Reels for trout need to balance with the rod. The small ultralight rods use 500-1000 size reels. The rods higher in power will use 1500-3000 size reels. An unbalanced reel and rod lead to fatigue and loss of sensitivity. Quality is another important factor.
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A higher-quality reel is smoother to reel and has a superior drag. The drag must be smooth and easily adjustable. Trout fishing uses light lines and small hooks. The line can break or hooks will tear out, with a poor drag. You are investing in the drag on the reel for trout fishing.
All spinning reels come in left or right-hand retrieve. They are easy to operate making them a good choice for fishing streams and small rivers where trout live.
Choose the right spinning reel for you.
Shimano Sedona FI Spinning Reel
The Sedona delivers performance at a reasonable cost. A Sedona is extremely smooth during the retrieve. The handle gives effortless retrieves. Several ratios and the line retrieve rates remove the slack line quickly. A nice feature for setting the hook. This reel balances and is a comfortable feeling on the rod.
The bail places the line on the roller every time. This reel is consistent in all aspects of performance. This allows an angler to focus on fishing.
- Lighter, stronger, faster, and more durable than ever
- Lighter weight G-Free body construction
- Super-lightweight Magnumlite rotor
- Cold-forged Hagane gears for ultimate durability
- Higher gear ratios (except 1000 size)
- Increased drag power (except 1000 size)
- Smooth, trouble-free 3+1 ball bearing system
- Converts to left- or right-hand retrieve
| Reel Size | Gear Ratio | Bearings | Max Drag | Weight Oz. | Mono Capacity | Braid Capacity | Recovery |
| 1000 | 5.0:1 | 3+1 | 7 lbs. | 7.6 | 6/110 | 15/85 | 26″ per turn |
| 2500 | 6.2:1 | 3+1 | 9 lbs. | 8.6 | 8/140 | 15/145 | 36″ per turn |
| 3000 | 6.2:1 | 3+1 | 20 lbs. | 8.8 | 8/170 | 20/140 | 36″ per turn |
Daiwa Regal LT Spinning Reel
A Regal LT is a good choice for a budget-conscious person. The reel is light and performs well. It is well suited for shorter rods to achieve a good balance. The drag is higher but maintains a smooth operation when a fish is on. Daiwa reels tend to be a workhorse with high drags and line capacities.
This reel is the choice for anglers fishing for smaller and larger trout. The drag and line capacity allow for both in a lightweight reel.
- Redesigned workhorse reel
- Part of Daiwa’s Light but Tough series
- A rigid, lightweight true carbon frame
- Balanced Air Rotor with Air Bail system
- Smooth 9+1 bearing system
- ATD drag for smooth power
- Machined aluminum handle
- Converts to left- or right-hand retrieve
| Reel Size | Gear Ratio | Bearings | Max Drag | Weight Oz. | Mono Capacity | Braid Capacity | Recovery |
| 1000 | 5.2:1 | 9+1 | 11 lbs. | 6.7 | 6/160 | 6/320 | 25.5″ per turn |
| 2500 | 6.2:1 | 9+1 | 22 lbs. | 7.4 | 8/240 | 20/170 | 34.5″ per turn |
| 3000 | 6.2:1 | 9+1 | 22 lbs. | 7.6 | 10/280 | 20/130 | 36.8″ per turn |
Pflueger President Spinning Reel
The President is a low-cost and lightweight option. The sizes tend to run smaller with this reel. The 2000 size is like a 1000 to 1500 size by other manufacturers. Look at the line capacity and reel weight for comparison. Having the 9 bearings provides smooth operation. People looking for a reel for trout only will like the President.
This reel is a good-performing reel. The drag is fine and the reel has adequate line capacity. A braid-ready spool is a plus also. As an entry-level reel, it is worth the cost.
