One of the most frequently asked questions from new trout anglers is which spinning rod they should purchase. However, answering this question is quite challenging because there isn’t much that sets apart entry-level trout spinning rods from the best rods on the market. In fact, cheaper rods are often more durable than their high-end counterparts. I will explain why later. To add to the complications, trout rods come in various lengths, and even cast weights. Many will think price is a good indicator of quality, but that is not always the case. Even more so at the bottom end of the market.
Some $30 rods perform just as well as rods that cost nearly $100. At these price points many rods utilize the same blank, with only minor differences in branding, cosmetic design, or slightly upgraded components.
I recall an instance where Berkeley’s entry-level “trout rod” was not only lighter but also more responsive than their so-called “pro” version, which was twice the price. Despite the “pro” version apparently utilizing higher modular graphite, it did not translate into better performance or sensitivity. In fact, it was rather susceptible to damage and the guides were extremely soft and will bend out of shape. I have no idea how it got to market. It did look fancy.
Less expensive rods typically employ composite blanks with a higher proportion of fiberglass, making them highly resilient especially to impact damage. On the other hand, high modular carbon or graphite blanks, commonly found in expensive rods, tend to be more fragile and easier to break if mishandled or mistreated. For this reason, expensive rods often end up broken in novice hands.
Trout spinning rod models undergo frequent changes, making it nearly impossible to test them all and stay up to date with the numerous variations.
In this guide, I will share my suggestions for the best spinning rods for trout fishing. I must mention that I won’t be including ultra-premium or foreign-market rods, simply because my budget does not allow me to test enough to tell them apart. All the rods included in this comparison are priced under $200.If you are wondering if those ultra-premium rods are worth the money, well they are certainly nice to use but the difference in performance is very minor. More often than not, they are not going to catch more trout, cast further or with noticeably better accuracy than a rod half the price.
My Recommendations on the Best Trout Spinning Rods.
Looking for a spinning reel to go with your new trout rod, I have reviewed my 12 favorite trout reels here.
Frequently ask questions?
Fiberglass, Graphite, Carbon, or Composite rod?
When buying a rod, chances are it will be made from one of the above materials, or more likely a combination or blend of the above.
I want to keep this explanation beginner friendly, and not get bogged down in finer details that the fish do not care about. I will start, by making this point. Trout do not care what blank material your rod is made out of.
Advantages of a fiberglass spinning rod
Basically, Fiberglass rods are more durable but heavier with a slower action. On the water this translates to a more forgiving rod and slightly shorter cast speeds. They are also slightly less sensitive than graphite, but they do bend more when a fish is on due to the softer material.
I like to use fiberglass rods when I know my rod might be treated roughly. It is a good option to lend to friends and children who are prone to breaking graphite rods. I also use a fiberglass rod whenever I fish from a canoe because it tends to roll a bit in storage when not being used.
Advantages of a graphite / carbon spinning rod
Graphite and carbon are basically different names for the same material. Maybe more technically graphite is the raw material, while carbon is the processed material. When it comes to fishing rods, consider them to be the same.
Graphite is typically lighter and stiffer than fiberglass. This makes the rod more responsive, and more sensitive in picking up even the slightest touch or nibble. Graphite rods also tend to cast further rather than glass.
Downsides are mostly to do with durability, graphite while very strong, is also very brittle even a light chip or crack will cause a graphite rod to snap. They also tend to explode when too much pressure is concentrated on a specific point along the blank.
The most common example of that is point loading which occurs when the rod is lifted too vertically. This forces all the pressure onto the rod tip. This action can easily break even the best made graphite rod.
Advantages of a composite spinning rod
A composite rod is generally a blend of both graphite and fiberglass, and depending on the blend the composite rod shares properties of both graphite and carbon.
Most cheaper graphite rods are indeed composite blanks, they do slightly suffer with regards to stiffness but are much more durable.
What defects to look for when buying a new rod?
Most rods are mass produced item, so it is inevitable that a few defects will make it to the retail self. Expensive rods have fewer defects but they still happen every so often. This is why warranties exists.
When buying a new rod, I always check to see if the rod guides have been installed correctly and not out of alignment. I want to say this applies to all rods, but spiral wrap rods do exist but such a design should never occur on a spinning rod.
All spinning rods should have their guides in a straight line on the underside of the blank. They should not be crooked, leaning to one side or bent at a wrong angle. If the guides are not straight, that is a defect, send it back for a replacement.
The second most common defect is harder to identify visibility. But usually shows up with a bang just after you start fishing. A slight imperfection or chip in the graphite can be enough to cause a rod to break when new. Manufactures do test their rods but defects do sneak through, plus rods can be damaged in transit. I have had a brand new Shimano spinning rod explode on my 5th cast, just below the ferrule. This again is another valid reason for a warranty claim.
Finally, graphite rods are delicate. They must be fished with a degree of care. Nine times out of ten, when a tip breaks it is due to user error. Not a design flaw, nor damage. If you hold a graphite rod too upright any downwards pressure is enough to cause the tip to break. Some manufacturers and retailers do still replace rods that are point loaded, but that is more a sigh of goodwill rather than any obligations on their part. If you keep breaking tips, go purchase a fiberglass rod or Ugly Stick gx2.
How to pair a trout rod with a large spinning reel
I recently received an email from a reader asking for recommendations on using a Shimano Sienna 4000 for trout fishing. She wanted to know what rod to pair it with.
For those who do not know, A Sienna 4000 weighs in at 11.3oz and is designed around fishing 10lb line. That is quite big for a trout reel. Usually, any reel over about 8oz is a bit on the large size, and pairing it with any ultralight rod will create a poorly balanced combo which is more tiring to fish with. Other than buying a smaller reel, there is no easy answer but there are compromises.
It might be tempting to pair the reel with a heavier weight rod, this would result in a balanced combo. But a heavy rod will struggle to cast tiny trout lures. It is not an acceptable option.
The best compromise, at least in my view, is to try and pair it with a long ultralight rod. Something about 9ft in length. This extra length will somewhat balance out the weight of such a large reel. Yes, it will be more tiring to fish with. But at least, it will still cast the tiny lures.
What action is best for trout fishing?
While fast action rods are very popular when trout fishing a medium to medium-fast action is usually best when fishing with spinners. A slight softness in the blank makes them easier to load when casting very lightweight lures.
The problem with fast action rods, is that only the tip section does all the work.
When bait fishing, I like to use a medium action rod, I like to gently cast out my baits with a slow lob rather than a quick fast snap which can cause bait to go flying in all directions.
It is also important to remember that trout mouths are soft, there is no need to set the hook hard. So the faster, more responsive nature of a fast action blank is of little benefit.
I will also note that it is possible to learn to fish with any action of a rod. Just need to adjust your casting and technique accordingly.
