Trout fishing is a pastime that requires patience, skill, and a bit of skill. But it’s not just about knowing where to find those crafty fish, it’s about having the right gear. And while fly rods, lures, and lines all play their part, it’s the fishing reel that can truly make or break your experience out on the water.
Now, selecting the right fishing reel for trout might seem like a straightforward task, but the truth is that the sheer volume of options out there can make it quite daunting. From spinning reels to fly fishing reels, every piece of equipment has its strengths and weaknesses, and its suitability can change drastically depending on the type of trout you’re aiming for, the environment you’re fishing in, or even your own personal aptitude for the sport.
In this article, we’re going to dive deep into all things trout-reel-related to help you handle this challenge. We’ll be discussing different types of reels, the sizes best suited for trout fishing, important features to look for, the pros and cons of each reel type, and a few personal recommendations for reels that won’t let you down when the big one bites.
Different Types of Trout Fishing Reels
In the world of fish angling, specifically trout fishing, there are three main types of fishing reels you need to familiarize yourself with:
- Spinning reels
- Baitcasting reels
Fly fishing reels Each comes with its unique characteristics, which cater to different conditions and angling styles. Here’s a closer look at each of these and why they matter.
Spinning Reels
This type of reel is arguably the most common and easy to use, especially for beginners. Spinning reels have a fixed spool under the rod, and the line is drawn out by the weight of the lure, bait, or tackle. They can accommodate lightweight lures, a feature that makes them particularly suitable for trout fishing.
Baitcasting Reels
These reels come with a revolving spool positioned at the top of the rod, giving them the advantage of more power and accuracy during casting, especially for heavy lines and lures. They, however, require a bit more experience to operate effectively and may not be the first choice for novice anglers.
Fly Fishing Reels
Fly fishing is arguably the purest form of angling and involves using hand-tied flies that mimic small insects or aquatic life to lure fish. The reel in this case plays a less active role during casting, but a crucial one during retrieval and fighting the fish. Fly fishing reels have a simple design and are easier to use in specialized fly fishing scenarios.
Different Materials for Trout Fishing Reel Frames
Choosing the right material for your trout fishing reel frame is akin to selecting the right foundation for a house. The material impacts the reel’s overall performance, weight, durability, and also your wallet. There are three primary materials often used for trout fishing reel frames:
- Aluminum
- Graphite
- Plastic
Let’s delve into the pros and cons of each.
Aluminum Frames
Aluminum frames are hands down the sturdiest and most robust of the three. They hold up well against the stress of fighting a big trout, keep all the internal components in ideal alignment, and essentially offer matchless rigidity.
However, a key drawback of aluminum is its weight. Though lightweight, it’s generally heavier than graphite and plastic counterparts, which might be a factor if you plan for long fishing days.
Graphite Frames
Graphite is lighter than aluminum, which makes reels with graphite frames a joy to handle, especially for prolonged periods. In terms of durability, though, graphite frames can twist or warp under high stress, potentially leading to realignments and lowering the reel’s lifespan.
Plastic Frames
This material is the most budget-friendly choice. Generally found in lower-end reel models, plastic frames are super lightweight, making them perfect for youngsters or novices who are just starting out. However, bear in mind that plastic frames lack the strength and rigidity of the other two materials and may not withstand larger fish or frequent use.
What Size Reel is Best for Trout Fishing?
Choosing the ideal size for your trout fishing reel is like selecting the right tool for any job – it can affect and enhance your outcome significantly. Size in ‘reel talk’ refers not to the physical dimensions of the reel itself, but the line capacity (related to the spool size). By and large, the target trout species, the type of water body you’re fishing in, and the specific fishing technique you employ, will determine the reel size you need.
Now, let’s get a handle on numbers. Many manufacturers denominate reel sizes in thousand unit increments. For instance, they might list a reel as a ‘2000’ or ‘2500’ model. But don’t let these numbers intimidate you. They’re simply measures of the reel’s line capacity. Generally, a 1000 to 2500 reel size is considered ideal for trout fishing.
Different Types and Sizes of Reels for Different Trout
Now that you know about a couple of the different kinds of reels out there, you need to understand that different types of reels are best for different kinds of trout. Let’s go over a few different species of this fish and which reels are best.
Brook Trout
These beautiful fish are usually found in cold, clear, rocky streams in the mountains. Despite their name, they’re actually a member of the char family and are typically smaller in size.
When fishing for Brook Trout, you don’t need a large reel. A smaller, lightweight reel, such as a Waterworks-Lamson Guru S Reel, will do just fine. You want something that provides the sensitivity to feel the trout’s subtle bite, but also has the durability to handle the occasional larger catch.
Rainbow Trout
These fish are known for their fighting spirit and acrobatic jumps when hooked, which can make them a fun but challenging catch. In this situation, you might want to consider a reel with a sturdy drag system and a higher line capacity, like a Nautilus XS 2/3 Fly Reel.
Brown Trout
Brown Trout can grow to be quite large, with some catches exceeding 20 pounds. When you’re battling a fish this size, you need a reel that can withstand the fight. In this case, you could go with a larger reel, such as a Ross Reels Evolution FS Reel, to ensure you have the line capacity and retrieval power needed.
Lake Trout
Lake Trout, often found in deep, cold lakes, can grow enormous — the world record is over 100 pounds! Because of their size and the depth at which they’re found, a larger reel with a deep spool and strong drag system is necessary. A Sage Enforcer Reel could be a good choice here.
