Best Trout Fishing Reels of 2025
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If you're an avid angler, you know that having the right gear can make all the difference when it comes to landing that big catch. Trout fishing reels are an essential piece of equipment for any serious trout fisherman or woman. These reels are specifically designed to handle the unique needs of trout fishing, such as the need for precision casting, smooth drag, and lightweight construction. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, investing in a high-quality trout fishing reel can help you improve your technique and increase your chances of success on the water.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Trout Fishing Reels
Mitchell MX2 Fishing Reel for Trout
The Mitchell MX2 Reel features a lightweight graphite body and rotor, making it easy for you to handle during long fishing sessions. Its 4+1 bearings ensure a very smooth rotation, allowing for effortless casting and retrieval. You will appreciate the stable lightweight rotor design, which enhances your overall fishing experience by reducing fatigue. Additionally, the extra rigid bail provides added security, preventing accidental line slips and ensuring reliable performance when you need it most.
Abu Garcia Cardinal X Spinning Reel for Fishing
The Abu Garcia Cardinal X Reel is designed for modern anglers seeking reliability and performance. Its strong graphite body and rotor ensure durability while keeping the reel lightweight. You will appreciate the very smooth rotation offered by the 3+1 stainless steel ball bearings, making your fishing experience effortless. The high-performance fighting drag system provides consistent stopping power, crucial when you’re reeling in larger catches. Additionally, the large diameter spool allows for accurate distance casting, enhancing your ability to reach those prime fishing spots.
Mitchell MX1 Lightweight Spinning Reel
The Mitchell MX1 Reel is designed for all-round fishing, making it perfect for targeting species like perch, trout, pike, and zander. Its lightweight graphite body ensures ease of handling, allowing you to fish for extended periods without fatigue. The soft running feature provides a smooth experience, making each cast effortless. With an aluminium spool, you benefit from enhanced durability and performance. Additionally, the anti-reverse on/off switch gives you greater control over your fishing techniques, ensuring you can respond quickly when you feel a bite.
2 x NGT CKR30 Fishing Reels with 8lb Line
The NGT CKR30 Fishing Reels are designed for versatility, making them perfect for various fishing methods. Pre-loaded with an 8lb line, these reels can handle everything from float and feeder fishing for small carp to spinning for trout and game fish. The rear drag system allows you to easily adjust the line tension, enhancing your control while fishing. With a generous line capacity, you can fish confidently without worrying about running out of line during your catch.
Diwa Spinning Fishing Reel Series for All Waters
The Diwa Spinning Reel offers a smooth and durable experience, thanks to its metal main shaft and 10 ball bearings. This ensures that you enjoy ultra-smooth performance while fishing, making your time on the water more pleasurable. With its lightweight design, you can fish for extended periods without discomfort. The reel’s body is made from eco-friendly materials, providing a professional and exquisite look. Additionally, its portable and easy-to-carry design means you can take it wherever your fishing adventures lead you.
Mitchell MX2 Spinning Reel for Fishing
The Mitchell MX2 Reel is designed for anglers seeking a reliable fishing experience. With its 4+1 bearings, you will enjoy a very smooth rotation, making every cast and retrieve effortless. The lightweight graphite body and rotor ensure that you can fish for extended periods without fatigue. Additionally, the foldable handle provides convenience for transportation and storage. The stable lightweight rotor design enhances your control, allowing you to react quickly to any movement in the water.
Daiwa Rx LT 1000 Spinning Reel for Trout
The Daiwa Rx LT 1000 is a lightweight and durable spinning reel designed specifically for trout fishing. Weighing just 240g, it ensures easy handling and manoeuvrability. The 5.2:1 gear ratio offers smooth line retrieval, making it efficient for catching fish. With a braking force of 5kg, you can confidently battle larger trout without worrying about the reel failing. Additionally, the ATD(TM) brake system provides precise drag control, allowing you to adjust your settings quickly for optimal performance.
Abu Garcia Revo MGXtreme Lightweight Spin Reel
The Abu Garcia Revo MGXtreme is a highly advanced spinning reel designed for serious anglers. With 11 stainless steel HPCR bearings, it ensures smooth performance, allowing you to focus on your fishing rather than dealing with friction. The CMGA rotor enhances sensitivity and responsiveness, making it easier for you to detect bites. Its Aamgearing system provides exceptional strength and reliability, ensuring you can tackle larger species with confidence. Additionally, the carbon matrix drag system offers precise control over your line, perfect for managing powerful fish escape attempts.
Abu Garcia Superior Spinning Reel for All Fishing
The Abu Garcia Superior Reel is designed for anglers seeking durability and performance. Constructed from tough DuraMetal material, its body ensures long-lasting use. The inclusion of 4+1 stainless steel ball bearings allows for smooth rotation, making your fishing experience more enjoyable. With a water shield hybrid carbon matrix drag system, you can rely on consistent drag performance, reducing the risk of losing fish. Additionally, its long-distance casting capabilities enable accurate throws, improving your chances of landing the catch of the day.
Diwa 6000 Spinning Fishing Reel for All Waters
The Diwa 6000 Reel is built for durability with its aluminium alloy body, spool, and handle, ensuring it withstands the rigours of fishing in both freshwater and saltwater. You will appreciate the interchangeable handle, which allows you to customise your reel for comfort. The ultra-thin streamline design enhances manoeuvrability, making it easier for you to navigate various fishing environments. With 14 sealed stainless steel ball bearings, you can enjoy smooth cranking and powerful drag, reducing fatigue during long fishing sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What reel should I use for trout?
Using a 2500 spinning reel is perfect for freshwater trout, preferably with a braided line of anywhere 5 to 12lbs, or monofilament line of between 5 to 8lbs.
2. Can you catch trout with a regular rod and reel?
Pretty self-explanatory, but in order to catch trout you will need a rod and reel. Trout can be caught easily on both spinning and fly rods, so pick your poison. If you're a spin fisherman, opt for something shorter and sensitive, like a 5 to 6 foot light or ultralight model spooled with 4 or 6 pound monofilament.
3. What is a 1000 reel used for?
A 1000 size reel is a very small-sized spinning reel and will be used for very light fishing. It would be used in small rivers and streams, or for very light lure fishing in an estuary or inshore fishing.
During our trout fishing reel research, we found 181 trout fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 21,262 customer reviews through our big data system to write the trout fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose trout fishing reels with an average price of £27.78.
The trout fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of trout fishing reels, including Mitchell, Abu Garcia, NGT, Diwa, Daiwa.
Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.