Updated 2/13/2024
Most anglers agree that the sound of drag screaming off their reel spool as a huge redfish or speckled trout makes a run is one of the most beautiful sounds in the world. When you hook into a big one, you might think you hooked into a freight train. These fish can exhibit spectacular power and stamina, testing fishing gear to the limit. It’s important to have the best rods for redfish and speckled trout when targeting these incredible species.
Redfish and speckled trout are primarily fished with similar techniques which means anglers can use the same rod and reel setup for both. The main exception is when targeting bull reds anglers will want to size up their equipment accordingly.
I’ve done the hours of rod research and testing on weight, strength, durability, and material quality so you don’t have to. Check out my top recommendations for the best rods for redfish and speckled trout to have the right rods for the job.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Our Top Picks
Most rods on our list come in spinning and casting versions. Both are great options. We recommend spinning rods as all-around options and as more beginner friendly. Baitcasting rods are easier to cast accurately but can be tricky if you aren’t as experienced with baitcasting reels. Check out our considerations for each type later in the article.
- Best for the Money: Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod
- Best Under $100: Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod
- Best Under $200: St. Croix Triumph Inshore
- Best for Surf Fishing: St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning
- Best High End: St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore Rod
- Best Combo: Penn Battle III Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
The 10 Best Rods for Redfish and Speckled Trout
Whether you’re a novice angler or a grizzled expert, we have you covered. Check out my recommendations for overall best rods for redfish and speckled trout for different categories like best value, best for different price points, and more!
1. Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod
- Length: 7′ to 8′
- Power: Light to Extra-Heavy
- Rod Material: SLC2 Carbon
- Guides: Fuji Alconite
- Handle: Premium Cork or Rubber Shrink Tube
- Warranty: 1 Year manufacturing defects only
Pros:
- Variety of sizes accommodates multiple fishing techniques
- Premium rod features for reasonable price
Our choice for best rod for redfish and speckled trout for the money is the Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod. This rod captures a great balance of value, price accessibility, and quality features. It’s a workhorse inshore fishing rod that is perfect for almost anything the ocean can throw at it.
Is this rod perfect? No. Is it solid equipment for the price? Definitely.
We picked this rod as our best choice for the money because of it’s versatility and competitive price point. We love the 7′ medium power version as an all-around redfish and speckled trout rod.
The SLC2 Carbon rod blank and Fuji Alconite guide material construction are considered mid-tier materials that should last plenty long with proper care. The full cork handle feels great for prolonged inshore fishing trips. We do wish Penn offered a better warranty (like St. Croix), but it’s hard to complain at this price point.
2. Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod
- Length: 6’6″ to 15′
- Power: Medium to Heavy
- Rod Material: Ugly Tech (combo graphite & fiberglass)
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Handle: EVA Foam
- Warranty: 7 Year manufacturing only
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Wide size range makes it a great budget option as a shorter inshore rod or longer surf rod
Our choice for the best rod for redfish and speckled trout under $100 is the Ugly Stik Bigwater Fishing Rod. Budget pricing doesn’t mean budget performance. This rod is nearly indestructible and comes in a range of sizes and powers perfect for all types of inshore fishing.
This rod is plenty sturdy. It’s heavier and less sensitive than most other similar class rods. The stainless steel inserts will succumb to saltwater corrosion quicker than pricier alternatives. The foam handle is functional and feels fine (although we personally prefer cork!).
We love that this rod comes in a huge range of sizes and it has a better warranty than many of the pricier rods available. For inshore targeting specks and reds, get one around 7′. For surf fishing we recommend 10-12′.
This is an excellent budget option that can catch fish just as well as higher-end rods. Don’t think twice about adding an Ugly Stik Bigwater to your fishing arsenal.
3. St. Croix Triumph Inshore Rod
- Length: 6’8″ – 7’6″
- Power: Medium-Light to Heavy
- Rod Material: SCII Carbon
- Guides: Aluminum-oxide
- Handle: Full Cork
- Warranty: 5 year
Pros:
- Great value for the money
Our choice for the best rod for redfish and speckled trout under $200 is the Triumph Inshore Fishing Rod. This price point is the best bang for your buck for balancing quality and price. This rod line is a workhorse inshore fishing rod that can handle everything you throw at it.
