I am wanting to get into trout fishing without ever going trout fishing. I plan to mostly fish the Chattahoochee River by kayak and am thinking I'll use PowerBaits but might mix it up. Will mostly be catching smaller trout but there has been some nice sized trout pulled out of the Hooch. Don't mind spending extra to get something nice but also not looking to spend extra just to be able to say I have a fancy rod. 

There is so many options, But if you asking for one rod to do everything I highly recommend Lelands TCB made by B&M. As you can see I have three of them and I am very happy with them.

I prefer a shorter rod for trout because I want accuracy above all else.

Rod should be 6 ft - 6.5 ft long with a fast tip in med light or light.

Reel doesn't need alot of drag, just very smooth drag and I prefer a bigger reel for higher line pickup when I'm on a river.

Trout are smarter and more timid than bass. Good luck.

5 hours ago, PaulVE64 said:

I prefer a shorter rod for trout

 

Most of the time I do as well. Usually when I'm trout fishing I'm in close quarters on a small stream, with overhanging trees and brush. Having a long rod would be cumbersome. I have a couple trout rods that are 5' and 5'6". Good for slinging a 1/8oz rooster tail or slip-bobber rig in tight spaces. 

For medium creeks and small rivers I prefer more length. And if you’re bait dunking especially so again. For what you’re saying, I’d be using a 1/8-3/8 7’ light spinning rod and a 1000 sized reel. That’s my go to for trout when I need to fish any type of weighted bait like two spit shot and small worm. 

I agree with Jar, if there is a lot of growth and the river is tight, I like a 5’6” - 6’ ultralight or light.   If there is more room, I actually like a 7’ - 7’6” to throw light lures farther and take up line on longer casts.  Again, I like ultralight or light to load the rod and throw them farther.