Redington Wrangler Fly Fishing Kit Review

Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Daniel Globe

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Buying your first fly-fishing outfit can be confusing because a complete-looking kit may still leave you with mismatched line, a weak reel, or gear that does not suit your local water. The Redington Wrangler Trout Kit 590-4 avoids much of that guesswork by pairing a 9-foot, 5-weight rod with a matching Crosswater reel, RIO fly line, backing, leader, and travel case. Its medium-fast action gives you enough feedback to learn proper casting while retaining the backbone needed for common trout techniques. The main limitation is power: this 5wt setup handles standard dry flies, nymphs, and modest streamers better than heavy multi-fly rigs or dedicated saltwater work.

What Is the Redington Wrangler Fly Fishing Kit?

The Redington Wrangler lineup contains several purpose-specific rod and reel kits. The model reviewed here is the Wrangler Trout Kit 590-4, which means you get a 9-foot, 5-weight, four-piece rod designed for common freshwater trout techniques.

The outfit arrives with a Crosswater reel, dacron backing, RIO Mainstream WF5F floating line, a RIO Powerflex Plus 4X tapered leader, and a nylon carrying case. You still need flies, tippet, basic tools, and any required fishing license before heading to the water.

The coordinated components are the main selling point. You do not have to guess which reel size or fly line matches the rod, and the four-piece design is easier to store in a vehicle or carry on a fishing trip than a two-piece rod.

Who Should Buy It?

Rod Design and Casting Action

The 9-foot length gives you useful reach for mending line, controlling a drift, and keeping line off conflicting currents. It is a common all-purpose length for trout rivers and lakes, so it suits more situations than a short, brush-focused creek rod.

Redington describes the blank as medium-fast. In practice, that type of action gives you noticeable line-loading feedback while still recovering quickly enough for accurate presentations. A new caster can feel the timing of the stroke, while an experienced angler gets enough stiffness for longer casts and mild wind.

The rod leans toward the firmer side of medium-fast action. That helps with line control and indicator rigs, but it may not feel as soft as a traditional moderate-action trout rod. You should avoid overpowering it with an abrupt casting stroke, especially at short distances where less line is outside the guides.

Crosswater Reel, Drag, and Fly Line

The included Crosswater 4/5/6 reel uses a durable polymer or composite frame rather than a machined-aluminum body. This choice keeps the kit accessible and provides adequate strength for routine trout fishing, but it does not offer the rigid, refined feel of a premium metal reel.

Its fully carbon disc drag provides adjustable resistance when a fish runs. Most trout hooked on a 5wt can be controlled through a combination of rod pressure, palming, and drag, so the reel is capable enough for the kit’s intended use.

Redington pairs the rod with RIO Mainstream WF5F floating line. Its weight-forward profile helps load the rod and makes it easier to turn over a leader than a level or poorly matched line. The line is suitable for surface presentations, indicators, and shallow subsurface fishing, but you may eventually want a higher-grade line if you prioritize reduced memory, improved slickness, or more specialized tapers.

Leader, Backing, and Carrying Case

The kit includes dacron backing and a RIO Powerflex Plus 4X tapered leader. A 4X leader is a practical starting point for many average-size trout flies, though you may need finer tippet for small dry flies or heavier material for larger streamers.

The nylon case is designed to hold the four-piece rod and reel. A carrying handle and reinforced end cap help protect the outfit during storage and ordinary transport. It is useful for car trips, flights, and keeping the rod sections together, but you should still avoid crushing the case beneath heavy luggage.

How It Performs in Real Use

Dry-Fly Fishing

The medium-fast action is well suited to common dry-fly work. You can form tight loops for accuracy while still making a controlled presentation with a tapered leader. The rod has enough stability for longer casts, though your casting technique and leader setup remain the biggest factors in a delicate landing.

