Today, trout fishing is so popular it’s slowly becoming the mainstay of many anglers. Most trout appear in dense numbers, but it isn’t easy to catch them. Trout are timid, finicky fish that hide underwater structures, rocks, or near aquatic vegetation.
Years ago, fly fishing was popular among trout fishing, but it wasn’t the only option. Light spinning reels can still do the job well. And now more and more people are using it to catch trout. So, if you’re looking to find a reel for fighting trout, have a spinning reel in your arsenal.
So how do you know what is the best spinning reel for trout? The answer to this is not so difficult. There are quite a few available models today specifically for trout fishing.
And so that you can save time, I have listed the top 7 best spinning reels for trout below, and you can refer.
Best spinning reel for trout (Quick comparison)
If you are in a hurry, refer to the quick comparison table below:
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel Size 10 - 5Lb Max Drag Pressure, Black/Red | 3,473 Reviews | $49.99 $39.95 | Buy on Amazon |
 | KastKing Centron Spinning Reel, Size 3000 Fishing Reel | 8,554 Reviews | $40.99 $28.99 | Buy on Amazon |
 | PENN 1403982 Slammer III Spinning Black Gold, 3500 | 2,091 Reviews | Buy on Amazon | |
 | Pflueger President Spinning Reel, Size 20 Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Graphite Body... | 3,838 Reviews | $64.95 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Daiwa BG Spinning Reel, Black/gold, 3000 | 3,411 Reviews | $124.30 | Buy on Amazon |
 | PENN Battle II Spinning Inshore Fishing Reel, Size 3000 (BTLII3000), HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 15lb,... | 4,662 Reviews | $153.00 | Buy on Amazon |
 | STRADIC 2500FL HG STRADIC-US | 938 Reviews | $219.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 7 Best Spinning Reel For Trout
Okuma Ceymar
- Multi-disc, oiled felt drag System
- 7 BB + 1RB for ultimate smoothness
- Quick-set Anti-Reverse roller bearing
Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A serious competitor from producer Okuma, the Ceymar is the best ultralight spinning reel for trout on the list at an extremely affordable price point, under $50.
Owning a luxurious, modern design with a 2-tone anodized spool brings an eye-catching appearance at first sight. Besides, it also has a cyclonic airflow rotor that increases airflow, dries faster, and has higher corrosion resistance, significantly increasing the reel’s durability.
If you’re worried casting distances aren’t far enough with spinning reels, the precision elliptical gear system reduces friction as much as possible and greatly increases casting distance.
In addition, Ceymar has the Blade Body design, machined aluminum, and zinc die-cast handle for a very lightweight, creating comfort during casting. Many people will like the feeling of lightness, they want to control everything at hand and prolong the battle process, then Ceymar is probably the right choice.
However, the consequence is that the good reel for trout fishing will be a bit smaller than usual. So you should choose a size that fits your hand.
Smoothness won’t be an issue with the 7BB + 1RB system and the multi-disc, oiled felt drag system. Furthermore, an out-of-the-box feature that I’m sure you’ll love is Okuma’s RESII balancing technology. It has the function of balancing and controlling the speed normally after a very short time.
It is especially suitable for a 5:1 gear ratio and retrieves 21 inches for every crank, you can comfortably spin at high speed without worrying about annoying wobble.
The quick-set anti-reverse feature can’t be missed, the fish won’t have a chance to make you backplay, creating problems with the line.
In short, the Ceymar is a reel especially suitable for trout fishing because it possesses powerful features, compact design, lightness, and a price tag of just under $50. The best spinning reel for trout fishing is C-30, you can also choose C-10 if aiming for smaller fish.
KastKing Summer and Centron
- Ultra Smooth Powerful - KastKing Centron spinning reel's Superior Drag System offers incredible stopping power up to 17.5LBs. Centron series spinning reel has a lighter and stronger CNC machined aluminum spool with a more even line lay, and internal grooves for lube retention.
