Non-Fly Rod

[Rebeleye]

Anyone have any suggestions on what a good non-fly rod would be for trout fishing?

[-Marc V-]

I use any ultra-light rod. I think my current ultra-light is a Galyan's IM6 graphite. This works perfect for throwing small spinners, rapala's, or even the occasional worm. I would think any ultra-light would work. I personally stay with the graphite rods because they don't have the wabble like some of the fiberglass rods.

[Quickstrike]

i don't spin fish for trout much but your best best in my opinion would be an ultra-light/light rod around 8-9 ft, with the extra legnth casting small spinners and raps will be easier and you will get a better drift if you decide to fish crawlers. I guess a shorter rod would be more practical if you are planning on fishing small streams, but on the ones i fish i would go 8-9 ft.

[Quickstrike]

if you were curious about brands at all, i am a big fan of st croix rods, they make a 9" avid UL that would work great. they also make a wild river model that you can get ML or L if you wanted something with a little more backbone for bigger fish. (once again I don't know where you plan on fishing) otherwise there are a lot of cheaper brands out there that will get the job done.

[I'llTakeWhatiCanGet]

You could also try putting a spinning reel on a really light weight fly rod. The action of a fly rod would give you a pretty sensitive rig.

[Rebeleye]

Thanks for the info everyone. This will be my second year trout fishing in SE MN. For opener we're going to be fishing the Root River near Lanseboro, MN.

Hope everyone has a great season!

[DARK30]

Rebeleye, I use a 6' med heavy rod and 6# mono. I like to "stick" these fish and keep the line tight at all times. You can finesse a crappie or sunfish with the ultra lights but if your looking for browns and smallies over 16 or 18" that's different. Those browns hit a lure and let go so fast, its hard to get a hook set most of the time..you want some backbone.

I have friends that use ultra lights and offer more of a "jigging" presentation, To each his own I guess. They catch fish too.

I'll be in the Lanesboro area myself starting this weekend...can't wait! Good Luck!

[Rebeleye]

Thanks again DARK30, all of this definately helps!

Normally I spend my summers on Lake Pepin. But, last year I found out how much I enjoy Trout fishing. Getting out and stretching the legs certainly doesn't hurt anyone. SE Minnesota has its fair share of trout streams.

Good luck!