The Best Rod and Reel Combos – Buyers Guide
You can teach a man how to fish and let him use your rod and reel for the day. You can teach a man to fish and he will be hooked for life. While lures and boats are often the focus of fishing, it’s the fishing reel and rod that really do the work. Rods today are made from space-age materials, which means they can last a lifetime and can handle more fish. The best fishing rod brands aren’t only high-tech, they’re also affordable and made by anglers for anglers. These are the top 10 fishing reels and rods you should buy before you go out to fish.
This combo is the best for all your needs at an affordable price. A combo is a great way to quickly get into the action. Many anglers choose a combination to save time and money.
Are you unsure which one is right for your needs?
Continue reading!
Best Combination of Spinning Rod and Reel
Cadence CC4 Spinning Combo-Best Medium-Light Combination
Specifications |
Pros |
Cons |
| Reel Maximum drag: 13 lbs. Gear ratio: 6.2 to 1 (32″ RPT). Capacity: 6/160 Material: Carbon composite Weight: 8.3 oz. Bearings: 7 + 1. Rod Length: 6′ 6″. Action/power: medium-light/moderate-fast Material: graphite Handle: Split EVA foam Guides: Stainless steel with SIC Inserts Line weight N/A Size of lure: Pieces: 2 |
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Summary
Cadence’s C4 reels offer a great value for money and come paired with a rod that will bring a smile to your face. We recommend a medium-light rod with the 2000 series, providing a set-up that’s ideal for panfish, trout, and walleye, as well as finesse techniques for bass.
Cadence reels offer high-quality performance at a reasonable price. This is no exception. Although not as appealing as the CS8, C4 reels are solid and affordable. The C4’s smooth, strong drag offers 13 pounds of maximum tension and provides more resistance to largemouth and walleye.
With a high gear ratio and large spool, this crank has a lightning fast retrieval rate of 32 inches per turn! This rod and reel combination is simply amazing at this price. I would throw crankbaits to walleye with it.
The graphite blank is 6-foot tall and 6-inches in diameter. This provides medium-light power which is sufficient to support trout and smallmouth in fast currents and finesse techniques such as drop shot rigs and bass drops, as well as strong-fighting walleye. When the pressure is on, the quality guides will also help to ensure that the odds are in your favour.
The Cadence CC4 is a good choice if you are looking for a light-medium combination for freshwater.
Daiwa D-Shock Spinning Combo –The Most Affordable Combination
Specifications |
Pros |
Cons |
| Reel Maximum drag: N/A Gear ratio N/A Capacity: 6/210 – 8/170 – 10/140 Material – N/A Weight – N/A Bearings N/ARod Length: 6’6″. Material: Fiberglass Power/action medium/moderate/fast Size of lure: Line weight: 6-12 lb. Handle: Split EVA foam Guides – N/A Pieces: 2 |
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Summary
Daiwa reels are available on any lake, river, or pond you fish. The D-Shock spinning combination is an affordable option that will get any angler fishing in no matter what season.
This 6-foot rod has a fiberglass blank, which is ideal for throwing crankbaits and jerkbaits as well as topwater lures. The treble hooks are so numerous that stiffness is not necessary. However, fiberglass provides a cushion for the hookset which is a bonus. It’s not the most sensitive rod. I would skip single-hook applications and soft plastics.
This rod is great for smaller freshwater species such as bass, walleye, small pike, and muskie. You’ll be able to control your fight with this rod, which is strong and durable.
Daiwa doesn’t say much about this reel and it isn’t sold by itself. The drag is well-designed and has good capacity. It’s a great combo for the price.
If you are looking for an extremely affordable option, the D-Shock combo is a great choice.
KastKing Centron Combo –Best Medium Combo
Specifications |
Pros |
Cons |
| Reel Maximum drag: 12 lbs. Gear ratio: 5.2 to 1 (24.4″ RPT). Capacity: 6/310 and 8/235 Material: graphite Weight: 9.03 oz. Bearings: 9 + 1.Rod Length: 6’6″. Material – N/A Power/action medium/moderate/fast Size of lure: 1/4 to 5/8 oz. Line weight: 8-14 lbs. Handle: Split EVA foam Guides: 7 + 1 stainless Steel Pieces: 2 |
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Summary
KastKing is a rising star in the world of angling. Their high-quality products and affordable pricing have made them a popular choice.
