Best Spinning Reel for Trout Fishing 2023

Sergio Smirnoff

Hello, my name is Sergio Smirnof, and my goal with FishReeler is to provide a valuable resource for anglers of all levels, from beginners to experienced veterans. I hope that my passion for fishing and dedication to the sport shines through in the content I create and inspires others to get out on the water and catch some fish!

Trout fishing is a popular activity among anglers because it provides an opportunity to catch a variety of fish. While there are many different types of trout, the most common type caught in the United States is the rainbow trout. Rainbow trout can be found in streams, rivers, and lakes across the country, making them a perfect target for fishermen. In order to have successful trout fishing trips, it is important to use the best spinning reel for trout fishing.

Best Spinning Reel For Trout Fishing Reviews

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the top-rated spinning reels on the market and help you decide which one is right for you. We’ll also share some tips on how to use a spinning reel for trout fishing and give you some pointers on choosing the right lures and bait. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, read on to learn more about choosing the perfect spinning reel for trout fishing!

1# Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Pflueger President Spinn Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Ball Bearings: 6+1, 9+1

Pflueger’s President spinning reel is perfect for anglers who demand quality, want a lightweight reel without sacrificing strength and insist on having the latest features. It features a corrosion-resistant stainless steel main shaft and components, 9 stainless steel ball bearings (6 on the PRESSP20 model), an instant anti-reverse bearing, machined and ported double-anodized aluminium spool, braid-ready spool, slow oscillation gearing for smooth retrieves, smooth multi-disc drag system, solid aluminium bail wire, a soft-touch knob for easy control even with wet hands, convertible retrieve – left or right hand retrieve – and on/off anti-reverse.

Pros
  • Lightweight without sacrificing strength

  • Smooth oscillation gearing for smooth retrieves

  • Solid aluminium bail wire

  • Soft-touch knob for easy control

Cons
  • Some anglers complain that it’s not as durable as they would like

2# Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Elite Spinning Reel

Bass Pro Micro Lite Elite Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Ball Bearings: 6+1

Looking for a great spinning reel for crappie, trout and other panfish? Check out the Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Elite. It features a smooth 7-bearing system with Powerlock instant anti-reverse, double-anodized aluminium spool, machined-aluminium folding handle and carbon fibre drag. Plus, it’s corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for all your fishing adventures!

Pros
  • Smooth 7-Bearing System

  • Powerlock Instant Anti-Reverse

  • Double Anodized Aluminum Spool

  • Machined Aluminium Folding Handle

  • Carbon Fibre Drag

Cons
  • It can be difficult to find replacement parts

3# Daiwa Regal LT Spinning Reel

Daiwa Regal LT Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1, 6.2:1, 5.3:1
Ball Bearings: 9+1

Give yourself a reel advantage with the Daiwa Regal LT spinning reel! Its rigid, lightweight carbon frame is combined with a smooth 9+1 bearing system and ATD drag for serious fish-fighting power. The machined aluminium handle is also incredibly lightweight and comfortable to use, letting you focus on landing that big one. So step up your game with the Daiwa Regal LT spinning reel!

Pros
  • Lightweight carbon frame

  • Smooth 9+1 bearing system

  • ATD drag for serious fish-fighting power

  • Machined aluminium handle

Cons
  • The reel is not resistant to salt corrosion

4# Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier 2 Spinning Reel

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.1:1, 5.0:1
Ball Bearings: 7+1

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the Bass Pro Shops® Pro Qualifier 2 Spinning Reel is perfect for any level angler. This reel features an aluminium body for smooth performance and a corrosion-resistant stainless steel main shaft. It also has an 8-bearing system with Powerlock™ instant anti-reverse, 7 shielded stainless steel ball bearings, and a machined, double-anodized aluminium spool. The multi-disc drag ensures smooth operation, while the titanium-coated line roller prevents line damage.

Pros
  • Aluminium body for smooth performance

  • Corrosion-resistant stainless steel main shaft

  • 8-bearing system with Powerlock™ instant anti-reverse

  • 7 shielded stainless steel ball bearings

  • Machined, double-anodized aluminium spool

  • Multi-disc drag ensures smooth operation

  • Titanium-coated line roller prevents line damage

Cons
  • It may be too heavy for some anglers

  • The reel has a fixed spool

5# Okuma Avenger ABF Spinning Reel

Okuma Avenger ABF Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
Ball Bearings: 6+1

The Okuma Avenger ABF Spinning Reel is a smooth and durable reel with a bait feeder system. It features micro-adjustable secondary drag for bait feeder tension, corrosion-resistant frame, side plate, and rotor, CFR Cyclonic Flow Rotor technology, Computer-balanced RES II Rotor Equalizing System, Machined anodized aluminium spool, Machine-cut brass pinion gear, 6 +1 system with stainless steel ball bearings. Quick-Set roller bearing; Multi-disc Japanese oiled-felt drag provides a Rigid metal handle with TPE knob.

