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8 Best Spinning Reel for Trout Fishing

When it comes to catching trout, there are a few different spinning reels that are perfect for the job. Some are better than others, however, and it can be tough to know which one to choose. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of using a spinning reels for trout, as well as provide a few recommendations for the best spinning reels for the task.

Spinning reels have been popular among trout fishermen for many years now. There are several reasons for this, but chief among them is the fact that spinning reels for trout offer great casting performance. They also provide very good control over your lure, which is important when fishing for trout. Additionally, spinning reels are generally quite affordable, making them a great option for budget-minded anglers.

As far as determining the best trout spinning reel, we looked at a variety of factors. These factors included:

  • The quality of the drag system
  • The construction quality
  • The price
  • The availability

And so we believe that the Pflueger President spinning reel is the best option for trout fishing because of its smooth drag system, quality construction, and affordable price.

While the Pflueger President may be the best option for trout, there are other great spinning reels on the market that can handle this type of fishing. If you are not interested in the Pflueger President, or if it is not available in your area, we suggest taking a look at some of these other great options that we’ve reviewed below.

Best Overall

4.7/5

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Best For Beginners

4.6/5

Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel

Best by Budget

4.6/5

Okuma Helios Lightweight

1. Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Best Overall

Standout Features:

The Pflueger President Spinning reel is our top choice for catching trout. It has a smooth drag system, quality construction, and an affordable price. The brand Pflueger is a well-known and trusted name in the fishing world, and this reel is made of high-quality aluminum. It is also ambidextrous, meaning it can be used with either hand, and it comes in a variety of colors to match your style.

We like that the hand orientation of this product is ambidextrous because it makes it easier for left-handed anglers to use. In terms of bearing material, it’s stainless steel, which is a good choice for saltwater fishing. Finally, it weighs in at only .46 pounds, making it a very lightweight option.

Different Sizes

This trout reel comes in different sizes 20, 25, 30, 35, 40. When it comes to trout size 20-25 is the best size.

We paired this product with an ultralight rod with a 2-6 pound fluorocarbon line.

2. Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel

Best for Beginners

Standout Features:

The Abu Garcia Revo SX spinning reel is another great option for trout fishing. This reel is made of high-quality aluminum and comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It also has a 10-pound maximum drag force, making it a good option for larger fish.

We like that the Abu Garcia Revo SX has a smooth drag system because it ensures that you won’t lose any fish on the line. Additionally, it has an impressive 6.2:1 gear ratio, meaning you can get your lure moving quickly when needed. Finally, it weighs in at only .16 oz, making it a lightweight option.

One downside of Revo SX is that we had issues in the past because of an anti-reverse failure. This means that the reel would not spin in the opposite direction when we tried to reel it back in. This caused us to lose some fish, which was frustrating.

There are several sizes available:

REVO2SX10: 6-pound/110-yards

REVO2SX20: 8-pound/120-yards

REVO2SX30: 8-pound/175-yards

REVO2SX40: 10-pound/123-yards

3. Okuma Helios Lightweight

Best by Budget

Standout Features:

The Okuma Helios Lightweight Spinning Reel is an amazing product that has many great features. It is extremely light weight, which makes it easy to use and carry around. It also has a quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing, which ensures smooth operation. Additionally, the precision elliptical gearing system provides incredible power and torque. Finally, the 8HBP+1RB corrosion resistant bearings ensure long-term durability. Overall, the Okuma Helios lightweight reel is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high quality spinning reel.

I recently had the chance to use the lightweight reel while fishing for trout. I was really impressed with how well it performed. The light weight made it easy to use, and the quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing ensured smooth operation. Additionally, the precision elliptical gearing system provided incredible power and torque. Finally, the 8HBP+1RB corrosion resistant bearings ensured long-term durability. Overall, the Okuma Helios Lightweight Spinning Reel is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high quality spinning reel.

The only downside of using the Okuma Helios Lightweight Spinning Reel is that it is a bit expensive. However, I believe that the high quality construction and features make it worth the price. Overall, the Okuma Helios Lightweight Spinning Reel is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high quality spinning reel.

4. KastKing Brutus Reel

Standout Features:

KastKing Brutus is one of the most popular trout reels on the market today. It is very cheap and lightweight, making it perfect for those new to fishing or those who are looking for a spare reel. The graphite frame ensures that the reel is smooth and easy to use, while the wonderful customer service team is always on hand to help with any problems. Whether you are looking for your first reel or simply want a backup, KastKing Brutus is an excellent choice.

