Trout Rod and Reel Combos – Buying Guide, Reviews and Comparison
If you want to save time instead of going through all the reviews and buying advice compiled by our experts, this short paragraph will tell you all you need to about the best trout rod and reel combo. The best product is the Redington Crosswater because the rod is designed to be easy to setup, even for beginners thanks to the alignment markings. The reel also comes pre spooled with fly line so there is very little you have to do to start fishing for trout right out of the box. Since the reel seat is constructed from anodized aluminum you don’t have to worry about rust or corrosion so you can use this combo for fresh or saltwater fishing. If the Redington Crossover is not available you can consider the Leland Sonoma Starter as the second best option.
Comparison table
The Redington Crosswater seems to be a great trout rod and reel combo as it has been designed with the requirements of the user in mind. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble and comes with a reel spooled with fly line. Thanks to its sturdy yet user-friendly build, this model can be used both in saltwater and freshwater with the same great results.
Some owners feel like they would have liked the case that comes in the package if it came with a strap.
This trout combo is one of the top recommended choices out there, so it might be worth a try.
This combo boasts a four-piece rod and a pre-spooled reel that makes it possible for inexperienced anglers to experiment with using it right after having received it. Thanks to the four-piece design, you’ll be able to take the Leland Sonoma Starter wherever your fishing adventures could take you. It’s intended for left-handed people.
Based on what we found about it, it appears that this unit could have come with more straightforward instructions.
This perfectly balanced combo makes an easy to cast option that needs to be taken into account.
Making longer casts is as easy as pie thanks to the Orvis Encounter as it measures 9 feet. Despite its remarkably durable construction, this combo is designed to fit the budget of any eager fishing enthusiast. The medium-action rod can help you catch large fish without sacrificing anything in terms of accuracy. The reel is perfectly balanced.
Several buyers have complained about the fact that the case cannot accommodate the reel as well as the rod.
Since the rod is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, this combo is a good, long-lasting choice.
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Also To Consider
3 Best Trout Rod and Reel Combos (Reviews) in 2024
Now that you know what to look for you can find the best trout rod and reel combos showcased below.
1. Redington Crosswater Outfit Reel Line Weight-5 9-Feet 4-Piece
This four piece combo from Redington is one of the best fly rod and reel combos for beginners. The rod is easy to put together thanks to the small alignment dots so even if this is your first time it won’t be a problem, and you’ll love the fact that the reel is already spooled with fly line so you can start fishing for trout right out of the box.
Redington designed this combo for use in both fresh and saltwater, which is why the reel seat is constructed from anodized aluminum. It is also perfectly balanced so you can easily make accurate casts. The medium-fast action rod is capable of making longer casts, while still giving you the control you need to land your fly exactly where you want it.
The combo also comes with a protective storage case that makes it easy to take the rod and reel with you to your favorite fishing spot.
Pros
If you are a beginner, you will appreciate this model because it is a four piece combo designed for newcomers to this sport.
Even if it is your first time mounting a rod, you can easily put it together thanks to its alignment dots, in addition to the reel being pre-spooled with fly line meaning that you can start fishing for trout as soon as you open the box.
Being made of anodized aluminum, the reel seat enables the use of this model for fishing in both fresh and saltwater.
You will be provided with accuracy by the medium-fast action rod that is capable of making longer casts.
You can take this fishing combo with you to your fishing spot because this product comes with a protective storage case.
Cons
Some owners said that the composite reel feels undependable, being made of plastic and seeming toy-like.
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2. Leland Rod Co. Sonoma Starter Trout Fly Fishing Combo
It is easy to see why this is considered the best rod and reel combo for trout, especially for beginners who are still learning the basics of fly fishing. It comes with a four piece rod, pre spooled reel and leader so you are ready to get started almost as soon as you open the box.
Since the Sonoma Starter is a combo, the rod and reel are designed to work seamlessly together, and this includes a well balanced feel that makes it easier to cast accurately.
