Best Rods for Redfish and Trout

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Going after redfish or trout is one of the most enjoyable fishing pastimes of all.

Not only are there plenty of places you can fish for these fast and hard-fighting fish species, but they are also some of the most delicious fish you can cook. 

If you’re going to go fishing for trout and redfish, it’s essential that you arm yourself with the right gear. 

Here are some tips on finding the best rod for redfish and trout – so that you never head to the water underprepared. 

Best Rods for Redfish and Trout: The Quick Guide

In a rush? Don’t feel like you need to sit through the full read. Instead, here is a list of the best rods for redfish and trout:

Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Top 8 Best Rods for Redfish and Trout 

Here are the top rods for redfish and trout on the market today

St Croix Mojo Inshore Spinning Rod

St. Croix is one of the top brands to consider in your hunt for the perfect rod for redfish and trout – that’s something you’ll notice quickly while reviewing our list of the best rods for redfish and trout.

Backed by a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, this rod is made out of SCII graphite and has a Fuji DPI reel seat. 

It is equipped with hard aluminum-oxide guides that can handle anything the day might throw at you. 

You don’t have to worry about corrosion, thanks to these guides, nor do you have to worry about accidental breakage. 

The reel seat is conveniently placed and secured to offer functionality along with a nice overall appearance.

This rod also has a cork handle for excellent performance and a superior, ergonomic feel. It is lightweight and incredibly sensitive. 

Pros:

  • Ergonomic cork handle 
  • Aluminum oxide guides resist corrosion
  • Sturdy graphite construction

Cons:

  • Might not be heavy-duty enough for all applications and anglers

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

St.Croix Trout Freshwater Spinning Rod

You guessed it – another top pick by St. Croix. This spinning rod is also made out of durable SCII graphite, but also has minima guides that can save up to 30% of the rod’s weight. 

That may not sound like a lot, but it makes a difference when it comes to a full day of fishing. A great choice for going after trout, this spinning rod balances sensitivity, balance, and weight. 

It works well in both freshwater and saltwater, resisting corrosion so you can get in a good day of fishing no matter where you decide to go. 

This rod has a quality custom insert and reel seat, offering unparalleled sensitivity and usability. 

A unique feature of this rod is that it is coated with flex coat slow-cure finish. This offers twice the durability and protection. 

Trust me, you won’t be giving up this rod any time soon! 

Pros:

  • Has a high-grade handle made out of cork for comfort and durability 
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Has two finish coats 
  • Great rod for redfish and trout

Cons:

  • Poor guide alignment 

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

Cadence Spinning Rod

This spinning rod by Cadence is made with some of the best materials and offers unparalleled performance for new and experienced anglers alike.

It is lightweight and sensitive, offering all the strength and maneuverability of a rod that’s twice as expensive. 

It has a handle made out of EVA foam and premium cork, making it one of the more comfortable rods you will use, too.

The rod also has SiC guides with stainless steel frames. It’s made by Cadence, a well-known manufacturer that has extensive experience in producing high-quality spinning and casting rods.

This rod truly lives up to that reputation. It has quick action and offers quality spinning and casting. It is sturdy without adding too much weight and it’s lightweight for easy maneuverability, too. 

One other feature worth mentioning? 

The Fuji reel seat of this spinning rod makes handling the reel a piece of cake. You will be able to handle fish in just about any environment with this dynamic rod. 

Pros:

  • Includes carbon matrix blanks
  • Lightweight rod with excellent durability 
  • Has SiC inserts

Cons:

  • Can be tough to use when casting long distances

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod

Ugly Stik is another reputable brand when it comes to premium fishing gear for all types of fish. 

This rod has a handy one-piece design – although you won’t be breaking it down and carrying it through the woods on any long backpacking trips, it is nevertheless a quality, durable rod. 

This rod is sold in a balanced 6’6” length. That’s perfect for trout and redfish alike. It has medium power and stainless steel guides so it will work in most situations and settings, too. 

An easy to use fishing rod, this one is a great option for long-distance casting. It can handle both trout and redfish lines and lure weights with ease. 

Finally, the handles of this rod are made out of comfortable EVA foam. You won’t have any stiffness or cramping even after a full day of fishing!

Pros:

  • Excellent tip design that offers flexibility and convenience
  • Superior stainless steel guides that resist corrosion
  • Smooth, easy to use handle

Cons:

  • Gaskets could grip a little tighter

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

G.Loomis GL2 Trout Jig Rod

This rod, manufactured by G. Loomis, is another excellent pick for trout. However, it will also work well with redfish. 

Made out of durable graphite, this fast action rod can be purchased in both ultra-light and light weights. It’s best used as a jigging rod and has some seriously awesome features. 

The rod offers easy retrieval and excellent speed. Made out of durable materials, the rod will last for a number of years. It has a composite cork that works for excellent functionality, too. 

You can buy this rod in two- and four-piece configuration depending on your needs. 

Pros:

  • Comfortable cork construction
  • Perfect action for jigging
  • Great for trout in particular but will also work for redfish 

Cons:

  • Cork handle might be too thick 

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod

This fishing rod by Piscifun is another excellent pick for a fun day out on the water. It is made out of versatile IM6 carbon and fiberglass and has 8+1 guides. 