The 7 foot, medium power, fast action Triumph Inshore in either spinning and casting is a great option as the best redfish and speckled trout rod on this list. This rod is made with saltwater rated components on a strong, lightweight, and sensitive rod blank. It’s perfect for chucking popping corks, working soft plastics, or soaking shrimp trying to catch reds and specks.
The full cork handle feels great. There’s plenty of backbone in the medium power (or heavier) versions to deal with slot redfish while still maintaining excellent sensitivity to detect subtle strikes.
4. St. Croix Triumph Surf Rod
- Length: 7′ to 10’6″
- Power: Medium to Medium-Heavy
- Rod Material: SC2 Carbon
- Guides: Aluminum oxide
- Handle: Cork Tape
- Warranty: 5 Year
- Available in 2 and 4 piece versions
Pros:
- 36″ hard-sided travel case for the 4 piece version is a delight to transport
- Long, comfortable cork tape handle
- Premium rod features for reasonable price
Our top choice for best surf fishing rod for redfish and speckled trout is the St. Croix Triumph Surf Rod because it nails that perfect mix of features and value we’re always looking for. Make sure to check out our in-depth review of the Triumph Surf.
Surf, pier, and jetty fishing can require long casting distances. This means that surf fishing rods are much longer than regular fishing rods. We recommend surf rods around 10 feet long because you can cast what feels like a mile but the rod isn’t too big to become unmanageable. For a deeper dive on surf fishing rods, check out our article on the best surf fishing rods.
Surf fishing is a great way to target bull reds with live or cut bait on a bottom rig. Having a longer surf rod to maximize casting distance can be the difference between a great day fishing and an empty cooler.
St. Croix rods are synonymous with quality and the Triumph Surf Spinning Rod is no exception. We love the feel of the long, split cork table handle. It is comfortable and the rod casts like a dream.
The rod blank is St. Croix’s proprietary SC II graphite fiber which is lightweight, durable, and sensitive with a higher strain rate than fibers commonly used by other rod manufacturers. The Triumph Surf Rod is on the lighter end of available surf rods with superior sensitivity without sacrificing strength.
5. St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore Rod
- Length: 7′ to 7’11”
- Power: Light to Extra-Heavy
- Rod Material: SCIV+ Carbon Fiber
- Guides: Alconite & Stainless Steel
- Handle: Super Grade Cork
- Warranty: 15 Year
- Integrated Poly Curve (IPC), Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART), Fortified Resin System (FRS)
Pros:
- The best money can buy
- Made in the USA
Our choice for the best high-end rod for redfish and speckled trout is the St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore Rod. St. Croix pulled out all the stops with the Legend Tournament Inshore rod line. This is rod is just about the strongest, lightest, and most sensitive inshore fishing rod on the market.
We love the full cork handle, top end construction materials that should last forever, and St. Croix’s 15 year warranty. Our experience with St. Croix’s customer service has always been stellar so we feel it’s important to mention.
To top it all off, this rod line is made locally in Park Falls, Wisconsin!
The rod features four of St. Croix’s innovative technologies.
SCIV+ is St. Croix’s next gen, super high modulus carbon fiber. It is a hybrid carbon fiber blank enhanced with new IACT Glass technology that makes for a lighter, stronger, and more sensitive fishing rod.
Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) eliminates all transitional points in the rod blanks for smoother actions, increased strength, and greater sensitivity.
Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART) is an exotic carbon fiber material that adds a magnitude (10x) of strength with virtually no increase in rod blank diameter or weight and significantly improves the hoop strength of the blank by preventing it from deforming under severe loads.
And last but not least, rods manufactured with the Fortified Resin System (FRS) advanced manufacturing protocol consistently test 33% stronger than those built with standard resins and curing methods.