Features to Look for When Choosing a Good Fishing Reel for Trout
When it comes to choosing the best fishing reel for trout, there’s more to consider than simply picking up the first reel you spot that looks cool. I’d love to help you navigate this process, so I’ve compiled a handy list of key features to look for when choosing your fishing reel:
Drag Systems
The drag system is arguably one of the most critical aspects of a fishing reel. When fighting trout, you want a smooth, high-quality drag that will allow you to maintain control without the reel seizing or stuttering. For instance, the Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel features a durable, high ranged, and smooth drag system which is perfect for trout fishing.
Reel Sensitivity
This is another feature that tends to get overlooked. However, it’s quite essential, especially when trout fishing. A sensitive reel allows you to feel even the slightest nibble on your line. In this regard, I have found the Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel to be particularly effective due to its precision elliptical gearing system.
Ball Bearings
In general, more is better. Ball bearings contribute to the smooth action and longevity of the reel. Aim for a reel with at least four ball bearings like the Shimano Sahara FI, providing smooth performance across a range of trout fishing conditions.
Reel Weight and Material
You want something durable, lightweight and resistant to rust. Most high-quality reels are made from aluminum, graphite, or a combination of both. Consider the Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel – it’s not only lightweight due to its graphite body, but it also boasts a sealed drag system for increased durability.
Gear Ratio, Line Capacity, and Retrieval Rate
A gear ratio of around 5.1:1 is great for trout fishing as it provides enough speed for line retrieval while maintaining enough power for dealing with feisty trout. Meanwhile, a good line capacity of around 100-200 yards (for the average trout angler) is often more than enough, while the retrieval rate should be fast enough to make it easy to get your line back in when needed.
Choosing a fishing reel for trout isn’t as simple as pulling any reel off the shelf. But if you follow these guidelines and suggestions, I’m confident you’ll find a winning reel that will enhance not only your trout fishing but also your overall enjoyment of the sport.
Considerations When Choosing the Right Fishing Reel for Trout
When embarking on a trout fishing adventure, the first question that always comes to mind is, “What’s the right fishing reel for me?” To help you answer this question, there are a couple of different things you’ll need to keep in mind.
Fishing Environment and Trout Species
Are you planning to fish in a tranquil, small stream or a large, complex river system? Different species of trout inhabit different environments, and each situation may call for a specific type of reel.
For instance, if you’re headed to small, high-gradient streams, an ultralight spinning reel might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re facing larger, deep rivers where trout are bigger, a larger baitcasting or fly fishing reel such as the Nautilus CCF-X2 Fly Reel may come in handy.
Balance
Indeed, a well-balanced rod and reel setup can make all the difference! When selecting a reel, keep in mind the size of your rod. If your reel is too heavy for your rod, casting becomes a hassle, and you could end up with unnecessary fatigue. Conversely, if your reel is too light, you could struggle with larger, energetic trout.
Your Angler Skill Level
Are you a newbie trout angler or perhaps you have years of experience under your belt? Spinning reels are generally simpler to use and are excellent for beginners. Once you have more skill and confidence, you might want to try your hand at a baitcasting or fly fishing reel, like the Sage Spectrum LT Reel, which requires more practice but offers precise casting and control.
Budget
Just like any other tool, fishing reels can have a broad price range. High-end reels can definitely make trout fishing easier and more productive, but plenty of less expensive models do a stellar job, too. Remember, the key is to find a reel that suits both your personal needs and budget.
The Best Gear Ratio for a Trout Spinning Reel
When you’re choosing a trout spinning reel, one factor that plays a crucial role, but gets less attention than it deserves, is the gear ratio. It relates to speed and power, two variables that are pivotal to your fishing success.
Gear ratio might seem technical, but it’s actually quite simple. It represents how many times the bail rotates around the spool with a single turn of the reel handle. So, if a reel states a gear ratio of 5.2:1, that means with one crank of the handle, the bail spins around the spool 5.2 times.
In my opinion, the best gear ratio for a trout spinning reel falls around 5.0:1 and 5.2:1. This gives you an excellent balance of speed and torque.
For example, for a gear ratio of 5.0:1, this reel’s balance of power and speed can serve you well when you’re fly fishing in both riverbeds and out on the lake. Another fantastic gear ratio is 5.2:1, which allows for versatility.
High Gear Ratios
Let me tell you, higher gear ratios give high-speed retrievals — it allows you to pull the line back to you faster. This comes in handy when you’re fishing for swift swimmers or when you want to catch your lure out of the water swiftly to recast it.
Lower Gear Ratios
On the flip side, a lower gear ratio reel will retrieve slower but with more power. It’s useful when fishing with heavy lures or in situations where slow and steady retrieve is beneficial. That’s often very true with trout fishing.
Reel in Trout With the Right Fishing Reels
The right reel for you depends heavily on your personal interaction with the species of trout, the specific environmental conditions you anticipate wrestling with, and your level of comfort and familiarity with different fishing techniques.
As you choose your gear, you’ll want to consider these factors. So, whether you opt for a user-friendly spinning reel or a more precise fly-fishing reel, there are plenty of options out there for every angler.
Ready to take the plunge and purchase fishing reels for trout to add to your gear box? Head over to Jesse Brown’s Outdoors and browse our collection. Or, subscribe to our newsletter to get insider deals, tips, and sales for when you are ready to make a purchase.