- Premium Quality Inner Parts - Centron's 9 quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing give it ultra-smooth performance. Centron spinning reel has a hardened metal main shaft, perfect mesh drive gear, and precision machined pinion gear for fish fighting power.
- Two Color Options - KastKing Centron Spinning Reel in black-blue offers the best value at any level. The KastKing Centron Lite Fishing Reel in white-blue that there is a Collapsible Handle turns any angler into a PRO. Sizes 500 & 1000 are Perfect for Ice Fishing.
- Brilliant Appearance Design - Centron's attractive, brilliant finish and its high strength two color anodized aluminum spool, with a power launch lip for farther casting, holds more line than other spinning reels in same-size models.
- Ideal Choice - The narrow graphite frame design and computer balancing system combined with high performance in the compact Spinning Reel make the KastKing Centron series an excellent gift for anybody who loves fishing.
Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the cheapest products is on the list of the best trout reels. The manufacturer always does not disappoint us when launching a series of products with outstanding features, but the packaging price is just under 100 dollars. Especially for trout fishing, for less than 50 dollars, you will have a great reel.
First of all, like cheap reels, their weight is very light with a narrow graphite frame design. That is the key to success in trout fishing. Moreover, although it is very light, its durability and strength are not inferior thanks to the combination of a CNC-machined aluminum spool and a hardened metal main shaft.
The next factor is the smoothness that Summer and Centron bring. 9+1 quality ball bearings combined with an anti-reverse mechanism create an excellent performance. You don’t need to worry about wobbling anymore with the computer balancing system, the smoothness will probably be what helps this product continue to accompany you for a long time.
It also has a power launch lip, which is why reels under $50 can match reels for around $100. Its main function is to increase casting distance, keeping more lines greatly.
Suppose you are looking for a reel with great performance specifically for freshwater fishing, specifically trout fishing, at an extremely low price. In that case, this is probably the best choice for you.
PENN Slammer III
- Full Metal Body, side plate, and rotor
- CNC Gear technology
- IP67 Sealed body and spool design
- Sealed Slammer drag system with Dura Drag
- 6 plus 1 stainless steel bearing system
Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We can always find great products from the manufacturer Penn. They create various weapons suitable for many different styles of fishing. Of course, including trout, the Slammer III has quite a bit of power. Therefore, it’s more than enough to get you a great number of fish on the trip.
If there’s anything that makes the Slammer III on this list, it’s none other than its drag. You can make everything go smoothly, I’m sure many trout anglers will love this.
Braking power is good, performance is strong, and it provides quite a bit of power. Although it is quite redundant for trout fishing, it is also what makes it possible to use the Slammer III in many different styles of fishing.
Although most trout species live in freshwater habitats, others, such as the steelhead, can survive in the sea for many years. That’s why if you’re aiming for this fish, you need a good anti-corrosion reel. And that is the advantage of Slammer III.
This reel features a sealed body design with a Dura-drag system, 6+1 stainless steel bearing, and IP67 Sealed System. All of that makes it perfect for keeping saltwater out of the reels, increasing its lifespan.
Objectively speaking, the Slammer III is too powerful, and not optimal for catching the light and flexible trout. But the reason I still put it on this list is that its drag is so smooth. Especially since it can target all trout species, including other fish, you can use it in any environment.
Pflueger President
- PERFORMANCE MEETS VALUE: Pflueger President spinning reels combine smooth operation with a price that won't break the bank. With a balanced mix of performance, quality, and value, this reel is "The Smart Choice."
- SIZE 20 SPINNING REEL: Features a graphite body and rotor for lightweight, corrosion-resistant fishing reels. The aluminum handle and soft touch rubber knob are suitable for Right/Left handed anglers.
- RECOVER 20.2" | 51cm for every turn of the crank. Slow oscillation gearing provides a tight line lay for improved casting and control. Gear ratio of 5.2:1. Features an Aluminum spool.
