What Size Reel For Trout Fishing? Our Proven Practices
Fishing for trout can be an exhilarating experience, but having the right gear is crucial to making the most out of your fishing trips. One of the essential pieces of equipment is your fishing reel. In this guide, we’ll share our insights and recommendations to help you select the better reel size for your trout fishing adventures.
Understanding Reel Sizes and Their Importance
Factors to Consider
Type of Trout
Different trout species vary in size. Brook and rainbow trout are typically smaller, while brown and lake trout can grow significantly larger. Your reel size should match the expected size of the trout you’re targeting. For smaller trout, a 1000 to 1500 series reel is ideal. For larger species, consider a 2000 to 2500 series reel.
Water Conditions
In small, narrow streams, a lighter reel (1000-1500 series) is preferable. These reels allow for more precise casts and better maneuverability in tight spaces.
Larger bodies of water often house bigger trout and require longer casts. A 2000 to 2500 series reel offers better line capacity and durability, making it suitable for these conditions.
Personal Preference
The reel should feel comfortable in your hand and balance well with your rod. A well-balanced setup reduces fatigue, allowing for longer and more enjoyable fishing sessions.
Beginners might prefer lighter reels for easier handling, while more experienced anglers might opt for larger reels to target bigger fish and handle tougher conditions.
Why Reel Size Matters?
The size of your reel is crucial for successful and comfortable trout fishing. A well-matched reel ensures smooth casting, adequate line capacity, and appropriate drag.
Smaller spinning reels (1000-1500 series) are ideal for light lines and tight casting in small streams.
Larger reels (2000-2500 series) hold more lines for longer casts in larger waters, preventing lost fish and broken lines during sudden trout runs.
Using the correct reel size also ensures proper drag settings and a balanced setup, reducing fatigue and improving casting accuracy. Smaller reels have lighter drag for small to medium trout, while larger reels provide stronger drag for bigger fish.
Common Size For Trout Reels
Ultra Light Reels (Size 500-1000)
Ultralight reels are perfect for small streams and creeks, especially when targeting brook or rainbow trout. These reels are lightweight and offer high sensitivity, crucial for delicate presentations. For example, the Shimano Sedona 500 and Daiwa Legalis 1000 are excellent choices.
Ultralight Fishing Reels: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight: Easy to handle, reducing fatigue during long fishing sessions. Ideal for all-day fishing without feeling weighed down. | Limited line capacity: Holds less line, which can be a disadvantage in larger bodies of water. Risk of running out of line during long fish runs. |
| High sensitivity: Excellent at detecting the slightest bites, improving hook-up rates, especially with finicky trout. | Less drag power: Lower drag settings may struggle with larger, more aggressive trout, making it challenging to land big catches. |
In our experience, ultralight reels excel in environments where precise casts and subtle lure presentations are essential. The light lines and small lures used with these reels make them ideal for catching smaller trout without spooking them.
Light Reels (Size 1000-2000)
Light reels are more versatile, making them suitable for larger rivers and lakes where you might encounter various trout species. We recommend the Pflueger President 20-25 or the Shimano Nasci 1000 for their balance of line capacity and drag.
Ultralight Fishing Reels: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight: Easy to handle, reducing fatigue during long fishing sessions. Ideal for all-day fishing without feeling weighed down. | Limited line capacity: Holds less line, which can be a disadvantage in larger bodies of water. Risk of running out of line during long fish runs. |
| High sensitivity: Excellent at detecting the slightest bites, improving hook-up rates, especially with finicky trout. | Less drag power: Lower drag settings may struggle with larger, more aggressive trout, making it challenging to land big catches. |
Using light reels allows us to fish in a wider range of conditions. Whether fishing from the shore of a lake or wading in a river, these reels provide the right mix of power and finesse, making them ideal for various trout fishing scenarios.
Medium Reels (Size 2500-3000)
Medium reels are ideal for handling larger water bodies and bigger trout. They offer higher line capacity and stronger drag systems, making them suitable for more challenging fishing conditions. Our favorites include the Shimano Stradic 2500 and the Daiwa Procyon MQ 2000.
Medium Fishing Reels: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher line capacity: Can hold more lines, allowing for longer casts and better handling of fish that make extended runs. Crucial for larger lakes or rivers where trout can swim far distances. | Heavier weight: Heavier than light and ultralight reels, which can lead to fatigue during long fishing sessions. Less comfortable for extended use, especially with frequent casting and retrieving. |
| Stronger drag system: Equipped with more powerful drag systems, essential for managing larger and more aggressive trout. Helps in controlling the fish effectively and reducing the risk of losing your catch. |
We find medium reels to be indispensable when targeting larger trout in deeper waters. The increased drag and line capacity help manage the power of bigger fish, ensuring we can land them without undue stress on our gear. Despite their heavier weight, the benefits they provide in handling larger trout make them a valuable addition to our fishing arsenal.
Matching Reels with Rods
Ultralight Rods
When you’re fishing in small streams or creeks, ultralight rods paired with size 500-1000 reels are a dream. Take, for example, the Shimano Stimula UL 5’6″ rod combined with the Shimano Sedona 500 reel. This combo is light in your hand and perfect for those delicate casts where space is tight. It offers fantastic sensitivity, so you’ll feel even the slightest nibble, making it ideal for targeting smaller trout.
Light Rods
Light rods paired with size 1000-2000 reels are like the Swiss Army knife of fishing gear. They strike a great balance between sensitivity and power, making them versatile for various fishing spots. A setup we love is the St. Croix Triumph TRS60LF rod with the Pflueger President 20 reel. Whether you’re casting in a fast-moving river or a peaceful lake, this combo gives you the flexibility to handle different environments and fish sizes with ease.
