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best spinning reels for trout

​Best Spinning Reels For Trout – King Of The River Guide!

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Trout is one of the most popular choices among anglers, but few know that such a fish can be a real challenge. Despite its popularity, it brings in a tremendous amount of work, especially for new and intermediate anglers.

Choosing the best spinning reels for trout becomes an obvious necessity after a few failed attempts to get anything.

​Best Spinning Reels For Trout

When browsing the best reels out there, chances are you will run into plenty of options. Some of them are better than others, while others are so efficient that they seem to be specifically developed for trout. I have “test driven” a few of these babies, but I have also taken some suggestions over professional communities like Trout Nut.

Here are the best options I could find so far.

Top spinning reels for trout

Best Value For Money: Daiwa BG Spinning Reel


The BG reel from Daiwa features a series with 10 different models in various sizes, as well as three gear rations – anything between 1500 and 8000. No matter what your fishing necessities are, this wide range means you can easily fight something suitable – from a small trout to a heavy shark.

The reel is relatively new when compared to other models from Daiwa. Most importantly, it comes with some features that you can normally find in the brand’s high end reels.

The black anodized housing is one of my favorites. Not only that, but you also have a machined aluminum design. We all know how efficient this kind of style is, especially when it comes to facing corrosion, scratches and bangs.

The anodizing design is referred to as Hard Bodyz and is self explanatory. It will withstand scrapes and bumps like no other.

The Digigear system is also worth some attention. Basically, you get oversize gears. They are cut in a digital process. While there is no official information on the process, I believe it is the efficient result of CNC machining.

Since gears are larger than normal, it means more teeth are in contact simultaneously, so the retrieve is much smoother than in other reels. You can tell the difference right away, especially if you are upgrading from a poor quality reel.

Another big benefit of this style is the extra power and torque, especially when you deal with large and aggressive fish. All in all, these reels are available in three different gear ratios – 5.7:1, 5.6:1 and 5.3:1. You can literally handle any kind of fish out there.

The handle can be screwed in. It sounds like extra work. I thought it would not be as solid as a through handle style, but I was wrong. The result? No play at all. The unit feels solid and durable.

In terms of balance, you will love the air rotor design. It is quite innovative if you ask me. The stress and power is evenly distributed over the whole reel. Furthermore, this type of design is 15% lighter than classic rotors.

When it comes to the spool, it is based on aluminum and is dynamically cut. The casting experience? Flawless! Everything is smooth, while knots and twists are history. The ABS spool also features a rubber ring, which means you can get straight to it with a braided line.

Last, but not least, you get a 6+1 ball bearing system. All bearings are made of stainless steel and can resist rust. They are not shielded though, so they still require a bit of maintenance. Personally, I give the reel a rinse after every fishing session. It barely takes a minute.

The size you choose will dictate the capabilities of this reel. If you get the 4000 size or a smaller option, you will have an infinite anti reverse system. If you get a larger size, you will have an infinite dual anti reverse system.

Pros

  • Extremely smooth operation
  • Strongest drag in the segment
  • Hard anodized body
  • Solid handle

Cons

  • Ball bearings are not shielded for water protection

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What do other anglers say?

“I simply could not find a more complete spinning reel in this price range. I am happy with my choice and it holds well so far. It has a strong drag – probably the strongest in my personal reel collection.”

Give it a try here.

Editor’s Choice: Pflueger President XT Spinning Reel

Pflueger has also impressed its audience with cost efficiency. You know no matter what kind of spinning reel you need, you will get good value for your money. The President XT model makes no exception – it has a great price for the features it comes with, but it will also become one of your best reels for trout.

Personally, I have always chosen Pflueger for another reason. These reels are reliable, no matter what. Whether you get a Pflueger reel as a backup or as your main unit, you know you can always count on it, regardless of how heavy or aggressive your fish is.

Smoothness is one of the elements that drew my attention right away. I mean… Look at the bearing system. You have a solid 9+1 ball bearing system. There are reels for trout out there with a 3+1 system, so you can imagine the difference. Consistency is just as important, whether you cast or retrieve.

The spool is braid ready, so no more hassle – another great advantage over other reels in this range.

The drag system is based on carbon. It is sealed, so it keeps water, dust and debris out. It is a matter of durability and performance. I still rinse my reels after each session, no matter how little maintenance they need.

Now, moving on to the main shaft… It is made of aluminum. It is about 25% lighter than stainless steel. In other words, you get less weight, while performance and strength are untouched.

To make all these even better, the reel comes in more sizes, so you can easily find something suitable.

In terms of comfort, you will love the handle and the knob. They are comfortable and perfect for any hand size. The handle is not that big, but the knob ensures you will not feel any pain around your thumb. Forget about fatigue and discomfort if you spend too much time fighting fish.

Pros

  • Very lightweight for the features it comes with
  • High level of smoothness for this segment
  • More sizes available
  • Comfortable knob

Cons

  • The knob does not seem too durable

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What do other anglers say?

“I love this reel. It literally requires no maintenance at all, while its features make it feel like a high end unit. I still recommend giving it a rinse every now and then. Overall, it is a great buy!”

Check it out here.

Pflueger President Spinning Reel


Mostly known as an economy reel, the President unit from Pflueger does not seem to impress at a first glance. However, as you touch it and look at it, you realize there are plenty of features that you would normally find in more expensive spinning reels. Its main role is to provide the fishing industry with an affordable and efficient solution.

