There is no point buying an expensive fishing reel and then pair it with a below-average rod. A quality rod allows you to drop the lure with accuracy. Lures for trout are light, and that’s why it’s crucial to choose a rod that will help get the right accuracy.
An ultralight rod allows you more strikes and does not hammer the lure into the water. Trouts scare easy, and a heavy rod will not do you any good. If the lure splashes into the water, it scares the trouts away, which defeats the purpose.
That said, if you want the best trout fishing experience, you will have to purchase a high-quality setup. In this article, we will review the best rods for trout fishing. I hope the information will help you in your decision-making. If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of the products I have the review.
Here are the list of Top 7 Rods for Trout Fishing :
| Image | Product | Features | Action |
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Best Overall  |
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Best Budget Friendly  |
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Best High-End  |
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Not Recommended  |
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1. Ugly Stik Elite
If you are looking for an excellent fishing rod for trouts, the Elite Ugly Stik is an excellent choice. The elite spinning rod is a lightweight and durable rod and one that will help you catch a trout with the least experience.
You can also use it to catch salmons weighing up to a hundred pounds, and it won’t affect its functionality. It’s light but strong, exactly what you should be looking for in a trout fishing rod. To help you make a better decision about it, here are its key features.
Key Features
Here are the key features of the beautiful elite rod.
Graphite Material
Graphite is probably the best material for fishing rods, and this one contains more than 35 percent of it in its construction. This makes it both strong and lightweight. It also contains fiberglass, making its combination almost indestructible.
Great Tip Design
Trout fish are not large, and that’s why it is important to ensure the rod tip is sensitive enough. That way, you will notice almost immediately when the fish takes the bait. This Ugly Stik fishing rod comes with a great tip design that is both responsive and strong.
Stainless Steel Guides
It comes with stainless steel guides, which eliminates pop-outs. The guides can also be used with any type of fishing line. Just ensure that the line is the one recommended by the reel’s manufacturer.
Specifications
- Rod Weights: 0.18 kg
- Dimensions: 1.97 by 72.05 by 1.97 inches
- Style: 6 inches Medium
- Size: 6 inches Medium
Pros
- Durable
- Sensitive
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not perfect for braided lines
- The reel seat may be too small for some users
Verdict
Ugly Stik is a popular choice for fishing rods, and the Elite series has become among most people’s favorite. Elite Ugly Stik rod is easy to use, durable, lightweight, and strong enough. You can use it for trouts as well as for bigger fish. It has a great reputation, and a lot of people have good things to say about it. It is a fishing rod I highly recommend to anyone planning to catch some trouts.
2. Cadence CR5-30
Cadence is a trustworthy company that has provided us with some great fishing rods, and the CR5 series is no different. The blanks are made of carbon, and it comes in various power and action options. Also, they come in different lengths. The performance is excellent, and the rods are quite long-lasting.
Key Features
The CR5 cadence spinning rods are of high-quality, and they come with the following fantastic features.
30 Ton Carbon Fiber
The CR5 series cadence fishing rods are made of 30-ton carbon and then powered by High Power-X. This makes the rod strong but lighter than your regular fishing rod.
Stainless Steel Guides + Sic Insert
This type of guide helps avoid stickling of the line in the guides. Also, it enhances the rod’s sensitivity. It does this by transferring the vibrations that occur after the fish takes the bait from the line through the guides to your hand.
Fuji Reel Seat
If you find yourself in a situation where you are catching a hard-fighting fish, the Fuji reel seats give you the upper hand in the battle.
Specifications
- Power : UL, L, ML, M
- Action : M, MF, F
- Length : from 5′ 6″ to 7′
- Handle type : Full
- Dimensions : 59.02 by 2.99 by 2.99 inches
- Weight : 0.05 kg
- Size : 4.8 inches – Ultralight-Moderate
Pros
- Travel friendly
- A sensitive fishing rod
- Variety of options
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Not the most durable, although it provides the value of your money
Verdict
This cadence spinning rod may not be the most durable fishing rod globally, but it is worth every buck. The rod is easy to use, lightweight, and sensitive such that you will notice even when the smallest fish takes the bait. It is a perfect fishing rod for panfish and trouts. Users at Amazon have rated it 4.4 stars out of 5, which is pretty impressive.
