What's your trout setup

[RyanMac14]

What's up guys. I have a gift card that's been burning a whole in my pocket so I think I'm gonna retire my hand me down 1980s Penn ultralight reel and 5 foot ugly stick combo and get something new for opening day. What do you guys have or recommend. Gonna be used mostly for casting small mepps spinners for trout and maybe small bass later in the spring, but mostly stocked trout in lakes. Looking to keep it around 150 or so. I usually fish the Monday after opening day to avoid crowds as I like to relax and CPR rather than battle people chasing limits so if anyone wants to join let me know.

[Lard Almighty]

My setup is a Berkley Cherrywood 5'6" light action rod with a Pflueger Supreme. I've caught a lot of nice fish on it, and it will definitely fit in your budget.

[RyanMac14]

Was actually looking at the Pflueger supreme. Have a president that I bought a few years back and figured I'd try out the next step. What size did you get? You use this setup just for trout or you use it for some of your Smallie outings?

[NJSquatch]

I picked up a Shimano Sedona FD 1000 combo on clearance that I really really like...It is buttery smooth..was using pfluegers previosuly....will likely upgrade rod at some point...

[Lard Almighty]

Was actually looking at the Pflueger supreme. Have a president that I bought a few years back and figured I'd try out the next step. What size did you get? You use this setup just for trout or you use it for some of your Smallie outings?I got the 25X, which I think is the smallest size. It's my primary setup for trout and panfish, but it can handle decent sized smallies as well.

[RyanMac14]

Yeah I guess I can't go wrong with a 1000 size shimano..was considering the Sahara..i always have a hard time making a final decision on what to pair together especially when it comes to rod type..im assuming with an ultralight rod for trout that most people use a fast action

[23cardinal]

I got the 25X, which I think is the smallest size. It's my primary setup for trout and panfish, but it can handle decent sized smallies as well.

They make a 20 in the cheaper reels- it's tiny but nice for fishing 2lb test
(Pflueger trion 20)


I do the 25 president (pflueger) and a 5ft UL gx2 for wading, a 6 foot from shore.(also got a spare spool so I have vary sizes)

[FASTEDDIE29]

4' 6" Shakespeare ultra lite rod that's lighter than a St Croix and cheaper, I paid 10 bucks for it, LOL! Paired with a 50 dollar Pflueger reel I got from somewhere. Spooled up with 3 lb P line ice line as always, 100% Fluoro, and NO, I don't get line twists...........no leader needed either!:D

[Jigman13]

6" st croix UL, daiwa exceler 2000. 6 lb fluoro please line. I use a slightly longer rod bc I fish jigs predominantly. 1/16 oz or less...

[briansnat]

For spinning its a 5 1/2 ft UL Shimano Clarus rod with a Pfleuger President reel. I also have a 4 1/2 ft UL Fenwick. Bought it in the early 80's, not sure of the model (the markings have long worn off). Last year I replaced the equally old Shimano reel on that rod with a new Pfleuger President (moved the old Shimano to an ice fishing rod).

It is hard to beat those Pfleuger Presidents. Great reels for the money. For UL stream trout fishing look for the 6925 size.

The Shimano Clarus is a very good rod for the money. Hang a President on it and you are coming in under $150. Though I don't own a UL version, I have several Fenwick HMGs and HMXs. Great rods for under $100. Same price range as the Clarus. Definitely check out the Fenwick HMG and HMX line of rods. Also check out the Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite rods. They are a steal. I had a UL BPS Micro Lite rod that I really liked until a poorly placed cigar burned a hole in it and caused it to break. I was going to buy another when I found a really good deal on the Shimano Clarus, which is why I now have that.

For flyfishing I have two 8 1/2 ft LL Bean rods. One 5/6 wt and one 6/7 wt. Just this week I replaced the ancient Pfleuger reels that started falling apart after 40 years with brand new Echo Ion reels. I hear they are pretty good. We shall see after I fish with them.

[scatterbrains]

Triumph 5'6" and a shimano sedona 1000 with 4# flouro
First year going after trout will be working flies and small spinners with it.

[Jigman13]

Triumph 5'6" and a shimano sedona 1000 with 4# flouro
First year going after trout will be working flies and small spinners with it.

