Best spinning reel for put and take

The best spinning reel for put and take is not the most expensive one, but the one with the right size and a smooth drag. Stocked rainbow trout usually weigh half a kilo to two kilos, and for that fish you land right with a reel in size 1000–2500. Below we go through what to look for, not individual brands, so the choice holds whatever the shop has on the shelf.

Our pick

If you just want a recommendation: Shimano Nasci FC 2500 hits the best balance of price and quality for put and take, with a smooth drag and the right size for rainbow trout.

• Best for most people – Shimano Nasci FC 2500 (4.8★). A keenly priced quality reel you will not grow out of. See price on Amazon
• Best budget – Shimano FX 2500 (4.5★, 2,300+ reviews). Hard to beat for getting started. See price on Amazon
• Premium – Shimano Ultegra FC 2500 (5.0★). When you want the smoothest and best-built. See price on Amazon

Affiliate links to Amazon. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you — that does not change our advice.

How you choose – checklist

1. Size 2000–2500 as the all-round choice for rainbow trout, 1000 for really light fishing. See choosing a spinning reel for the details.
2. A soft, smooth drag. The most important thing of all. Test by pulling line out by hand: it should go evenly, not in jerks.
3. Sensible line capacity for thin main line. Deep spools can be filled out with cheap backing at the bottom.
4. Bail return and handle that feel solid, without play.

What to prioritise

Spend the money on the drag and the right size, not on an impressive bearing count. A reel with a stuttering drag drops fish in the runs, while a simple but smooth drag does the job. Avoid buying too large: a sea or pike reel in size 4000 and up becomes tip-heavy and clumsy with light tackle and small lures.

Price bands

A keenly priced mid-range reel is plenty for put and take, and you rarely need to go to the top of the range. In the lower part of the range there are working reels to start with, but very cheap models sometimes have a drag that stutters or a bail that slams shut on its own. Sit in the middle layer if you know you will fish a fair bit, so the reel lasts longer.

Match it to the rod

The reel should balance the rod. A reel in size 2000–2500 fits a light-to-medium spinning rod, and a ready-made spinning combo has everything matched from the start. If you want to understand the technique behind the choice, see choosing a spinning reel, and how you use it under spin fishing. More buying guides sit under best.