- SEALED OIL FELT FRONT DRAG with a max drag of 6lb to help tire out the fish, so you can reel in the catch. The 7 ball bearing system plus Instant Anti-Reverse ensures smooth operation for any fishing experience.
- LINE CAPACITY: Mono Capacity yd/lb: 200/2 100/4 80/6 for optimal casting distance and accuracy.
Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product is one of the highly-rated reels for trout fishing. It doesn’t have as much power as Daiwa Bg or Penn Battle III, but I’ll list better advantages for trout fishing below.
First of all, I would like to reiterate trout are compact, flexible fish that gather in large numbers, so you need to keep your strength to fight for as long as possible. Thereby, if you hold a reel that is too heavy, you will certainly not be able to stand for long to launch the arcs in the right place.
That’s why Plueger President is on this list; it’s very light. Its body is constructed from lightweight graphite, which reduces weight and increases combat time, not to mention you can manipulate various techniques with it.
Next is its smooth drag ability. Features 7 stainless steel ball bearings, and oiled and sealed washers, all for great consistency, providing smooth performance.
The anti-reverse system is also available on Plueger President, you just need to gently press the switch to turn it on/off easily.
If you do coastal fishing, you should be careful, its corrosion resistance is not as good as other reels. So it would be best if you cleaned it after every trip.
A few downsides would be inevitable with a reel of just under $100. at Plueger President, after only a few castings, the gears can grind, so you should check carefully, so you don’t have to go on a trip empty-handed.
There are quite a few small errors that happen right after you buy, many of my friends have complained a lot about it. I threw it in the warehouse corner once after just one cast. However, after a while, I tried again and discovered its superior features, especially trout fishing.
Daiwa Bg
- Black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing ( inch Hard Bodyz inch Body and Side Cover), Over-sized Digigear (Digigear System)
- Solid Screw-In Handle, Air Rotor, Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS Spool
- Braided Line Ready Spool, Waterproof Drag System, Carbon ATD, Line Per Handle Turn: 37.4 inch
- Manual Return Bail (4500 and Larger), 6BB+1RB, Gear Ratio: 5.6:1, Drag Max:15.4
- Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards): 8/240, 10/200, 12/170 J-BRAID: 15/280, 20/240, 30/190
Last update on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bg is always a highly rated reel, possessing many outstanding features reasonably priced. There are different sizes you can choose from. While being strong enough to fight large saltwater fish, it is still possible to gently catch flexible freshwater trout.
Its design combines a dynamic cut aluminum ABS spool, digger system, and “Hard Bodyz” body. All of these contribute to the most compact design possible. If you are a person who loves compactness, and lightness, or your hand strength is not too durable to fight all day, then Bg is probably the best ultralight trout spinning reel for you.
But if you are a muscular person worried about your hand force damaging the handle of the reel when fishing for trout, you need not worry about that. Why? It has a Carbon ATD machined aluminum screw. The ruggedness and durability will be something you don’t need to worry about the handle.
Also, the essential feature of trout fishing is its infinite anti-reverse technology. Avoid cases of fish swimming around and backplay.
If you just look at its compact design and think its power will not be good, you are definitely wrong. It has a gear ratio of 5.6:1, 6BB+1RB, and the maximum drag can be up to 15.4.
I think very few manufacturers can equate it with Daiwa when it comes to smoothness. They created a compact, smooth, powerful performance product for an affordable price point. For trout, you should choose smaller sizes. They do not need as much strength as other fish in the sea.
PENN Battle III
- PENN BATTLE II SPINNING INSHORE REEL: The PENN Battle II offers aesthetically pleasing design, durable performance and an attractive price point as just a few of the many reasons why so many anglers fish this reel.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Full metal body, sideplate and rotor help to maintain precision gear alignment in the toughest battles. Features a sleek Black/Gold/Smoke design.