The Centron reels are highly respected and deliver impressive performance for the money. We recommend the combination featuring the Centron 2000.
Its maximum drag of 12 pounds won’t let it down. The reel is smooth and strong and delivers the right tension for the lines you will be throwing. It picks up 24.4 inches with each crank. This reel is quite smooth.
KastKing’s 6-foot, 6-inch rod, which KastKing matches with this reel, complements its strengths. It is a great choice for bigger fish and heavier currents, from small muskies to walleyes, catfish to bass, and it can also be used to catch smaller fish. Although it’s a bit too big for panfish, there is plenty of backbone to help you muscle the big guys when they get rough.
This rod also has many high-quality guides, which is a testimony to its fighting spirit.
It’s hard to beat the Centron combo, and it’s a great place to start if you’re searching for freshwater spinning combos.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 –The Toughest Combination
Specifications |
Pros |
Cons |
| Reel Maximum drag: N/A Gear ratio: 5.5 to 1. Capacity: 4/190 – 6/140 – 8/110 Material – N/A N/A Weight Bearings: 3 + 1.Rod Length: 6″ Material: Graphite/fiberglass composite Power/action – Medium/fast Size of lure: 1/8 to 1/2 oz. Line weight: 6-15 lbs Handle: continuous EVA foam Guides: 5 + 1 Ugly Tuff stainless Steel Pieces: 2 |
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Summary
Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik is known for its toughness and no-nonsense attitude, but the fiberglass blank it comes with isn’t as sensitive to anglers as they would like. The GX2 has a graphite core that provides greater stiffness and sensitivity, but still offers unbeatable durability.
The 6-foot GX2 freshwater rod is great for all types of fishing. It has enough sensitivity at its tip, and enough backbone to handle big bass and walleye.
Shakespeare’s Ugly Tuff guide has been thoroughly tested by me, and I find them to be more impressive for stainless steel than you might think. I saw nothing on the 6-pound stripper guide, which tells me that even the most brutal fights won’t leave the guides in a bind.
This rod casts well and is rated for excellent all-around lure weights.
Shakespeare isn’t saying much about the rod and reel that they match with it. Although the line capacity is adequate, it’s not great. Although it isn’t the most user-friendly reel, the drag does a good job and can provide enough tension for the lines it’s rated.
Although I wouldn’t call this reel fast, it will keep up with any walleye or bass that makes a run for your boat.
Overall, the rod is a better choice than the reel. However, it is an acceptable option for this price.
Best Baitcasting Reel and Rod Combo
Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Low Profile Baitcast Combo –Best Baitcasting Combo
Specifications |
Pros |
Cons |
| Reel Maximum drag: 18 lbs. Gear ratio: 6.4 to 1. Capacity: 12/145 Material – N/A Weight – N/A Bearings: 5 + 1.Rod Length: 7″ Material: graphite Power/action: medium-heavy/fast Size of the lure: 3/8 to 3/4 oz. Line weight: 10-20 lbs. Use: polymer Guides: 6 + 1 stainless Steel 1 |
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Summary
Abu Garcia’s Jordan Lee Low Profile combo by Jordan Lee is a better value and more durable than the Black Max. This set-up features a very nice baitcasting reel and a great rod for bass fishing.
The reel has a strong, simple-to-use drag that offers plenty of tension for largemouths.
Solid brass gears spin at a ratio 6.4:1, providing plenty of power and confidence-inspiring torque. Although it is believed that the reel is AG Silver Max with different decals on it, we aren’t certain. We believe it’s likely, and it will likely swallow 26 inches of line each crank.
The capacity is good, as well as the overall build quality and smoothness. The magnetic brakes really reduce backlashing and cast well.
The reel comes with a graphite rod 7 feet long that is both light and sensitive. The soft suck you get from a bass when it inhales your lure will be felt. There will also be plenty of backbone to make hooksets. This combo is great as a soft bait pairing. I love it.
The Jordan Lee Low Profile is a great choice if you are looking for a combo baitcasting for bass.