3. KastKing Crixus
KastKing Crixus fishing rods have made a name for themselves because of their exceptional functionality and durability. The fishing rods are made of graphite, and they have models with various lengths and actions. A KastKing Crixus fishing rod is both powerful and sensitive, which is a perfect combination for trout rods. The rods are also beautiful if the design is one of the things you consider before buying a fishing rod.
Key Features
These KastKing fishing rods are loaded with great features which include:
Im6 Graphite Blanks
The fishing rods are designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. They offer incredible performance in both water bodies.
Looking for Saltwater (Offshore) Spinning Reel? : High Performance Offshore Spinning Rods
Super Polymer Handles
The KastKing fishing rod comes with a super comfortable handle that is perfect in all weathers. You can use your fishing rod both in the summer and winter without facing any discomfort with the handle. It is the kind of handle anyone would want in a fishing rod.
20 Different Models
There are at least 20 different KastKing fishing rods’ models, and you can choose the one that feels the most comfortable. All the models are constructed in such a way that they are easy to pack and store.
Stainless Steel Guides
Like many great fishing rods, the KastKing fishing rods come with stainless steel guides. This means you can use your fishing line with all kinds of lines hassle-free. Additionally, the frames are made of Zirconium Oxide, which ensures a long and smooth cast.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.41 kg
- Brand Name: KastKing
- Dimensions: 53 by 5.55 by 5.5 inches
- Style: Spinning 6.6 Inches- Medium
Pros
- Durable
- Variety of choices
- Easy to use
- Gives you the value of your money
- Sturdy grip
- Lightweight but unbelievably strong
Cons
- A bit heavy for users looking for ultralight fishing rods
- Fragile if you use it for fishing large fish
Verdict
The KastKing fishing rods are among the best fishing rods for smaller fish. They are made of graphite, which means they are both lightweight and strong. The handles are super comfortable, and you have a variety of choices to choose from. With a good performance, you can be sure it is a fishing rod that has impressed thousands.
4. St. Croix Trout
St. Croix makes on the list of the Top trout rods yet again. The company has been in the industry for more than a decade, so it is expected of them to manufacture high-quality fishing rods. Luckily, they never disappoint. The St. Croix freshwater spinning rod is a fantastic fishing rod, especially for people planning to catch trouts in freshwater bodies. The rod is ultralight but powerful. Here are its key features.
Key Features
This St. Croix fishing rod is designed for devoted anglers, and it comes with some fantastic features such as:
Excellent Blend of SC II and SC VI Graphite
Graphite fishing rods are the most recommended because of the material’ many benefits. This dynamic blend of graphite offers anglers a fishing rod that is powerful, lightweight, sensitive, and durable.
Stainless Steel Guides
The St. Croix trout freshwater spinning rod comes with stainless steel guides, frames, and rings. Its XMS split style reel seat provides both comfort and sensitivity.
Five-Year Warranty
Like any other fishing rod from St. Croix, the trout freshwater spinning rod is backed by a five-year warranty. This means you can always return it if it gets a manufacturer’s fault within five years after purchase.
Specifications
- Brand name: St. Croix
- Weight: 0.23 kg
- Warranty: Five years
- Dimensions: 58.6 by 6.1 by 1 inch
- Color: Titanium
- Size: 4’10- Feet
Pros
- Durable
- Excellently sensitive
- Lightweight
- Five years warranty
- Strong enough to catch bigger fish than trouts
Cons
- Fairly expensive
Verdict
St. Croix is a well-known fishing rod brand, and they do not disappoint with this trout freshwater spinning rod. It is lightweight but strong enough to catch bigger fish than trouts. It may be a bit expensive than your standard ultralight fishing rod, but it is worth every dollar.
