The best trout spinning reel will maximize your chances of catching this popular fish in rivers, creeks, or in the ocean. In this article, we’ll suggest 5 of the top mid-range trout spinning reels. We’ll also suggest a few features to consider before picking your next one.
Trout fishing is one of the most popular fishing activities in the US, UK, Australia and many other regions. Trout fish put up a good fight, and the caught fish tastes heavenly when cooked with lemon butter. Most anglers target Rainbow, Brown, or Brook Trout, which can be found in several water bodies across the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.
A typical trout produces about 3000 to 4000 eggs, depending on its size. Since some trout fish can get as big as 39 pounds and live for about 20 years, this fish will always represent an appealing catch for beginner and more experienced anglers.
Picking the best trout spinning reel for your fishing style will help you catch fish more successfully. Check out our top picks.
Reviews of the Best Trout Spinning Reels
Okuma Helios Lightweight Spinning Reel – Our choice for the best trout spinning reel for 2021
This is an advanced design in a lightweight yet durable spinning reel. It’s made of aluminum and stainless steel and weighs 0.7 pounds. Thanks to the carbon fiber construction, it will provide exceptional handling for extended freshwater and inshore saltwater fishing activities.
The size 20 or 30 is suitable for trout fishing and features 8 corrosion-resistant stainless-steel bearings and one roller bearing. It features precision machine-cut pinion gear for precise casting.
Compared to spinning reels of the same size, this one is 25% lighter and 50% stronger. At the back, the control armour eliminates flex and twist and guarantees a better connection between the internal gears.
It’s designed to last for a long time as the cyclonic flow rotor evacuates the water and dries the reel out. It also features a rotor equalising system which eliminates wobble for perfect alignments.
Because it’s lightweight and versatile, this reel can be used for other fishing activities. However, right out of the box, the bail wire might feel a little sticky.
What We Like
- Aluminum and stainless-steel reel.
- Carbon fiber construction to keep it lightweight and durable.
- 8 corrosion-resistant stainless-steel bearings and one roller bearing.
- Flow rotor to dry faster.
- Designed to eliminate flex, twist, and wobble.
What We Don’t Like
- The bail wire tends to feel a little sticky out of the box
Cadence CS8 Spinning Reel
This spinning reel features a premium anodised magnesium frame, 9 corrosion-resistant stainless-steel bearings, and one anti-reverse bearing. The 1000 and 2000 size reel is suitable for trout fishing in fresh water and can also be used in saltwater for other species. It weighs 0.4 pounds, so it is extremely lightweight for easy handling.
Compared to other reels of the same size, this one is 34% lighter and 1.5 times stronger. The aluminium spool prevents your monofilament line from slipping and houses a carbon fiber drag system.
Thanks to the wave spring drag system, you can adjust the drag power to suit your needs. Left and right-hand users will cast this reel with no issues. It features an ergonomic EVA handle knob.
It delivers consistent pressure in various angling conditions. However, it’s more expensive than other models on the market.
What We Like
- Lightweight and more durable magnesium frame.
- 9 corrosion-resistant stainless-steel bearings.
- One anti-reverse bearing.
- Wave spring drag system to adjust the drag power.
- Aluminum spool prevents the line from slipping.
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than other models.
SHIMANO American Corporation Catana 1000 Rc Rear Drag Spin Reel
This 10-size spinning reel is designed for catching small trout in freshwater. It features an angled lip to minimize friction for longer and more accurate casts.
It’s made of forged aluminum and stainless steel for more durability, and two shielded stainless-steel bearings and one roller bearing. The AR-C spool reduces wind knots and backlash with braided lines, which are recommended to be used with this reel.
Due to its size, this spinning reel won’t withstand the weight of a bigger trout. As a result, it’s a good choice for beginners.
Other oscillation systems can provide inconsistent spool speed, but this one features the Varispeed II oscillation system, which keeps the line flat. As a result, a beginner angler will enjoy better castability. However, it’s a bit heavy given its size, as it weighs 0.89 pounds.
What We Like
- Durable forged aluminum and stainless-steel construction.