The Kastking Brutus spincast reel is one of the most affordable options on the market. This makes it ideal for those just starting out in fishing, or for anyone who wants a spare reel.

The graphite frame on the KastKing makes it very lightweight, making it easy to use for long periods of time. This is ideal for those who are new to fishing or who want a reel that is comfortable to use for extended periods.

The graphite frame and roto on the KastKing work together to create an extremely smooth reel. This ensures that your line flows freely off the spool and minimizes any chance of tangles or snarls.

KastKing has a wonderful customer service team that is always on hand to help with any problems or queries you may have. Whether you are struggling to set up the reel or need advice on how to catch trout or any other fish, the team is more than happy to help.

The KastKing Brutus spinining reel is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable, lightweight, and smooth reel. The graphite frame and roto make it easy to use for long periods of time, while the customer service team is always on hand to help with any problems. 

5. KastKing Summer and Centron Trout Spinning Reels

Standout Features:

If you’re looking for a quality spinning reel that doesn’t break the bank, then you should definitely consider a KastKing Summer or Centron Trout spinning reel. These trout reels are both well-made and affordable, making them perfect for beginner anglers. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

One of the best things about KastKing Summer and Centron Trout spinning reels is their price. It’s very affordable, making it a great option for beginner anglers. The reel comes with a variety of features, such as anti-reverse and a multi-disc drag system, which means you get a lot of bang for your buck.

Another great thing about this spinning reel is that it comes in a variety of sizes. This makes it easy to find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a trout reel to use on a small stream or a large lake, there’s sure to be a KastKing Summer and Centron spinning reel that will fit the bill.

One of the best things about the KastKing Summer and Centron Trout spinning reel is that it is lightweight. This makes it easy to use, even for beginners. Plus, since it’s lightweight, you won’t get tired after using it for a while.

The light weight of the KastKing Summer and Centron Trout spinning reel also makes it easy to transport. You can easily take it with you wherever you go, without having to worry about it being too heavy. Whether you’re hiking to your favorite spot or just want to bring your reel with you on vacation, the KastKing Summer and Centron Trout spinning reel is sure to fit the bill.

Another great feature about the KastKing Summer and Centron Trout spinning reel is their smooth drag system. This means that you can easily adjust the amount of drag on the reel, which gives you more control over your fishing experience.

The smooth drag system also helps to prevent line breakage. This is important, especially when you’re fighting a big fish. With a smooth drag system, you’ll be able to fight the fish without having to worry about your line breaking.

I also like that it is not loud when the drag is pulled. This makes it easy to fish without scaring away the fish.

I’d like to add that this Trout spinning reel is that it looks amazing. This reel has a sleek, modern design that will definitely turn heads.

I really like that there is no bail closing snap-back on this reel. This means that you don’t have to worry about your fingers getting caught when you’re trying to close the bail.

The bail on a spinning reel is the metal arm that opens and closes the line on the spool. When it snaps back, it can cause pain and injury to your fingers. Thankfully, this isn’t an issue with the KastKing Summer and Centron Trout spinning reel.

The only downside to the KastKing Summer and Centron Trout spinning reel is that it doesn’t include an extra spool. This means that you have to be careful not to lose your line, since you won’t be able to easily replace it if it gets damaged.

6. Shimano Sienna Spinning Fishing Reel

Standout Features:

The Shimano Sienna Spinning Fishing Reel is a great trout reel for anglers who are looking for quality performance at an affordable price. This reel features a smooth, six-ball bearing drive system that provides a fluid feel when casting and retrieving. It also has a graphite frame and sideplate that make it lightweight and durable. The Sienna also comes with a power handle and an extra spool, making it the perfect choice for anglers who want value and performance in one reel.

I have had a lot of experience with the Shimano Sienna Spinning Fishing Reel. I have used it with the Okuma Celilo graphite lightweight rod and the Kastking SuperPower Braided Fishing line, and it has performed extremely well. For instance, we went fishing for largemouth bass one day and I was able to catch several fish using this reel. The Sienna has a smooth drag system that allows you to fight big fish without any problems, and its graphite frame makes it very durable.

The Shimano Sienna Spinning Fishing Reel is super smooth, thanks to its six-ball bearing drive system. This system provides a fluid feel when casting and retrieving, making it the perfect choice for anglers who want a reel with great performance.

