Ideal Rod Specs

[RyanLoughney]

I see a lot of stuff around the internet about what specific rod brands are the best for trout fishing but never really see exactly what the best specs are for a trout fishing rod. What do you guys think the ideal length, action, and power do you think is best for fishing primarily northern new jersey waters?(sbr, musconetcong, lamington). ps spinning is the technique.

[AndyS]

Welcome to the site !!

[Jigman13]

6'+ L to ML moderate action to fast depending on what you're throwing. I like mod for plugs and fast when snapping marabou. I use a 6'6".

[RWole]

5ft 5 - 6 ft ultra light is always a good set up, do not go bigger or heavier than
6ft light action

[Mikey topaz]

Small ultralight rod around 5’ is time for the fish this state stocks. If you want to be targeting bigger trout like the bubbas they stocked in the gorge, I’d use a bigger rod like Jeremy suggested. For the money reel wise the pflugeur presidents are like 50-60$ and are pretty popular trout reel in hi for the money. If u want something nicer the diawa tatulas are pretty badass. The sporting life has a great a selection head over there if your looking....

[Hookmanski]

I use a 4’6” UL with a Mitchell Outback 500 and it has served me well for not only trout but all kinds of fish in NJ. It’s my go to trout/creek rod and it’s especially useful in thick cover areas where you don’t have a lot of room to cast. Nothing worse than finding the perfect hole and snagging a tree on your backcast! Welcome to the site!

[briansnat]

Originally Posted by RyanLoughney

I see a lot of stuff around the internet about what specific rod brands are the best for trout fishing but never really see exactly what the best specs are for a trout fishing rod. What do you guys think the ideal length, action, and power do you think is best for fishing primarily northern new jersey waters?(sbr, musconetcong, lamington). ps spinning is the technique.

It appears from your post that you are generally referring to stream fishing and for that purpose I like a 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 ft ultra light rod. You don't mention your preferred price point, but Fenwick makes some really good rods in that category for under $100. Look for the HMX and HMG series. Shimano also makes some really good rods in that price range such as the Clarus. Pair one up with an appropriately size Pfleuger President and you have a really good outfit for most NJ streams. I see that some here mention longer rods in the 6' to 7' range but there are a lot of overhanging branches on NJ's trout streams so I like to go shorter than that. You can easily reach across most NJ trout streams with the shorter rods.

[Hookmanski]

Originally Posted by briansnat

It appears from your post that you are generally referring to stream fishing and for that purpose I like a 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 ft ultra light rod. You don't mention your preferred price point, but Fenwick makes some really good rods in that category for under $100. Look for the HMX and HMG series. Shimano also makes some really good rods in that price range such as the Clarus. Pair one up with an appropriately size Pfleuger President and you have a really good outfit for most NJ streams. I see that some here mention longer rods in the 6' to 7' range but there are a lot of overhanging branches on NJ's trout streams so I like to go shorter than that. You can easily reach across most NJ trout streams with the shorter rods.

+1 on the Fenwick HMG. Definitely my favorite rod to use. Love how responsive it feels, and i dont have any trouble throwing very small lures to the holes i want to reach.

[AndyS]

I use $30.00 ABU Garcia Conolon Premier I bought at WalMart, best rod I ever fished with !!

[NJSquatch]

Originally Posted by briansnat

It appears from your post that you are generally referring to stream fishing and for that purpose I like a 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 ft ultra light rod. You don't mention your preferred price point, but Fenwick makes some really good rods in that category for under $100. Look for the HMX and HMG series. Shimano also makes some really good rods in that price range such as the Clarus. Pair one up with an appropriately size Pfleuger President and you have a really good outfit for most NJ streams. I see that some here mention longer rods in the 6' to 7' range but there are a lot of overhanging branches on NJ's trout streams so I like to go shorter than that. You can easily reach across most NJ trout streams with the shorter rods.

Agree with the shorter rod for the places you mentioned. I use a 5.5' ul and have no problems reaching my target throwing light jigs