- Designed for beginner anglers.
- AR-C spool to minimize wind knots and backlash.
- Angled lip to minimize the friction.
- Varispeed II oscillation system to keep the line flat.
What We Don’t Like
- Too heavy for its size.
- Can’t withstand the weight of a bigger fish.
Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel
The Pflueger President spinning reel is exceptional regarding construction, durability, and performance. It comes in various sizes that range from 20 to 40 to help you pair it with multiple fishing rods for a range of trout fishing trips.
If you go for the size 20 spinning reel, you’ll have a lightweight yet sturdy reel that is able to withstand the weight and strength of a bigger trout. It’s made of graphite and weighs 0.86 pounds to allow for steady and consistent casting in fresh and saltwater.
Right and left-handed anglers will be able to use it successfully, thanks to the ambidextrous hand orientation. The handle is made of stainless-steel for more durability.
It features 10 corrosion-resistant stainless-steel ball bearings. It allows the line to be tied directly to the pool. The sealed drag system stays lubricated for smooth casting.
Thanks to the slow oscillation gearing, the line will stay flat. However, the gears and bearings have a short lifespan and tend to grind.
What We Like
- Lightweight and sturdy reel for fishing in fresh and saltwater.
- Graphite construction.
- Suitable for right and left-hand casting.
- Stainless steel handle and 10 corrosion-resistant bearings.
- Slow oscillation to keep the line flat.
What We Don’t Like
- Based on some reviews the bearings seem to have a shorter lifespan.
Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
The Daiwa Bg spinning reel is available in multiple sizes, the 4000 size is suitable for larger trout fish. It features an anodised aluminium housing and a sturdy aluminium handle for right and left-hand casting. It’s designed to be used with braided fishing lines and features an aluminium ABS spool.
Thanks to the infinite anti-reverse system, this spinning reel keeps the line flat. It features a waterproof drag system to keep the reel dry. The air rotor weighs 15% less than other ordinary rotor systems and reduces the stress while casting.
The over-sized Digigear system increases gear-tooth contact points for smoother and more extended gear life. It features 6 ball bearings for smooth and consistent casting. The screwed-in handle provides zero movement for more control.
This reel weighs 1 pound, so it’s more weighty to handle.
What We Like
- Suitable for larger trout fish.
- Anodized aluminum house and handle.
- Infinite anti-reverse system.
- Waterproof drag system.
- Air rotor system to reduce the weight.
What We Don’t Like
- Cannot be adapted to work for saltwater fishing.
- Heavier than other reels.
How to Choose the Best Trout Spinning Reel
Although these products are all suitable for trout fishing, only one of them might be the perfect one for you. Here are some features to help you pick the right one.
Size – What size is the best trout spinning reel?
Trout grow to a range of sizes, so picking a larger reel will be more suitable for bigger fish. Size 10 or 1000 reels are suitable for smaller fish, while a size 40 or 4000 will be more suitable for bigger trout.
Bigger reels are also more versatile. They can be used to catch other species.
Ball Bearings
The ball bearings guarantee a smooth and effortless movement of the line while catching fish. You need to pick a model with corrosion-resistant ball bearings to withstand long-term use. You also need to make sure that there’s a system that expels the water to keep the system dry.
Weight
Although a heavyweight reel is more durable, it’s a little difficult to reel a trout with it. A lightweight reel is easier to use, especially if you’re a beginner or carry your fishing gear around to find the perfect spot for trout fishing.
Reel Housing
This will affect the type of fishing your reel works for. A reel with aluminium housing is suitable for freshwater fishing. It can handle saltwater fishing, but a graphite reel housing is more corrosion-resistant.
Wrap Up – What is the best trout spinning reel
Investing in the best trout spinning reel for your style of fishing improves the success of your fishing journey. We chose the Okuma Helios Lightweight Spinning Reel as our top choice because it can withstand the weight of a bigger trout, and it’s more versatile.
If you’re interested in catching small trout, we recommend that you take a look at the Cadence CS8 Spinning Reel. It’s lighter and made of graphite to withstand the salinity of the water making it the best trout spinning reel for smaller trout.