5. Shakespeare Micro
If you are looking for an ultralight fishing rod for trouts, the Shakespeare micro spinning rod is an excellent choice. The rod is relatively affordable, and it is worth every penny. It is the kind of rod you should choose with lighter fishing lines and lures to make your cast more accurate. It is a quality and ultralight action rod that will get the job done.
Key Features
The Shakespeare micro spinning rod comes with some great features that include:
Graphite Content
The fishing rod comes with a good percentage of graphite content, making it both durable and strong. Graphite construction is also lightweight, which is a plus while fishing for smaller fish such as trout and panfish.
Full Cork Handles
The comfort of the handles is one of the basic things you should always consider when choosing a fishing rod. If the handle is not comfortable, it will make your fishing experience not so fun. The Shakespeare micro spinning rod comes with full cork handles that are quite comfortable and allows a strong grip throughout your fishing.
Stainless Steel Guides
The guides are made of stainless steel, which means they cannot rust easily, and they are durable. Also, they make it easy for you to use the rod with almost any fishing line type.
Specifications
- Weight: 0.11 kg
- Dimensions: 54 by 1.77 by 1.77 inches
- Size: 4.6 Feet- Ultralight
- Brand Name: Shakespeare
Pros
- Can be used by anglers of all ages
- Easy to use
- A comfortable fishing rod
- Reliable
- Relatively affordable price
- Variety
Cons
- A bit fragile, especially the upper section
- Less graphite content
Verdict
The Shakespeare micro spinning rod is one of the best ultralight spinning rods available. The rod is tested and has been found to be easy to use and reliable. It is a bit fragile since its graphite content is less, but it gets the job done. It is especially perfect for smaller fish. Just handle the upper section with care, and your rod will last for years. It’s rated 4 out of five stars on Amazon, which means it is a quality fishing rod.
6. Fenwick Eagle
Fenwick is an established fishing rod brand, which means we can expect high-quality products from them. The Eagle spinning series has received a lot of love, especially because of its affordability and functionality. The fishing rod comes with a five-year warranty, which means you can return within five years after purchase if there is a manufacturer’s fault. It is quite easy to use, and it is definitely worth your money.
Key Features
Fenwick has provided us with many quality fishing rods, and this one is no different. It is one of the popular rods for a variety of sizes Here are its key features:
TAC Grips
The Fenwick eagle spinning rod provides you with a comfortable and strong grip while fishing. It allows you to retrieve the lure with ease, and you can cast all day without feeling too tired.
Graphite Rod
Fenwick has made a name for itself as an original graphite rod company. Its rods contain a high percentage of graphite, which means they are lightweight but incredibly strong. A graphite fishing rod is what you need for trout fishing.
Five Year Warranty
Fenwick believes in their rod so much that they have provided users with a five-year limited warranty. This means that if the rod has mechanical damage, you can take it back, and they will fix or replace it. It will probably not come to that if you use your rod for the right reasons.
Stainless Steel Guides
Like many high-quality fishing rods, the Fenwick eagle spinning rod comes with stainless steel. With stainless steel guides, you can use almost all types of fishing lines with your fishing rod.
Specifications
- Weight: 0.13 kg
- Brand name: Fenwick
- Warranty: Five years manufacturer warranty
- Size: 5’6” –Medium action rod
- Dimensions: 5.8 by 5.8 by 87 inches
Pros
- Five years warranty
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Comfortable
Cons
- The rod tip is not strong enough
Verdict
Fenwick is a reputable company, and the eagle spinning rod does not disappoint. It is easy to use, lightweight, and strong enough for more than trout fishing. You can use it to do some rock fishing, but it is not recommended. Being as lightweight as it is, you will need to handle it with care, especially the rod tip. All in all, it is an excellent rod that you should consider buying.
7. St. Croix Triumph
St. Croix is one of the most established fishing rod brands. It’s a company that has been in the market for more than four decades, so it goes without saying that their products are of the highest quality. The Triumph series is made of durable rods that will fill you with confidence no matter where you plan to fish. The rods come with impressive power and can be used by any angler.
