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Trout is among the most cautious fish species. They get easily spooked by any sudden move or splash.
So, the name of the game is stealth. Light lines, lures, and hooks are the way to go.
But, what about rods? There are so many models, lengths, brands, and power and action rations.
Which one is the best? Don’t worry. We are here to help you.
After months of research, testing, and examining, We’ve managed to choose 10 of the best fishing rods for trout you can find in the market.
But, if you are in a hurry, we can blindly recommend the KastKing Perigee II.
It is our favorite fishing rod for trout. It is available in different lengths, actions, and power ratings.
Plus, it packs plenty of quality features, such as Fujie line guides. Now, if you want something cheaper, then we suggest going for the Okuma Celilo.
And for those who want the very best, the St. Croix Trout Series is our premium fishing rod for trout.
Let’s take a closer look at the rest of the options.
KastKing Perigee II
- Amazing Quality Carbon Fiber Blank - All Perigee...
- Preminm Components - KastKing uses the best...
- Smooth Power - KastKing PTS (Power Transition...
Features:
- Length: 6’7”, 7′,7’1”, 7’4”
- Power: From light to heavy
- Action: Fast
- single and 2-piece models
- EVA foam handle
- 24-Ton carbon fiber blank
- Fuji line guides
- Graphite reel seat
It is hard not to mention KastKing when talking about fishing gear. It retails around 75 dollars, which isn’t the most affordable price. However, the Perigee II packs a lot of premium features that are worth every penny you pay.
First, it has a strong, 24-Ton carbon fiber backbone that offers multiple power ratings. Then again, we suggest going for a medium-light or medium rod for trout fishing. Action-wise, you only get one: Fast. But let’s face it, it is all you’ll ever need for catching trout.
Nothing impressive so far, right? Well, you also get Fuji line guides, which are some of the best ones you can get. They are smooth, durable, and a great conduit for vibrations. The Perigee II also packs a comfortable EVA foam handle and a graphite light graphite reel seat.
There are multiple lengths available. Some come as 2-piece models, while others are solid blanks. Both options are of the same quality. So it all depends if you favor portability or integrity.
Pros:
- Lightweight and strong
- Frictionless casting
- Well balanced
- Sensitive
Cons:
- Fragile tip
- Eyelets come loose on some models
Ugly Stik Elite
- Line Rating 8 17 pounds
- Ugly Tech Construction with added graphite for...
- Ugly Tuff one piece stainless steel guides provide...
Features:
- Length: 6’6” and 7′
- Power: Ultralight, medium, and medium-heavy
- Action: Fast
- Graphite and fiberglass composite core
- Cork handles
- Stainless steel guides
How could not the legendary Ugly Stik be here? It is, arguably, one of the most popular rods among beginners and seasoned anglers alike. It is sturdy, well-built, affordable, and durable, everything you look for in a trout fishing rod.
The composite carbon fiber and fiberglass core come in two lengths: 6’6” and 7′. Both come in single-piece and 2-piece models for better transportation. Power-wise you get ultralight, medium, and medium-heavy rods. The first one is the best power for trout fishing. But you can always bump up to medium if you wish to use the rod or other fish.
The Ugly Stik Elite comes with stainless steel line guides, which aren’t the best for friction and heat reduction. But they still do a decent job at this price range. The clear-tip design improves sensitivity, which is quite crucial for trout fishing.
Like all the time, Ugly Stik favored cork handles over EVA foam. It feels awesome to the touch and offers a secure grip even under wet conditions.
Pros:
- It comes as a breakable pole for better transport
- It comes with a 7-year warranty
- Sturdy blank
- Large and quality handles
Cons:
- Line guides perform poorly
- Heavy
Cadence CR5-30 Spinning Rod
- What You Get From Cadence: Cadence fishing poles...
- Ultra-High Quality 30-TON Carbon Fiber Blank: All...
- Ultra-High Quality 30-TON Carbon Fiber Blank: All...
Features:
- Length: 5’6”, 6′, 6’6”, and 7′
- Power: ultralight to medium-heavy
- Action: Fast and moderate
- 30 Ton carbon fiber blank
- Cork and EVA composite handles
- Stainless steel guides with SiC inlets
You no longer need to break the bank to get a dependable trout fishing rod. The Cadence CR5-30 is the perfect example. You’ll get a carbon fiber rod with stainless steel guides with Silicon carbide inserts (SiC). Allegedly, the SiC rings reduce friction and improve heat dissipation. The truth is that the CR5-30 cast with ease, and the blank acts like a highway for vibrations. You will feel even the slightest of nibbles.
You can choose between multiple lengths, power, and action combinations. But light and ultralight models would always be our favorites for trout fishing. Cadence offers a 2-piece version of the longer poles for those looking for a portable trout fishing pole.