It should be noted that the reel is designed to be used with your left hand since most fly fishermen use their right for casting. The rod also comes with a cork grip that is comfortable to hold and won’t slip easily out of wet hands. Backed by a lifetime warranty and with a helpful instructional manual included, even if you have never fished for trout before, you won’t have a problem with this combo from the Leland Rod Company.
Pros
Even if you are a beginner who just started to get the hang of trout fishing you can safely use this rod and reel combo, regarded as one of the best available.
You can start using it as soon as you open the box because it comes with a four piece rod, pre-spooled reel, and leader.
This model works well as a fishing combo designed to allow a well-balanced feel that increases accuracy for your casts.
The rod comes with a cork grip meaning that it won’t slip out of your hands because you will hold it good.
Even if you haven’t ever fished for trout, you can start now because it comes with an instructional manual that might help you learn.
Cons
While admitting that it works well for a beginner, one owner said that the rod pieces do not lock well together and tend to fall apart when performing various casts.
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3. Orvis Encounter 5-weight 9′ Fly Rod Outfit
This four piece fly fishing rod measures 9 feet so you can easily make longer casts, without worrying about losing any control. It comes with a durable construction that can handle large trout, while still being priced to fit almost any budget. The rod is also backed by a limited warranty for additional peace of mind.
With the medium action rod you have the power you need to land larger fish, without sacrificing accuracy. The reel is designed to sit perfectly in the seat to give the rod a well balanced feel.
The seat is also constructed from aluminum to prevent rust and corrosion so you can use this combo for salt and freshwater fishing. Whether you are an experienced angler looking for an inexpensive backup or just getting started, this rod and reel combo from Orvis might be just what you are looking for.
Pros
If you just took up fishing or are in need of a backup you should know that this fishing rod and reel combo might be the right choice.
Measuring only 9 feet this product allows you to make longer casts easily, meaning that you won’t have to worry about losing control.
While being at a price available fit almost any budget, you can handle larger trout because this product comes with a durable rod.
You won’t sacrifice accuracy for powerful casts because this rod is medium action and the reel is designed to fit ideally in the seat.
This model’s reel seat won’t rust and corrode because is made out of aluminum.
Cons
One user felt that the reel is too bulky and would’ve preferred one made of aluminum.
Another owner experienced the rod falling apart on several occasions and would’ve liked the craftsmanship of higher end models.
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Buying guide
Price
One of the first factors to consider is your budget. Even though rod and reel combos are typically less expensive than purchasing each piece separately, the prices can still vary. Deciding on a set spending limit will help narrow down your choices making it easier to find the right one for you, but it is important to remember to not sacrifice on quality. If the rod or reel is not durable enough to land trout in then you may have just wasted your money on an inferior combo.
Rod action
The “action” of a rod is used to describe its flexibility, which will determine how much effort is required to land a fish. The right one for you will often depend on where you are fishing and the species you are going after. Beginners generally do best with slow action rods due to the control and accuracy they have over their casts. These rods are best suited for smaller fish in calm waters. Medium action rods are more versatile but still easy to control. These rods are also capable of making longer and accurate casts.
Many experienced anglers prefer the power they get from a fast action rod, which is also well suited for long casts after heavier fish. Fast action rods can be difficult for beginners to control, though they are the best choice for saltwater fishing.
Reels
There are also three types of reels to choose from, and each comes with its own advantages. Single action reels are slower since they only have one speed, but there are easy to use, making them a great choice for beginners. Single reels are also more reliable, and you are less likely to have tangles in your line. Multiplying reels come with more speeds and are faster so you can keep up with quicker fish, but since they come with several parts they are more prone to developing problems. It should also be noted that these and automatic reels are also illegal to use in competition fishing.
Automatic reels are simple to use and extremely fast, which has the disadvantage of causing the line to tangle on occasion. This can result in a lost catch, and this is never a good thing on any fishing trip. These reels are also heavier than other types which makes them ill suited for use with a slow action rod.
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