Spring doesn’t just mark the return of great fishing, it’s also when some of the most exciting new gear of the year starts landing in the shop. And this season, Redington has come out swinging with a lineup that hits both ends of the spectrum: refined, classic trout gear and serious big-game tools built for power and performance.
From the moment these arrived, they’ve been moving quickly, and for good reason. Between a beautifully executed click-and-pawl reel and two purpose-built rod series, there’s a lot here worth paying attention to.
A Modern Take on a Classic: Trout Click & Pawl Reels
Let’s start with the piece that immediately catches your eye. Redington’s new classic trout reel is a clean, thoughtfully designed click-and-pawl that blends traditional feel with subtle modern upgrades.
Available in two sizes and a range of finishes, it’s built to complement lighter trout setups while still offering enough versatility to match different rods and styles. The narrow spool design stands out right away, not just aesthetically, but functionally. It promotes even line lay down without needing constant guidance, which is a small detail that makes a big difference over a full day on the water.
The ported frame keeps weight down while allowing backing to dry efficiently, and internally, a dual-pawl system delivers a crisp, reliable click. There’s also an adjustable tensioner on the back, giving you a bit more control than you’d expect from a traditional click-and-pawl setup.
It’s the kind of reel that feels right at home on a lightweight trout rod, simple, elegant, and enjoyable to fish.
Predator Salt: More Speed, More Power, More Versatility
On the rod side, the biggest evolution comes with the new Predator Salt series. Built off the foundation of previous Predator models, this version takes a clear step forward in performance, especially for anglers who need more speed and fish fighting power.
The first thing you notice is the updated action. These rods are faster, giving you the ability to generate higher line speed and handle wind with more authority. But importantly, they haven’t gone all the way into ultra-stiff territory.
Instead, Reddington has kept a slightly softer tip section. That decision pays off in a big way when you’re casting at shorter distances. Whether you’re making quick shots at bass or getting a fly moving quickly on the flats, the rod loads more easily and feels more intuitive in hand. It’s a balance that makes the rod both powerful and forgiving, something a lot of fast-action rods struggle to achieve.
The result is a rod that’s just as comfortable in saltwater as it is chasing bass, pike, or even steelhead when you need a bit more punch.
Big Game: Built for Heavy Flies and Hard Hits
While the Predator Salt leans toward speed and versatility, the Big Game series is purpose-built for throwing large, heavy flies, and doing it well.
Interestingly, this is where a slightly deeper flex comes into play. When casting big, heavy flies, control becomes more important than outright stiffness. A rod that flexes a bit further into the blank helps absorb the shock created when a heavy fly straightens at the end of a cast. Without that absorption, you can get recoil and slack, which kills accuracy and control.
The Big Game rods solve that by smoothing out the casting stroke. You still get plenty of power in the butt section for fighting fish and driving casts, but the added flex helps maintain tension and control throughout.
Another nice touch is the range of lengths. Alongside standard 9-foot models, there are shorter options designed for tighter environments, perfect for river bass, smaller water, or anywhere accuracy matters more than distance.
A Lineup That Covers It All
Taken together, this new release from Redington fills in some key gaps. The Predator Salt brings a more capable, modern saltwater-ready action to the lineup, while the Big Game series gives anglers a specialized tool for throwing the biggest flies with confidence. And on the lighter end, the classic trout reel adds a refined, traditional option that still feels relevant today.
Whether you’re chasing trout on a small stream or gearing up for bigger, more demanding fisheries, there’s something here that’s genuinely worth a look.
And if early interest is any indication, these won’t be sitting on the shelves for long!