All poles come with the same cork and EVA foam composite handle and the same Fuji reel seat. As you can see, it is a truly well-built rod.
Pros:
- Great sensitivity
- Effortless casting
- Well-built
- Multiple models to choose
Cons:
- The reel seat is fragile
- Line guides are prone to break
Okuma Celilo Graphite Spinning Rod for Trout
- Crafted from the highest quality material
- Perfect for outdoor and even indoor use
- Made in China
Features:
- Length: 4’6”, 5′, 5’6”, 6′, 6’6”, and 8’6”
- Power: Ultralight
- Action: Fast
- Cork handles
- Aluminum oxide guide inserts
- Stainless steel hooded seats
- Carbon fiber blank
Okuma developed the Celilo specifically for trout fishing. You can choose between a small, 4’6” pole for close-quarter combat or an 8’6” to target trout from afar. The choice is yours.
All models have the same fast action and ultralight power combination. But there is nothing to complain about since it is a perfect mixture for trout fishing.
The carbon fiber blank feels light to the touch. It transmits most vibrations. However, it is stiffer than other rods available on the market. It will be a great addition to your gear apparel nonetheless. In addition, the cork handle offers a firm grip, and the aluminum oxide inserts increase casting distance without compromising line integrity. As you can see, it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles. But you can’t complain, given the price tag you are moving in.
Pros:
- Long casts
- Feather-like weight
- Tailor-made for trout fishing
Cons:
- The blank is not that sensitive
- Not as durable as other rods
St. Croix Spinning Rod for Trouts
- DYNAMIC BLEND OF SCVI AND SCII GRAPHITE: For a...
- FORTIFIED RESIN SYSTEM (FRS): Cures the fishing...
- TROUT SPINNING ROD FEATURES: Sea Guide guides with...
Features:
- Length: 4’10”, 5’4”, 5’6”, 6”, 6’4”, and 7”
- Power: Ultralight and light
- Action: Extra fast and fast
- Cork handles
- Fortified resin system
- Stainless steel guides with stainless steel rings
- Single and 2-piece models
St. Croix rods are something else. Naturally, you have to pay top dollar for them. But you’ll be getting a long-lasting rod that will pay itself in time.
The rod has a graphite core with fortified resins that allegedly makes the St. Croix trout series 33% stronger than traditional carbon fiber rods. We are yet to test if this is true. But don’t worry. It will handle any trout that bites the bait.
There are plenty of sizes to choose from. However, you only have two power levels: Ultralight and light, and only one action: Fast. But then again. There is no real reason to get anything more powerful. In addition, you can also choose between a single-piece rod or a 2-piece, breakable pole.
In the line guide department, you get standard stainless steel hardware. St. Croix added a couple of tweaks to the rings to make them smoother and less likely to heat up. And, on top of that, you get a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
- Rod built with quality materials
- Thin, light, and firm to the touch
- Extremely sensitive, ideal for finesse tactics
Cons:
- Small handles
- Although the pole is strong enough for trout, you will be in trouble if you catch something bigger
Berkley Lightning Rod Trout Rod
- BERKLEY LIGHTNING 8’ TROUT ROD, MODERATE ACTION:...
- 2-6LB LINE RATING, ULTRA LIGHT POWER: Lure rating...
- 24-TON CARBON FIBER: Carbon graphite fibers create...
Features:
- Length: 7′ and 8′
- Power: Ultralight and light
- Action: Moderate
- Cork handles
- 24-Ton carbon fiber pole
- Stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts
It looks like Berkley does much more than just lures and fishing lines. The Lightning Rod is Berkley’s first spinning rod meant only for trout. It has a carbon-fiber core made with 24-ton graphite shards. It should be enough backbone to handle even the fattest of trouts.
The stainless steel guides have aluminum oxide rings that keep the line from slipping. Plus, it does a superb job at reducing friction. You can choose between a 7 or 8-feet long, breakable pole, which is better for transportation. However, they are more likely to break under heavy load. You see, they have more weak points.
We appreciated the oversized cork handle. It gives plenty of room to maneuver, and it keeps the rod comfortable even after prolonged use. The stainless steel double-locking reel seat is the cherry on this cake. It is thick and strong yet sensitive enough to transmit any movement.
Pros:
- Comfortable and large handles
- Double-locking reel seat keeps the reel in place
- The line cuts through the rings with ease
Cons:
- It doesn’t have reinforced line guides
- A breakable is prone to break
Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod for Trout
- B2 burled cork designs provides the feel of...
- Stainless steel guides with stainless steel...
- Classic Fenwick Actions- Time tested and proven...
