Fishing for trout is a task that even professional fishermen find hard to do. Because these fish are often found in small rivers or streams, catching them requires a lot of expertise and finesse.
You don’t need to use a very large fishing reel to catch trout. But, the fishing reel has to be lightweight, and easy to manoeuvre.
Regarding fishing reels, no matter what kind you are looking for, Shimano is the top brand of choice. So, why not buy the best Shimano reel for trout fishing?
With guaranteed durability and immense performance, we are sure that a fishing reel from Shimano will be the perfect choice for your trout fishing adventures.
So without further ado, let’s start our fishing reel-finding journey!
How to Choose the Right Shimano Reel for Trout Fishing
Shimano has a lot of different reels available for purchase. Choosing just one out of all of these might be a bit confusing.
Here are a few factors that you should keep in mind when buying a Shimano trout reel.
Size and Weight
Well, the first thing that you need to keep in mind when buying a spinning reel for trout fishing is the size.
For trout fishing, you need to purchase a reel that falls under the size range of 1,000 to 2,500.
If the reel is bigger than this, you won’t be able to catch trout. Buying a reel that is larger than this will result in you having to carry extra lines all day.
Drag System
A reel that has a weak drag system will be very useless for catching trout. Trout can sometimes have a very stronghold. But this isn’t something that a typical drag reel can’t handle.
Using reels that have weak drag systems will result in breakage.
Sand, dust, and even grit can result in the deaf system breaking. That is why you need a sealed drag setting.
Gear Ratio
You can catch slow trout with a reel that has a gear ratio of 5s:1 or 6s:1. But if the trout are faster than that, you will need a reel with a great Ratio of 7s:1 or higher.
The appropriate trout fishing rod and reel setup should have a gear ratio of 7s: 1, just to be safe.
Construction
Shimano reels have a hagane design. This construction ensures that the reel is able to withstand regular use.
If a Shimano reel does not have this construction, it won’t be able to last through any tough conditions.
Try and purchase an ultra-light spinning reel for trout that has been made with X-Ship technology. The rigid body and the efficient power transmission of the reel will result in a very long-lasting and durable product.
Line Management
Try and get your hands on a Shimano reel that comes with a propulsion management system. This is a feature that provides an extended casting range.
This feature will also prevent wind knots and backlashes.
With that, if you can get a Shimano light reel for trout fishing that has the Aero wrap ll feature, you will get a uniform line lay, winding shape, and also optimal oscillation. All of these features combined can prevent excessive energy loss when you cast
Spool
This part of the fishing reel is often overlooked. But, a high-quality spool on your fishing reel can help make your fishing experience much smoother.
For fishing trout, look for spools that are wide and have a lip design. Wide spool arbors are good because they reduce friction significantly.
If the spool has a very smooth lip, the lines will flow easily. This will prevent coiling if the spool is a bit small.
5 Best Shimano Reel for Trout Fishing
There are a lot of Shimano fishing reels to choose from in the market. But which one will be right for you ? Here are some of the options that you can choose from.
SHIMANO Stradic FL Spinning Fishing Reel
The first product on our Shimano spinning reel reviews is the stradic FL one.
What made us put this unit on top of our list is its construction. Made with an aluminum body, this fishing reel will last you for years.
Even the handle of the reel is made out of aluminum. And the great thing is, that the entire construction weighs just 265 grams.
Besides that, this fishing reel has been designed with a hagane body technology. This means that the metal body has very high rigidity.
Thanks to the hagane body, you can use lures of any size and weight and still get smooth performance.
Its X-Ship technology ensures smoother gear durability. The pinion gear remains aligned with the drive gear. So, even if you are a beginner, you will be able to use this fishing reel easily.
Pros
- The center of gravity of the reel is closer to the rod
- Beginner-friendly construction
- Lightweight 265-gram construction
- Hagane body technology gives the rod high rigidity
- X-ship smooth gear technology
Cons
- Does not come with proper instructions
Shimano Vanford F Spinning Reel
The best river fishing reels are the ones that have carbon construction. This model from Shimano has been made with original C14. Made with the advanced version of C14, the product has about 2.5 times more rigidity than the previous kind.
Besides that, this new design has been constructed to give you a very light rotation. Because the rotor’s profile is asymmetrical, you get a better balance. The new design has the bail arm mechanism positioned to the opposite side of the line roller.
This reel has also been made with the very popular hagane gear. Therefore, long-lasting smoothness is guaranteed with this model.
Other features that are unique for this model are the addition of the micromodule gear ll and the special 3D minute detail design.
All of the features combined give you a very whole-bodied construction, with smooth operation.
Pros
- Carbon advances C14 construction
- New design with bail arm on the opposite side of the line roller
- Made with micro module gear ii
- Special 3D minute detail design
- Allows smooth operation
Cons
- Does not come equipped with cross carbon drag
SHIMANO Thunnus 4000 CI4 Offshore Spinning Reel
Looking for the best reel for Creek fishing under 2lbs? We’ve got just the thing for you.
This reel from Shimano comes with a carbon fiber construction and weighs only 1.1 lb. Lightweight fishing reels as such are perfect for catching trout.
We consider this reel to be great for catching trout because it has a maximum drag of 15 lbs with a drag ratio of 4.8:1.
The propulsion line management system helps you cast in longer distances. This system will also prevent wind knots and backlashes.