Key Features
St. Croix makes your fishing experience even more fun by providing you with high-quality rods that come with the following features.
SC II Premium Graphite
SC II premium graphite ensures that a fishing rod is durable, sensitive, and lightweight. Fishing rods made of SC II graphite have become quite popular among most anglers.
5-Year Warranty
The St. Croix triumph series fishing rods are backed with a five-year warranty. This means you can return the rod to the manufacturer if it develops a mechanical problem within five years after purchase. With such a warranty, you are assured that the rod will serve you for quite some time.
Premium-Grade Cork Handle
The handle feels comfortable, and it ensures your grip is strong throughout your fishing. It is a handle that will ensure you enjoy your fishing experience.
Specifications
- Weight: 0.2 pounds
- Warranty: Five years
- Brand name: St. Croix
- Color: Titanium
- Size: 5 Inches- Feet
- Action: Fast action rod
Pros
- Five years warranty
- Made of graphite
- Gives you worth of your money
- Trusted brand
Cons
- The reel seat lock feels weak
- Not a great option for deep fishing
Verdict
St. Croix fishing rods are usually of high quality, and this one is no different. It is durable, easy to use, and comfortable. You can use it with most lines, and it is perfect for trout . It is a rod I highly recommend for anyone looking for the Quality trout rods in 2020. It’s good rated on Amazon, which suggests high quality.
Why Choose an Ultralight Rod for Trout Fishing?
Ultralight rods have become quite common in recent years, and it is because of a good reason. In fact, anyone planning to fish in freshwater lakes and rivers should consider switching to them. Here are a few reasons why you should consider an ultralight rod.
- You can use it in any style.
- Anyone can use the reel since it’s not heavy.
- You can cast over long distances without much struggle.
- Comes in a wide range of size and shape, so you can choose the specifications that suit you the most.
- Easy to maintain and quite durable.
- Cost-effective
- You won’t get tired while fishing since it is light weight
Features You Should Lookout for While Choosing an Ultralight Fishing Rod
Selecting a rod can be as easy as walking into the local store and buying a rod for forty dollars. It is the easiest way, but not the best way. There are various features that determine the functionality and comfort of a rod. You need to consider all of them to buy quality rods that you will not regret buying.
Length
Since you are choosing a fishing rod for trouts, you should go for rod lengths that range between six and eight feet. The perfect length for you will be determined by where you plan to fish. If you plan to fish in an alpine creek, for example, you should consider buying a longer rod.
A longer rod will cast farther, though it is slightly less accurate. But since there are no scrubs to contend with, a little less accuracy will not affect your fishing experience. Choose a shorter rod if you want to fish in streams with overgrown scrubs since your accuracy will be crucial here.
Weight
For trouts, the lighter the fishing rod, the better, If you plan to fish in a river, a rod weighing between one and three kilograms will get the job done. Such a rod is enough to toss almost any trout lure, deep streams excluded. If the river is too deep, step up the weight a bit to between two and four kilograms.
Power
Power is the amount of force enough to bend a rod. The power options range from ultralight to ultra-heavy. You should go for an ultralight rod for small fish like trout and panfish.
Action
Action is simply the term used to explain the bending and flexing of a rod when force is applied. The action plays an important role in determining how a rod casts, the energy transferred to the lure, and the sensitivity of the rod tip.
You can find a rod action categorized as either medium, medium-fast action light, or heavy. A rod with light action will cast light lures further, and it handles a trout better when it’s on the air.
Materials
You also need to consider what the fishing rod you are about to choose is made of. There are various materials, and each material has its pros and its cons. The two most used materials in recent years are graphite and fiberglass.
Graphite is light and slightly more sensitive. A graphite rod is also stronger despite being lighter. However, they are slightly more expensive. That said, I think investing a few more dollars and getting the top larger trout fishing experience is worth it. It’s your choice to make, though.
Handle
The comfort of the handle is another thing you seriously need to consider while buying a fishing rod. You will be holding the handle while fishing, and it needs to be comfortable such that you can make hundreds of casts without getting tired. You will know a comfortable handle when you try one.