Features:
- Length: 5′, 6′, 6’6”, and 7′
- Power: Ultralight, light, and medium
- Action: Moderate, moderate fast, and fast
- 24-Ton carbon-fiber core
- Cork handles
- Stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide rings
The Eagle by Fenwick is another ideal option for those anglers looking for a quality trout fishing rod. It has a 24-Ton graphite core that is light to hold. The oversized cork handles cover a large portion of the lower section, giving you that extra space for better maneuverability. According to Fenwick, the cork handle doesn’t peel as easily as the ones in other rods.
On the other hand, the stainless steel with aluminum-oxide rings does a decent job of reducing friction and minimizing backlashes. So, casting won’t be an issue, even with thin lines.
Fenwick offers the Eagle trout fishing rod in two versions: Single piece and 2-piece blanks. You can also choose between three power ratings and two actions. The light and ultralight rods with fast action are our favorites for trout fishing.
We loved the low-profile reel seat. It is ergonomic and comfortable and blends well with the beautiful cork handle pattern.
Pros:
- Quality cork
- Corrosion-resistant build
- It has a convenient hook holder
- Plenty of options to choose from
Cons:
- The rod is prone to break where the two sections meet
- The tip guide is more fragile than the others
PLUSINNO Red Eagle Spinning Rod for Trout
- Warm Prompt: Fishing rod + reel (No Lures & Line)...
- 【SENSITIVE & STRONG】PLUSINNO fishing rod...
- 【Super Smooth Power】Stainless steel guides...
Features:
- Length: 7′
- Power: Medium and Medium Heavy
- Action: Fast
- IM6 Carbon fiber blank
- Split EVA foam handle
- Stainless steel line guides with ceramic rings
- Plastic reel seat
- 2-piece construction
Wait, another Eagle? Yes. However, this time, it is from PLUSINNO, and it is also cheaper. Again, we are talking about a carbon fiber fishing rod. The IM6 graphite shards grant unparalleled strength. In fact, this is the strongest trout fishing rod we’ve reviewed thus far in terms of power ratings. Fortunately, the fast action compensates for some of the stiffness.
The EVA foam slip handles are a welcome change from the cork trend of this review. Nevertheless, we wish they were a little larger as there is almost no room to move. There is not enough cushioning to keep the rod comfortable during prolonged fishing sessions.
The plastic reel seat might be a deal-breaker for seasoned anglers. Still, it might be a good deal for beginners considering that you can get a Red Eagle for under 30 dollars. And for less than 50 bucks, you can take the trout fishing rod and reel combo.
Surprisingly, the Red Eagle features stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts that are a great conduit for vibrations.
Pros:
- Great value for your money
- It comes with a cloth bag for storage
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Plastic reel seat
- Small handles
- The upper quarter guides are smaller than the guide on the tip
St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod for Trout
- PREMIUM SCII CARBON FIBER MATERIAL: Proprietary...
- GUIDES: Hard aluminum-oxide guides with stainless...
- FEATURES: Nylon reel seat, nylon primary nut...
Features:
- Length: 5′, 5’6”, 6′, 6’6”, 7′, 7’6”, and 7’7”
- Power: Ultralight, light, medium, and medium-heavy
- Action: Fast and moderate
- Single, 2, and 4-piece breakable models
- SCII carbon fiber blank
- Cork handles
- Sea Guides Atlas line guides with aluminum oxide inserts
- Sea Guide XDPS reel seat
Another St. Croix option for those who love premium rods: The newest Triumph spinning rod. There are multiple pole lengths available, as well as different power and action ratings. In addition, you can also choose between a solid rod or a breakable model. The 6’6” light power and fast action 2-piece rod is one of our favorites for trout. But if you fancy single-piece rods, then the medium-light, fast-action 6’6” is a better deal.
In terms of construction, you get an SCII carbon fiber blank capable of handling everything you throw at it. Thick and smooth Sea Atlas line guides with aluminum-oxide rings. Premium cork handles with a classic design. And a Sea Guide XDPS reel seat, which, according to St. Croix, is a huge step up compared to the original DPS series.
In short, the Triumph series is arguably the premium rod that offers a higher value/price ratio.
Pros:
- Quality materials
- Variety of options to choose
- Superb sensitivity
- Easy to cast with
- Comfortable, thick handles
Cons:
- Delicate tip
- Bulky reel seat
G. Loomis Trout Series Spinning Rods
Features:
- Length: 5’2” and 5’8”
- Power: Light
- Action: Fast and moderate
- Single and 2-piece models
- Graphite pole
- Cork handles
- Fuji line guides
Fishing with the G. Loomis trout spinning rod is like fishing with a feather. It is light yet strong enough to hold trout and other fish spices. It has a multi-tapered carbon fiber blank, which means that G. Loomis reinforced all the weak points to create a stronger rod.
