For the past several years I recommended the St Croix Trout Series as my top pick for a premium spinning rod for trout fishing. The reasons were simple, it has the performance of a high-end rod combined with good durability and backed by an excellent warranty. In my guide on the best spinning rods for … Read more
Introduction The Abu Garcia Revo SX is a well-made and relatively lightweight spinning reel that delivers smooth performance, it is quite well suited for freshwater applications. While it may not reach the level of a Shimano Vanford or Stradic, it is a worthy alternative and can be a bargain when sold at a discount. Abu … Read more
When it comes to trout fishing, having the right gear is crucial to a successful day on the water. One key component of any angler’s kit is the spinning reel, and the Okuma Ceymar has quickly become a top choice for those in search of a reliable, affordable, and high-performing option. Right out of the … Read more
These two reels share a lot in common. Including most of their internal parts. In my experience, the Shimano Sedona (and its enhanced brother the Sahara) are the most durable trout spinning reel on a budget. Until the release of the upgraded Shimano Sahara FJ the quality of the gearing and tolerances of these two reels … Read more
For all the praise premium price reels like the Stradic and Vanford get, most of us fish with reels that cost under $100, it is likely the most competitive segment of the market. Earlier this year Shimano refreshed the Sahara line-up and released the FJ. The FJ represents a nice improvement over the older Sahara … Read more
The Shimano Stradic is one of the best spinning reels ever made, and it has developed a cult like following of fans. It is simply a well-built reel that is not only smooth but extremely durable. If there is one complaint regarding the Stradic it is the price, at close to $200 it is a … Read more
Penn is one of the biggest names in offshore reels, they built their reputation on classics like the Senator, International, and the Spinfisher. These are all heavy duty reels designed for catching powerful fighting fish in the salt. So whether you are a Penn loyalist, or just want to try something a little different, what … Read more
In this article, I am going to discuss two very similar reels. These reels, almost have more in common than separates them. They are both excellent for their price point. I personally love and recommend them both. If I had to describe both reels in just one sentence. The Stradic is a workhorse while the … Read more
(Editor note: For archival reasons I have republished this review from my main buyer’s guide. The MGXtreme is now difficult to find retail) This is the flagship freshwater spinning reel from Abu Garcia. It does not come cheap with a recommended retail price of over $400. This makes it nearly double the price of excellent … Read more
After extensive real world testing, and based on our own experiences, we rate what we consider to be the best performing spinning reels for trout fishing.