It also has X-shaped high-temperature molding resin that adds to its durability. A great baitcasting rod, it works well for redfish. 

It offers great performance with its nine strategically placed guides. These will ensure you get the most consistent and smoothest power possible for fishing. 

The handle is made out of comfortable, high-density EVA foam. It has IM6 carbon built-in along with four different angled guides. 

Pros:

  • Has superior carbon blanks
  • Comes with S-shaped hook keeper for easy storage
  • Has four separate angled guides 

Cons:

  • May need to be maintained often

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

St Croix Premier Spinning Rod

This excellent spinning rod by St. Croix is lightweight yet also high-quality. It is designed with superior SCII graphite blank construction and has guides that are made out of aluminum oxide. 

You’ll also get double-plated chrome frames so you can have a comfortable casting experience each and every time. 

The rod is equipped with a Fuji TCS reel seat, which is strong and provides the perfect base to cast for redfish.

It also has a premium cork handle to help reduce hand fatigue during a long day of casting and retrieving. 

What more could you possibly want when looking for the best rod for redfish and trout? 

Pros:

  • Combines value and performance 
  • Can withstand rugged handling
  • High-quality reel seat and handle

Cons:

  • Sensitivity isn’t the best

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

Ugly Stik Elite Casting Fishing Rod

This casting rod by Ugly Stik is one of the best to use regardless of your experience level. It is great for handling aggressive fish with its durable materials and excellent power. 

The Ugly Stik rod can handle large lures with heavyweights. However, it is also exceptionally sensitive. This offers the perfect balance which will help you feel any bite with ease. 

You won’t have to change up guides for fishing, since this rod will come with smooth, tough guides that work well in most settings. 

It has cork handles to make it even more comfortable to use during a long day of fishing. 

Pros:

  • Fast action rod handles heavy lures with ease
  • Great sensitivity 
  • Comfortable handle

Cons:

  • Not the best eyelets

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

How to Choose a Good Rod for Redfish and Trout

If you’re looking for more guidance, you may want to consider this helpful checklist to get you started on your search. There are some specifications you will want to look for when choosing the best rod for redfish and trout. 

Spinning vs. Casting

You will find rods designed both for spinning and for casting

Either will work for redfish and trout, but it’s important to pay attention to the type, as it influences the position of the line guides. 

Spinning rods have line guides that hang down (they tend to be larger) while casting rods have smaller line guides that face up. 

Material 

You will find rods made out of fiberglass and graphite. While fiberglass rods can be helpful, graphite rods are lighter and more sensitive. 

Either material works fine, but make sure you choose fiberglass if you’re in the market for a heavier rod.

Taper 

How much a rod can bend is referred to as its “taper.” Usually, fishing rod manufacturers lump this into the action rating of the rod to help make the purchasing decision a bit easier on you, the consumer. 

However, it’s important that you try the rod out for size before buying. That way, you’ll know exactly just how much flex it has.

Power 

When you’re shopping for your new fishing rod, you’ll likely see terms like “ultra-light,” “light,” “medium,” and so forth. These refer to the power of your rod. 

Power is how much force is necessary to flex your rod and how well the rod can handle different-sized fish. 

Usually, ultra-light rods are meant to handle small fish, like bluegill. They are so lightweight and sensitive that they can pick up on the bites of tiny fish. 

A heavier rod is ideal for fighting a large game fish, where you need a bit more backbone to ultimately land that fish. 

Rod Action

There are all kinds of rod action types you can choose from when shopping for your trout rod. 

Action generally refers to the speed at which a rod returns to its neutral position after being flexed. 

Rods with extra-fast action bend only near the tip while those with moderate action can bend anywhere along the rod. 

Action types include slow, fast, moderate, and extra-fast. 

Length

Rod length is arguably even more important than power and action. Trust me, you will find rods in all lengths, as short as a couple of feet or as long as ten! 

A short rod will be more accurate – and it will generally weigh less, but it won’t cast as far or be able to pick up as much slack as a longer rod.

A long rod, on the other hand, can pick up slack and will be able to sling baits much farther than a short rod but it will be less accurate and weigh more.

Lure and Line Ratings

You’ll want to pay attention to both the line and lure rating of your rod to make sure you don’t over or underwhelm it. 

These are often expressed in weight-like fractions and can be found printed on or above the reel seat of your rod. 

Conclusion – Invest in the Right Rod

If you’re ready to have the best day of fishing in your life, you need to invest in the right gear. 

It’s true that some people can’t tell the difference between rods and simply use whichever gear they happen to have on hand. 

Unfortunately, when it comes to a superior day of fishing, “good enough” often won’t cut it. You need to do better than that.

Investing in the best rod for redfish and trout is essential. You’ll not only avoid common problems like fishing slipping off your hook, your line breaking, and poor casting performance, but you also won’t have to worry about missed hooksets. 

Don’t find yourself floundering in those pivotal, “make it or break it” moments out there on the water. Invest in the right gear – you’ll thank yourself later! 

Also Read: Who makes the best inshore fishing rods?

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Sean Ward

Hey there, my name is Sean – OnTrack Fishing is my site. I’m based in the UK yet I’ve been fortunate enough to catch bass in the States, barramundi in Australia, trout here at home and carp on the Danube delta. If I’m not fishing, or talking about fishing, then….I’m probably asleep.

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