First Impressions
Redington makes a range of rods, from their entry-level Crosswater to the top-of-the-line fast-action CPX. Right in the middle of that line up is their Classic Trout rod. It’s a medium action rod designed for the small stream. And at $149 MSRP, it was a perfect choice for this small-stream, big value rod test.
The Classic Trout comes in nine different configurations in line weights from 2 to 6 and lengths from 7 ft. 6 in. to 9 ft. I received the 8 ft. 6 in. 4 weight for this test.
Out of the box, the Classic Trout is a handsome and nicely built product belying its relatively bargain price tag.
Features
Redington builds the Classic Trout from an intermediate modulus graphite to hit their strength, weight and medium flex targets. It’s finished in a deep brown with silver accents. The reel seat insert is rosewood. And the hardware (reel seat, guides and keeper) are a dark gunmetal gray.
Specs
Action: Medium/Mid Flex
Line weight: 4
Length: 8 ft 6 in
Weight: 2.6 oz
Warranty: Lifetime
The Classic Trout uses the tip-over-butt construction method and the ferrules are finished with alignment dots and rod length and weight, making it easy to match up sections on the stream.
Fit
On the water, the Classic Trout fished exactly as you’d expect – smooth and easy. Its medium-action, mid-flex design delivered casts in the 30 to 40 foot range without a problem using a standard 4-weight line. Definitely no need to over line this rod to get it to perform. Casts were accurate and I found I could place the fly just where I needed it across mid-size streams.
Final Verdict
Hard to beat the Redington Classic Trout at this price point. It’s handsome and well built. I like the detailing Redington applies including the darker hardware and alignment dots, details that you don’t find on even much more expensive rods. Of all the rods in the test, the Redington Classic Trout is definitely the bargain find.