Best Trout Spinning Reels of 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide

A lakeside fishing trip during weekends can work as an escape from daily routines. You know, many people try trout fishing for spending quality time. Isn’t it? However, a good spinning reel will make trout fishing even better and easy.

Therefore, we have brought you a list of the top 5 best trout spinning reels of 2023, which will accompany you to the lakeside for years. 

At a Glance:

Trout Spinning Reels of 2023

DesignReviewsRetailer
Best Pick1. Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel
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2. Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
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Staff Pick3. Cadence CS10 Spinning Reel
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4. Lew’s Mach II Speed Spin Spinning Reel
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Budget Pick5. Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
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1. Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel

Best Pick
BrandPflueger
MaterialAluminum
ColorBlue
Handle materialStainless Steel
Product weight (in Pounds)0.46 Pounds
Hand orientationAmbidextrous

Why We Love It

  • Has an amazing and worthy graphite construction which provides maximum comfort to the angler
  • The size range between 2000- 4000 is perfect for trout fishing as they are small sized
  • Moreover, the sealed drag washers make it possible to use the spinning reel even in saltwater

It’s always the President who is the first choice of many anglers for trout or bass fishing. Yes, you must agree to this fact. Amazingly, the president can handle the weight of the trout easily even though it’s lighter in weight.

Moreover, the lightweight is because of its graphite build so the angler can use it all day long. Besides that the braid ready spool is easier to work with for beginners.

That’s a great choice for beginners.

Best of all, you don’t have to worry about breaking the handle while reeling. You wonder, how?

In fact, the handle is fully made out of stainless steel. Therefore, it won’t break easily unless you do it on purpose.

However, the size is smaller and one of the best reels for trout but don’t use it for heavy saltwater fishing.

Pros

  • Compact reel
  • Best for trout fishing
  • Lightweight construction
  • Super smooth performance

Cons

  • Build is not durable
  • Not for big fishes

Opinion

For trout fishing, the size of 2000 is enough which is provided with this president by Pflueger. Everything is great about this spinning reel including the drag force, retrieve, and smoothness.


However, the only thing which bothered us is its construction quality which is not up to the mark and may break if overloaded. Otherwise, you can go for this reel with a blind eye if you are searching for the Best spinning reel only for trout fishing.


2. Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel

BrandOKUMA
MaterialGraphite
ColorMulticolor
Handle materialEVA
Product weight (in Ounces)8.7 Ounces
Hand orientationAmbidextrous

Why We Love It

  • Weighs only 8.7 ounces due to its graphite construction and is the lightest trout fishing spinning reel in the list
  • The multi disc drag system in the Ceymar provides a powerful and smooth drag all the time
  • Also, the whole body of Ceymar is corrosion-resistant, so you can also take it during your inshore fishing trips

Introduce yourself with one of the best ultralight trout spinning reel. The OKUMA Ceymar will be the perfect choice for your next lakeside fishing trip.

O that’s great.

It’s a small yet powerful spinning reel for trout and bass fishing. Do you know it before? What makes it even more special is at such a cheap price.

Yes, there are many features which are only seen in the top end ones.

You look curious to find out about performance.

Also, 7+1 ball bearings provide an extremely smooth performance while retrieving and casting long distances.

Moreover, the single roller bearing provides an instant anti reverse feature so your line doesn’t tangle or clip while reeling.

What’s about size?

Also, it is available in sizes ranging from 1000 to 6500. However, the size 3000 is the best choice for trout fishing.

Pros

  • Cheap price range
  • Lightest spinning reel
  • 7+1 ball bearings
  • Corrosion resistant coating

Cons

  • The anti-reverse is of no use
  • Cannot be used for heavy tasks

Opinion

As only trout fishing is considered, it will work best for any trout since trout are not that big. Moreover, the graphite body ensures you don’t have to lift heavy weights during fishing trips.
Also, the size 3000 is perfect for trout fishing in lakes.


