Best Type of Rod for Trout Fishing

Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Kyle Whitley

best type of rod for fly fishing

Trout fishing is great fun, but it also requires some pretty basic fishing tackle to do correctly. In this post, we will take a look a the many factors that go into choosing the best type of rod for trout fishing.

What to look for when selecting a Trout Rod

Some trout aren’t the same, and some trout streams aren’t the same.

When choosing a rod, consider the type of water you plan to fish with it, as well the average size of the trout you hope to catch.

The rod used to catch large Lake trout in the Great Lakes differs from the rod used to fish for brook trout in a small forest stream.

A good tip is to use a shorter rod when fishing in areas with lots of branches and tangles.

Fishing Rod Information

A good way to tell if a rod is right is to check out the information printed right on it.

Lure weight and line size are the first pieces of the puzzle when choosing a rod. Manufacturers include this info so that people know what kind of fishing rod they’re buying. If you use too light (or too strong) of a lure, it can affect the rod’s casting ability and performance. Using too heavy of a line may result in the rod breaking or causing breakage.

To pick the right rod, you need to check its lure and line ratings and then consider rod length, power, action, and weight.

How long should a trout rod be?

It depends on your preference. Trout don’t put up much of a struggle. If you know what you‘re doing, you can easily use a 5’0 rod and reel to catch a fair amount of trout. Some people prefer 4’6, while others reach out for the 7’0 fishing pole. It’s entirely up to you and what works best for you.

Another thing to think about is where you’re fishing. A longer pole can help you cast further than if you were fishing from land. A shorter rod may be a good choice if you’re fishing around overhanging tree branches and obstacles.

For trout, panfish, or younger anglers, rods under 6’6″ are ideal. Longer rods are popular for some bass techniques, including using swimbaits and cranks and longer rods are also a good choice for anglers targeting steelhead and salmon.

What is the right rod power for trout?

For trout fishing, the ideal rod power is ultra-light, since it lets you cast well with small lure and rig sizes, and this rod weight performs well with lightweight lines. If you want to catch trout, you need to fish in clear water.

Add to this the idea that trout have keen eyesight, and tend to be wary of fishing lines that are too heavy. You’ll understand why the ability to cast light lines is important in order to catch fish.

If you’re fishing in stained water, you can upsize the rod to a lighter power, since that will provide you with more backbone when fighting a large trout. Indeed, if you’re sure that there’s a good chance of hook­ing trophy-size trout, then you can even upsize your rod to a medium power one.

However, always remember that the heavier your tackle may be, the more likely it will be that you’ll scare some of the fish away, so choose wisely in terms of stealth and strength.

What is the right rod action for trout?

Trout fishing requires a moderate to fast rod action. If you’re using an ultra light trout rod, then moderate rod action is best because it’s the most efficient way to cast.

First, it helps to load more effectively when casting small lures and rigging. This results in greater casting distances.

Secondly, a moderate rod has more flexibility than a fast rod, which helps to absorb some of the energy of a hard-fighting fish.

fly rod on dock in autumn

Do You Need a Specific Fishing Rod for Trout

My whole life, I’ve been fishing trout. People who have been fishing for ages with the same rods they’ve been using for decades. Not all rods are created equal.

Before buying a fishing rod, there are several factors to take into consideration. The first thing you need to consider when fishing for trout is the size of the trout you want to catch. A bigger fish needs a bigger fishing rod as well as a better tackle. The most popular rod for catching trout is the 7 foot, but other rods can catch smaller trout as well.

The next thing you need to do is to choose a rod with the right balance of power and sensitivity for your needs. Trout can grow to reach lengths of 6 feet and weigh up to 100 lbs. You need a rod with sensitivity to detect bites, but strength to fight the fish.

Fishing with some really awesome rods has been a real pleasure for me. With all the different types of rods I’ve tried, I’ve been happy with all of ’em. You need to choose a rod for your particular needs. 

Do you need a fly rod?

No! Many beginners believe that you need a fly fishing rod specifically to catch trout, but that’s not true. But spinning rods will work just as well. Like some of the other choices, it’s totally up to you. A good fly rod is another great way to fish for trout, but a spinning rod is just as good.

Fly fishing is a different type of fishing, but if fly fishing is more familiar to you, then that might be the best option for you. That being said, fly fishing usually requires a bit more of a “learning curve” if you’re unfamiliar with fishing. Spinning reels give you more time to get the fish in the net. Either way, you’re sure to have fun fishing for trout.

 

Recommended Fly Rod Features for Beginner Anglers

For new anglers who don’t already own a fly rod, get a medium-sized action fly They’re the most versatile of fly rod designs and are easy to learn on.

For trout fishing, rod lengths should be between 8.5 and 9 feet long. Beginners will not be interested in going any longer, and only need to go shorter if most of their fishing will be done for smaller fish, such a panfish.

The weight of the fishing rod (which means what type of fly line you plan on fishing with) will vary depending on which types of fish you’re trying to catch. For trout fishing, a 4-weight, a 5-weight, or a 6-weight rod is usually best. Personally, I prefer a 4-weight setup, but that’s just my preference. A five-weight rod is probably one of the most versatile rods out there.