I used the same set up for a long time but once I got into hair jigs for trout I needed the extra whip offered by 6'6 st croix models. I also added a bigger reel after my buddy nailed an 8.3 lb brown on the pequest in a runway section. SOB dumped 2/3 of his spool.

[RyanMac14]

Couldn't see myself spending 110 on the st croix trout series (felt like an amazing rod though) so I picked up the shimano sellus. It felt pretty close. Gonna pair it with the shimano sahara. Should I go 500 or 1000?

[hammer4reel]

Fenwick 6' medium light
Pfleuger presidential

[briansnat]

Couldn't see myself spending 110 on the st croix trout series (felt like an amazing rod though) so I picked up the shimano sellus. It felt pretty close. Gonna pair it with the shimano sahara. Should I go 500 or 1000?

Depends on the length and wt. of the Sellus you bought. If it is under 6' and UL I would go 500. L - M and GT 6' I'd go with the 1000.

[BottomBouncer13]

Pfluger president paired with a st Croix trout series ultra light 6 foot. I love the set up

[RyanMac14]

Sorry Brian, yeah I went with the 5'6 ultralight MF.. think I'll go with the 500.

[23cardinal]

Sorry Brian, yeah I went with the 5'6 ultralight MF.. think I'll go with the 500.

Any of the setups are nice. And pflueger is owned by the same company (pure fishing) as 1/2 the market.

Where you trying to fish Monday?

[AndyS]

5'6" Conolon Premier, 4lb. Trilene XL and any reel made by Daiwa !!

[sbalewitz74]

4' 6" Shakespeare ultra lite rod that's lighter than a St Croix and cheaper, I paid 10 bucks for it, LOL! Paired with a 50 dollar Pflueger reel I got from somewhere. Spooled up with 3 lb P line ice line as always, 100% Fluoro, and NO, I don't get line twists...........no leader needed either!:D

Wally world special??!! I have 2 paired with shimano siennas with 4lb fluoro. Great for crappies, also caught plenty of bass, pickerel and trout with it.

[RyanMac14]

I'm in Aberdeen Cardinal so I usually just go to Cheesequake. Always have luck there because I know it pretty well. Willing to meet up there or somewhere else if a few guys wanna go somewhere

[RyanMac14]

All you guys that are calling out your favorite fluoro you're mainlining these flourish? Didn't think it would be a good idea to mainline fluoro on such a small spinning reel. Figured thatd be begging for some line twists and trouble

[briansnat]

All you guys that are calling out your favorite fluoro you're mainlining these flourish? Didn't think it would be a good idea to mainline fluoro on such a small spinning reel. Figured thatd be begging for some line twists and trouble

I ditched fluro on all of my spinning reels after a short trial period. The tangles and twists were a problem. Far, far more than I had with mono.

[Super]

All you guys that are calling out your favorite fluoro you're mainlining these flourish? Didn't think it would be a good idea to mainline fluoro on such a small spinning reel. Figured thatd be begging for some line twists and trouble
We're taking about stocked trout, right? Fluorocarbon isn't going to make any difference unless you like the way it performs. Hatchery trout are stupid. Don't overthink things.

[NJSquatch]

All you guys that are calling out your favorite fluoro you're mainlining these flourish? Didn't think it would be a good idea to mainline fluoro on such a small spinning reel. Figured thatd be begging for some line twists and trouble

Never had a problem with 4# vanish. I also hit it with line conditioner. Pick up a small filler spool and give it a try. You will not be disappointed

[RyanMac14]

I actually picked up a thing of 4# vanish but after reading all the reviews I was set to return it. And yeah I k ow most stickers would hit something on a piece of steel but I might also use this rod for crappie so I was looking into the fluoro thoughts as a mainline

[23cardinal]

I use vanish 2# and 4 cause I hit wild trout a lot later on. No issues with spin or knots. I just take my time- close my bail before it hits the water ect. I do swap it out yearly - and the 2 is only a 110 yards or so.

Depending on weather and my schedule I could go down there- it's about an hour or a bit more. I'll pm when I'll get my marching orders for that week later tonight

[RyanMac14]

I'm free all day so more then willing to come up your way if you have a spot in mind. Just let me know. Everyone else's invites stand. Would like to meet up

[acabtp]

always vanish 4# on my trout rods. no issues with twist or memory.