6. Penn Battle III Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
- Rod Length: 6’6″ to 10′
- Power: Light to Heavy
- Reel Size: 1000 to 8000
- Ball Bearings: 5+1
Pros:
- Wide range of available rod and reel sizes and powers for various applications
- Great value for the price
Our choice for best rod & reel combo for redfish and speckled trout is the Penn Battle III Spinning Rod and Reel Combo which we feel is that perfect mix of premium quality with a manageable price tag. Heck, the Penn Battle III reel is our choice for best saltwater fishing reel so it’s no surprise if you slap it on a decent rod we’ll think highly of it!
The reel was the 2020 ICAST Online Best of Category Winner – Saltwater Reel, includes a 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system, Penn’s HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers, and a full metal aluminum body and side plate. It is high quality designed for durability and performance and Penn really outdid themselves with the attention to detail.
We recently attended a charity inshore fishing tournament in Galveston where we noticed our guide, Jesse, had Penn Battle III reels on all of his rods. When asked about it, Jesse said he fishes 250 days or more a year in saltwater conditions and does next to nothing to maintain these reels. He’s had no problems with them and loves how reliable they are considering how hard he works them. We even caught a 28″ redfish which placed for biggest fish in the tournament and a 25″ speckled trout on that trip with this reel!
The rod blank is a graphite composite with either cork or eva handle depending on the model. It has plenty of backbone to reel in big redfish and speckled trout.
While we generally expect a rod & reel combo to skimp in quality on one of the components, we were pleasantly surprised with this pairing by Penn. This combo is great value for the price.
Check out our article on the best saltwater rod and reel combos for other great options!
Rod Comparison Table
Check out our handy comparison table showing key specifications for our top rod choices.
| Rod Name | Length | Power | Rod Material | Guides | Handle | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod | 7′ to 8′ | Light to Extra-Heavy | SLC2 Carbon | Fuji Alconite | Premium Cork or Rubber Shrink Tube | 1 Year manufacturing defects only |
| Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod | 6’6″ to 15′ | Medium to Heavy | Ugly Tech (combo graphite & fiberglass) | Stainless Steel | EVA Foam | 7 Year manufacturing only |
| St. Croix Triumph Inshore Rod | 6’8″ – 7’6″ | Medium-Light to Heavy | SCII Carbon | Aluminum-oxide | Full Cork | 5 year |
| St. Croix Triumph Surf Rod | 7′ to 10’6″ | Medium to Medium-Heavy | SC2 Carbon | Aluminum oxide | Cork Tape | 5 Year |
| St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore Rod | 7′ to 7’11” | Light to Extra-Heavy | SCIV+ Carbon Fiber | Alconite & Stainless Steel | Super Grade Cork | 15 Year |
| Penn Battle III Spinning Rod & Reel Combo | 6’6″ to 10′ | Light to Heavy | Composite | Stainless Steel | Foam | – |
Conclusion
The best rods for redfish and speckled trout need to cover a wide range of fishing techniques like popping corks, soft plastics on jigs, live bait rigs, and assorted lures. Our best for the money choice is the Penn Battalion II Inshore rod because of it’s versatility and value. We also really like the St. Croix Triumph Inshore as our choice for best rod for specks and reds under $200 because of the incredible quality, strength, and sensitivity for the price.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and catch some fish!
Check out our articles for great reels to pair with these rods:
- Best Inshore Reels
- Best Reels for Redfish and Speckled Trout
- Best Saltwater Reels
- Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
- Best Saltwater Spinning Reels
Check out our related rod articles:
- Best Inshore Fishing Rods
- Best Beginner Fishing Rods
- Best Flounder Rods
- Best Sheepshead Rods
- Best Saltwater Fishing Rods
- Best Saltwater Rod & Reel Combos
- Best Surf Fishing Rods
- Best Surf Fishing Rod & Reel Combos
- Best Pier Fishing Rods
- Best Trolling Rods
How to Choose The Best Rod for Redfish and Speckled Trout For You
Choosing the best rods for redfish and speckled trout should account for factors like rod power, action, materials, and portability. Redfish and speckled trout are targeted with a variety of techniques that each have their own unique demands.
For even more reading, check out our article on how to choose any fishing rod.