However, as it is a small spinning reel, do not try to use it for heavy work or overload it. Also, ensure you never over-spool the line as it may become difficult to handle.


3. Cadence CS10 Spinning Reel

Staff Pick

Fantastic!

BrandCadence
MaterialMagnesium
ColorBlue/Black
Handle materialAluminum
Product weight (in Kilograms)0.05 Kilograms
Hand orientationAmbidextrous

Why We Love It

  • The CS10 features 10 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing for an incredibly smooth performance
  • Moreover, the max drag of 36 lbs is more than enough for trout fishing, which requires a good drag system
  • Also, the construction is made of magnesium and carbon, which provides a lightweight yet long lasting and durable build

Have you ever met one of the best and in budget trout spinning reel? Let me tell you the Cadence CS10 has everything you need while searching for the best spinning reel for trout.

Does the drag force is better?

Yes, of course. The super smooth carbon fibre drag system provides an amazing drag force with a max drag of 36 lbs. Moreover, the magnesium and carbon frame make it durable and also water resistant.

So, you can use it during saltwater fishing too.

Are your impressed with these features?

Also, the EVA handle makes the reel stable in your hand even if they are watery. Best of all, the handle material is also aluminum so it won’t break while reeling.

Other than that the 11 stainless steel ball bearings will make it easy for you to cast long distances with no friction at all.54

Pros

  • 11 ball bearings
  • Water-resistant coating
  • It can be used in saltwater
  • The max drag of 36 lbs 9

Cons

  • Line gets tangled
  • Auto bail doesn’t work sometimes

Opinion

If you require a strong metal reel at a medium price for fishing trout, always go for Cadence CS10, as the reel is available in different sizes ranging from 1000 to 4000.

Moreover, it gives a smooth performance while fishing in saltwater too. As only trout fishing is concerned, it’s the best ultralight trout spinning reel.

Also, the gear ratio is 6.2:1, which in turn means a fast retrieve rate which is much required. Therefore, you can get this if you are satisfied. 


4. Lew’s Mach II Speed Spin Spinning Reel

BrandLew’s
MaterialSynthetic
ColorGreen/Black
Handle materialAluminum
Product weight (in Pounds)0.7 Pounds
Hand orientationAmbidextrous

Why We Love It

  • Includes the zero anti reverse system which stops the spool immediately after clicking the button
  • Also, the powerful gears made of solid brass are powerful and offer a gear ratio of 6.2:1
  • It weighs only 0.7 pounds, which is a great deal if you love trout fishing all day long

As only trout fishing is concerned, you can get this best reel for trout fishing if you don’t like the other 3 given above. Yes, you can go for another choice.

What makes it special?

The special thing about this trout spinning reel is its extreme lightweight. Plus, its price range which is a combo offer you won’t find easily.

Best of all, beginners will find this spinning reel to be super easy and smooth to use for its 10 stainless steel ball bearings.

What made us impressed with this spinning reel?

Actually, the spool won’t corrode as it is made out of anodized aluminum for a longer life. However, the handle is not of good quality and may crack if not handled carefully and it’s kinda noisy too.

Are you ready to tolerate it?

Besides that, the high-speed retrieval and casting skills are amazing. Are you going to purchase this unit right now?

Pros

  • High-speed retrieval
  • Casts well
  • Lightweight construction
  • Aluminium spool

Cons

  • May crack
  • noisy

Opinion

If you are the one who doesn’t want to spend your hard-earned money on a mere spinning reel which you are going to use once or twice a year, then this one will be perfect for you. We won’t recommend this spinning reel for heavy fishing as it can’t take too much pressure and can break.


However, the features are great, and it’s lightweight makes it possible to use it for a long day fishing trip.


5. Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel

Budget Pick
BrandAbu Garcia
MaterialSynthetic
ColorRed
Handle materialStainless Steel
Product weight (in Kilograms)0.26 Kilograms
Hand orientationAmbidextrous

Why We Love It

  • Features 8 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing with corrosion resistant coating which makes Revo SX super smooth and long-lasting
  • Also, the C6 carbon body makes it durable yet extreme lightweight and the best choice for trout as well as bass fishing
  • Moreover, the high-quality gears come with a gear ratio of 6.2:1, which is much required for trout fishing

Abu Garcia is one of the best brands you should look for while buying a freshwater spinning reel. Do you understand?

The Revo SX is one of the best trout reels with a small line capacity and a size of 3000 which is perfect for trout fishing as they are not much bigger and are only found in freshwater.

The next feature will surprise you.

In fact, the ball bearings for a smooth performance are of stainless steel and won’t corrode even after coming in contact with water. 

Also, the carbon matrix drag system provides an incredibly smooth and powerful drag which is mostly needed while trout and bass fishing.

However, when it comes to its construction, we think that it’s not up to the mark but it can handle the weight of trout easily. Also, do not overload the reel.

Pros

  • Ultralight spinning reel
  • 8+1 ball bearings
  • Smooth working gears
  • Max drag of 11 lbs

Cons

  • Anti-reverse is not good 
  • Fragile construction

Opinion

It’s the last and best trout spinning reel in this article. The Revo SX should be appreciated for its versatility and the features it provides. It includes an anti-reverse feature, but it stopped working after some time.


Besides that, drag works amazingly and provides great strength during fishing. However, the construction is unexpected and may break if not handled properly.
Therefore, you can get the Revo SX by Abu Garcia if you have a good budget. 


Buying Guide: How to Choose

How to Choose a Best Trout Spinning Reels

Now that you have seen all the best options, you can get for trout fishing. But wait. You should also know the factors to consider while buying a spinning reel for trout fishing.

Are you interested in knowing the reason?

Actually, we want made you never regret your choice and also get the best trout spinning reel. Here we have discussed the top 3 factors you should consider while buying a trout spinning reel. 

Get ready to find what these factors are.

Spinning reel size 

In every buying guide you must have seen the size is always on the top, Isn’t it? it’s because of its importance. The reel size is the most important thing to look for while buying a reel for any specific fish.

Usually trouts are not huge in size so they require a reel of size less than 4000. Have you got it? Keep in mind, anything over that will not work as each size is specified. You can check out our article on spinning reel sizes for more information. 

Durability 

Whenever buying a spinning reel for any kind of fishing you should always look for a durable and long-lasting reel as they will be the best choice in the long run.

In addition, always go for full metal reels if you are up for big fishes. However, for small freshwater fishes like trout and bass a graphite reel will do. Apart from this, do not forget to check the quality of the reel before buying. 

Gear ratio of the reel 

A good gear ratio is necessary when you are looking for a spinning reel specifically for trout fishing. You must know, trout is a very strong fish. It requires a quick retrieve which you will get with a gear ratio between 5.1 and 7.1.

Any gear ratio between these is perfect for trout fishing 

So these are the three most important factors you should look for while buying the best spinning reel for trout. You can choose any of those 5 given above. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What size reel is best for trout?

Any reel size between 1000 up to 4000 will be more than enough for trout fishing as they are not that huge and heavy. You can check out spinning reel sizes if you need more information 

How long should a trout fishing rod be?

We would recommend you to get a fishing rod of length more than 6 feet and less than 8 feet, as they are not too big in size. Also, the rod length depends upon the location of fishing.

Which is the best spinning reel for trout fishing in the market?

We would recommend you to go for the Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel for the best trout fishing experience. Actually, it is a mini spinning reel with a lightweight profile.

What size hooks for trout fishing?

Whenever getting a hook for trout fishing, always go for smaller sizes from 8 to 14 as they can see big fishing hooks under the water. 

Conclusion

So you have made it to the last, that’s great. We have toiled very hard while reviewing the best spinning reels for trout fishing in different circumstances and locations.


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