Outdoor Empire pick for best trout rod.
The world of fly fishing gear is saturated with specialty items, especially when it comes to fly rods. The problem is, the more specialized it is, the more expensive it becomes.
Luckily, Redington flipped this concept on its head by releasing a fly rod that is both highly specialized and affordable — the Redington Classic Trout.
Outstanding Features
What makes this rod “classic” and what makes it good for catching trout?
In many ways, the Redington Classic Trout is a throwback based on fly rod designs that were popular in the 1970’s.
Taper
These old-school fly pole designs, the most famous of which were developed by the R. L. Winston Rod Co., use what’s known as a “progressive” taper.
In essence, a fly rod with a progressive taper gradually and evenly increases in diameter and stiffness from the tip to the butt. This rod adopts the progressive taper design as a whole.
Action
The continuous taper of the Redington Classic Trout results to a rod that is remarkably easy to load for short casts.
As more force is applied during the casting stroke, the rod bends consistently deeper into the butt section, tapping into additional power to make longer casts possible.
Still, where the Redington Classic Trout shines is when making casts in the 20 to 45-foot range, which is where the vast majority of fishing is done anyway.
Its smooth casting performance is beneficial for new anglers learning how to cast.
Since the rod isn’t overly stiff, it’s easy to feel the load and unload as the casting stroke is performed, allowing the new angler to begin understanding the timing and rhythm of the fly cast.
Tippet
Dry fly anglers and anyone who fishes with light 6X and 7X tippets will find the soft tip of the Redington Classic Trout a serious asset.
When you set the hook on a rainbow trout that just sipped in your fly, the extra shock absorption provided by the soft tip protects your tippet and ideally keeps the fish from breaking off.
Although the Redington Classic Trout is a great dry fly rod, don’t hesitate to tie on smaller streamers and nymph rigs. Just about any tactics used to catch trout in small and medium-sized streams and lakes can be performed with it.
Think of it as an all-purpose trout fly rod with an emphasis on close range dry fly fishing.
Components
The quality of the construction and components of the Redington Classic Trout is on point — much nicer than you’d expect from its price. The plain brown rod blanks aren’t the most eye-catching, but they do add to the classic feel of the fishing stick.
A custom machined reel seat, titanium oxide stripping guide, and premium cork grip function exactly as they should although they don’t have the same bomb-proof feel of higher-end components.
Specifications
Available line weights: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Material: Graphite
Action: Moderate, progressive taper
Number of pieces: 4 or 6
Grip Material: Premium cork
Grip Shape: Half wells
Reel Seat: Machined anodized aluminum
Insert: Rosewood
Rod weight: 2.9 ounces (9-foot 5-weight)
Rod Tube: Yes
Comparison to Similar Products
This comparison table is based on the 9’0” 5-weight fly rods of each manufacturer.Â
| Product |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rod Weight | 2.9 oz | 3.5 oz | 3.8 oz |
| Action | Moderate | Medium Fast | Medium Fast |
| Handle/ Grip | A | B | A |
| Cost | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Redington Classic Trout vs. Echo Carbon XL
If you’ve been shopping around for an affordable trout rod, you may have come across the Echo Carbon XL.
It’s similar to the Redington Classic Trout in many ways, but there are a few important distinctions you should consider when choosing between them.
Moderate Action vs. Medium Fast Action
As mentioned, the Redington Classic Trout loads and unloads with ease for silky smooth casting performance. The Echo Carbon XL is also a smooth casting rod but has slightly faster action than the Classic Trout.
Echo describes the Carbon XL as having a little “zip in the tip” which gives it somewhat of a stiffer feel and makes long casts more attainable.
So if you’re looking for a rod that offers the most ease of casting, the Redington Classic Trout it is. But if you fish bigger rivers where longer casts are more of a regular thing, then the Echo Carbon XL might be a better choice.
2.9 vs. 3.5 Ounces
With today’s graphite technology getting better and better, fly rod weight — physical weight, not line weight — is not much of an issue.
However, if getting a lightweight rod is a priority, the Redington Classic Trout is more than half an ounce lighter than the Echo Carbon XL.
Final Verdict
Both of them are good trout rods that give you great deals for your money.
The choice between the two comes down to their action — do you want the classic smooth action of the Redington Classic Trout’s progressive taper? Or the potential for extra casting distance from the Echo Carbon XL’s “zip in the tip?”
Redington Classic Trout vs. TFO Pro II
Another popular trout rod often compared to the Redington Classic Trout is the TFO Pro II.
There’s a minimal difference in price between them and both are built with quality components. Here are a few differences you should know about when making your decision.
Moderate Action vs. Medium Fast Action
What’s interesting about these two is that both have progressive tapers. The difference? The Redington Classic Trout is a moderate action rod whereas the TFO Pro II is a medium fast action rod that is more on the fast end of the spectrum.
So while both rods have similar casting characteristics due to the consistent taper designs, the TFO Pro II is slightly stiffer, requiring more energy during the casting stroke.
As with most things in fly fishing, there’s a trade-off. Although the faster action of the TFO Pro II allows you to cast further, it doesn’t load as quickly as the Redington Classic Trout. This can be troublesome for new casters.
Rod Tube vs. No Rod Tube
These days, you can count on fly poles coming with their rod tubes. But for some reason, TFO doesn’t seem to think rod tubes are necessary and the Pro II doesn’t come with one.
They do sell a rod tube, but it has an additional cost. With the Redington Classic Trout, a rod tube is already included.
Final Verdict
When it comes to quality of build and components, both fishing sticks are similar. So again, the choice comes down to action.
The smooth moderate action of the Redington Classic Trout is hard to beat, especially for beginners or anyone who wants an easy casting rod that excels at making casts less than 50 feet.
However, if you think you’ll need a little more oomph to get your fly out there, the faster action of the TFO Pro II could be what you need — you’ll just have to work a little harder for it.
Rating the Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
This is based on a 1 to 5 stars rating.
Ease of Use
It uses a progressive taper so it is easy to load for short casts.
It isn’t overly stiff so it’s easy to feel the rod load and unload as the casting stroke is performed. This is beneficial especially for new fishers who are still getting the feel of the timing and rhythm of the fly cast. 4 stars for its ease of use.
Distance
Its rod tip is easy to shock when you’re casting a long line, making it vulnerable to shocking at distances more than 50 feet. This requires a smooth stroke to cast at long ranges. 2 stars are given for its distance.
Value for Money
Due to its affordable cost, it is usually treated like a beginner’s fly rod. But if you carefully consider its specs and features, both novice and experienced anglers are going to enjoy its specialized components and performance. 5 stars for getting your money’s worth.
Warranty
Redington offers a lifetime warranty. However, they have limitations or exclusions like incidental or consequential damages among others. Bottom line, terms and conditions apply. 3 stars are given for its warranty.