Packability
It is also important to consider how hard or easy a fishing rod is to pack. An easy to pack fish rod makes your work easy when you are tired after a whole day of fishing.
Balance
The fishing rod that you choose should feel balanced on your hand. An unbalanced rod will make it difficult for you to cast, and your experience will not be as good as it should be. Always test the balance of the rod before buying.
Other features you should look out for include :
- Responsiveness
- Number of pieces of rod
- Recovery, Sensitivity and Brittleness
7 Things to Consider Before Buying a Quality Fishing Rod for Trout
Knowing what to look out for in a fishing rod is great, but it is still not enough. There are more things to consider to find a perfect fishing rod. Some considerations will require you to put a lot of thought into it, while others not so much. Check them out:
Comfort
Don’t concentrate more on the features and designs and forget about what the most important thing is. Even if you find the most durable rod, it will be worthless if it does not feel comfortable. If a rod is not comfortable, you will rarely be psyched up to go fishing. After all, fishing should be fun.
However, when you have a fishing reel with the most comfortable rod, you can cast a hundred times without getting tired. It will make your experience fun and worth every minute. Be sure to test how comfortable a rod is before buying it. You will know a comfortable fishing rod when you hold one.
Durability
If you invest good money in something, you expect it to last for a long time to give you the worth of your money. If it breaks after a few weeks, then it is not worth it. Some manufacturers will hype how durable their rods are, only to purchase them, and last for two weeks.
That said, to know if something is really durable, get recommendations from people you trust. Ask your fishing buddies the rod they’ve been using and how long they have been using them. Alternatively, you can look for recommendations from trustworthy websites. When you get information from a source you can trust, there is less chance of getting disappointed.
Functionality
A durable and comfortable fishing rod will be worthless if it can’t get the job done. For example, if the rod makes the lure hammer into the water, scaring the trout, maybe you should consider changing it. After all, you are buying a fishing rod to catch some fish. A rod that will scare the fish away will not help you achieve this goal.
Maintenance and Repair Cost
Something being durable does not mean it will not face a few mechanical issues from time to time. If the repair costs for these repairs are exceptionally high, then it may not be good enough. I mean, why buy a rod, and if it gets a mechanical issue, it will cost you almost as buying a new one?
Please do some research about the rod and ensure that its spare parts and maintenance needs are readily available. You can use this factor to make a choice between two rods that you have liked but don’t know which one to choose.
Cost
It goes without saying that you should consider your budget before buying a fishing rod. Look for fishing rods within your budget to avoid overspending. However, you should ensure that you have allocated an amount that can buy a decent rod. Remember, cheap is expensive. You should not allow yourself to be overcharged, though. Only go for rods that are worth the price.
Related : Quality Spinning Rod Under 50
Brand
One thing that can help you know if you are using your money on the right products is the brand. If the fishing rod is from an established brand with a good reputation, there is a high chance that it will be worth the price.
Established brands have thousands of users, and they always try to manufacture high-quality products to keep them. Some of the brands you can trust include Fenwick, St. Croix, Shimano, and Abu Garcia. Not to say that only their products are worth considering, though.
Warranty
With a warranty, you can always return a product with a manufacturer’s fault, and they will fix or replace it with another. The longer the warranty, the high the probability the product is durable. If you have some rods you feel convinced are great, use the warranty period to choose between them. Choose the one with the longest warranty.
User Experience
The internet has made it even easy to know how other people feel about certain products. When you visit an online store like Amazon, there is a review section whereby you can find what other users think about a product. Additionally, before a user reviews the product, they are asked to give a performance rating out five stars, five being excellent and one terrible.
The higher the rating, the better the performance of the product is likely to be. Visit these sites and check the rating of a product you want to buy before purchasing it. Be sure to read some reviews too.