Pros
  • Smooth and durable

  • Bait feeder system

  • Micro-adjustable secondary drag for bait feeder tension

  • Corrosion-resistant frame, side plate, and rotor

  • CFR Cyclonic Flow Rotor technology

  • Computer balanced RES II rotors equalizing system

Cons
  • Customers say that this reel is not easy to use

6# Daiwa QR Spinning Reel

Daiwa QR Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.1:1
Ball Bearings: 3+1

The Daiwa QR Spinning Reel is a quality ultralight reel that is good for anglers targeting panfish or trout. The compact and light design is perfect for ultralight rods, yet the reel is strong enough to handle bigger fish. With features like a sturdy graphite frame, aluminium ABS spool, 3+1 ball bearing system with infinite anti-reverse, and aluminium fold-away handle with Soft Touch knob, the Daiwa QR Spinning Reel is a great choice for any angler.

Pros
  • Compact and light design

  • Sturdy graphite frame

  • Aluminium ABS spool

  • 3+1 ball bearing system with infinite anti-reverse

  • Foldaway handle for easy storage

Cons
  • The reel is a little too light for some anglers’ liking

  • Some people have had issues with the drag system

7# Shimano Stella SW Spinning Reel

Shimano Stella Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.6:1, 4.9:1, 6.2:1, 5.7:1
Ball Bearings: 13+1

The Shimano Stella SW Spinning Reel is the toughest, smoothest, and most durable spinning reel in saltwater. It features an IPX8-rated waterproof body, rigid all-metal HAGANE Body, inertia-reducing X-Rigid Rotor design, and X-Rigid 1-Piece Bail for ultimate strength and performance. The ThePropulsion Line Management system keeps your line in pristine condition, while the cold-forged, super-strong HAGANE Gears provide unmatched power and durability. The Silent Drive internal meshing system ensures smooth operation, and the X-Ship bearing-enhanced gear support provides even more strength and stability.

Pros
  • Rugged and Durable

  • X-Rigid Rotor Design

  • Cold Forged HAGANE Gears

  • Silent Drive Internal Meshing System

Cons
  • None

8# Lew’s Custom Speed Spin Spinning Reel

Lew's Custom Speed Spin Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1, 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 9+1

The Lew’s Custom Speed Spin spinning reel is built for anglers who demand the best in terms of performance and durability. Featuring an all-aluminium body and sideplate, flush-and-drain ports (except 100 model), and a C60 carbon skeletal Speed Rotor, this reel is designed for fishing success. The double-anodized, braid-ready knurled aluminium spool provides superior strength and resilience, while the high-strength Speed Gears with aluminium pinion ensure smooth operation. The stainless steel main shaft and premium 10-bearing system provide exceptional durability, while the Smooth, sealed carbon-fibre drag offers superior fish control.

Pros
  • All-aluminium body and sideplate

  • Flush-and-drain ports (except 100 model)

  • C60 carbon skeletal Speed Rotor

  • Double-anodized, braid-ready knurled aluminium spool

  • High-strength Speed Gears with aluminium pinion

  • Stainless steel main shaft

  • Premium 10 bearing system

  • Smooth, sealed carbon fibre drag

Cons
  • Expensive replacement parts

9# Okuma Makaira Spinning Reel

Okuma Makaira Spinning Reels

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Specification

Retrieve: Left
Gear Ratio: 5.8:1
Ball Bearings: 9+1

With its astonishing drag performance and Hydro Sealed body and drag, the Okuma Makaira Spinning Reel is perfect for conquering saltwater big game fish. It features a forged aluminium body, side plate, and rotor with full-body corrosion-resistant coating, as well as a machined aluminium anodized spool with LCS lip. The rotor brake ensures smooth, consistent spinning, while the 17-4 grade stainless steel pinion gear and oversized spool shaft provide added strength and durability. The 9 + 1 system with HPB bearings ensures silky-smooth operation, and the dual anti-reverse provides backup for when those big ones make a break for it.

Pros
  • Forged aluminium body, side plate, and rotor with full-body corrosion-resistant coating

  • Rotor brake ensures smooth, consistent spinning

  • 17-4 grade stainless steel pinion gear and oversized spool shaft provide added strength and durability

  • 9 + 1 system with HPB bearings ensures silky-smooth operation

  • Dual anti-reverse provides backup

Cons
  • It can be a bit tough to get used to using this reel, especially if you are used to a different model

10# Daiwa Exceler LT Spinning Reel

Daiwa Exceler LT Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Ball Bearings: 5+1

The Daiwa Exceler LT Spinning Reel is a high-performance reel that is built with Daiwa’s Light but Tough technology. It is a compact size and has fatigue-free handling. The Housing is made of Carbon Light Material and the Air Spool is made of aluminium to reduce weight. The Rotor is carbon-composite and the drive is Digigear. It has a 5+1 ball bearing system with a roller bearing and a machined aluminium handle.

