Every year, a countless number of anglers take to various lakes, creeks, and streams in search of bountiful trout fishing. This, of course, is for good reason. Trout is not only extremely enjoyable to catch, but is also downright tasty when prepared for the table.
In order to find consistent success when trout fishing, an angler must have the appropriate gear at his or her disposal. Of this gear, few items are of as much value as a quality trout fishing rod. While selecting the perfect trout fishing rod might seem difficult, the following list will assist you in streamlining your search, thereby making it easier to locate the ideal rod for your particular application.
Table Of Contents
Our Best Fishing Rod For Trout
- Cadence Spinning Rod (Our Top Pick)
- The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod (Best Budget)
- KastKing Perigee II (Best High End)
- Plusinno Fishing Rod Combo
- Okuma SLV Graphite Fly Rod
What Are The Different Types Of Fishing Rods For Trout?
Today’s trout fishing rods come in numerous forms, all of which cater to an individual style of fishing. Selecting the perfect trout fishing rod often comes down to determining the exact rod that is best suited to your particular application.
The following are several of the most prominent types of trout fishing rods currently available.
Trout Spinning Rod
Spinning rods are an excellent choice for anglers who pursue trout in a wide variety of waters. A fishing pole of this nature is typical of a moderate rod length and tends to be highly sensitive to even the lightest of bites. The use of a spinning rod makes it possible to cast as desired and present one’s lure with a high degree of accuracy, thanks largely to their pairing with various trout spinning reels.
While spinning rods are utilized by an untold number of anglers of all experience levels, many newcomers find significant value in the use of spinning tackle. Many anglers initially find a quality spinning rod/reel far easier to use when trout fishing, than alternative fly fishing tackle. Rods of this type not only make some of the best trout rods on the market but routinely rank as one of the most popular rod types across all forms of freshwater fishing, as well.
Trout Fly Rod
Many anglers, especially those who predominantly fish creeks and small streams, prefer the use of fly fishing tackle. Fly rods are specifically designed to promote excellent castability, with the use of a traditional fly fishing reel. Ideally, fly fishing rods should also be matched to the particular reel that an angler wishes to use. An angler’s choice of fly rod and reel “weight” tends to be largely dependent upon the type of fishing that they wish to participate in.
Fly fishing rods are a staple of trout fishing, due to such equipment’s ability to present insect-type lures, with a high degree of realism. However, the use of a fly fishing rod, along with other forms of fly fishing equipment, can be somewhat difficult to master, thereby presenting a certain level of difficulty for new anglers.
Telescopic Or Multi-Segment Trout Rods
At times, an angler simply wishes to sneak away for a few minutes on the water, on their way home from work, or when passing by a promising location. However, impromptu fishing trips of this nature are largely impossible without the use of an extremely portable rod. In situations such as these, the use of a telescopic or multi-segment rod can pay dividends.
Many companies now offer telescopic rods, which are of lightweight fiberglass or carbon fiber construction. These rods can be easily stowed away in the trunk of a vehicle or stored in a truck’s toolbox. Likewise, numerous multi-segment trout rods are also available for purchase. Today, it is easier than ever to locate a high-quality two-piece rod, which tends to be quite versatile in its range of uses.
What Do You Look For In The Best Fishing Rods For Trout?
When searching for the best trout fishing rod, there are a number of factors worthy of consideration. The following are several of the most valuable characteristics to look for when shopping for a new trout fishing rod.
Durability
Most anglers purchase a rod with the expectation that it will provide them with years of satisfactory use. However, not all rods are capable of going the distance. This places extreme value on the durability of any rod that is being considered for purchase. A poorly crafted rod will likely require replacement after only a few years of use, while many premium rods will survive to be passed down from one generation of anglers to the next.
Rod Weight
A rod’s “weight” can be described as the overall stiffness of a unit’s blank. Rod weight designations range from ultralight to heavy, with the latter being among the stiffest of rods on the market. An angler should base their choice of rod weight upon the size of trout that they intend to pursue. While ultralight rods tend to be excellent for catching small brook trout, heavy-weight rods are ideally suited to the pursuit of larger fish, such as rainbow trout, steelhead, and large lake trout.
Rod Action
Rod action describes the point at which a rod’s blank begins to bend or load. Fast action rods load toward their tip, making them quite sensitive and ideal when rapid hook sets become necessary. On the other end of the spectrum, slow action rods begin loading toward their handle, providing additional might when attempting to land large trout.
Rod Length
Trout rods come in various lengths, all of which play perfectly into one particular style of trout fishing or another. In the majority of cases, much of an angler’s choice in rod length comes down to personal preference. However, longer rods do tend to hold a slight edge in circumstances where longer distance casting becomes necessary.