- SMOOTH, EFFICIENT GEARS: Recovers at the rate of 35" | 89cm with every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 6.2:1. Right/left handle position for all anglers. Size 3000 reel.
- 6 TOTAL BEARINGS: The Battle II fishing reels feature 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings plus one instant-anti-reverse bearing, providing fast hook-ups.
- HT-100 FRONT DRAG SYSTEM: Built with carbon fiber drag washers for a max drag of 15lb | 6.8kg, this system will exhaust the fish without wearing you down. Mono Capacity yd/lb: 200/8 165/10 120/12. Braid Capacity yd/lb: 250/15 180/20 130/30.
Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Continue to be an outstanding product from the manufacturer Penn. I don’t put Battle III at the top of the list because it’s too powerful to catch freshwater trout.
However, that doesn’t make much of an impact. This problem can be understood in another way that they have greater durability and adaptability to many different situations. If you are fishing, a big guy is straying; you don’t need to worry about not having enough strength to fight.
The best Battle III sizes for trout are 1000&2000. It shouldn’t be bigger because it will cost an extra amount of money without any effect. And don’t save a few dollars to buy Battle II because many troublesome line problems will happen to you.
For just over $100, it has some of the good features of a $200+ reel (Penn Clash), such as the HT-100 carbon fiber drag system and CNC gear technology.
The HT-100 Versa-Drag carbon fiber drag system provides Battle III’s powerful traction. Combined with the innovative 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings, you can enjoy trips.
Many people will be interested in an anti-reverse system in trout fishing, which shouldn’t be a problem with this product. Equipped with instant anti-reverse bearing so you won’t have to backplay when encountering stubborn fish.
As I said, the Battle III has a huge amount of traction, even the smallest models, 9lb in size 1000 and 10lb in size 2000. As for trout, I’m sure no fish can resist this force.
The Battle III design is geared towards complete corrosion resistance. However, nothing is perfect, metal will eventually be corroded by saltwater if not cleaned after every trip. Of course, this is quite redundant for most freshwater trout, but if you’re inshore fishing, that’s when you need to be concerned.
SHIMANO Stradic FL
- STRADIC 2500FL HG STRADIC-US
Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want a long-lasting companion, I think the Shimano trout reels (Stradic FL) are probably the best choice for you. Once I stumbled across it in the corner of the barn after more than 10 years of neglect, I greased it and brought it right to the river next to the house to test its ability to work. And everything surprised me quite a bit, it still works very smoothly.
And that’s also why the Stradic FL is one of the best reels that maintain smooth and steady drag in the long run.
Many outstanding features come together to create an almost perfect product, not only for trout but also for all fish. The Stradic Fl has a sturdy, durable design with a Hagane body, combined with a G-Free body for more comfort when casting.
I see manufacturer Shimano has focused a lot on the gear part of Stradic FL when equipped with X-SHIP, Micro module gear II, S A-RB, and Hagane gear. They all come together to deliver an invincible set of gears. And can even go strong even in saltwater with X-Protect.
So what are the disadvantages of Stradic FL? As you can see, this product features many powerful features, the consequence of this problem is that its price is quite high, about 200 dollars.
However, I don’t see anything wasted here. Spending a moderate amount of money to get a powerful product in return is nothing impossible. My dad always repeats a saying that still rings around in my mind, you get what you pay for.
How To Choose The Best Spinning Reel For Trout– Buying Guide
Choosing the most suitable reel is not easy at all. There are quite a few factors that come together to create the perfect product, and for the sake of simplicity, I’ll help you list them below.
Gear Ratio
The first factor to consider is the gear ratio, which is one of the numbers you need to find before buying a new reel. To win against flexible fish like trout, you need to reel with a high gear ratio because a high gear ratio means faster retrieval speed, which is an important key in trout fishing.
The gear ratio commonly used to catch common trout is between 5.0:1 and 6.0:1. If your target is larger fish, such as a lake, steelhead, and speckled trout, you can choose higher, preferably 7.0:1.
