Setting up a Spinning Rod for Trout Fishing

How to Set up a Spinning Rod for Trout Fishing

Spin cast reels, or spinning reels, are a very common type of reel used by trout fishermen. Below are some tips to consider when purchasing and setting up your spinning reel for trout fishing.
Before you purchase or setup your spinning rod for trout fishing, think about the type of trout you are going to be targeting. Are you going to be fishing in small streams or rivers for brook, rainbow, or brown trout, or are you going to be fishing in a lake for bigger trout, like steelhead? The type of trout you are targeting should determine the type of spinning reel and setup you go with.

1. The Rod
When looking for a good trout rod, you have several options. Again, think about the type of trout you are targeting.
Ultra light rods are a favorite for many trout fishermen. These rods are short in length (usually about 4.5-5 feet) and are great if you are going to be fishing where there are a lot of trees and other cover. These rods are incredibly flexible and allow trout fishermen to cast smaller lures. Again, if you are fishing in rivers or streams, the type of trout you are targeting feed primarily on smaller fish, insects, and other bait. Therefore, an ultra light rod is a great choice trout fishing.
Light rods allow for a little less action than ultra light rods, but they are still a great choice when it comes to trout fishing. They are usually a bit longer in length, but they are still a great all-purpose rod for trout fishing.
Medium rods (and anything heavier) are used primarily for lake fishing. If you plan on fishing rivers and streams, you would not want to get this type of rod because you would not be able to fish with smaller lures.

2. The Reel
Many trout fishermen choose to purchase a rod and reel combo. This is a great, economical choice when it comes to trout fishing. However, if you plan on purchasing your reel separate from your rod, there are several things you want to consider.
               The Reel Body: In terms of the reel body, you want to pay attention to the construction and the weight. Inspect the reel to make sure all of the pieces are together and everything is solidly constructed. In terms of weight, make sure you choose a reel that is not going to making casting a stressful task. The last thing you want is to be out on the river all day with a sore wrist.
               The Reel Size: The size of the reel should match the size of the line you are planning on using. You can check the recommended line size on the reel. If you are primarily fishing in streams or smaller rivers, 4-6 lb. test should suffice.
               The Reel Drag System: Make sure the reel has a quality drag system. On most spinning reels, the drag is a knob located at the front of the reel. The drag is responsible for letting out line when you are reeling in a fish. If the drag system is of poor quality, your trout may break the line.
               The Reel Spool: The spool is the part of the rod on which the fishing line is wrapped. Generally speaking, the bigger and wider the spool, the further you will be able to cast and the faster you will able to retrieve.

3. The Line
Your rod and reel will tell you the maximum pound test recommended. Make sure you stay within these boundaries when trout fishing. If you do not, your will run the risk of line falling off of your spool.
There are two primary types of line used by trout fishermen. Monofilament line is used by many trout fishermen, probably because of it’s relatively cheapness. You can catch plenty of trout using monofilament line, but if you do choose to use this type of line, it is best to go with a higher quality brand. Monofilament lines of a lesser quality are often lacking in strength, therefore resulting in broken knots and lines. The other type of fishing line used by many trout fishermen is fluorocarbon line. This is a very fine line that becomes almost invisible in water, therefore making it a great choice in clear-water trout fishing situations. If you are in a mountain stream or a clear river, fluorocarbon line is a great choice. It is a very strong line, but it is also very sensitive, making it a great line when fishing for trout. It is usually a bit more expensive than monofilament, but because of construction, it usually lasts longer. Fluorocarbon line also does not absorb water.

Once you get your rod, reel, and line, you are good to go. Again, the important thing to decide is which type of trout you are targeting. There is no rod that is great in all types of situations, but having a rod that matches the situation in which you are trout fishing is very important.

If you plan on fishing with spinners, check out this article.

Below are some great (and affordable) rod and reel combos.

Shakespeare Ultra-Light Intrepid Spinning Combo

Shakespeare Ultra-Light Ugly Combo

Quantum Teton Trout Spinning Combo

 

For more great trout fishing tips, visit troutfishingtipshq.com.