Care and maintenance Of Ultralight Fishing Rod
For your fishing rod to last for a long time, you will need to take proper care of it. There is no better care than cleaning it regularly, the right way. To perform excellent cleaning, here are the items you will need:
- A cotton swab
- A hose set that you can use to clean the rod gently. Please do not force the water into the reel, or it may leave debris
- Detergent.
- Water
- Alcohol
Now that you have everything necessary, here are essential tips to help you do the cleaning properly.
- Get the reel out and clean the fishing rod independently. This is even more important if you usually fish in saltwater.
- Use a soft brush to clean the reel seat. Use the cotton swab to wipe and rinse it twice with fresh water.
- If the rod has more than one part, make sure to clean the ferrules. Dib the cotton swab in some alcohol and use it to clean the parts where the rod is connected. These parts are usually prone to dirt.
- Use the cotton swab to clean the guides. Make sure that the cotton swab is soaked in alcohol before you use it to clean the guides. However, be very careful not to leave any cotton traces on them.
- Always check the guides for any nicks and scratches after every cleaning. These scratches damage the line. If you notice some, have your rod repaired to remove them.
Extra Things You Should Keep In Mind
Now that you have a fantastic fishing rod and a reel probably, it is only logical to start fishing. Trout fishing requires some experience, but there are some tips to help you as a beginner. Check them out:
- Always check your gear before you go out. There is always the possibility that your line has been exposed to the sun for too long that it can break with ease. If you are in any doubt with your line, consider changing it.
- Observe the water body before you start fishing. Stay on the banks and observe the fish behavior and position yourself in the right position. If you stand in the right position, you increase your chances of catching something.
- Fish from noon when the weather is milder, and the trout are looking for something to eat.
- Consider using a streamer fly as your bait to change the trout’s menu from other anglers.
- Be sure to stand in a position that does not cast your shadow to the river. Trout fish are always so careful, and you need to remain as discreet as possible if you want to catch them.
- Only carry the necessary items for fishing, such that you have the essentials, and you can move to another location whenever you want to.
Pro Tips to Find Trout Easily
If you are looking to catch some trout, there must be an area where you know you can find them. Maybe you have seen your friends catch them there or you have caught some before. The remaining question is, how do you ensure you catch as many as possible? Well, these pro tips may make your work easier.
- Be sure to use high-quality and sharp hooks. If you use a sharp hook, you will up your fishing game and the chances of catching trout.
- Consider fish density. Be sure to conduct some research to find areas where trout fish are in plenty. When you fish in a place where there are many of them, your chances of catching several increases.
- Consider the weather. Trout are cold fish, and so they are usually in places where the water is the coldest. If it is sunny, the water at the top will be warmer, so trout will be deep down. If it is raining, you can catch trout from the middle or top section of the water.
- Use natural baits such as eggs and minnows. Artificial ones will still get the job done, but your odds are better with natural baits.
- Consider buying trout fishing lures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trout Fishing Rods Answered
This article may have a lot of information about trout fishing, but there are still some questions that I may not have addressed. Below are the answers to the most frequent questions about trout rods.
1. What Is the Perfect Length for an Ultralight Fishing Rod?
Ultralight rods are usually designed to provide anglers with great precision and not casting distances. That said, if you want to cast longer distances, you can choose a rod ranging from six to eight feet. But generally, an ultralight rod measuring about five to seven feet is good enough.
2. What is the Best Ultralight Spinning Rod?
I have provided you with the seven best ultralight fishing rods, kindly compare them and choose the best. Either of the seven is good enough for trout .
3. Why Should I Choose Ultralight Fishing Rods?
There are various reasons why you should choose ultralight rods, including :
- Easy to maintain and repair
- Relatively cheaper
- Strong enough despite being light
- Easy to use
A final Note for Beginners
Now that you know everything you need to know about ultralight rods and trout fishing, it is time to put that knowledge into work. But before you go out, make sure to practice how to cast either a spinning reel or a baitcaster reel. That way, your experience will be more fun since you how to do it right. It may be hard at the beginning, but it gets easier with time. Keep on practicing, and you will enjoy the fruits of your hard work