- Lightweight graphite body
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel main shaft and components
- 9 stainless steel ball bearings (Model PRESSP20 has 6)
- 1 instant anti-reverse bearing
- Machined, ported, double-anodized aluminum spool
- Braid-ready spool
- Slow oscillation gearing
- Smooth multi-disc drag
- Solid aluminum bail wire
- Soft-touch knob
- On/off anti-reverse
- Converts to left- or right-hand retrieve
| Reel Size | Gear ratio | Bearings | Max Drag | Weight Oz. | Mono Capacity | Braid Capacity | Recovery |
| 2000 | 5.2:1 | 6+1 | 6 lbs. | 6.2 | 4/100 | 6/125 | 20.7″ per turn |
| 2500 | 5.2:1 | 9+1 | 6 lbs. | 7.5 | 4/110 | 6/140 | 22.4″ per turn |
| 3000 | 5.2:1 | 9+1 | 9 lbs. | 8.8 | 6/145 | 8/190 | 25.2″ per turn |
Salmon and Steelhead Reels
The reels for salmon and steelhead trout need to be a little tougher. Anglers will use the reels on larger waters, in some cases saltwater. The reels need more drag, line capacity, and a strong body.
The following reels meet all the criteria a salmon reel needs to have for performance. The bearings are suitable for saltwater use, large line capacities, and sturdy frames are common features. These are the choices for salmon and large trout.
PENN Clash II Spinning Reel
People using a reel in saltwater or brackish waters need to take a serious look at a Clash II. The reel has features designed into the reel to keep contamination out of key areas. This prevents problems with dirt, sand, and salt from accumulating in the reel. The models have a drag ranging from 12 to 15 pounds.
These reels have large line capacities for mono or braided fishing lines. You will get long casts with plenty of line left on the spool. The slower oscillation improves the line lay with all types of lines.
- Full Metal Body and sideplate
- Hydrophobic Line Roller Bearing
- Clutch Armor System
- CNC Gear technology
- 8+1 stainless steel bearing system
- HT-100 Carbon Fiber Drag Washers
- Level-line Slow Oscillation System
- Adapts to either right- or left-hand retrieve
Daiwa Fuego LT Spinning Reel
In recent years, Daiwa has focused on lightweight reels. The lower weight reduces hand and wrist fatigue on long days of fishing. Plus, Daiwa’s mag-seal oils keep dirt and grime away from the critical components. Add in a great performance and you are ready for any size steelhead or salmon.
These reels come with 22 to 26 pounds of drag. A drag this rating can handle large fish easily with the right line. All models boast over 200 yards of line capacity. You will not run out of line.
- Sleek design, yet strong and durable
- Lightweight, sturdy carbon-infused housing
- Air Rotor with Air Bail
- DigiGear computer-driven gear design
- Magsealed technology protects the main shaft
- Buttery smooth 7-bearing (6+1) system
- An extremely powerful drag system
- Ergonomic machined aluminum handle
- Adapts to either right- or left-hand retrieve
Shimano Nasci Spinning Reel
The Nasci is Shimano’s saltwater inshore model suitable for salmon or steelhead fishing. The 2000 to 4000 sizes are the ones that are preferred. Smaller and larger sizes are available. The reel comes with 20 to 24 pounds of drag. The line capacity is lower than expected but more than adequate. Rarely is more than 145 yards of line needed when fishing.
The core-protect helps keep the dirt and salt out of critical areas. A power handle makes retrieving a large fish easier. The balanced rotor and bearings make the reel smooth. You get quality and performance at a reasonable price with the Nasci.
- First reel under $100 with Hagane gears
- X-Ship gear support system
- Core-protect
- G Free Body
- Smooth, stable retrieves; strong and durable
- 4+1 A-RB bearing system
- Super Stopper II
- Cold-forged aluminum AR-C spool
- AR-C line management system
- Dyna Balanced rotor
- Varispeed Oscillation with Power Roller for perfect line lay
- Power Handle for extra leverage
- Adapts to either right- or left-hand retrieve
Note: Reels used in saltwater need cleaning after each use.
Conclusion
Reels for trout and salmon need a smooth operation and a few other key features. The drags need to operate freely and not bind. Also, you need adequate line capacity. Plus, a lighter weight for balance with the rod and to reduce fatigue. The above options all have these features.
The saltwater models have good to excellent protection from the harsher environment with saltwater fishing.