Nymphs and Indicators

The 9-foot length helps with mending and drift control when fishing a single nymph, a two-fly setup, or a moderate indicator rig. You can lift line over conflicting currents more effectively than with a short rod. Very heavy indicators, multiple weighted flies, and long three-nymph rigs may overload the 5wt and reduce turnover.

Streamers and Wind

The Wrangler Trout can cast small and medium streamers, especially when the fly is not heavily weighted. Its firmer action also provides useful reserve power in a breeze. Large articulated streamers, sinking tips, and bulky flies are better matched to the 6wt Trout XL or a dedicated 7wt setup.

Travel and Occasional Use

The four-piece rod packs down into the included case, which makes the outfit convenient for weekend trips and backup use. Because the reel, line, and leader are already matched, you can spend less time selecting components. You will still need to inspect local fishing rules and pack flies, tippet, forceps, nippers, and eye protection.

Setup Tips Before First Use

1. Join the rod sections carefully. Seat each ferrule firmly without forcing or twisting it excessively. Align every guide before attaching the reel.
2. Confirm the reel direction. Check that the reel retrieves with your preferred hand and that line leaves the reel without rubbing the frame.
3. Inspect the leader connection. Make sure the loop-to-loop connection is seated cleanly and that the leader has no wind knots or damaged sections.
4. Add the right tippet. Match the tippet and fly size to the fish and water. The included 4X leader is versatile, but it is not correct for every fly.
5. Practice with a short line. Start with 20 to 30 feet of line rather than trying for maximum distance. A smooth acceleration and firm stop will teach you more than force.
6. Check ferrules during the day. Multi-piece rods can loosen after repeated casting. Stop and reseat a section if the alignment changes.

Freshwater Use, Care, and Safety

The 590-4 Trout kit is primarily a freshwater setup. Redington sells a separate 8wt Saltwater Wrangler, so this 5wt model should not be treated as a substitute for a saltwater outfit designed around larger flies, stronger fish, and corrosive conditions.

After fishing, wipe dirt and moisture from the rod and allow the case to dry before storage. If the reel or rod contacts saltwater, rinse it with clean fresh water and dry it thoroughly. Do not store a wet reel inside a closed case for long periods.

Wear eye protection when casting and maintain space between yourself, other anglers, trees, and overhead power lines. Follow local fishing regulations, safe-wading practices, and the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Pros and Cons

Is It Worth the Price?

The Wrangler Trout Kit sits above the most basic starter combos because you get a purpose-built medium-fast rod, branded RIO line and leader, a carbon-disc-drag reel, and a lifetime rod warranty. That combination offers strong value when you need a complete freshwater setup rather than a rod alone.

You get the most value if you are starting from scratch or replacing an older entry-level outfit. A coordinated kit also reduces the risk of pairing a 5wt rod with the wrong reel or a poorly suited fly line.

It is less compelling if you already own a dependable 4/5/6 reel and quality WF5F line. In that case, buying a rod separately may let you direct more of your budget toward the blank and components.

How It Compares to Alternatives

The Redington Original Freshwater Kit is worth comparing when you want a simpler entry-level Redington outfit with a similar general component list. The Wrangler Trout is the stronger choice when you value its purpose-specific trout design and lifetime rod warranty.

The TFO NXT Black Label is another teaching-focused 5wt option with a more moderate action, while the Orvis Clearwater is worth considering when you want a broader rod lineup and a more refined outfit. The Wrangler makes the most sense when you want medium-fast trout performance and a complete matched package without moving directly into a higher-priced setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

The Redington Wrangler Trout Kit 590-4 is a practical choice when you want a complete, matched 5wt outfit for dry flies, nymphs, indicators, and moderate streamers. Its medium-fast rod, useful line-control length, RIO line, carrying case, and lifetime rod warranty make it easy to recommend to new and improving trout anglers.

You should skip it if your regular fishing requires bulky saltwater flies, large streamers, sinking lines, or heavy multi-nymph rigs. For its intended freshwater role, it offers a balanced mix of casting performance, portability, and convenience.