[NJSquatch]

echoing cardinals comments I always close the bail with my hand. engaging the bail with a handle turn introduces a little twist in the line each time you do it....

also pay attention to the line on the spool if it gets a little loose i pull it out and make sure to get it back on there tight....

[23cardinal]

I'm free all day so more then willing to come up your way if you have a spot in mind. Just let me know. Everyone else's invites stand. Would like to meet up

Now I'm stuck working Monday-Tuesday. Hooray union lol. I'll be around later in the week

And yea squatch that and keep a hair of tension going on seems to do it for me

[RyanMac14]

Maybe I'll keep it and give it a try. You have any complaints at all about It? Castability and everything good. Don't know if it's really necessary for the fishing I'll be doing but if you guys think it's good and it does give somewhat of an advantage, I'll give it a go

[thmyorke1]

Should I start using fluoro leaders? Or is 6 lb mono fine, even for wild trout?

What kind of fluoro, what knot to tie (on both ends, hook and to the main line) do you all suggest?

[23cardinal]

Ryan I PM'd u
Thym I usually use 4 mono, but that's just preference. I go onto the mainline directly using a improved cinch or a uni knot. Not big on leaders for trout
I use #2 fluoro but I have a dedicated Trout rod.
Do I need fluoro? No. Does it help? Maybe once? I like it for bait If the fish are picky. So twice last year lol And jigs/trout magnet. For spinners I have a spare spool for my 25 with 4lb mono.
Honestly it's just fun to try new things. I like vanish and apparently a lot of guys on here do to. I only started it last year for fall stocking. So I went out 20 times or so with it, not an expert- but did take the plunge recently

[thmyorke1]

Ryan I PM'd u
Thym I usually use 4 mono, but that's just preference. I go onto the mainline directly using a improved cinch or a uni knot. Not big on leaders for trout
I use #2 fluoro but I have a dedicated Trout rod.
Do I need fluoro? No. Does it help? Maybe once? I like it for bait If the fish are picky. So twice last year lol And jigs/trout magnet. For spinners I have a spare spool for my 25 with 4lb mono.
Honestly it's just fun to try new things. I like vanish and apparently a lot of guys on here do to. I only started it last year for fall stocking. So I went out 20 times or so with it, not an expert- but did take the plunge recently

thanks man, from what i can tell online is that it's not necessary but something that can help, but for a guy like me it's just more things to worry about on my gear when i should be worrying about the fishing instead.

I heard heavy fluoro is good for pickerel since they cant bite the line as well as mono- yet ive caught two pickerel fine on 6 lb test with crappie jigs :confused:

[nsell]

This is what I have: Shimano CI4+ 1000FAML and Loomis TSR690S/5’9” GLX and I use Maxima Ultragreen 2lb.
I use 2lb. for bait and 3lb. for lures. It is an expensive little outfit, but I blessed that I can buy high end equipment.

IMO the Loomis GLX is a supersensitive rod and you will detect the slightest bites.

[henro]

Sage One 9' 5wt with a Galvan T5. I still have my favorite old spinning setup which is a Shimano Compre 5'6" UL 1pc with a Shimano Sedona 500 but I really only fly fish now in the streams.

[briansnat]

Should I start using fluoro leaders? Or is 6 lb mono fine, even for wild trout?

What kind of fluoro, what knot to tie (on both ends, hook and to the main line) do you all suggest?

I've never bothered with a fluoro leader for trout, but I keep my mono line to 2 or 4 lb max. 6 lb is a bit much.

When I do tie on any leader I use a blood knot (if they are of equal diameter) or double uni or albright (if different diameters) to connect the lines. Line to hook is usually palomar.

[Jigman13]

this is what i have: Shimano ci4+ 1000faml and loomis tsr690s/5’9” glx and i use maxima ultragreen 2lb.
I use 2lb. For bait and 3lb. For lures. It is an expensive little outfit, but i blessed that i can buy high end equipment.

Imo the loomis glx is a supersensitive rod and you will detect the slightest bites.

ballin'!