Sure, it’s not too hard to name some great fishing rod brands like Penn, Ugly Stick, St. Croix, Shakespeare, and more. When it comes to finding the perfect fishing rod for catching redfish and trout, the main thing to remember is that it should be strong enough to handle big fish on the other end of the line.
In other words, many good fishing rods can work well for catching trophy redfish or speckled sea trout. However, it’s not as simple as just any rod will do. In this blog, we’ll talk about how to pick the best rod for redfish, but there isn’t one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice of the best rod will depend on your personal preferences and needs, and we’ll explain more as you read on.
What Is the Best Rod and Reel for Redfish and Speckled Trout?
When you’re picking a fishing rod for catching redfish and speckled trout, it’s important to choose a high-quality one. A good rod can help you avoid a bunch of common fishing problems like losing fish, snapping your fishing line, struggling with casting, missing fish when you hook them, and not getting the right movement from your lures or baits.
You might be wondering why the fishing line breaking is connected to the rod. Well, if the rod’s performance isn’t right, it puts extra stress on your fishing line, which can cause it to break. Also, if your reel isn’t good and the drag (the tension on your line) is too tight, it can lead to line breakage. Many of these problems really boil down to the kind of action, power, and length your fishing rod has. So, choosing the right rod matters a lot for a successful day of fishing.
My Best Rod for Redfish and Trout
The ideal rod for catching redfish and trout, in my opinion, is the Penn Fierce III paired with a 4000 series reel. This combo is great because it’s not too heavy, making it suitable for various fish sizes. The rod is 7 feet long with a medium action, which is just right for using both small and large lures or baits. I like it when the rod is made of graphite composite for durability.
What sets the Penn III apart for me is how it feels in my hand. It’s crucial for a fishing rod to be comfortable because, when you’re battling a big fish, you’ll be gripping it tightly. You want a rod that doesn’t strain your hand, whether you’re fishing casually or for long hours. If you have larger hands and use a rod with a narrow grip, it can lead to discomfort and cramps after a while. Fishing should be enjoyable, even on an all-day trip.
In summary, the best rod for catching redfish or speckled trout is:
- A medium or medium-heavy rod
- With fast action
- Measuring 7-8 feet in length
- Paired with a 3,000-4,000 series reel.
The Penn Fierce III is a popular choice for fishing. It’s highly rated on Amazon with 4.4 stars.
Another good option for catching redfish and trout is the Falcon Coastal Clearwater Spoon/Spinner Bait SWS 74MH rod and reel combo by Falcon. This rod is designed to handle big redfish and is forgiving, which means it’s easier to use. It’s a single-piece rod that’s 7 feet, 4 inches long and has moderate to heavy action. This means it’s strong and can handle fishing lines between 10 to 20 pounds, as well as lures in the 1/4 to 3/4 ounce range. It’s a great choice if you’re aiming to catch big bull redfish.
If you’re new to fishing, all these terms might sound confusing. But there’s a method to understanding fishing rods, and it’s not as complicated as it might seem.
Power: Think of “power” like the strength of your fishing rod. If your rod has low power, it’s better for catching smaller fish like brook trout or bluegill. But if it has high power, it can handle bigger fish like Tarpon. For redfish and speckled trout, go for a medium to medium-heavy power rod.
Length: The length of your rod affects how you fish. Shorter rods are good for close-range fishing, but they can’t cast very far. Longer rods can cast farther but might not be as accurate. For redfish fishing, it’s not a big deal if you need to cast far, but if you’re fishing close to shore or deep water, a shorter rod is better.
Action: Action measures two things. First, how quickly your rod goes back to being straight after it bends. Second, how much of the rod bends. A fast-action rod bends mostly at the top end, while medium or light action rods bend along their length. Fast action helps you feel small tugs on your bait, like when you’re fishing deep water with a jig. Slower action is more forgiving and versatile.
So, the power of your rod determines the size of fish it can handle, the length affects your casting distance, and the action tells you how it responds when a fish tugs on your line. Each has its own purpose, so pick the one that suits your fishing style.
When fishing for redfish and speckled trout, it’s a good idea to use a fishing line that’s strong enough to handle these fish. A 20-30 pound braided line works well for redfish. If you’re going after smaller redfish and speckled trout, a 15-pound leader is suitable, while for bigger redfish, you should go for a 20-30 pound leader.
You can go lighter, but you might risk losing larger redfish. On the other hand, if you want to target the biggest redfish, a 40-50 lb braided line is a good choice.
Braided line is preferred because it’s great for casting, improving your accuracy. It also doesn’t have much stretch, making it easier to set the hook.
When choosing a fishing rod, it’s not too complicated. There are some differences between the two species. For speckled trout, you’ll want a lighter setup compared to trophy-sized redfish. The most important thing, regardless of the brand, is that the rod is comfortable to use, well-made, and generally about a foot or so longer than your height. Since you often find both redfish and speckled trout in the same areas, a versatile rod that can handle both species is a good choice and will get the most use.
