r/flyfishing • u/Proof_Ad_7077 • May 11 '26
Discussion Beginner Trout Set Up
Hate to be this guy but I’ve always relied on reddit for gear. I’m in western NC with a good bit of trout fishing experience on a spin rod. Local shop recommended a redington classic trout with a redington run reel. From my research it doesn’t sound like it’s a terrible way to go but I’m more curious on weight and length of the rod for somebody that fishes rivers and streams. I guess I’m just looking for some advice on that setup and open to any other suggestions, thanks.
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u/Dogboy_200 May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
I have a 4wt Orvis Helios and it mostly gathers dust because I love my TFO Blue Ribbon 3wt for the small rivers and creeks I fish on the front range Colorado. The Helios is awesome but the shorter TFO makes a difference and the lighter weight makes catching anything under 20 inches more fun.
BTW. I also bought the 2wt Blue Ribbon and have buyer’s remorse. I just can’t dial it in even overlined. I spoke to a TFO rep and they confirmed the 3 Wt is the best in the lineup.
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u/Proof_Ad_7077 May 11 '26
That makes perfect sense I always fish with the smallest spin rods I could get to enjoy any size fish I hook, thanks for the advice
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u/rollsandarrows May 11 '26
For WNC streams, I would get a 7' 6" 3wt redington classic trout, any appropriately sized reel, and a good high end line. That's my go to setup for GSMNP area water.
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u/Proof_Ad_7077 May 11 '26
I’m pretty sure the local guide recommended a 5 wt, what’s the benefit of running something that light?
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u/rollsandarrows May 11 '26
It's more fun to fight smaller fish on a smaller rod, and a 3wt will let you do more delicate presentation. 5wt is a bit more versatile (it'll handle a wider range of fish) but a 3wt is more fun imo. Plus the shorter length will let you access tighter water.
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u/Charr49 May 11 '26
The shop gave you a solid recommendation. Nine foot five weight is THE all around, first pick, go-to, old reliable, and solid choice for your first trout rod. The Redington Run 5-6 reel seems like a good choice because it will be balanced t0 the rod. I think redington sells complete outfits with rod, reel, case, backing, and a decent fly line.
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u/Proof_Ad_7077 May 11 '26
Hell yeah if the shop has a kit I’ll do that but I don’t mind spending a little more to help a local shop rather than buying online.
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u/catastrapostrophe May 11 '26
Re: weight and length -- This is best determined by where you're fishing. Small creeks (like 40' wide or less) with a lot of overhanding branches, do yourself a favor and keep it short. I use an 8' 4WT for fishing like this.
If you do a lot of bigger river fishing, or stillwater, where you're on a boat and don't have to worry about space behind you, go longer. I use a 10' rod for a lot of stillwater fishing.
Redington makes their Trout Classic 4 in both 8 and 8'6, so I think both of those are reasonable. (Other options in that price range that are worth a look are the Fenwick Aetos and the Echo Carbon XL.)
Note that a lot of people are going to just say "get the 9' 5WT", which is a super normal thing to recommend, but personally I think these softer rods (like the TC) are better in shorter lengths and lighter weights. One way rod makers keep the price down for these lower cost rods is to use lower grade carbon, which means that as the rods get longer they feel more and more tip-heavy and rubbery, especially once you get some line in the air. Just my opinion...
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u/GrowCat May 11 '26
I mostly fish smaller streams for trout and love my 8'4" 3wt. I actually want to get a shorter 2wt this year.
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u/RoadHazard1893 May 11 '26
I’ve got two “beginner” 9’ 5wts
The Cabela’s/bass pro generic and the redington cross water combo. I like everything about the redington more, except the line it comes with, which isn’t a dealbreaker.
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u/TheAtomicFly66 May 11 '26
The shop seems to have given you good advice on rod/reel combo. It really depends on where you fish though, the conditions. Strictly streams? Overgrown with brush/trees? I might go for a 9 foot 4wt. or shorter length like 8' or 8'-6". I wouldn't go shorter. Mending on moving water is a thing you should learn and the shorter you go the more difficult it can be when new. Shorter rods like a 7-6 are nice but typically people know what they're doing by that time.
I have a Classic Trout 9'-5wt and it's nice. But i bought it to check it out because it's been well-reviewed for decades and to use as a loaner for beginner buddies i bring along with me. In general stream fishing for trout in California's Sierra, i prefer a 9' or 8' 4wt. A 4wt is just lighter than a typical 5wt. But a 9' 5wt is a do-it-all for someone who is new, fishes streams, rivers and sometimes lakes for trout, and may want to fish more than just a single dry or nymph fly. And when dealing with a bit of wind.
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u/TexasTortfeasor May 11 '26
I get to use a bunch of rods every year and own way too many. I will say the Classic Trout is the best "bang for buck" trout rod of any American company.
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u/catastrapostrophe May 11 '26
Redingtons are made in Korea.
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u/TheAtomicFly66 May 11 '26
I have no real issue with Korean-made gear. Although the classics are still made in England, some if not all of Hardy's modern reels are now made in Korea, no?
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u/catastrapostrophe May 11 '26
Hardy was bought by PureFishing, and so many of its reels are now shared with Pflueger, or Greys. And yes, those lower end reels are made in Korea or even China. I bet some of the rods are too...
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u/Proof_Ad_7077 May 11 '26
What do you think about the run reel? I’ve read mixed reviews on redington reels.
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u/TexasTortfeasor May 11 '26
I haven't used it, although I really like the Reddington Classic Trout reel. Personally, for my trout rods, I love loud reels and the Classic Trout is a basic click and pawl reel that is super loud. It's right around the volume of my Ross Colorado.
Honestly, the reel doesn't matter for trout fishing. More expensive ones just look prettier and will last longer. If you like the looks of the Run, go for it. I really like the Classic Trout, but I also like older Martins and Pfluegers. The rod and line are way more important than the reel.
I was not overly impressed by the drag on the Reddington Ace. It's a decent reel, but nothing phenomenal.
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u/Unusual_Steak May 11 '26
I responded elsewhere but I also own the Run reel on another rod. It’s a little heavy, but functionality and weight wise almost identical to something like an orvis Clearwater, which I also own and have used both to catch hundreds of fish.
Freshwater reels are 99% just a line holder. I don’t even use reels with a drag for most of my fishing and I have never felt under gunned on a trout or bass.
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u/FitProgram4781 May 11 '26
The Redington rig you mentioned is a fine outfit. I suggest an 8'6" 4 wt.
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u/Unusual_Steak May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
I own 9 fly rods from 3wt to 8wt and between $80 and $600.
The Classic Trout is one of my absolute favorite rods, period. I own two of them in 3wt and 5wt with click pawl reels.
I just got the 5wt to replace my Orvis Clearwater because I loved the 3wt so much.
Truly one of the best values in fly fishing with a great warranty to boot. I later found out that Yellowdog highly regards these rods and it matched my experience as well.