Top 6 Best Spinning Rods for Trout Fishing

If there is a single fish that commands the respect of anglers and attracts more and more people to the sport of fishing, it would have to be the trout. There are many different species of trout, they come in all shapes and sizes, and can be easy to challenging to catch for both beginners and veteran fishermen alike. 

Best Spinning Rods for Trout Fishing

Trout live in all types of places, from raging rivers and open waters to small creeks and streams. They can be finicky fish, so having a rod dedicated to catching them is a must.

A dedicated trout rod will need to be smooth and strong, ready to not only help fool the fish and present your lure but have enough muscle to bring them in when hooked. But with so many options out on the market today, it can be somewhat difficult to find the best spinning rod for trout. Luckily, we have you covered right here.

Trout spinning rods can come with many features and come in a wide range of prices, and understanding what you want and need is important. Having a dedicated rod that is specifically for trout fishing will significantly increase your odds of landing fish and accommodate all different types of trout lures. 

Spinning rods are lightweight and help reduce the impact that you have on the water. This makes them perfect for trout fishing, as to not scare off the fish before you get a chance to catch them. A heavier rod that is used for other species of fish may not be able to provide the finesse and accuracy that a good trout spinning rod will be able to give you. 

Quick Summary: Best Spinning Rods for Trout

  • UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod
  • UglyStik Elite Spinning Rod
  • Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rod
  • Cadence CR5-30 Spinning Rod
  • St Croix Triumph Spinning Rods
  • Daiwa Presso Ultralight Pack Spinning Rod

What To Look For In a Trout Spinning Rod

Choosing the correct spinning rod for trout fishing can make or break your fishing experiences. You will want to look for a rod that is long enough for your needs, lightweight, and powerful. Think about where you will be fishing, and what features you want in your fishing rod. These are a few details that you will want to consider before purchasing a rod!

Rod Length

Getting a rod that is the correct length is critical for success. To determine how long of a rod that you need, think about the bodies of water that you will be fishing. Will you primarily be fishing small creeks and streams? Or will you be fishing in large rivers and lakes? A longer rod will allow for further casting on bigger water, while smaller rods will have shorter and more accurate casts.

We recommend at least a seven-foot rod no matter what type of water you will be fishing on. A seven-foot rod might be a little long for the smallest bodies of water, but it is a great overall length for any type of fishing. This is also a great length for beginners to learn to cast and fish on, as the length gives it more power and flex. This gives an angler the ability to cast further with less effort. 

For anglers that will only fish small creeks or streams, any rod under seven feet is much more practical. This will prevent any hangups in trees or bushes around the water, as well as being much lighter weight and maneuverable. 

Rod Weight

The actual weight of a trout spinning rod will directly relate to how long it is. A longer rod will be heavier, while shorter rods will be more lightweight. This may not seem like a big deal, but if you are an angler who travels a lot then this might be an important consideration.

If you have to hike or backpack into your fishing spots, a lightweight rod will help lighten the load and be a perfect choice. Think about the types of areas that you will mostly be fishing, and what kind of weight would be ideal for you to carry around and fish with. Rods will also usually break down into smaller pieces, making them easier to load and transport. 

Power

The power of a rod refers to how strong it is. Powerful rods will be stronger and stiffer, and capable of lifting heavier loads. Rod powers range from heavy to ultralight and are paired with lines that correspond to the rod. 

For trout fishing, a light or even an ultralight spinning rod is ideal. A lighter rod will allow for less fatigue while casting while providing a smooth cast and retrieve. Paired with a strong, lightweight line, your lightweight rod should be able to handle most trout fishing situations. 

Material

Trout spinning rods are usually made from graphite, which makes them lightweight and fast. Graphite rods are also much stronger and flexible than traditional fiberglass rods while providing longer life and durability. 

Top 6 Best Spinning Rods for Trout Fishing

Now that we have covered the important aspects of what makes a good spinning rod, we can look at some of the best trout spinning rods on the market today. All of these rods will have something a little different for everybody, but they all have the same thing in common: they are excellent trout spinning rods.

Whether you are a beginner trout angler or a seasoned veteran, these spinning rods are a great place to start your search.

1. UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod

Ugly Stik 5’6” GX2 Spincast Youth Fishing Rod and Reel Spinning Combo, 2 Piece Rod, Size 30 Reel, Right/Left Hand Position

Made of strong, yet balanced construction of graphite and fiberglass, the UglyStik GX2 is a great option for anglers looking for something that can be used in a variety of situations. This rod comes with lightweight EVA grips and solid stainless steel guides. This rod comes in at 6 feet in length, and has a light power and heavier action. 

UglyStik stands behind their products and shows it by providing their rod with a seven-year warranty. While it is a little short, this rod is a great option for anglers that want to fish in areas with a number of overhanging trees and foliage surrounding their trout waters of choice. Its small size and flexibility will allow an angler to get into some harder to fish waters. 

