout love to feed on. The water also gets a little darker than usual, making it easier for anglers to fish for trout.
What type of reel should I use for trout fishing?
There are different types of reels that you can choose from, but the spinning reel is one of the easiest reels to master. It’s also best used for fishing small to medium-sized fishes like trout.
Trout Fishing Reels and Rods Combo Review
There are so many trout fishing reels and rods combo that will satisfy every angler’s needs. You just have to look for it! But more than your equipment, what makes fishing worthwhile is being in the right place and your dedication to the activity. If you’ve ticked all of them, then you’ll surely have a fishing experience to remember.