There are five reels in this series and each of them comes with a different drag pressure or line diameter, yet the whole collection can stand out in the crowd. Most sizes are suitable for trout, but you can also use it for panfish, catfish or even walleye.

The graphite body is one of the first signs of a top notch product. It is not just lightweight, but also durable. Then, the manufacturer has relied on stainless steel for the handle and shaft, which is very likely to tackle corrosion with no issues at all. The spool is made of aluminum. It is double anodized and braid ready.

The Sure Click Bail system is a unique technology that ensures you know when it is fully closed. You get an audible signal. It is made of durable aluminum. Other than that, you have a good anti reverse bearing, which you can also turn off.

Do not overlook the triple coated spool lip and line roller either, not to mention the multi disc drag system. It is positioned in the front and feels extremely smooth.

The President models in this series are quite varied. They come with a 9+1 bearing system, apart from the 6920 unit – 6+1 bearing system. The reel weighs between 5.9 ounces and 10.9 ounces, while the drag pressure varies between six and 12 pounds.

Line recovery is just as efficient – between 20.7 and 30.2 inches per revolution, depending on the size you choose. You will not need a lot of trout, but keep in mind there is a good chance you will go for other fish as well.

Pros

  • Quality materials used in its design
  • Excellent for more types of fish
  • Braid ready aluminum spool
  • Comes in more sizes

Cons

  • Maximum drag pressure could have been higher

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What do other anglers say?

“I cannot really complain about this reel. While I had better, the price is hard to ignore. It gets the job done. It will not stand out in the crowd as you browse the market, but it does what it is supposed to do. This is all that matters.”

Check it out here.

Abu Garcia Pro Max Spinning Reel


You know my passion for reels that implement high end features without costing a fortune. In fact, I think pretty much everyone is after this trend – you want good value for money, right? Well, let me introduce you to Abu Garcia’s Pro Max reel then – packed with excellent features and a great performance, but without a massive price tag.

The reel can successfully compete against some of Abu Garcia’s most expensive products when it comes to features and capabilities. The difference? No fancy materials in its design. With all these, you can still count on a quality reel.

For example, think about the graphite body. The rotor and frame are made of the same material. It is durable and lightweight, but it also looks good. Now, how about the spool? It is based on machined aluminum and comes with the Rocket Spool Lip Design – a true innovation in this field.

The bearing system? Impressive and better than in more expensive products. You have a seven bearing system (one roller bearing) that ensures a smooth operation. If you have used smaller systems before, you will notice the difference right away.

Featuring the already famous Rocket Line Management System, the Pro Max makes a statement – casting and retrieving will not cause any issues at all. The line goes where it is supposed to go. You can cast farther, but you will also control the line at all times.

The list goes further. Abu Garcia has brought in the Slow Oscillation system to ensure a proper line lay, as well as the Everlast bail for a top notch durability. Simply put, you would get all these systems and features in super expensive products, but Abu Garcia somehow managed to keep the price low. I wonder how the brand managed to do it, but to be perfectly honest, I am not that eager to know. As long as the reel does its job flawlessly, I am happy.

Pros

  • Excellent spinning reel for the price
  • Impressive smoothness
  • Excellent in line management and casting
  • Lightweight construction that does not affect the balance on the rod

Cons

  • There might be a bit of play in the handle after too many uses

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What do other anglers say?

“I bought this spinning reel for one of my smaller rods. The combo is fantastic. I have a smooth reel and a great drag. I have yet to lose a fish… So far, so good! I think it will become the most important reel in my collection.”

Give it a try here.

Customer Favorite: Abu Garcia Revo X Spinning Reel

The Revo X reel from Abu Garcia is one of the latest additions to the Revo collection. Being familiar with Abu Garcia’s quality standards, I thought I would get lots of performance and reliability. After all, the brand has always come up with innovative reels. Well, I was not surprised – this reel is likely to impress you with its capabilities.

At a first glance, I found the reel to be quite compact. It is relatively small. The body is based on insert molded C6 carbon, which is lightweight and durable. Plus, it adds to the overall appearance if you really care about it. Then, you have six HPCR ball bearings made of stainless steel, as well as a roller bearing for a smooth experience.

The Rocket Line Management System simply could not miss. It boosts the casting distance, but it also clears out all the frustration associated with tangling line, knots and twists. The spool is braid ready and made of aluminum.

The Everlast bail system is not to be ignored either, while the gear system is excellent for trout of all sizes. The knob is made of PVC. It is quite large and stands out, making the retrieval piece of cake, even when you fight large fish.

Other aspects worth being mentioned include the graphite rotor and the Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system. This kind of system is proprietary, so no other brand has it.

Get ready to feel a bit confused regarding the sizes, but there are a few tricks to overcome this problem. Think about the fish you go for. I know, you are interested in trout, but chances are you will catch other fish as well. Besides, consider the waters you normally go fishing in.

Pros

  • Good casting distance
  • Incredibly smooth
  • Comfortable and easy to use
  • Lightweight profile

Cons

  • Might need a bit of oil for smoothness

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What do other anglers say?

“I cannot comment on the durability of this reel, but I have to admit I tried it with larger fish than what it can take and it does a good job. This is how I test my reels and this one will most likely last for ages.”

Give it a try here.

Conclusion

In the end, deciding on the best spinning reel for trout is not such a challenging task if you know what you want. Keep in mind you are likely to use this reel for other species of fish too, so a bit of versatility is a must.

All in all, the above mentioned products are among the top rated reels on the market, so chances are they will get the job done for you.

While trout is your main priority, you have to do your homework and think about other fish species in your area too.