G. Loomis added top-notch Fuji line guides with aconite rings. Thus, you can expect an outstanding performance in both casting and retrieving. On the other hand, the handles use a combination of regular and composite cork to create a large grip area with a unique layout.
You can choose between a 5’2” or a 5’8” blank. The first one is a single-piece pole with fast action, while the second is a 2-piece rod with moderate fast action. The power rating is the same on both rods. If you ask us, we like the first better because we dig single-piece rods.
Pros:
- Feather-like weight
- Quality line guides
- Beautiful craftsmanship
Cons:
- Only two sizes are available
- The cork peels easily
Guide to Choose a Trout Fishing Rod
Choosing the best rod for trout takes more than browsing the web. You need to know what features you should look into and think about how you’ll be using the rod.
This is the only way to know which rod best suits your needs. Besides, trout are extremely wary. Thus, the best pole for trout should be one that allows you to feel even the slightest of movements and bends with ease. Still, it has to be strong enough to hold fish without letting it go.
So, let’s begin.
What is the Best Rod Length for Trout?
Length is one of the most crucial features of any rod. Generally speaking, a long rod gives you more casting range. Weight distribution is also better on such poles. However, short rods are more maneuverable and accurate. So, if you mostly fish from a boat, it might be a good idea to get a shorter rod.
But, what is long, and what is short? Typically the best length for trout fishing rod is between 6 and 7 feet. So, anything closer to 7 feet could be considered big, while closer to 6 is short. Try your best to stay within this range, as they offer the best balance between casting distance, precision, and maneuverability.
Rod Power
Also known as weight, it determines the amount of pressure needed to bend the rod. Some anglers see power as how much load the rod can take before flexing. There are three standard power ratings: Light (L), medium (M), and heavy (H). Some brands even offer some in-between levels like medium-light (ML) or extra-heavy (XH).
The thing that you must know here is that a heavy rod can handle a lot of weight, while a light pole only needs little pressure to bend. So, which is the best power rod for trout?
Well, it depends on the fish you are after. The bigger the fish, the more power you need. In this case, trout aren’t massive fish. Thus a light to medium rod will be more than enough.
Rod Action
Often confused with power, action refers to how much of the rod bends or how fast it gets back to its normal state. Again, there are three standard ratings: Fast(F), moderate (M), and slow (S). And then again, some brands offer in-between actions such as extra fast and moderate fast.
Fast-action rods bend around the tip and store all the momentum there. In contrast, slow-action rods bend from the tip to the lower quarter.
So, which is the best action for trout fishing? Without a doubt, fast-action rods are the best ones for trout because they bend easily. This way, you will be able to tell whether a trout are biting or not.
Trout Fishing Rod Pole
Typically most, if not all, trout fishing rods have a graphite core. Carbon fiber is more flexible than fiberglass. So, it gives a higher degree of sensitivity, which makes it a perfect material for trout fishing. Remember that trout don’t bite viciously like other fish. Therefore, feeling that subtle movement is crucial.
Fragility is the main issue with carbon fiber. It is not as sturdy as fiberglass. Try your best not to hit them and take good care of them.
Line Guides and Handles
Although it might look like it, the handle and line guides have an impact on rod performance. For instance, line guides influence sensitivity and casting range. Smoother rings reduce friction, which yields longer casts and less heat generation. Similarly, dense materials, such as stainless steel, reduce the guide’s ability to transmit vibrations.
However, as line guides support the line on spinning rods, using lighter materials is counterproductive. They won’t hold the load and will leave you empty-handed. So, the key is to look for Fuji, ceramic, or aluminum oxide inserts.
In the handle department, it all depends on your likes. Cork handles give you more sensitivity. But EVA foam is a little more durable. So, it comes down to what you value the most. What we can suggest is going thick and large for comfort, maneuverability, and leverage effect.
FAQs
What kind of rod is best for trout fishing?
Casting rods are more suitable for heavier lures while spinning rods are the way to go with light lures. That’s why trout anglers favor spinning rods.
Solid or Breakable Pole?
Let’s keep things simple here. Single-piece fishing rods have fewer weak points. Thus, fewer chances of breaking. On the other hand, a breakable pole is more portable and easy to transport. So, it all comes down to what you favor the most: Portability or blank integrity?
Best Trout Fishing Rods: Closing Remarks
The Perigee II, by KastKing, offers the best value for your money. You can get it for less than a hundred bucks and enjoy some high-end features like Fuji line guides, and durable 24-Ton graphite blank and some models even come with two sets of rod tips with different actions. It is one hell of a deal.
Performance is outstanding, as it could be otherwise. The Perigee II is well-balanced, remarkably sensitive, and strong enough to pull massive trout out of your local lake. So, what are you waiting for? Get yours here!
