Trout Gear: Rods & Reels for Fly and Spin Fishing

If you are after more and bigger trout this season, gear up with trend-setting trout gear that is up to the task. Check out this mix of spinning and fly rods and reels for both novice and expert anglers.

Compiled by David Paul Williams and Mike Pehanich

SPINNING REELS

Abu Garcia Revo X Spinning Reel

Rocket line management system provides better control of all types of fishing lines while the Rocket spool lip design allows better control of line coming off the spool. Machined aluminum, braid-ready spool means braid can be tied directly to the spool without any slip. Four models, 4- to 14-pound mono; 6- to 14-pound braid. www.abugarcia.com $99.95

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

The latest addition to the acclaimed President line reaches a heightened level of performance. Features of this 10-bearing, braid-ready reel include a graphite body and rotor and an aluminum handle for lighter weight and greater durability. Reel features slow oscillation gearing and a stainless steel/oil felt drag.  www.pfluegerfishing.com $59

Quantum Strategy Spinning Reel

A sturdy feature-packed spinning reel for under $30? Built with a forged and double anodized aluminum spool anchored by a lightweight composite body and rotor, this value-packed reel features 8 stainless bearings. Available in sizes 10 through 60. www.quantumfishing.com $29

Quantum Drive Spinning Reel

The uni-body construction of the popular Quantum Throttle reel reappears in this value-loaded reel. The "Reel Engine Design" concept aligns gears to deliver the smooth performance of high-end spinning reels. Available in sizes 5, 10, 20, and 30. www.quantumfishing.com $39

BPS Formula Spinning Reel

Smooth performance and value are packed in this 10-bearing system. Lightweight graphite body is fortified with a corrosion-resistant stainless steel main shaft for durability. Features include machined, double-anodized braid-ready aluminum spool, hard titanium-coated line roller; smooth multi-disc drag; and easy-gripping soft touch handle knob. www.basspro.com $49.99

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Shimano Ultegra Spinning Reel

This superior durability of a HAGANE gear combines with X-SHIP technology for increased smoothness and efficiency while retrieving. Aero Wrap Oscillation and Core Protect mean longer casts and better water resistance. Four models, 2- to 14-pound mono; 10- to 40-pound braid. fish.shimano.com $149.99-169.99

Daiwa Tatula LT Spinning Reel 

The Tatula LT reel is one of the lightest spinning reels on in the market. The digitally machined aluminum alloy Digigear is smooth, and the reel boasts seven ball bearings. www.daiwa.com $189.99 (all sizes)

FLY REELS

Pflueger Supreme QRS Fly Reel 

A blend of machined stainless steel, 6061 alloy construction and polycarbonate cassette large- arbor cartridges are secured by an advanced secure centralized locking system. The small and medium reels each accommodate four different line weights. www.pfluegerfishing.com $149.95

Hardy Ultralite MTX Reel

Hardy's first fly reel to feature a hybrid carbon-fiber/alloy main-frame construction. Strong, light and with a stunning industrial design, the MTX series features a carbon-fiber drag system with 340-degree, color-coded regulator, captive spool release and high line capacity. www.hardyfishing.com $429-449

TFO Power Fly Reel

A fully anodized reel from Temple Fork Outfitters ported to reduce weight, without sacrificing housing or spool strength. A series of conical spring washers and carbon-fiber/stainless-steel brakes create a drag system with a large range resistance and nearly exact "click" values. www.tforods.com $399.99 (both trout sizes)

White River Fly Shop Kingfisher Fly Reel

The smoothest and lightest reel ever from Bass Pro features spool and chassis machined from cold-forged 6061 T6 aluminum while an anodized finish and handsome open frame design add elegance. Get consistent and precise drag settings with sealed, 9-washer drag system. www.basspro.com $119 

SPINNING RODS

Daiwa Crossfire Spinning Rod 

A slim profile and lightweight spinning rod with aluminum titanium-oxide guides, a stainless-steel hooded reel seat , a comfortable cork grip and a hook keeper. Seven models, one and two pieces, from ultralight to medium heavy. www.daiwa.com $29.95

Fenwick HMG Travel Spinning Rod

Outside the fly fishing realm, high-quality travel rods have been hard to come by, but Fenwick's reinvigorated HMG series with Carbon Bound blanks includes a 3-piece spinning rod with two tip sections. Choose medium or medium light power to fit conditions. Sea-Guide soft touch reel seat keeps reel secure. Comes with handsome carrying case. www.fenwickfishing.com $119 

Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod

Fenwick's HMG changed fishing forever as the first graphite rod series. The new 6-foot, 9-inch, medium-light reincarnation of this classic spinning rod feels tailored to trout angling. Top-end components include Fuji guides, Carbon Bound blanks and Sea-Guide soft touch reel seat. www.fenwickfishing.com $99

Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Graphite Spinning Rod

Built upon RT2 Graphite blanks, Micro Lite rods feature a unique fiber layering pattern to reduce weight and enhance sensitivity. Ideal for light line and lure applications. Features lightweight cork/cork composite grips and graphite reel seats with cushioned stainless steel hoods to keep reel tightly in place. www.basspro.com $59 

Cabela's Tourney Trail PTC Spinning Rod

Ten species-specific length/action/power combinations designed by in-house experts deliver incredible performance-to-cost ratio. Super-lightweight Japanese graphite-blank construction and stainless-steel guides with titanium-oxide inserts deliver exceptional strength. P-cork and EVA handles are "feel good" additions. www.cabelas.com $50

Zebco Weigh-in Rod

Lie no more, anglers! The "Weigh-in" rod series features a De-liar fish scale at the butt end to verify your catch. Ruler on the rod blank helps validate legal length. Spinning rods are available in lengths from 5 feet, 6 inches to 7 feet, and 2-piece and telescopic styles. www.zebco.com $19 to $25

Daiwa Crossfire Spinning Rod 

A slim profile and lightweight spinning rod with aluminum titanium-oxide guides, a stainless-steel hooded reel seat , a comfortable cork grip and a hook keeper. Seven models, one and two pieces, from ultralight to medium heavy. www.daiwa.com $29.95

TFO Trout-Panfish Ultralight Rod

The Trout-Panfish series rod from Temple Fork Outfitters features light-weight, stainless-steel guides, a weight-saving reel seat and premium cork handle. One- and two-piece models, 5 Â½ to 7 feet. Line weights, 2 to 6-pound mono. www.tforods.com $79.95-89.95

Shimano Compre Spinning Rod

Compre spinning rod s are redesigned into all-around rods, featuring seven to nine Fuji stainless-steel with alconite guides, Fuji reel seat, and AA cork handle built. Available in 12 models, one or two pieces, for line weights 2- to 15-pound mono. fish.shimano.com $79.99-84.95

FLY RODS

Hardy Zephrus Ultralight Fly Rod

Hardy puts the ultimate light line, technical fly rod in the advanced angler's hands with the Zephrus. Made with SINTRIX 440 blank configuration, it brings unprecedented durability to an ultralight weight rod. Custom reel seat and slim cigar-style grip diminish weight and maximize feel and refinement. www.hardyfishing.com $679-$769

St. Croix Imperial USA Fly Rod 

Available in 24 single-hand and 4 switch models, 2 weight through 10 weight, Imperial rods derive their fast action from a blend of high-modulus/high strain SCIV graphite and SCII graphite. Features include slim-profile ferrules, Kigan Master Hand 3D stripper guides and PVD-coated Sea Guide snake guides. www.stcroixrods.com $230-$330

White River Fly Shop HEAT Stage 1 Fly Rod

At 7 feet, 10 inches this big game rod stows, rigged up, in almost any vehicle. One-piece rod is lightweight but offers true directional tracking, and brute strength. New ultra-contoured Kung Fu Grip provides a wide range of ergonomic geometry to maximize comfort. Line weights are 8, 9, and 10. www.basspro.com $99

Cabela's Synch Fly Combo

This introductory combo can convert beginners into lifelong fly anglers. The rod's forgiving moderate action is ideal for those first learning to cast. Combo includes large-arbor reel, durable Rulon disc drag for smooth braking, Cordura nylon rod tube, and weight-forward fly line made by Scientific Anglers. Backing and leader are included. www.cabelas.com $150

TFO Drift Fly Rod

Temple Fork Outfitters designed this rod to be light in overall weight, fast-damping and well-balanced, along with a down-locking reel seat and removable, weighted fighting butt. It can be fished as a traditional 9-foot, 4-piece, 3-weight or two additional sections extend it to 12 feet, 3 inches long. www.tforods.com $399.95 

Jefferson Rod Company Model 905-4

Constructed of high-modular, helical-core graphite, these single-hand rods can be purchased in all the usual trout weights. Each rod has beautifully finished touches; black-anodized, machined aluminum reel seat; titanium stripper guides and ti-chrome snake guides designed for increased casting distance. www.jeffersonrodco.com $550 to $625

Cortland Competition MKII Nymph Fly Rod

These 2- and 3-weight rods balance the weight and main power in the butt section, paired with a down-locking reel seat. An ergonomic fighting butt provides correct weight distribution.  www.cortlandline.com $675