Popular Techniques to Target Redfish and Speckled Trout
We target redfish and specks with three primary techniques, shrimp under a popping cork, live bait bottom rigs, and artificial lures like soft plastic paddle-tails a weighted jig heads. Our preferred rod setups for each technique are laid out in the table below:
| Technique | Rod Type | Rod Length | Rod Power | Action | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Popping Cork | Spinning or Baitcasting | 7′-8′ | Medium to Medium-Heavy | Fast | Casting Distance, Rod Backbone |
| Live Bait Bottom Rig | Spinning | 6’6″-7′ | Medium | Fast | Sensitivity |
| Artificial Baits | Baitcasting | 7′-7’6″ | Medium-Light to Medium | Fast (moderate for crankbaits) | Casting Distance, Sensitivity, & Comfort |
Note these are our recommendations for targeting slot reds and keeper-sized trout. For bull reds, bump the rod power up to medium-heavy or heavy.
Spinning vs Baitcasting Rods
Most techniques for targeting redfish and speckled trout can be done with either spinning or casting setups. Spinning rods are better for beginners because they can’t backlash like baitcasting setups. Spinning reels are generally preferred for bottom rig fishing live bait or super light setups. Baitcasting setups allow for more accurate casting and improved casting comfort but can be more difficult to use.
If getting one rod to do everything, we recommend a spinning rod to start. If grabbing an additional rod to cast lures, soft plastics, or about anything that requires frequent casts, we recommend baitcasting rods.
Length
Inshore anglers targeting redfish and speckled trout should pick rod length based on their selected fishing technique. Generally, longer rods can cast further, and shorter rods are easier to maneuver and are sturdier. Inshore anglers should pick a rod around 7 feet long. This is a great length to be able to cast relatively far but still have the accuracy to pinpoint cast to a specific spot.
Power
Rod power is the fishing industry’s terminology for rod stiffness. Rod powers range from ultralight to heavy. Medium power is a great all around choice for inshore fishing for reds and speckled trout. While all anglers dream of hooking into a 30″ trout or a bull red, realistically 90% of the redfish and trout you catch will be between 15″ and 25″. Medium power is plenty strong for that sized fish.
Saltwater species are generally larger and stronger fighters than many freshwater species, so we recommend rods from medium to heavy for saltwater. If targeting huge species like bull reds or sharks, size up to a heavy rod. If targeting reds, speckled trout, or striped bass sized fish, medium power is perfect.
Action
Rod action refers to how far down the rod will bend when pressure is applied to the tip. Rod actions range from extra-fast (bends near tip) to slow (nearly the whole rod bends).
The faster the action, the more sensitive the rod will feel. The slower the action, the more casting distance you can get (the rod will feel like it whips more when you cast).
Inshore rods for redfish and speckled trout with moderate to fast actions are ideal. They provide a balance of accurate casting and sensitivity. Fast or extra-fast tips are great for working topwater baits. Moderate actions are better for working crankbaits. Fast actions are great all-around options.
Check out our article on fishing rod actions for even more information.
Portability
Another key factor to picking the best inshore fishing rod is portability.
Seven foot long rods fit in most vehicles and boat rod holders. Much longer and you may run into problems. Make sure you check if your rod can fit in your vehicle before you make a purchase!
Think about purchasing multi-piece ‘travel’ versions of rods and/or look into travel cases to help protect your rod during transport. There’s nothing worse than accidentally breaking a guide or the rod tip on the way to the boat launch or beach.
Handle Material
Rod handle feel is an important factor to consider when picking an inshore fishing rod. Common handle types are rubber shrink tube, cork tape, or neoprene. Rubber shrink is usually considered a more budget option, whereas cork or neoprene feels better to grip and handle.
Rod Guide Material
Rod guide material is important because lower quality materials are heavier and will rust quicker and could potentially fail. This can be partially avoided by rinsing rod guides with freshwater after every trip.
The highest end rods have titanium or silicone carbide (SiC) rod guides whereas middle end or budget rods will have some variation of aluminum oxide or stainless steel.
