The 26 Trout Rise is an area trout rod released in September 2026, with a list price of JPY 11,000–13,000 (excl. tax). It comes in 7 models. The first pick is the S60SUL, and Shimano itself writes to take the SUL if unsure.
The Gear Nerd's Pick
The heart of the 26 Trout Rise is that it places the baseline SUL in both lengths of the five tubular models. With the stiffness yardstick fixed in the middle, it is hard to miss with a first rod. That is why I start with the S60SUL and add an XUL or UL as a second rod.
Key points
- 7 models: 5 tubular and 2 full-glass solid
- 6ft 3in is 7.6cm longer than 6ft (about 4%)
- What Shimano writes about the difference from the 19 is a completely new rod action
When is the 26 Trout Rise out, and what does it cost?
Seven rods of the same name lined up at a tackle counter would make anyone stop. They all look the same. But once you can read the model numbers, the first rod is surprisingly quick to settle.
The Shimano 26 Trout Rise is an entry-level rod for area trout fishing. Shimano explains it was made for beginners, families and people who fish between camping.
| Item | Official listing |
|---|---|
| Release | September 2026 (a new product for autumn and winter 2026) |
| List price | JPY 11,000–13,000 (excl. tax) |
| Sizes | 7 models (5 tubular, 2 full-glass solid) |
| Guides | Fuji K guides on every model (stainless frame, O-ring) |
| Joints | 2-piece (inverted spigot). The S46SUL-FS and S50SUL-FS are one-piece |
| Grip | EVA + cork, straight grip |
How I judged it
I started from the model numbers. There are five hollow tubular models, and the baseline SUL appears in both 6ft and 6ft 3in. Shimano itself writes to take the SUL if you cannot decide on a first rod.
What I weighed was length. 6ft suits small to mid-size ponds, while 6ft 3in suits big ponds where casting distance matters. A shorter rod is easier for practicing casting to where you aim.
So the pick for a first rod is the S60SUL. A buy.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Shimano 26 Trout Rise S60SUL
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 9,623 (as of Oct 15). Some stores go up to JPY 10,625. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaSee it on NaturumSee it on Yahoo! Shopping JapanHow do the models differ? Length, stiffness and build
| Type | Number | Length | Shimano's description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubular, 6ft | 3 models | About 183cm | Easy to handle on small to mid-size ponds |
| Tubular, 6ft 3in | 2 models | About 191cm | For large ponds where casting distance matters |
| Full-glass solid (S46SUL-FS, S50SUL-FS) | 2 models | About 137cm and 152cm from the model numbers | Bends from base to tip, easy to cast with little force |
Stiffness comes in 3 steps. Each has its own job.
- XUL: for light lures such as micro spoons of about 0.5g. For pressured fish or spots with many small fish
- SUL: the baseline. A wide range from spoons to minnows and crankbaits
- UL: moderate tension, suited to working bottom plugs and minnows
Rod class and reel size are separate yardsticks. The reel size to pair is collected in how to choose a reel size.
What does 3 inches more length change? My calculation
One foot is 30.48cm and one inch is 2.54cm. 6ft is 6 × 30.48 = 182.9cm, and 6ft 3in is 182.9 + 3 × 2.54 = 190.5cm. The gap is 7.6cm, about 4% in length.
Shimano splits pond sizes on this 4%. My read is that it is not a gap big enough to agonize over for a first rod.
7.6cm is small. Only anglers who know they will fish big ponds need to take the S63SUL.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Shimano 26 Trout Rise S63SUL
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 9,152 (as of Oct 15). Some stores go up to JPY 10,891. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaSee it on NaturumSee it on Yahoo! Shopping JapanHow do tubular and solid differ?
They differ inside. A tubular rod is hollow inside; a solid rod is filled all the way through.
Shimano describes the full-glass solid in the Trout Rise as a gentle taper (how thickness changes) that bends smoothly from base to tip. The whole rod takes the weight of the lure, so the moment of release is easy to feel and the shock of a big fish's pull is softened.
The S50SUL-FS is 5 × 30.48 = 152.4cm, 30.5cm shorter than the S60SUL. If you fish alongside a child, I would add this as a second rod.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Shimano 26 Trout Rise S50SUL-FS
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 8,222 (as of Oct 15). Some stores go up to JPY 11,008. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaSee it on NaturumSee it on Yahoo! Shopping JapanHow does it differ from the 19 Trout Rise?
There is one difference. What changed from the previous model is that the rod action was completely redone to bring out suppleness. Shimano says even light lures load the rod and can be cast far.
K guides (guides that resist line tangles) are on every model of the 26. The official product page for the 19 is gone, so all that can be compared is the change in rod action that Shimano writes about for the 26.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Shimano 19 Trout Rise
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 9,702 (as of Oct 15). Some stores go up to JPY 14,910. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaSee it on Yahoo! Shopping JapanThings to watch
The guide ring is an "O-ring" in the official spec table. Others in the same table, such as the Trout One AS, have SiC rings, which makes a difference for anglers whose fishing rubs the line hard. This part is so-so.
The two solid models are one-piece. Check the length first to see whether it fits in your car.
One more thing. The XUL is a class leaning toward light lures of about 0.5g. Take it as a first rod and the range of lures you can use narrows.
Who is it for?
- Anglers going to an area trout pond for the first time, and families or campers fishing in their spare time
- Anglers who want to cast everything from spoons to minnows with one rod (S60SUL)
If you are renewing your reel along with the rod, the release dates and prices of Shimano's 2026 new products are in the 26 Miravel review.
For a first area trout pond, the 26 Trout Rise is a rod you can pick up with confidence. If you go several times a month and want to refine weight and sensitivity, the Cardiff AX or Trout One AS are other ways to choose.
For ester-only, see the Presso AIR AGS 61ML-E review.
If you have no complaints about the 19 Trout Rise, the difference is only in the rod action, so there is no need to rush.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Shimano 26 Trout Rise S60SUL
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 9,623 (as of Oct 15). Some stores go up to JPY 10,625. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaSee it on NaturumSee it on Yahoo! Shopping JapanFAQ
When is the 26 Trout Rise released, and what does it cost?
Released Sep 2026, list price JPY 11,000–13,000 (excl. tax).
How do I choose among the Trout Rise models?
Start with the S60SUL. Shimano also treats the SUL as the baseline and positions 6ft for small to mid-size ponds.
How does it differ from the 19 Trout Rise?
Shimano says the rod action is completely new and more supple than the previous one. Every model carries K guides, and the joint is a 2-piece for tubular rods and one-piece for solid.