Pros:

  • EVA grips are extremely comfortable over long periods of time
  • Graphite composite makes this rod extremely tough and durable
  • Comes with a seven-year warranty, showing the company’s faith in its products
  • Stainless steel guides are very durable and rugged, easily replaced if needed

Cons:

  • Rod is six foot long, making it a little short for most bodies of water
  • Reel seat is not the best compared to other rods

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2. UglyStik Elite Spinning Rod

Ugly Stik 6’6” Elite Spinning Rod, Two Piece Spinning Rod, 2-6lb Line Rating, Ultra Light Rod Power, Medium Fast Action, 1/32-1/8 oz. Lure Rating

It’s no surprise that another UglyStik rod made the list, and the UglyStik Elite rod holds all of the same qualities that make the brand so great. Including another seven year warranty, the Elite features 35% more graphite in its construction to give it more strength and feel. 

Coming with cork handles, the Elite offers a firm yet comfortable grip for hours and hours of comfortable fishing and precision hook sets. The clear tip design gives an angler the ability to respond to even the smallest of nibbles and bites, but the rod still comes with plenty of strength and power to handle even the heaviest of fish.

Pros:

  • The tip of the rod is very strong
  • Great rod for medium to heavy fish
  • Excellent price to value ratio

Cons:

  • Can be a little stiff for some applications
  • Prone to break if not cared for properly

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3. Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rod

Fenwick Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod, Brown, 5'6' - Medium Heavy - 2pc

A rod made for durability, the Fenwicks Eagle spinning rod comes with a cork handle and stainless steel guides and fixtures. It is constructed of solid graphite, but still has a very sensitive tip that will allow you to feel bites and nibbles. It comes in at seven feet in length and has a medium action.

The Fenwicks Eagle spinning rod is a quality piece of equipment that comes from a company with over 60 years in the business. It is a good length to handle most fishing situations, and is made of quality materials that will stand up to plenty of hard use on fishing trips. When a fishing company has been in business for over 60 years, they must be doing something right!

Pros:

  • Sensitive tip gives plenty of indication to bites
  • Solid graphite body makes rod lightweight but strong
  • Flexible body provides excellent casting accuracy

Cons:

  • Cork handles have been known to come loose over extended time and use
  • Stainless steel guides are difficult to replace

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4. Cadence CR5-30 Spinning Rod

Cadence Fishing CR5 Spinning Rods | 30 Ton Carbon | Fuji Reel Seat | Stainless Steel Guides with SiC Inserts | CR5-601S-MF

For anglers looking for a rod that comes in many different options, the Cadence spinning rod is perfect. Available in many different lengths, weights, and actions, the Cadence CR5-30 can be bought in a variety of configurations to best suit an angler’s needs and wants. 

This rod is made from materials that give it strength and sensitivity without sacrificing weight. With durable, stainless steel guides and a coated reel seat, this rod is built to be durable and survive hours and hours of repeated abuse and catch big fish. 

The handle on these rods is made of high quality cork, improving the grip and ergonomics over other rods. With so many different features and the availability of different lengths and power, the Cadence CR5-30 rod will make an excellent choice for many anglers.

Pros:

  • Many different lengths available 
  • Lightweight but very strong and durable
  • Durable stainless steel guides will last a long time

Cons:

  • Tip of the rod can be a little fragile
  • Eyes bend easily

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5. St. Croix Premier 2-Part Graphite

St. Croix Rods Premier Spinning Rod

Another great rod that is available in a wide variety of sizes, actions, and powers, the St Croix Premier series of spinning rods are a great choice for trout fishing. They also come in different lengths, giving anglers the opportunity to choose a rod perfect for them.

Made of high quality graphite, these rods are incredibly durable while sensitive at the same time. This model comes with a great hook-setting range and with a comfortable cork grip. The guides are made from hard aluminum oxide.

A great two piece rod that shines in its ability to cover a wide array of situations, the St Croix Premier spinning rod is the perfect fit. Made of the highest grade of materials, it is a great choice for both beginners and advanced anglers alike. 

Pros:

  • Comes in a wide array of configurations
  • Includes a 5 year warranty
  • Made of quality materials to increase longevity

Cons:

  • Guide rods made of aluminum, not steel
  • Can be a bit stiff for most anglers’ liking

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6. Daiwa Presso Ultralight Pack Spinning Rod

The Daiwa Presso Ultralight Pack Spinning rod is by far the lightest rod on our list. This rod was specifically designed to break down to a very small size and weigh next to nothing, perfect for backpacking with. This rod is perfect for the angler looking for a rod that can travel with them anywhere they go.

Fitted with shock absorbers designed to help handle a fish on the line, this rod may be small but can handle bigger fish. A skilled angler will be able to use this rod in a variety of situations and catch fish much bigger than is recommended with this rod. 

Pros:

  • Ultralight and perfect for travel
  • Very balanced and strong
  • Sensitive forend to see bites and nibbles

Cons:

  • A little too light for bigger fish
  • Comes in 4 pieces, some anglers will prefer less

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a beginner angler looking for your first trout rod, or you are a seasoned fisherman that has been fishing for years, these trout spinning rods will help you achieve more success on the water. Hopefully, now you have a better idea of what you are looking for, and can choose the correct rod to suit your needs.

Always keep in mind where you will be fishing and what rod will best suit the area, and this will be very helpful when buying a rod. Most importantly, get yourself a good quality rod and practice with it and you will be amazed at just how many more fish you begin to catch!