The Shimano Sienna Spinning Fishing Reel is also affordable, making it a great choice for anglers on a budget. It features a graphite frame and sideplate that make it lightweight and durable, and it also comes with a power handle and an extra spool.

The Shimano Sienna Spinning Fishing Reel also has a responsive drag system that allows you to fight big fish without any problems. This system provides smooth performance and consistent power, making it the perfect choice for anglers who want a reel with great fishing capabilities.

The only negative feature of the Shimano Sienna Spinning Fishing Reel is its handle. This handle doesn’t feel as good when reeling as some of the other reels on the market. However, it still provides great performance and value for anglers who are looking for a quality reel at an affordable price.

7. Shimano Vanford

Standout Features:

The Shimano Vanford F is an excellent reel for fishermen who are looking for a quality spinning reel. This reel is designed with a sleek, matte black finish that looks great on any fishing rod. It has an impressive 10-pound drag system that will handle even the largest fish, and its six ball bearings provide smooth performance every time you use it. The Vanford F also comes with an extra spool, so you can easily switch from one type of fishing line to another without having to stop and re-spool your reel. Best of all, this reel is available at a fraction of the cost of other high-end spinning reels on the market today.

The Shimano Vanford F is an impressive reel made with quality materials. The body is constructed from lightweight magnesium, which makes it durable and easy to use. Additionally, the 10-pound drag system ensures that even the largest fish will not be able to break free from your line. The six ball bearings provide smooth performance every time you use the reel, and the extra spool means that you can easily switch between different types of fishing line without having to stop and re-spool your reel.

The Shimano Vanford F is an impressively light reel which makes it easy to use for fishermen of all ages and abilities. Additionally, the smooth retrieve ensures that you’ll never lose a fish again because of a bad drag system. The six ball bearings provide smooth performance every time you use the reel, and the extra spool means that you can easily switch between different types of fishing line without having to stop and re-spool your reel.

The Shimano Vanford F is designed with an ergonomic handle that provides a comfortable grip for fishermen of all sizes. Additionally, the reel has a sleek, matte black finish that looks great on any fishing rod.

8. Shimano Sedona FI

Standout Features:

The Shimano Sedona FI spinning reel is perfect for fishermen looking for quality performance at an affordable price. This reel is built with a cold forged aluminum spool and body, making it both lightweight and durable. It also has a Propulsion Line Management System that ensures smooth and efficient casts every time.

Plus, the Sedona FI comes with Shimano’s X-Protect water resistant coating, which keeps your reel functioning flawlessly in any condition. So if you’re looking for an affordable reel that can handle any fishing situation, the Shimano Sedona FI is definitely worth considering.​

One of the best features of the Shimano Sedona FI spinning reel is its smooth retrieve. This reel is built with a Propulsion Line Management System that ensures smooth and efficient casts every time, which means you’ll have no trouble getting your bait to where it needs to go.

Another great feature of the Shimano Sedona FI spinning reel is its light weight. This reel is built with a cold forged aluminum spool and body, making it both lightweight and durable.

One of the best things about the Shimano Sedona FI spinning reel is its competitive pricing. In comparison to other reels out there, the Sedona FI is an affordable option that still offers quality performance.

Buying Guide: Trout Spinning Reels

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best spinning reel for trout fishing.

This buying guide will help you select the right reel for the job by outlining key considerations such as budget, line weight and drag power.

Brands

When choosing a spinning reel, there are many popular brands to consider. Some of the most well-known brands include Abu Garcia, KastKing, Pflueger, and Shimano.

Each brand offers a variety of different reels with various features, so it is important to do your research to find the best option for your needs.

Shakespeare

Shakespeare is a well-known brand for fishing gear, and they offer a variety of spinning reels. The majority of their reels are affordable, making them a great option for budget-minded anglers.

They also offer some higher-end models with more features, so you can find the perfect reel regardless of your budget.

Okuma Fishing

Okuma is another well-known brand for fishing gear, and they offer a variety of spinning reels as well.

Their reels are typically a bit more expensive than Shakespeare’s, but they offer a wider range of features. If you’re looking for a reel with all the bells and whistles, Okuma is a great option.

Daiwa

Daiwa is a well-known brand for fishing gear, and they offer a variety of spinning reels.

Their reels are typically more expensive than both Shakespeare’s and Okuma’s, but they offer a wider range of features. If you’re looking for the best possible reel, Daiwa is a great option.

Pflueger

Plueger is a brand that is known for making high-quality spinning reels.

