Trout are among the easiest fish to scare so catching them can be a challenge even for seasoned anglers. Nevertheless, if you approach them with the best rod for trout fishing, you definitely increase your chances of catching these fish.
We are about to delve deeper into this so you may want to stick around to learn more.
High-Quality 12 Best Trout Fishing Rods: Comparison Table
It’s always important to invest in a good stick if you’re planning to head out for a fishing mission. Here’s a review of some of the awesome rods best-suited for fishing trout.
| Ranking | Name | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cadence CR7 Spinning Rod, Fishing Rod | 5 Feet 10 Inches | 3.8 pounds |
| 2 | St. Croix TSS56ULF2 Trout Spinning Fishing Rod | 7 Feet | 0.2 pounds |
| 3 | Shimano Solara 6’6 MH Spinning Spinning Rod | 6 Feet 6 Inches | 3.1 pounds |
| 4 | Shimano Solara 6’6 MH Spinning Spinning Rod | 7 Feet | 0.3 pounds |
| 5 | Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod | 7 Feet | 0.7 pounds |
| 6 | KastKingCalamus Ultra-Light Spinning Fishing Rods | 5 Feet | 1.8 pounds |
| 7 | UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod | 6 Feet | – |
| 8 | Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 6’6″ | 7 Feet | – |
| 9 | Okuma Celilo Graphite Ultra Light Trout Rods | – | – |
| 10 | UglyStik Elite Casting Fishing Rod | 7 Feet | – |
| 11 | Berkley Lightning Rod Trout Rod | 7 Feet | – |
| 12 | OKUMACelilo Graphite Trout Rods | – | 1 Pounds |
1. Cadence CR7 Fishing Rod with 40 Ton Carbon
This Cadence CR7 Fishing rod is made up of 40-ton graphite and has a stainless steel seat.
Furthermore, it is excellent for freshwater fish like trout, walleye, and bass.
One downside though, is that the drag is not that tight as many would expect.
Key Features
The fact that this fishing rod is available in many lengths, configurations, and actions, make it an ideal spinning rod for any angler.
Besides, the rod has been made with material that makes it durable and remains affordable.
Pros
- Good for freshwater
- Stainless steel material
- Premium components
- List Element
Cons
- Drag is not tight
2. St.Croix Trout Freshwater Spinning Rod
This rod is extremely lightweight and sturdy by the fact that it is made out of SC II graphite, which is also backed up with SC VI graphite.
Besides, its seats are of the Sea guide XMS split style model, which is known to be very comfortable and highly sensitive.
Key Features
The St. Croix rod has a premium-grade cork handle that gives you a good grip and keeps you comfortable for a long time.
Also, the thread wraps have a two-layer coating of Flex-Coat slow-cure finish to make the rod durable.
Pros
- Very sensitive
- Fast action
- Materials are of high quality
Cons
- Has misaligned guides
Also read: 10 Best Rod for Walleye Fishing – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews & Minn Kota Terrova Review: The Facts You Need To Know
3. SHIMANOSolora 2 Piece Spinning Rod
Often rated as the best rod for trout fishing, this rod by Shimano provides enhanced portability and durability.
In addition, the handle features a classic design and secure reel seats; this is quite likable. Don’t you think so?
Key Features
The rod comes in some varieties ranging between medium-light and medium heavyweights and lengths of between 5.5 to 7 feet long.
Moreover, the rod’s surfaces are made smoother by the black aluminum oxide and give it durability in the long run.
Pros
- Two-piece design
- Affordable
- Portable
Cons
- Limited lengths and weights
4. St Croix Triumph Spinning Rods
This fishing rod offers you the power to cast in a much longer distance with its length of 6.6 inches.
Besides, you will use less effort while reeling in your catch.
On the downside, some users have complained about the rod having a stiffer tip than expected.
Key Features
This rod is believed to be built for strength and sensitivity since it has a great hook-setting and also comes with a top of the line cork grip.
Additionally, the guides are made from hard aluminum oxide that ensures its durability.
Pros
- Fuji DPS Reel Seat
- Accurate, smooth and well-balanced
- Made from high-quality materials
Cons
- Stiffer tip
5. UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod
This GX2 is an embodiment of the upcoming generation of stick rods, and it is a reflection of the company’s legacy, which has been brought together into this fishing rod.
This fishing rod will give you a smooth, balanced feel as soon as you have it in your hands.
Nonetheless, it is mainly made to handle medium and smaller fish, and using it on large fish might not ideal.
Key Features
This spinning rod has been made strong, durable, sensitive, and reminiscent of the Ugly Stik premium rod construction.
In addition, the strong shaft has been made from a mixture of graphite and fiberglass, which ensures both flexibility and strength.
Pros
- Portable
- Rust-resistant
- Strong and sensitive
Cons
- Bends little too easily
6. KastKingCalamus Ultra-Light Spinning Fishing Rods
This has been considered as one of the lightest rods because it is ultra-thin and ultra-light.
This makes it the most ideal for fishing crappie, trout, smallmouth bass, and other species.
On the flip side, the rod might be extra-sensitive to some of them.
Key features
This rod comes in a two-piece that is assembled into one to make a 6-inch long rod for on-the-go fishing.
