Going out fishing with your friends and looking for the best fishing rod for trout? You have come to the right place!
Quick Overview – Best Fishing Rod for Trout
- Best Fly Fishing Rod for Trout: Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod
- Best Baitcasting Rod for Trout: Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod
- Best Spinning Rod for Trout: St Croix Triumph Spinning Rods
Quick Comparison – Best Trout Fishing Rods
Buying Guide
Let’s look at the most important factors to take into account for making the right buying choice!
Length
The basic and most important feature of a rod. There are different length rods available in the market. You do not need to have a 7-feet long rod if you are catching fish in a small stream or river. It is a minimum length requirement for open water fishing.
The most important thing for the best fishing experience is to learn the basics and keep practicing. However, a longer rod will always help you in casting long and deep fish lines. It will enhance the chance of catching fish with accurate casting.
A 6’6” fiberglass baitcasting rod when used for catching heavy fish; you do not have to worry. It offers you the same strength and durability as a graphite rod. The same goes for a fly fish rod. The longer the length, the more easy and accurate casting will be.
You must keep in mind that shorter rods will restrict your movement and long casting in water. A 7’ rod is the best choice overall.
Handle
If you want your fishing experience to be successful and enjoyable, then You must know that a firm grip of the rod plays an essential part in this regard. While investing in a rod, you must make sure to buy the one with the strongest grip.
So, when you are catching heavy and large fish, the rod will not break or slip from your hand. The best fishing rod will always have an ergonomic design structure that will make sure that you will not go home with any hand fatigue.
The cork and EVA foam are mostly used as the material. These both are comfortable, easy to handle, and lightweight. They provide a non-slip, anti-moist surface.
Furthermore, the EVA, Hypalon material corks are sturdy, comfortable, and are also corrosion-resistant. They are safe to use in saltwater. However, they are costly as compared to others. You must know that the quality of the cork varies with the price.
If you are planning to cast longer and deeper. There are handles available in the market that offer extended rear grip. It will increase the length and enhance your grip over the handle.
Frame
The frame structure is also an essential factor to consider while investing in a fish rod. It matters the same amount as your skills. The high-quality frames are made of premium aluminum or graphite. These are considered as the best material for frame construction.
The reason is that these are corrosion and abrasion-resistant. They will not get damaged even after years of fishing in saltwater. However, the aluminum frames are heavy, sturdy, and more resistant to bends as compared to a graphite frame.
The graphite frames are preferred when you are catching a small and light fish species. On the other hand, aluminum frames are best at handling large and heavy fish in open freshwater and saltwater.
Action
The action of a rod refers to how much a rod can bend on applying pressure. If you want to see the flex rate of a rod, apply pressure on the tip. The action of the rod you prefer mostly depends on the type of fish you are planning you catch, the sensitivity level requirement, and the power you need.
When you are catching trout, the spinning rods are considered the best as they have fast, or light to medium action. The rods that have slow action will bend from the third section of the rod, and the mid-range flex rod will bend from the upper third section.
The fast action rods bend towards the tip, and they have higher sensitivity. However, in the case of a baitcasting rod, the action is determined differently. When you apply pressure on the tip of the rod and how quickly it comes back to the original position.
These rods have different action rates – extra fast, fast, moderate, and slow. The extra-fast rods are stiff and difficult to handle. Whereas a fast action rod is more versatile and flexible. They have more power and sensitivity. Slow action rods are preferred for mild fish conditions.
Power
The power means how strong a rod is and how much weight it can lift. The heavier rods are preferred for large fish. The power of the rod is categorized from heavy to ultralight. The rods that you need for trout fishing should be light or ultralight.
It will prevent hand fatigue and arm strains. Furthermore, they are light and easy to handle during casting and landing. The casting rods are for heavy fish, so you need to invest in a medium power rod. In the case of a spinning rod team, a light rod with a light line for best results. The fly rod’s power varies with the size of fish.
Weight
Fishing is not an easy task to do. You have to do a lot of practice and training before calling yourself a professional. The most important thing about open water fishing is that you have to be in the water for long hours.
That is why the weight of the rod is a must consider factor. No one wants to return home with arm and hand strains. The spinning rod for trout fishing needs to be ultralight. There is no different rule for other rod types.
Material
The spinning rod has graphite construction. These are lightweight and give fast action. That makes it the ideal rod for trout fishing. The graphite is also resistant towards corrosion and abrasion. The fiberglass material, on the other hand, is more sensitive and has enhanced durability.
The graphite rods are better, but you have to learn about its maintenance and storage. Fly rods are available in graphite, bamboo, and fiberglass. In the case of fly, rod fiberglass is more preferred. The casting rod is a mixed construction of graphite and fiberglass. Both materials are considered significant for long duration and harsh fish conditions.
The Best Rod for Trout Fishing – Our Top Picks
The whole journey of catching trout is fascinating and enjoyable. It is also a challenging task to catch big trout. That is why it is recommended to have durable and sturdy fishing rods.
The rods have three basic styles: baitcasting rod, spinning rod, and fly rod. These rods are very feasible for catching trout in lakes, rivers, and deep oceans. It does not matter whether you are fishing in a boat or a bank of the river. These rods will always come handy.
You need you to have lots of patience, techniques, and talent to catch fish. It means that your skills matter as much as a good quality rod. If you want to catch trout and want to win the challenge, then having a good pair of a fishing rod is essential.
That is why we have compiled this guide to help you choose the best option. The basic knowledge and critical features of these rods are discussed in detail. The guide will help you invest right and enjoy your trip.