Higher end rod guides are made with lighter materials with lower friction that will either rust slower or not at all. Less expensive rod guides are heavier and will succumb to the elements more quickly.
For additional information on rod guide considerations, check out our article that explains fishing rod guides in detail.
Rod Material
Rod blank material affects rod strength and how the fishing rod deforms during casting or reeling in a fish. Common rod materials are graphite, fiberglass, and composite. Check out our deep dive on rod blanks for more information.
Graphite
Graphite rods have incredible sensitivity in lightweight packages. They are great for detecting subtle fish strikes. Graphite rod disadvantages are that the rods can be a little weaker than the other options and more susceptible to breakage, especially around nicks or scratches.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is strong, durable and flexible but weighs more than graphite. They are less sensitive than the other types of rod materials.
Composite
Composite rod materials are a mix of graphite and fiberglass that seek to have the light weight and sensitivity of graphite rods with the strength of fiberglass rods.
Reel Seat
Reel seats are the component where the fishing reel is secured onto the fishing rod by tightening a locking nut. The basic parts of a reel seat are the body, hood, locking nut, and barrel threads. Common reel seat materials are either graphite or aluminum which are both lightweight, corrosion resistant materials. Reel seats are sized to match the power of the rod. For example, a reel seat on an ultralight fishing rod won’t fit a massive 10000 size spinning reel.
Most freshwater applications utilize fully graphite reel seats due to graphite’s light weight. For heavier duty saltwater applications, reel seats are commonly upgraded to machine-grade aluminum for increased strength. For targeting the largest fish on the planet, the complete rod butt and reel seat can be aluminum for maximum strength.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining your fishing rod ensures its longevity and performance. After each use, rinse it with fresh water to remove dirt and debris, especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater. Dry it thoroughly before storage to prevent rust and corrosion. Occasionally check for any signs of wear or damage. Store your rod vertically or horizontally on a rack, avoiding extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Explore our ultimate guide on fishing rod maintenance and care for comprehensive insights into maintaining your redfish and speckled trout rod, avoiding common causes of damage, and mastering preventative strategies to ensure your gear remains in prime condition.
Fishing Rods for Redfish and Speckled Trout Frequently Asked Questions
What reel to pair with rod for redfish and speckled trout?
Inshore rods for redfish and speckled trout should be paired with high-quality, saltwater rated reels that match the rod type. Spinning rods should be matched with spinning reels and casting rods should be matched with baitcasting reels.
Match inshore spinning rods with 3000 to 4000 size spinning reels for a great all around choice for common species like redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and striped bass. Pair inshore casting rods with saltwater rated baitcasting reels.
Check out our articles on the best saltwater casting reels and the best saltwater spinning reels for great reel options to pair with these inshore rods.
Be sure to thoroughly clean your equipment after saltwater fishing with a gentle freshwater rinse. Sand and salt spray gets in everything and your gear will last longer if you spray it down after each outing.
What is the best length rod for redfish and speckled trout?
The best all around rod length for inshore fishing for redfish and speckled trout is 7 feet long. This length rod can accurately make long casts while still having enough backbone to reel in larger saltwater species.
Is mono or braid better for inshore fishing for redfish and speckled trout?
Braided fishing line is preferable for inshore fishing for redfish and speckled trout. Braided line has significantly smaller diameter for the same strength line when compared to mono. This can be key while inshore fishing, because wind and waves will constantly be pulling at your line. The smaller diameter means less effect from the elements.
How much line do you need for redfish and speckled trout?
Inshore anglers targeting redfish and speckled trout need around 150 yards of line on their spool although they will rarely use more than 50 yards. Inshore fishing is relatively close quarters and casts are usually max of around 50 yards. Big fish may make a run and pull additional line until it tires out and the angler can reel it in.
Written By: Andrew Juran
Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience fishing across the United States. He has caught hundreds of redfish and speckled trout using various techniques and mentored many in the art of fishing. An advocate for sustainable fishing, Andrew is an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization committed to marine conservation.
For frequent fishing tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and real-time catches, connect with Andrew on Instagram