Made with C14 carbon fiber, the construction is 20% stronger than graphite. The construction is also protected from rust and is lightweight.
Although the reel is better for catching small to medium fish such as trout, the reel can also be used to catch big fish.
Pros
- Weighs only 1.1 lbs
- Carbon fiber sturdy construction
- The maximum drag of 15lbs with a drag ratio of 4.8:1
- 20% stronger than graphite
- Can be used to catch big fish
Cons
- Does not come well packaged – so might break during shipping
SHIMANO Sedona Fi Spinning Reel
If you’re on the run for finding the cheapest Shimano reel for trout, this one might be it.
This model is affordable but has a well-updated design. The hagane gears give this reel impeccable performance.
It also gives you smooth performance that can be useful in both inshore and offshore action.
Added propulsion line management prevents those annoying wind knots from forming. It can also be useful for preventing backlashes.
Both left-hand dominant and right-hand dominant users will love using this unit because it has an ambidextrous construction.
There are 2500 sizes and 1000 sizes available that are great for trout fishing. Its slim and lightweight design will let you carefully pull out fish from streams and narrow rivers.
The maximum drag is 7lbs and has a gear ratio of 5.0:1.
Pros
- Propulsion line management prevents wind knots from forming
- No chances of backlash
- Lightweight and slim design
- Maximum drag is 7lbs with a gear ratio of 5.0:1
- Smooth performance that works for both left and right-handed people
Cons
- The shackle malfunctions quite often
SHIMANO Sienna Spinning Fishing Reel
The SHIMANO sienna is a great ultralight spinning reel for trout. It weighs only 0.7lbs.
Made with a durable and long-lasting construction, the unit has a well-balanced design. Although it is lightweight, the reel can be controlled very easily.
A propulsion spool lip design gives you the capability to cast in longer distances. The high-performance build will also eliminate the possibility of getting wind notes.
An added super stopper II helps with instant anti-reverse.
The 2500 size can hold about 140 yards of 15lb braid. You can use the small reel for fishing bass as well as trout.
Sturdy metal construction means no flimsy parts. The drag is very loud and smooth. You can expect the reel to last even with rough use.
Pros
- 2500 size holds about 140 yards of 15lb braid
- Sturdy metal construction holds even with rough use
- Drag is loud and smooth
- Propulsion spool lip design allows you to cast the reel at longer distances
- Weighs only 0.71 lbs
Cons
- Handle is not attached, need to be connected after a purchase
What Kind of Reel Is Best for Trout Fishing?
Spinning reels work great for catching trout. You can use a 6 lb monofilament or an 8 lb fire line with your 2,500 size reel for catching larger fish such as the brown trout.
Fishermen often tend to go for a five and a half foot to seven and a half foot ultra-light rod paired with an open-faced spinning reel for catching trout. Sometimes, they also use a 4 lb test fluorocarbon line instead of a monofilament or fire line.
Ultimately, the success rate of you catching a trout will depend on the type of bait you have used, and the techniques that you have. But, most people will agree that a spinning reel is a perfect option for catching trout.
What Size Reel Is Best for Trout Fishing?
What sets apart a regular fishing reel from a trout reel is the size. Generally, a typical fishing reel used for catching trout will fall under the 1000 to 2500 size range.
If you are planning on catching trout from a very thin stream, a lighter 1000 size will be more appropriate. These size 1000 trout fishing reels work great with light fishing lines.
If you have purchased a size 2500 fishing reel, you should use a fishing line that is about 6 to 10 lb in weight. For 6 lb fishing lines, you will need about 200 yards, and for the bigger 10 lb fishing line, you will need 120 yards.
Ultimately, what size of fishing reel you should purchase will depend on the size of the water body you are working on. The smaller the water body, the smaller the size of the reel.
How Do You Pick a Trout Reel?
A trout reel has to be lightweight. You can select a 6 ft spin casting rod for catching trout.
With that, you need to buy a matching four to six-pound monofilament line.
The reel that you buy has to match the size of the rod you are using. For example, if you are using a 5 weight trout rod, you will use it with a 5 weight reel.
Because trout are often found in small rivers or streams, lightweight and slim reels with similar kinds of rods are preferred.
What Should I Look for in a Spinning Reel for Trout?
When buying a spinning reel for trout, the first thing that you need to look for is the size. The size of the reel has to be a bit smaller and lightweight.
After that, you need to look for reels that have a sealed drag. Sealed drags will not break too easily and will definitely not seize up.
Other factors that you should consider are good quality line management, smooth bearings, smooth trout fishing rod and reel setup, and any extra features that might make fishing a more enjoyable experience for you.
Which Shimano Reel Is Best?
The best Shimano reel for trout fishing in our opinion is the Stradic FL spinning fishing reel.
Made with aluminum this reel will surely last you years. The hagane body gives the product good rigidity. On top of that, this reel is also lightweight and easy to carry. It weighs only 265 grams.
Its slim design makes it easy for you to catch trout in streams.
Thanks to the unique design, you can switch the reel between your left and right hand quite easily.
Final Words
Fishing for trout is not too difficult of a task if you have the right tools. And the main tool that you need is a proper fishing reel.
Shimano has made quite a name in the market of fishing tools. And rightfully so. Their durable build and easy-to-use design are what make them a fan favorite amongst all.
We’ve kept a lot of variety in our list so that there’s something for everyone. Pick the best Shimano reel for trout fishing from our list and you too can catch these slimy monsters easily.
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