Weight
If you’ve read the reviews for the products I’ve listed above, you’ll probably realize that I’m pretty focused on their weight. Yes, it is very important, strongly affecting the performance of the trip.
Human endurance can’t last forever, let alone your arm. If swinging the fishing rod a few dozen times for many hours at a time, the light setup also becomes heavy.
That’s why using the ultralight spinning reel for trout, the lighter, the better, especially suitable for trout fishing. However, do not focus too much on the weight that loses its performance. A good reel will know how to strike a balance between the two.
Anti-Reverse
For every product, I mention this feature on the trout spinning reel. Trout are fish that will find ways to avoid your hook, they will run around and lead to backplay, taking all the lines out of the spool.
Most of the reels these days are equipped with this feature, it can be automatic, it can also be with a switch to turn it on/off. However, some will not, if you are not a professional angler, consider this factor carefully before choosing to buy a reel.
If you do not want to be too complicated, you can refer to the products I have listed above.
Drag System
Drag is something that no one probably doesn’t know, it shows the ability to resist the fish during the struggle. The greater the pull, the greater the pressure on the fish, making the line stretch.
Lighter or heavier traction has its downsides. Worse, it reduces the sensitivity, making it difficult to detect small fish. Lighter, there is a risk of breaking the line when encountering large fish.
The right pull will be in the 10-pound range when it comes to trout fishing with spinning reel.
Ball Bearings
Ball Bearings play an important role in reducing friction, maintaining performance, and creating smooth casting. Usually, you can choose bearings made from stainless steel to save money.
Quantity is not what determines whether a bearing is good or not. However, the more bearings, the better the smoothness will be with the same quality. Smoothness is very important in trout fishing; the faster they are, the faster you have to be to take them down.
Size
I should have mentioned size first, but I want you to understand the importance of weight, gear ratio, and drag system before coming to size.
As you can see, for trout fishing, the lighter, the better. If you choose a reel with a large size, then the factors I mentioned above will be larger. That’s why I want you to understand their importance first.
In summary, the best size reel for trout fishing should preferably be between 1000 and 2500.
Reel Housing
This factor will probably be more important for saltwater, but freshwater will have little concern because it does not need to be too resistant to corrosion.
One thing that makes people interested in reel housing is probably the price. There are three commonly used materials: graphite, aluminum, or Carbon.
Graphite is suitable for saltwater, aluminum is suitable for freshwater and is cheaper, Carbon is the best material but not often used because its fish is more expensive than the other two.
Why Using Spinning Reels for trout?
The spinning reel is the most widely used, especially for trout fishing. They possess outstanding advantages over the baitcaster.
They are easy to use. After just a few practice sessions and a rough grasp of the reel’s features, you’ll be ready to catch your first trout.
Reasonably priced. Usually, spinning reels are priced lower than baitcasters.
Moderate performance. Baitcasters are known to be more powerful reels, not suitable for trout fishing, which is also why spinning reels are preferred.
No problems with the line. Featuring an open-faced design that helps prevent spinning reels from having problems with the line.
Light-weight. Spinning reel manufacturers often aim to create lightweight products suitable for all fishing styles. That is why flexibility is also known as one of the advantages of the spinning reel.
Years ago, many considered fly fishing the pinnacle of trout fishing. A person who uses fly fishing to catch trout is a charming artist.
However, it is increasingly being replaced by the fast development of spinning reels, many modern features are included in the reels at extremely low prices.
Conclusion
Based on all the necessary criteria, I have compiled a list of the best spinning reel for trout. Instead of having to read all the reels available online, I have limited you to those 7 products.
Ultimately the decision is up to you, you should read each feature and take a close look at the reel you intend to buy.
Good luck!
Further Reading:
- Other info about fishing in Fishingandhuntingsports
- Top 7 Best Spinning Reel For Money
- Can You Catch Trout On A Spinning Reel?