I spend a lot of time in the Adirondacks (since I go to school there) and have been keen on getting a rod specifically for trout fishing. I’ve been using a finesse spinning setup meant for bass, but it feels a little to long and heavy actioned for the Trout fishing I do (it’s a 7” medium power fast action).

 

What rods would you recommend for an all around trout rod? I will basically be throwing every trout sized bait under the sun (micro jigs/plastics, tiny crankbaits, spinners, and maybe even some live bait). So are there any rods out there that are versatile enough for this?

 

I understand that using one rod for a bunch of different techniques isn’t ideal, but I don’t fish for trout that often and I just want something that works and can stand the test of time 

 

Looking to spend under $150 

 

 

I am using a Kast King Calamus and Perigee ll rods for  trout.

I think if you look at a Loomis or St. Croix line of trout rods you’ll find one that will fit your needs and last half a lifetime. Doesn’t have to be one that cost $300 + either. 

 

But you could certainly go to DICKS and find an Ugly Stik or house brand that is more than adaquite. 

ML anything is fine for trout.

 

Thanks for replies. Would a St. Croix Trout Series 6'4" Light be fine? 

Also, what size reel? I was looking at a Shimano Sahara FI (or maybe something else) in size 1000 or 2500, which would be a better match for the rod above?

 Edit: just realized that Shimano sizing is different from pfluegers... 2500 is too big!

On 8/15/2019 at 1:37 PM, Riversidebassin said:

Thanks for replies. Would a St. Croix Trout Series 6'4" Light be fine? 

Also, what size reel? I was looking at a Shimano Sahara FI (or maybe something else) in size 1000 or 2500, which would be a better match for the rod above?

 Edit: just realized that Shimano sizing is different from pfluegers... 2500 is too big!

I have a Shimano 2500 on a 5'6" Ugly Stik that works very well

I use an okuma sst 7'6" rod that's rated 4-10lb line with a shimano sienna 1000 loaded with 4lb test. It's light enough that a 8 inch now will put a good bend in it but I've used it for catching pink salmon when I wanna have a bit too much fun lol.

Fenwick HMG 7'6" Light 1/16-3/8 is a fine rod.  I use one with a Penn Fierce III 1000 fishing stream trout and it makes for a nice combo.

St Croix Triumph 7’ M/L. Multi purpose trout rod. $120

A lot depends on your budget. The competition in rod building is tremendous. I seriously doubt that there is a "bad" rod out there for any species these days.

 

My recommendation: B n' M's Sam Heaton Super Sensitive in 7' length. Cost effective at around $50.00. And it will do the job of much more expensive rods.

On 8/15/2019 at 12:37 PM, Riversidebassin said:

Thanks for replies. Would a St. Croix Trout Series 6'4" Light be fine? 

Also, what size reel? I was looking at a Shimano Sahara FI (or maybe something else) in size 1000 or 2500, which would be a better match for the rod above?

 Edit: just realized that Shimano sizing is different from pfluegers... 2500 is too big!

That would be great with the 1000 size. I use a 5' UL with a 500 size reel for trout and crappie. A 1000 size with a L rod would be ideal id think and give a bit more casting distance and power for larger trout.