Question on reel for ultralight/trout

Wasn’t sure where to post this question. But anyone have any advice on a good quality spinning reel to put on an ultralight rod for stream trout in southern MN? I’ve tried a few reels the last couple of years with mixed success. The best reel I had was a Pflueger but it wasn’t real reliable. I’ve heard other guys talk a lot about Shimanos, but they seem pretty spendy. A buddy of mine recommends a Cetus reel. Looking to spend 40 to 60 bucks if possible.

The Shimano Sedona gets great reviews. I just purchased a Daiwa Legalis. I haven’t used it yet, but it feels great. I guess time will tell if I made a good choice or if I should have gone Shimano. Both are around that price range.

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A buddy of mine recommends a Cetus reel….

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I’d stay away from the Cetus for open water.

Either the Shimano Sedona or Sahara will be a nice reel and they are reliable. Right in the price range you’ve mentioned too.

Thanks, Tom. For the Shimanos…what size do you think? I see they have several options. 500 or 1000 for small stream trout fishing?

500’s are small the line capacity would be the thing I am concerned with I personally run a 1000. I like it because the drag surface is a little bigger helps if you get a bigger trout on the rod.

I have larger hands though it helps being comfortable.

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500’s are small the line capacity would be the thing I am concerned with I personally run a 1000. I like it because the drag surface is a little bigger helps if you get a bigger trout on the rod.

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I agree with everything above. Another reason to bump up to a 1000 is line memory. The bigger the reel the better IMO.

Great advice. Thanks guys. I have larger hands, too, so that’s good to know.

Btw…as long as I’m asking about trout ultralight reels…at least for small streams, what’s your preference on rods? Ideally be nice to get a shimano/nicer reel in a combo set up to save some money, but rod quality is all over the map seems like. Anyway…I had a 4 foot 8 inch, but it was pretty small, so thinking of moving up to 5 1/2 foot, in either ultralight or light action. I know St. Croix makes nice ones, but spendy. Some of the Gander guide series seem ok – I’ve got one for a walleye jigging rod that does well.

I’m using a St. Croix Triumph TRS60LF. I also have a 5’6″ UL but feel a little under powered when landing a larger fish. I have had good luck with this rod and would buy another. I paid $60 for mine a couple years ago but after a short web search it appears that they have increased in cost.

Another really good option is a light bass rod. It sounds strange but I can show you one. Super light tip stronger back bone. I would go a 5’3″ just because it fits in the truck and it tosses small jigs and spinners well.

Now you have me thinking about Trout fishing.

Shockers….

On a shorter rod you may think that a 1000 series looks too big, but the drag improvement , line capacity will outweight the clunky look. On a positive note though, that 1000 will make you rod tip-light and will increase the senstivity if you are soaking bait. You’ll also feel spinners working much better with a tip-light outfit. Less casting fatigue as well. Plus you can pull that reel from a trout rod and toss it on a jig rod at this time of year for double duty.

Yeah, Triumphs are nice rods. Spendy, but nice. And good suggestion on a light bass rod. Most of the trout I manage to catch are pretty small (12 inches or under) so I don’t need anything giant. But I am considering a bit longer rod vs the shorter ultralights I have been using, with a bit less bend etc.

Thanks, Tom. Yeah, I’m leaning toward a bigger/1000 reel if I can swing it. Especially if it helps with memory etc. I’ve had some “challenges” with cheaper, tinier reels so looking for some more reliable/better performance.

I use my ice reels. Pflueger trion 20’s. 3-4lb ice line. Have to go light to make it any fun… no fun ripping out a 12″ glorified creek chub on walleye or bass gear.

I fish streams that have some larger Browns in it so I prefer to err on the bigger side. We all fish different waters and have different opinions. I would hate to be using an ice reel and UL when that 20”+ Brown smacks my spinner.

Now I really have the itch to toss some spinners…

Don’t go all into just the reel size or spool size. One thing is also comparing the reel handle length. For example a Pfleuger 20 size reel has a longer handle length than a Shimano 1000 size reel. If you aren’t looking at the physical reel size (especially while fishing) and just rely solely on your hands for feel…it can be a game changer.

Other things to consider are gear ratio or more so the line retrieval rate. Typically Shimano’s have higher gear ratio and faster line retrieval per handle crank.

I have a 6’9 mojo medium lite, w/ a sedona 1500 and 10 lb power pro but I need the back bone for the lures I throw and the cover I rip the bigs out of.