This is important if you want to be able to fish all day without feeling pain in the wrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below, I\u2019ll tell you all about the best trout spinning reels and who they\u2019re good for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just remember<\/strong> – we\u2019re talking about freshwater trout here, not saltwater trout. Don\u2019t take these spinning reels for saltwater fishing or they will wear down very quickly. (Check #5 for saltwater trout fishing).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pflueger President XT<\/a> (size 30) is the best trout spinning reel overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First of all, the 10 lb drag capacity will be more than enough for even trophy trout<\/strong>, and it could even allow you to catch some small salmon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Second, this is a light spinning reel, weighing only 7.4 ounces<\/strong>. As you know, having a light spinning reel is very important when trout fishing as you\u2019ll be doing a lot of spinning. Otherwise, you\u2019ll get tired (and sloppy) very quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Third, the durability of this reel is pretty good thanks to its aluminum shaft and carbon fiber handle. I\u2019ve been using mine (the older, non-XT version) for 7 years <\/strong>and it still performs very well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, smoothness is top-notch thanks to the 9+1 ball bearings<\/strong>. Speed is also pretty good with the 6:2:1 gear ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only downside is that the line capacity is a bit too much at 255 yards, which means most people will have to spend for fishing line they don\u2019t use. 150\u202fyards would have been more reasonable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All in all, this has been my favorite spinning reel for trout fishing for 7 years now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Shimano Vanford F 2500<\/a> is the best spinning reel for small and medium fish like trout, bass, and even salmon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weighing only 6.3 ounces<\/strong>, this spinning reel will help you catch trout for hours without ever getting tired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As expected at this price point, it also has a pretty high 20 lb drag capacity <\/strong>considering the low weight. As mentioned, this will allow you to fish salmon or bigger rainbow trout without any issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Obviously, the Shimano Vanfor is as smooth as it gets<\/strong> thanks to 7+1 ball bearings. Speed is similar to the Pflueger President with the 6:1:1 gear ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Durability isn\u2019t even a question. I\u2019ve used mine in freshwater for over 9 years and it\u2019s still looking brand new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Shimano Vanford has a perfect 150-yard line capacity<\/strong>, which as mentioned above, will save you a few bucks in unneeded fishing line compared to the Pflueger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All in all, the Shimano Vanford is the best and most versatile spinning reel, but the main downside is its price tag. Only buy it if you\u2019re ready to invest in a premium product that you\u2019ll use for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re on a really tight budget, the Okuma Ceymar 30<\/a> is a decent option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it\u2019s a bit heavier <\/strong>than our 2 former picks at 8.7 ounces, it\u2019s still good enough for most people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The drag capacity is more than good enough at 10 lb <\/strong>(size 30) so you can catch the big one without worrying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of the reduced price tag, I wasn\u2019t surprised to find the Okuma Ceymar to be less smooth than the other 2 picks. I\u2019ve still found it smooth enough <\/strong>for an entry-level pick, and much better than other similar-priced reels out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Okuma Ceymar is quite durable overall, although it doesn\u2019t have a full-metal body. Instead, it has an aluminum shaft and a graphite body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a 110-yard line capacity<\/strong>, the Okuma Ceymar will help you save money on fishing line. However, it\u2019s true that a slightly longer line would have been helpful in certain situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All in all, if you can\u2019t afford the Pflueger President, the Okuma Ceymar is a good alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re ready to invest a bit more for premium gear<\/strong> but the Shimano Vanford is a bit too much, consider the Shimano Ultegra FC 1000<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At 6.3 ounces, this spinning reel is just as light as the Vanford<\/strong> thanks to its composite frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where you\u2019ll see a difference in the drag capacity, as it\u2019s only 6 lb instead of 20<\/strong>. This is partly due to the price difference, but also to the size difference. If you want a 20 lb drag capacity, you can get the 2500 version, although it weighs significantly more at 7.9 oz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is you still get an incredibly smooth reel<\/strong>, just as smooth as the Vanford. It has 5+1 ball bearings, but a slower 5:1:1 gear ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Durability is top-notch and I don\u2019t have any complaints here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 110-yard line capacity is pretty good for most situations, although as said before, I personally prefer 150 yards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All in all, the Shimano Ultegra FC is a premium reel that will last for years<\/strong>, without having to spend for the expensive Vanford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Best Overall – Pflueger President XT 30<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Pflueger](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Pflueger-President-XT-spinning-reel.jpg\")
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2. Best Premium – Shimano Vanford F<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Shimano](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Shimano-Vanford-F-spinning-reel-new.jpg\")
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3. Best Budget – Okuma Ceymar<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Okuma](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Okuma-Ceymar-spinning-reel.jpg\")
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4. Cheap High-End – Shimano Ultegra FC<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Shimano](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Shimano-Ultegra-FC-spinning-reel-705x705.jpg\")
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5. Best Saltwater – Penn Battle III<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Penn](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Penn-Battle-III-705x705.jpg\")
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