In addition, its sensitivity is enhanced even to assist beginners to feel the bite easily.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- High-quality components
Cons
- Might be extra sensitive for some anglers
7. UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod
This spinning rod by Ugly Stick is almost similar to our product #5, which also comes from the same company.
The most notable distinctive feature is that unlike the other product, which is 6-inch long, this one is 1-inch longer.
Key features
This rod also comes in two parts that are joined together to give the 7-inch fishing rod. This means that it is very portable.
Additionally, the rod has a clear tip that is vital for both sensitivity and strength.
The rod is also very durable and lightweight as it has been made using graphite and fiberglass.
Pros
- Durable
- Portable
- Sensitive
Cons
- Might bend too easily
8. UglyStik Elite Spinning Rod 7′
This is yet another 7-inch spinning rod from Ugly Stik that promises to give you a good time as an angler.
Besides, the rod has been made using 35 % more graphite to ensure that it will not break easily and will have a good feel.
A downside of the rod is that it is believed to be more substantial when compared with the GX2 due to additional graphite.
Key Features
The rod is not only hard-wearing but also sensitive and well balanced. It is not easy to break either.
The rod offers a super-light and extra sensitive fishing experience.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable and compact
- Affordable
Cons
- A bit heavier
9. OKUMACelilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra-Light Trout Rods
Okuma design most of their fishing rods with trout in mind. This one is specifically designed with sensitive graphite construction.
Moreover, it features light-colored, lengthy cork handles, and a sleek black blank.
Key Features
The handles are made with a thru-blank design with fore and rear grips to offer extra control.
Additionally, they come with a standard pipe reel seat and a stainless steel hook keeper to increase its convenience.
Pros
- Gorgeous rods
- Super lightweight
- Graphite construction
Cons
- Tip breaks easily
10. UglyStik Elite Casting Fishing Rod
Just like the other fishing rods from Ugly Stik, this Elite Casting Rod has been made with the toughness that you expect any rod to have while fishing.
You might enjoy working with it because it is not only tough but also good looking.
Key Features
This Ugly Stik Elite Casting rod has been made with cork grips with logo etched into the handle to keep you comfortable.
This ergonomic handle also gives you a good grip to ensure the rod does not easily slip.
Furthermore, the rod is believed to be long-lasting as it is made from graphite, which is very tough.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Pretty good construction
Cons
- Breaks easily
11. Berkley Lightning Rod Trout Rod
This stick might be the best choice for anyone looking for affordability.
Besides, it has one of the best sensitivity while still being durable. It is believed to stay as good as new for quite a while.
However, the rod is very delicate and breaks easily if not handled with great care.
Key Features
This rod boasts one of the best blank construction. It comes with fiberglass construction, which not only makes it durable but lightweight.
Besides, the handles are also very ergonomically designed to give you the comfort you require when you are fishing.
Pros
- Ergonomic handles
- Affordable
- Suspended reel seat for optima; energy transmission
Cons
- Breaks easily if not well handled
12. OKUMACelilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra-Light Trout Rods
This is one of the best rods you can find for fishing trout and other freshwater fish.
Many anglers all over the world are believed to have placed it first on their recommendation list because of how good it is.
However, many might differ with that and critique it for having a weak feel.
Key Features
The rod has a durable and sensitive graphite blank that enables you to feel even the slightest contact a fish makes.
Besides, the graphite construction makes the rod extremely lightweight, and you can go for a long period without having muscle crumps.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Highly sensitive
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Weak feel
Buying Guide for Trout Fishing Rods
Here are several factors to consider when purchasing a rod for trout fishing.
Rod Length
When it comes to trout fishing, the length of rod largely depends on the water conditions you anticipate.
Longer rods are best for open water and long distance casting. This also offers extra advantage for controlling your catch in open water.
Shorter rods are most suitable for areas that are more compact because they are easier to manage in such conditions.
Rod Material
Current trout rods are typically made of graphite and for good reason.Graphite is an excellent choice because of the durability it offers.
This makes it possible to use your rod even in saltwater, which can be very harsh to your fishing gear.Another material to consider is fiberglass because it offers the same durability.
Consider getting a rod made from a combination of the two materials and you have a winner!
Rod Style
Generally, trout fishing is done with a tackle and spinning reels. Nevertheless, spinning reels come in different designs so you should always ensure that your reel of choice fits and accurately matches your equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about what we have discussed so far? The ones we have answered below can help you get a clearer picture.
How long should a trout rod be?
The average rod length is between six to eight feet. You should pick the length depending on where you are going to fish.
Longer rods are best for open waters while shorter ones work best for places where there are obstacles.
What is the best hook size for trout?
Ten to twelve feet should do.
Can trout see a fishing line?
Trout are unable to see the fluorocarbon lines because they are invisible underwater.
Best Choice
The Cadence CR7 Fishing Rod seems like a satisfactory choice to us. It comes with premium quality features and is highly practical. That’s why we think it’s worth getting if you’re setting out for trout fishing.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect rod for trout fishing should be based on the length, weight, and action. If you are on the hunt for these fish, you should keep in mind that they easily get scared and the right fishing gear is what will help you land a catch.
With this guide at your disposal, that is definitely possible.