Make sure that the weight of your fly rod matches the line you plan on using. If not, you might want to consider buying a different rod. Likewise, make sure the weight (mass) of the fly rod matches that of the fly reel you intend to use.

Fly rods come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. If you’re interested, these are some of the best fly rods available. Rods are available from several different fly fishing shops.

The top-end brands of fly rods are manufactured by the following companies. If you buy any rod from these companies, you’re unlikely to ever outgrow them.

Sage

Winston

G. Loomis

Orvis

To buy these high-end fly rods, you should go to reputable fly shops or large outdoor sporting goods retailers.

What Type of Spinning Rod is Best for Trout

There are so many types of spinning rods available. However, there are some that stand above the rest. A rod for fishing should be sturdy enough to withstand a fish’s strong strikes. However, it should be sensitive enough so that it detects even the slightest nibble on its bait. It should also be lightweight so that it can be easily casted and with precise accuracy.

For beginners, I’d suggest choosing a spinning rod with an approximate line weight of around 16–18 pounds. This will give you plenty of power for most situations and won’t leave you with too much slack on your leader when fishing for smaller fish.

Length is also important. For short casting distances, a 6′ rod is good; for longer distances and larger bodies of water, a rod over 7′ is better.

Most trout fishermen swear that a 7’6″ medium-heavy spinning rod is their best choice, but others prefer a 7” spinning rod with a medium-light action. Try them out to see which one feels best.

How to Choose a Spinning Rod for Trout

You can buy a fishing rod at a local shop and pick the one on sale. This will give you a chance to fish, but is it the best choice for your style?

Before buying a trout fishing rod, there are many factors that you need to take into consideration. We will help you identify the best trout spinning rod for your needs.

Fishermen always want to increase their catch rates so they can land more fish. If you learn about the construction, weight, action and length of a trout rod, then you’ll be able to choose one that suits you best.

Features to Look For in the Best Trout Fishing Rods

Keep the following features in mind while shopping:

Material

Most modern fishing rods are made from graphite.  Graphite is a material famous for being both fast and light. Graphite is significantly lighter than fiberglass, making it an ideal rod material.

Both graphite and fiberglass materials are durable and made to be long lasting. Combining fiberglass and graphite can cause the graphite to become less sensitive than it can otherwise be. That’s one reason why a complete graphite rods is recommended instead.

Action

When fishing, the part of the rod that bends when you start catching fish is called the rod action. Fast action means that most of the rod is stiff and only starts to become flexible near the tip. A slow action rod has a bit more flexibility and curves much more generously than a fast action rod.

Fast action rods are made from materials that bend towards the tip, making them ideal for catching trout.

Fast action rods offer a smoother fishing experience than traditional spinning rods, while providing you with distance, speed, and precision when targeting trout specifically.

Build

You can choose between 1-piece and 2-piece fishing rods.

A 1-piece rods are typically more sensitive than 2-piece rods. 2-piece rods can be broken down for easier storage and for travel.

They’re easy to pack and unpack so you can take them anywhere. It all depends on which one is easier for you.

Length

When choosing the best trout fishing rod, one of the most important considerations is the body of water you’ll be fishing from. Trout are usually found in small bodies of water, so you don’t normally need large rods for them.

If you want to catch trout, you’ll probably need a 7-foot fishing rod. We chose this particular figure because it grows with you.

As you become more skilled, it becomes easier for you and it‘s suitable for anglers at all skill levels.

They also offer a higher tip speed when it comes time for the release, but can be a little harder to “load” up when casting. They’re challenging but rewarding.

If you’re going for small streams, then you may want to consider a smaller rod that’s better suited for fishing in such conditions. The smaller the rod (or pole), the less likely it is to get snagged by any of these foliage traps (e.g., branches).

If this sounds like you, then you’ll probably want to go with a 6’6″ rod.

Sensitivity

If you want to know how sensitive your rod is, you can try this test. Place it on someone’s neck. You should definitely do this with a friend. Ask them for permission first.

When it’s on his/her throat, ask him/her to speak normally. If you can feel vibrations when they talk from the bottom of the rod, then it’s likely sensitive enough to help you detect even the tiniest fish bites.

Ceramic guides are considered to be among the smoothest and most responsive options on the market.

Power

When applied to fishing rods, power refers to how strong the fishing rod is. Some people may even call this “lifting power” or “backbone” and it represents the strength of the rod. They vary from heavy to ultra light and can be paired with a line to ensure optimal weight limits

It’s important to fish with light or ultra-lightweight spinning rod when fishing for trout because it’s going to be easier on your arms as you spend hours fishing.

A lighter rod will help you land your casts better and give you the ability to cast farther every time. It’d be even better if you used a light line with your ultra-light spinning rod.

Summing it up: Best Type of Rod for Trout Fishing

In conclusion, when it comes to trout fishing, there’s no better rod than a graphite rod. They’re lightweight, durable, and offer excellent sensitivity. Plus, unlike traditional rods, graphite rods don’t break after years of use.  You will also want to pay attention to where you are fishing most often, choose a rod length that matches where you fish, and that has a medium to fast action with good power.

It really is all about personal preference, but being comfortable with your equipment will make for a much better fishing trip.