Warranty
Almost every rod on the market today comes backed with a manufacturer’s warranty of set length. However, the length of these warranties tends to vary significantly from one end of the spectrum to the other. A high percentage of today’s rods are now covered by a 1-year warranty. In limited cases, warranties as long as 5-years have been offered, though coverage of this length is quite rare.
Best Fishing Rods For Trout Reviewed
1. Cadence Spinning Rod (Best Overall)
The Cadence Spinning Rod is ideal for those fishing streams and creeks for reluctant trout. This rod showcases next-level sensitivity, thanks in large part to its 30-ton graphite/carbon matrix composition. The addition of SIC line guides further enhances the Cadence Spinning Rod’s form and function, as the line to guide friction is effectively eliminated.
This graphite rod also features a premium Fuji reel seat, cork/EVA grip, and corrosion-resistant carbon coating. Additionally, the Cadence Spinning Rod can be transported with ease, thanks to its two-piece design.
Pros
- 30-ton carbon matrix graphite composition for superior strength
- Stainless steel guides for smooth operation
- Two-piece design for easy portability
Cons
- Somewhat less durable than other featured rods
Buy The Cadence Spinning Rod On Amazon
2. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod (Best Budget)
For decades, the name Ugly Stik has been synonymous with rugged durability, and the company’s Elite Spinning Rod looks to be no exception to this rule. The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod consists of a graphite construction, which is more than capable of withstanding typical wear and tear. Additionally, this rod features stainless steel rod eyes, for enhanced longevity.
The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod is also engineered with angler comfort in mind, as it features a premium-grade cork handle that is quite ergonomic in design. In the world of one-piece graphite spinner rods, there are few more worthy options than the Ugly Stik Elite.
Pros
- Graphite and fiberglass construction for enhanced durability
- Stainless steel rod eyes for increased longevity
- Ergonomic premium-grade cork handle for unsurpassed comfort
Cons
- Rod guides tend to be somewhat more abrasive on the line than other rods
Buy The The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod On Amazon
3. KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods (Best High End)
The KastKing Perigee II should make a great rod for almost any avid trout fisherman. This rod is constructed from KastKing’s Toray 24-Ton Carbon Matrix, which is known to be extremely durable, yet sensitive to even the lightest of bites. The Perigee II also features a heavy-duty reel seat and premium Fuji O-Ring line guides.
Angler’s are also presented with numerous options when selecting the Perigee II for purchase. This rod comes in 24 different lengths, thereby making it easier than ever to locate a rod that meets your every need.
Pros
- 24-ton Carbon Matrix stock for unsurpassed durability
- Premium Fuji O-Ring line guides for smooth casting
- High-Density EVA grips for all-day comfort
Cons
- Higher price than other trout rods
Buy The KastKing Perigee II On Amazon
4. PLUSINNO Fishing Rod And Reel Combos
If you are in search of a highly portable trout rod that can be easily stored in any vehicle, then the Plusinno Fishing Rod should be exactly what you have been looking for. This light rod collapses in length when not in use, making it the perfect option for on-the-go anglers. Additionally, the Plusinno Fishing rod showcases numerous premium-grade features, such as a double-locking reel seat, cork handle, and stainless steel line guides.
All Plusinno Rod Combos also come complete with a quality spinning reel which is intended for use in light line weight applications. Due to its compact nature, this reel is versatile enough to not only catch trout but other species such as bass and panfish, as well.
Pros
- Telescopic design for outstanding portability
- Double locking reel seat for reliable stability
- Includes reel, lures, monoline, and carrying case
Cons
- Some consumers felt included reel was not as high quality as the rod
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5. Okuma SLV Graphite 4 Piece Fly Rod
The Okuma SLV Graphite Fly Rod should make a perfect addition for any angler who enjoys nothing more than fly fishing for trout. This rod is constructed in a way that should allow it to withstand the abuses of multiple seasons on the water. The Okuma SLV is constructed of durable graphite and features stainless steel guides to protect an angler’s fishing line.
Additionally, the Okuma SLV also showcases an aluminum pipe reel seat with Aluminum hooks. This provides a lightweight, yet a sturdy solution to reel securement, thereby increasing the rod’s overall durability.
Pros
- Graphite construction for increased durability
- Aluminum pipe reel seat with aluminum hoods for a secure fit
- Stainless-steel snake guides to protect the line
Cons
- Sharper learning curve than standard spinning rods
Buy The Okuma SLV Graphite Fly Rod On Amazon
Final Thoughts On Fishing Rods For Trout
Today’s anglers are far luckier than they often realize. There are now more premium rods available on the market than during any other time in angling history. The efforts of prestigious companies such as Shakespeare, St. Croix, G. Loomis, and Okuma have played a massive role in this continued growth.
However, even today, it is entirely possible to make an inadvertent misstep when selecting a new trout rod for purchase. By seeking out a rod that displays the essential characteristics outlined above, and carefully considering the style of trout fishing that you intend to participate in, you will be better equipped to make an informed buying decision while making your selection.