Pros
  • Light but tough housing

  • Carbon spool, aluminium drive, Digigear and machined handle

  • Compact Size

  • Fatigue Resistant

Cons
  • It can be difficult to crank the handle when there is resistance on the line

11# Shimano Spheros SW Spinning Reel

Shimano Spheros SW Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 6.0:1
Ball Bearings: 3+1

Shimano’s Spheros SW spinning reel is designed for the serious saltwater fisherman. It features a rigid, all-metal Hagane body that is resistant to rust and corrosion. The Coreprotect water repulsion technology ensures smooth operation even in the harshest conditions, while the Super-hard Hagane Gearing provides maximum power and durability. The X-Ship pinion gear support system delivers unparalleled smoothness and power, and the 3+1 S A-RB shielded anti-rust bearings provide lasting reliability. Finally, the Cross Carbon Drag system provides reliable stopping power even when fighting big fish.

Pros
  • Hagane body is resistant to rust and corrosion

  • Coreprotect water repulsion technology ensures smooth operation

  • Super-hard Hagane Gearing provides maximum power and durability

  • X-Ship pinion gear support system delivers unparalleled smoothness and power

  • 3+1 S A-RB shielded anti-rust bearings provide lasting reliability

  • Cross Carbon Drag system provides reliable stopping power

Cons
  • Limited colour availability

12# Quantum Cabo PT Spinning Reel

Quantum Cabo Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.3:1, 4.9:1
Ball Bearings: 7+1

The Quantum Cabo PT Spinning Reel is a professional-grade reel for serious gamers. It features 8 PT bearings, hybrid ceramic bearings in high-load areas, a sealed Magnum CSC Drag, and a sealed Magnum Clutch for smooth, consistent performance.

The TiMag titanium fail-proof bail system with magnetic trip ensures reliable operation, while the LMS line management system with ball-bearing line roller keeps your line organized and tangle-free. SaltGuard 2.0 multi-layer corrosion protection provides maximum durability against the elements, and SCR™ alloy body and side cover deliver superior strength and heat dissipation. The carbon fibre composite rotor on 40 and 50 models offers added weight savings and improved balance, while the super-hard.

Pros
  • Hybrid ceramic bearings in high-load areas

  • Sealed Magnum CSC Drag

  • TiMag titanium fail-proof bail system with magnetic trip

  • LMS line management system with ball-bearing line roller

  • SaltGuard 2.0 multi-layer corrosion protection

  • SCR™ alloy body and side cover

  • Carbon fibre composite rotor on 40 and 50 models

Cons
  • No cons for the product

13# Abu Garcia Elite Max Spinning Reel

Abu Garcia Elite Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1, 5.6:1
Ball Bearings: 6+1

The Abu Garcia Elite Max Spinning Reel features a smart, durable pro-style design, with a light, tough IM-C6 carbon body and lightweight rotor. The Everlast bail system ensures long-lasting durability, while the Rocket Spool Lip Design improves casting performance. The Rocket Line Management System ensures smooth, even line lay, while the 6 HPCR stainless steel ball bearings plus roller bearing provide silky-smooth operation. The Carbon Matrix drag system provides powerful fishing performance.

Pros
  • Light, tough IM-C6 carbon body and lightweight rotor

  • Everlast bail system for long-lasting durability

  • Rocket Spool Lip Design improves casting performance

  • Rocket Line Management System ensures smooth, even line lay

  • Carbon Matrix drag system provides powerful fishing performance

Cons
  • Really no cons that we found

FAQ

Is a spinning reel good for trout?
A spinning reel can be a good option for trout fishing, but there are also other options that may work better in certain situations. Some fishermen prefer to use baitcasting reels for trout, while others find that fly fishing with a spinning reel is the best way to go. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual angler to decide which reel works best for them.
What size reel is best for trout fishing?
The size of the reel you need for trout fishing will depend on the size of the trout you are trying to catch. A good starting point is to find a reel that can handle at least 12 pounds of line.
What kind of reel is best for trout fishing?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best reel for trout fishing will vary depending on the specific needs of the angler. However, some of the best spinning reels for trout fishing include the Abu Garcia Revo® SX, the Daiwa Sweepfire®, and the Okuma Avenger® ABF. Each of these reels has its own unique features that make it well-suited for trout fishing, such as a smooth drag system and a high gear ratio that allows for quick retrieves.
What gear ratio is best for trout fishing?
The gear ratio of a spinning reel is an important consideration when trout fishing. A high gear ratio is ideal for quickly retrieving your line, while a low gear ratio is better for slowly pulling in fish. It’s important to find a reel that has a gear ratio that matches your specific needs and fishing style.

Conclusion

It’s important to know that the Best Spinning Reel For Trout Fishing is not created equally. In this article, you’ll find reviews of some of the top-rated spinning reels for trout fishing, along with a few tips on how to make your decision when purchasing one. I hope these insights will help you decide which product is best for your needs and budget!

Sergio Smirnoff
Sergio Smirnoff
Professional fisherman with 40+ years of experience.
Fishing and the ocean is a passion of my life. I am passionate about all kinds of sea fishing: fishing from the shore (spinning, float, baitcasting), from a boat, and spearfishing day and night.

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).

All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.

Affiliate Disclosure: FishReeler.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Ebay, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop, Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Renn, Okuma, KastKing, etс. Clicking a link helps keep FishReeler.com free, at no extra cost to you!

About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!

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