Medium Rods
For those bigger water bodies and larger trout, medium rods with size 2500-3000 reels are the way to go. Imagine using the Okuma Guide Select Pro rod with the Shimano Stradic 2500 reel. This setup has the muscle to handle tough conditions and bigger fish. It’s robust enough for those extended fishing trips where you’re likely to hook some hefty catches, giving you the strength and line capacity needed to reel them in successfully.
Line Recommendations
The type of line you use plays a significant role in your trout fishing success. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right line for different setups:
Ultralight: For ultralight setups, use a 2-4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon line. These lines are perfect for delicate presentations and small trout, providing the sensitivity needed to detect subtle bites.
Light Line: For light setups, opt for a 4-6 lb test mono or fluorocarbon line. This range offers a good balance between strength and sensitivity, making it suitable for a variety of fishing environments and trout sizes.
Medium Line: For medium setups, go with a 6-8 lb test mono or fluorocarbon line. These lines provide the necessary strength to handle big fish and more challenging conditions.
We prefer using fluorocarbon lines for several reasons. Their low visibility in water helps in catching more wary trout, as the line is less likely to spook them. Fluorocarbon also offers better sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest bites.
Also, it has superior abrasion resistance compared to monofilament, making it more durable and effective in various fishing scenarios.
Check our recommendations on Best Fishing Line For Trout, Mono, Fluoro, or Braid
Lure and Bait Suggestions
Choosing the right lures and bait can significantly improve your chances of catching trout. Here’s what we recommend for different setups:
Ultralight Setup: For ultralight setups, small spinners like Rooster Tails or mini crankbaits are top choices. These lures mimic small prey and attract trout effectively. Additionally, small soft plastics with lifelike action can be incredibly effective, especially in clear water where trout are more cautious.
Light Setup: With a light setup, medium-sized spinners and spoons like Kastmaster are highly effective. These lures provide good action and can cover a lot of water. Small soft plastics also work well, and adding a bit of scent to your lures can increase your chances of attracting trout. Scented lures can entice more strikes, especially when the fish are less active.
Medium Setup: For medium setups targeting larger trout, larger spoons, spinners, and live bait rigs are the way to go. Nightcrawlers or minnows on a size 10 treble hook can be particularly effective for bigger fish. These baits provide natural scent and movement, making them irresistible to larger trout.
In our experience, using a variety of lures and changing them frequently can help you find what the trout are biting on any given day. Observing water conditions and trout behavior is key to deciding which lure to use at different times. Adjusting your approach based on these factors can significantly increase your success rate.
You should check this before getting a lure for trout fishing: What Color is Trout Most Attracted To?
Also, check our recommendations on Best Lures, Jerkbaits, and Crankbaits for Trout.
Our Experiences and Recommendations:
Budget-Friendly Option
If you’re just starting or looking for a budget-friendly option, the Ugly Stick Combo for $40 is a great choice. This setup is reliable and widely available, perfect for beginners. The five-foot ultralight rod is both durable and forgiving, making it ideal for learning the basics of trout fishing without worrying about damaging your gear.
Mid-Range Choice
For those who can spend a bit more, we recommend the Okuma Celilo paired with a Pflueger President reel, which costs around $100. We’ve had great success with this setup, especially in different fishing conditions. It provides the right balance of sensitivity and strength, making it versatile enough for most trout fishing situations. This combo offers a noticeable upgrade in performance without breaking the bank.
High-End Setup
If you’re serious about trout fishing and willing to invest in high-quality gear, the Shimano Stradic CI4 paired with an Okuma Guide Select Pro rod is the way to go, priced at $300+. This setup offers exceptional performance and durability.
The smooth drag system and lightweight construction of the Stradic CI4 make it a joy to use, especially on long fishing trips. This high-end gear enhances your fishing experience, allowing you to handle bigger trout and more challenging conditions with ease.
Check our recommendations on Best Spinning Reels For Anglers – Top 10 Tested + Reviewed
FAQs
Is a 2500 Reel Good for Trout?
Absolutely! A 2500 reel is great for trout fishing, especially in larger rivers and lakes. It balances line capacity and drag strength well, making it perfect for handling bigger trout and allowing for longer casts. In our experience, using a 2500 reel provides the versatility needed for various fishing conditions.
Is a 2000-size reel Good for Trout?
Yes, a 2000-size reel is versatile and ideal for trout fishing in various conditions. It offers enough line capacity and drag power for most scenarios, making it suitable for moderate-sized rivers and lakes where trout sizes can vary.
Is a 4000 Reel Good for Trout?
Generally, no. A 4000 reel is too large for typical trout fishing. It’s designed for bigger fish and heavier lines, which can make it harder to handle and less enjoyable for trout fishing. However, it could be used for very large trout in deep, fast-moving waters, but it’s usually overkill.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Reel:
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your reel clean is essential for its longevity. After each fishing trip, rinse your reel with fresh water to remove dirt and debris. For a deeper clean, disassemble the reel and wash each part with mild detergent. This regular maintenance helps keep your reel in top condition and prevents build-up that can cause damage.
Lubrication
Proper lubrication is crucial for smooth operation and preventing wear. Use reel oil on the moving parts and reel grease on the gears. Make it a habit to lubricate your reel after cleaning and before storing it for long periods. This will keep the components running smoothly and extend the life of your reel.
Storage
Store your reel in a cool, dry place to prevent rust and corrosion. Use a reel cover or case to protect it from dust and physical damage. Avoid storing your reel in direct sunlight or damp areas to maintain its condition. Proper storage is key to ensuring your reel stays in good working order and lasts for many fishing seasons.
