Spinning Outfit for Trout

[Stuartwp]

Here is my two cents worth. My favorite trout /panfish spinning rod is a 7.5 foot two peice modle that I got at Cabelas. It has a medium light action. I use a shimano reel (with the bail trigger) and very expensive five pound test fishing line made in Germany also from Cabelas. According to the math that five pound line is only slightly thicker than "normal" two pound test line. It's called Tec Tan. It is light green in color. This set up will cast light lures a long ways and the rod is long enough for good hook sets. I bank fish everything as I don't own a boat. In my experiance, I have better luck with hook sets with first of all sharp hooks, and then second, a longer rod. Longer rods work better when bobber fishing as well. I don't use an indicator while trout fishing, neither with a fly rod or a spinning rod, but I am guessing the principle would be the same.

The largest trout I have landed on this outfit thus far is 17 inch male brown.

[Phil Lilley]

I made a mistake and bought 2 lb tectan- a bulk spool. It's so thin I find it hard to set the hook in fear of breaking off, which I do most of the time. It's incredible line but but the 3 or 4 lb... I think they make a 3 pound but not sure. 2lb is like... 8x! It floats in the wind when you cast it.

[Ham]

Tectan has a wonderfully small diameter. Great for casting and letting you fish small jigs with minimal impact from the current, BUT that thin diameter works against you when it comes to abrasion resistance.

I had a HORRIBLE experience with Tectan 4.9 fishing for Guadaleupe bass in the Texas Hill Country. I broke off several SMALL fish and put that rod aside in favor of my normal 8 pound Silver Thread.

If I have to go up to 8 pound Tectan to avoid break offs, why bother ? I can get that diameter in a less expensive 4 pound line.

I can't imagine how thin the 2 lb Tectan would be. I can imagine that I would break off just by thinking about setting the hook if I spooled up with the 2 pound.

[taxidermist]

My favorite rod is an old LEWS Speed stick Spining rod. Its super sensitive, my Grandma made it at the factory in Harrison back in the early 1970's. I use 6lb Vanish line by Berkley. Its a fast action rod. I agree with the Shimano reel, replace the line about every 8 weeks.

I use CD-7 Rapalas alot a little big for this setup but it works well for me. I also use a Rooster Tail imitation from Academy Sports in 1/4 ounce brass blade.

As for the reel get a larger reel, you will not notice the weight but the drag works better on larger reel IMHO. I like a good drag.

Since Sept. I have landed 9 brown trout over 5lbs and 1, 16 1/2" brookie and a coule hundred rainbows under 3lbs.

[Gavin]

I like a 5.5' or 6' medium light action rod for tossing rapalas though I'm partial to the larger sizes (9's & 11's). I usually pair it with a larger 2000 or 2500 series reel as well. I've been disapointed with my Shimano Sahara's because they bind occasionally when the reel gets wet. I plan to get a couple new Daiwa Exceler's before the next outing. Anyone have any comments on the Daiwa's?