Let’s get started!
The Best Fly Rod for Trout Fishing
Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod
Pros
- Durable
- Sleek design
- Sturdy structure
- Aluminum reel
- Graphite rod
- Best for saltwater
- Long cast
- Precise action
- Low maintenance
- Improved strength
- 25-year guarantee
Cons
- The cost is slightly higher than other entry-level rods
The top fishing rod on our list is Orvis Clearwater. It is the biggest name among the anglers without any doubt. The rod comes under the extra-affordable range with exceptional quality. It has mid-range action and high loading speed.
The casting of the rod is long, smooth, and precise. You can quickly go fishing into deep water channels. The action of the rod is amazingly versatile, which makes this fly road the best option to invest in an angler.
It comes in 4 pieces that can be attached, forming a stiff rod. Orvis Clearwater introduces a new advance rod each year. They never let their customers question the rod quality.
Furthermore, this rod has the right length that is 7’6”. The basic design structure of the rod is best for saltwater as it is a mixture of graphite: standard, entry, and high. Other than the fantastic casting action of the rod.
It catches the attention of anglers because of its bang-for-the-buck factor. It is a very decent rod with a premium quality cork. The reel is made of aluminum that is sturdy and prone to corrosion. Overall, it is a versatile, durable, high-end, and flexible fly fish rod for catching trout.
Amazon
The Best Baitcasting Rod for Trout Fishing
Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod
Pros
- Durable components
- Sturdy design structure
- Stainless-steel guides
- Firm grip
- Lightweight
- Unbreakable
- Sleek design
- Easy casting
- High bending quality
Cons
- It does not have any drawback
A sturdy, structured rod yet lightweight, Ugly Stik Casting rod is one of those rods. It is reliable and very convenient. The Ugly Stik rod was first introduced in 1976. They made the generation’s best casting rod for catching trout.
They always make sure to provide the customers with the best quality rods as promised. The tip design of the rod has exceptional strength and casts precisely. It has improved its components over the years and boosts quality, flexibility, and reliability.
The rod works perfectly at all levels, from entry to expert. You must have basic knowledge of the rod, and there are no chances that you can go wrong with Ugly Stik Casting Rod.
Moreover, its sturdy construction design has made the rods unbreakable. The cost of the rod is affordable and has high-end performing features like other rods. It will not let you worry about breaking, and you will enjoy your fishing freely.
It comes in different length ranges that start from 6’6” and ends at 7’6”. The material is a combination of old graphite and fiberglass. That is why it is considered the best choice of saltwater fishing. The materials are prone to corrosion.
Its poles are well-designed, having stainless-steel guides. The durability of each component saves you from a huge financial loss.
Amazon
The Best Spinning Rod for Trout Fishing
St Croix Triumph Spinning Rods
Pros
- Durable
- Versatile
- 2-piece
- Sturdy design
- Lightweight
- Medium-power action
- Firm grip
- Elegant cork handle
- Easy to carry and store
- Bends near the tip
Cons
- The price might be high for some customers
The high-end and optimal quality St Croix Triumph spinning rod is the best choice from the anglers who prefer high-performance rod with an average cost. The rod has an exceptional premium mid-modulus graphite fiber construction.
It has a high breakage rate as compared to other fiberglass rods. The material is amazingly durable, sturdy, and lightweight. You can carry it around on long days and will not get tired. The cork design is just like any other high-end cork handle.
It allows you a firm grip and precise handling. You can cast a longer fish line and even go for deep water channel fish catching. The rod comes in a variety of sizes, but the 2-pieces 6’6” rod is the best one available. It has mid-length and fast action.
Moreover, the reel is frosted with a hard aluminum, silver hood. That will keep it away from rusting and abrasion. The rod is easy to store and carry because of its two-piece feature. Pieces are detachable and can be re-attached easily with a small twist.
The spinning rod model is perfect for catching small and average size fish; that makes it the perfect choice for a trout. The trout are not difficult to handle; you just have to maintain a strong grip over the rod. The fishing experience becomes enjoyable and more fun with these quality rods.
Amazon
Best Fishing Rod for Trout – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What type of fishing rod is best for trout?
There are only a few types of rods available for fishing of trout. However, the best one is the ultralight and light action rods. They do not strain your body and catch the trout easily.
You do not have to go towards the heavy rods. Pair it with some powerbait and you are good to go!
How long should a trout rod be?
The length of the rod is a personal preference. You do not need a longer rod if you are fishing in a small stream or lake. You can easily rely on a 5 or 6-feet rod. In the case of open water, a 7-feet rod is an ideal choice.
What are some other good options for baitcasters, spinning and fly rods?
Check out our other articles here:
What if I want to primarily go for some other fish?
Check out our articles on the best salmon fishing, best crappie fishing or best bass fishing rods. Looking for other fish? Shoot me a message!
Happy Trout Fishing
The best rod option if you are a beginner is the fly fishing rod. These are the easiest to learn and handle. The case is the same as for a spinning rod. Some people will choose a different rod for starting their fishing journey.
The fly fishing rod is a unique style of rods if you feel more comfortable with them. The spinning rods, combined with a quality reel, work perfectly. In the case of a baitcasting rod, you need to develop balance and accuracy. The ideal line for for trout fishing has a weight of 4-12 pounds.
They are more advanced kinds of rods preferred for heavy baits. In the end, it all depends on your style, preference, and requirements. However, no matter what you choose, you are always going to end with the best, even if you end up hunting for jumping trout!