They offer a wide range of features, and their reels are typically more expensive than the other brands listed here. However, if you’re looking for the best possible reel, Plueger is a great option.

Shimano

Shimano is a well-known brand for fishing gear, and they offer a variety of spinning reels. Their reels are typically more expensive than both Shakespeare’s and Okuma’s, but they offer a wider range of features. If you’re looking for the best possible reel, Shimano is a great option.

Shimano offers a wide range of different spinning reels, each with its own set of features. This makes it easy to find the perfect reel for your needs, regardless of your budget. They also offer some higher-end models with more features, so you can find the perfect reel regardless of your budget.

Abu Garcia

Founded in Sweden in 1948, Abu Garcia is one of the most well-known and respected brands in the fishing industry. They offer a wide range of different spinning reels, each with its own set of features.

This makes it easy to find the perfect reel for your needs, regardless of your budget. They also offer some higher-end models with more features, so you can find the perfect reel regardless of your budget.

KastKing

KastKing is a relatively new brand in the fishing industry, but they have quickly gained a reputation for making high-quality gear. Their spinning reels are no exception, and they offer a wide range of

Drag Systems

When choosing a spinning reel for catching trout, it is important to consider the drag system. The drag system is what allows you to fight the fish and pull them in. There are three main types of drag systems: star drag, lever drag, and disc drag.

Star Drag: Star drag systems use a star-shaped plate to apply pressure to the line. This type of system is typically less expensive than the other two types, but it also offers less power.

Lever Drag: Lever drag systems use a lever located on the side of the reel to apply pressure to the line. This type of system is typically more expensive than the other two types, but it also offers more power.

Disc Drag: Disc drag systems use a disc located on the spool to apply pressure to the line. This type of system is typically the most expensive, but it also offers the most power.

Spools

The spool is what holds the line and controls how much line is released. There are three main types of spools: fixed spool, open face, and closed face.

Fixed Spool: Fixed spool reels have a stationary spool that does not rotate. This type of reel is typically less expensive than the other two types, but it also offers less control.

Open Face: Open face reels have a rotating spool that is exposed to the air. This type of reel is typically less expensive than the other two types, but it also offers less control.

Closed Face: Closed face reels have a rotating spool that is enclosed in a housing. This type of reel is typically more expensive than the other two types, but it also offers more control.

Ball Bearings

Ball Bearings are essential for any reel, as they allow it to spin freely. They come in a variety of different sizes, and it is important to select the right size for your reel.

The more ball bearings a reel has, the smoother it will spin. Most high-quality reels have at least seven ball bearings.

Budget

Budget is always a consideration when purchasing any type of gear, and spinning reels are no exception. When choosing a spinning reel for trout fishing, it is important to consider the cost of the reel as well as the cost of the line. You also need to factor in the cost of replacement parts, such as bearings and gears. It is important to buy a high-quality reel, but you don’t have to break the bank to do so. There are a number of great reels available at reasonable prices. Just be sure to factor in all of the costs before making your purchase.

Gear Ratio

Gear ratio is an important consideration when purchasing a spinning reel for trout fishing. The gear ratio is the number of times the spool rotates for every turn of the handle.

It is important to select a reel with a high gear ratio, as it will allow you to make more casts per minute. Most high-quality reels have a gear ratio of 5.5:1 or higher.

Size

The recommended size is 10 to 20 for trout fishing spinning reels. The size of the reel is an important consideration when trout fishing. You want to select a reel that is big enough to handle the size of the fish you are targeting, but not so big that it is cumbersome to use.

Most high-quality reels have a capacity of 200 yards or more. However, if you are targeting smaller fish, you can get by with a reel that has a lower capacity. Just be sure to factor in the cost of the line when making your purchase.

Final Verdict

Overall, there are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a spinning reel for trout fishing. You need to consider the cost of the reel, the cost of the line, and the gear ratio. You also need to factor in the size of the reel. It is important to buy a high-quality reel, but you don’t have to break the bank to do so. Just be sure to factor in all of the costs before making your purchase.

When it comes to choosing a spinning reel for trout fishing, my top pick would be the Pflueger President Spinning Reel. This reel has a great gear ratio of 7.1:1, and it is available for a reasonable price. It also has a capacity of 220 yards, which is more than enough for trout. The only downside is that it doesn’t have as many ball bearings as some of the other reels on the market. But overall, I think this reel would be a great choice for anyone looking to purchase a spinning reel for trout fishing.