Abu Garcia Black Max
Specifications |
Pros |
Cons |
| Reel Maximum drag: 18 lbs. Gear ratio: 6.4 to 1 (26″ RPT). Capacity: 12/145 Material: graphite Weight: 7.3 oz. Bearings: 4 + 1Rod Length: 7″ Material: graphite Power/action: medium-heavy/fast Size of the lure: 3/8 to 3/4 oz. Line weight: 10-20 lbs. Handle: continuous EVA foam Guides: 6 + 1 stainless Steel Pieces 1 |
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Summary
Abu Garcia is a well-respected name in baitcasting circles. The Black Max combo is a great option for bass anglers looking for an all-in-one solution.
The Black Max reel is solid and has a smooth 18-pound drag. It’s simple to set via the star-shaped knob and easy to adjust on the fly. The solid brass gears provide plenty of torque at a 6.4 to 1 ratio. This crank is unfortunately paired with a small spool and can only pick up 26 inches per crank.
It’s just a little short of what I would like, but it’s still a great price for a combo baitcasting system. So some sacrifices are necessary!
This reel includes a 7-foot, medium-heavy rod. It is ideal for fishing a worm or swimming bait. This rod’s heart is made of graphite blank, which provides excellent feel.
This rod is rated for catching bass with the right lure weights.
How to Choose the Best Rod and Reel Combo
Rods
Power
The force required to bend a rod is called power. A rod’s power, along with its action, tells you a lot of about how it will perform.
The material it is made from and the amount of taper in its cross-section determine the rod’s power. The length of the rod also has an impact on its power. Shorter lengths of the same material are more powerful and taper is stiffer than those with longer lengths.
Ultralight
Ultralight rods provide the best in sensitivity and excitement. They can increase the feeling of small fish on your line. They are primarily designed for panfish species such as sunfish, bluegill and crappie. However, experienced anglers can use them to catch large- and smaller-mouth bass and trout.
Ultralight rods can bend easily even at modest weights and provide very little control if you hook large fish. Anglers who are able to catch anything larger than a fish can find themselves in a difficult situation.
However, don’t let this fool you! Ultralight rods still have plenty of strength!
Ultralight rods can be matched with small spinning reels, lines weighing in the vicinity of 2-8 pounds, and very lightweight lures (typically 1/32 of an ounce).
Ultralight rods are recommended for:
- Panfish of all types
- Experienced anglers can catch small- and largemouth bass
- Experienced anglers can catch trout
Light
Ultralight rods have less power than light rods. They are an excellent choice for panfish and can handle small-mouth or trout.
They are a good all-round choice for novice anglers. They provide greater control over struggling fish and still have the ability to detect panfish nibbling.
Light rods work best with line between 4-8 pounds and should be paired with small spinning reels. The average lure weight is between 1/32 to 1/4 ounces.
For:
- Panfish of all types
- Smallmouth bass and trout
Medium-light
Medium-light rods offer the best power and allow you to fish multiple techniques and species with ease.
You can wrestle any of the largest species, including crappie, perch, bluegill, and trout with authority. Experienced anglers can also tackle walleye with good technique.
It’s also a great rod for largemouth applications such as drop shotting and weightless senkos.
Medium-light rods can be paired with medium- to large-sized spinning reels. However, you will also find baitcasting rods that have this power rating. Line weights range from 4-10 pounds with lure weights ranging between 1/16 and 5/16 ounces.
For:
- Panfish of all types
- Smallmouth bass and trout
- Finesse techniques for largemouth
- Walleye fishing with experienced anglers
Medium
Because they are strong enough to muscle large fish, medium-powered rods can be found in salt- and freshwater. You’ll see them used by anglers to troll for large species such as tuna, wahoos and sailfish.
Medium rods can be used for many purposes, including running crankbaits or jerkbaits as well as yo-yoing swimmingbaits from the bottom. They are also great with live bait making them a popular choice.
They provide the backbone that you need to muscle larger fish like red drum and largemouth walleye.
The most popular line weights are 6-12 pounds. Lures weighing 1/4 to 3/4 ounces are common.
For:
- Inshore fishing
- Surf casting
- Walleye is one example of a freshwater species
- Techniques for largemouth bass fishing that are triple-hooked, such as crankbaits or jerkbaits,
Medium-heavy
These rods are medium-heavy and have a lot of power. They allow anglers to muscle large fish and drive single hooks home. Largemouth anglers often use them for their stiffness. They are ideal for fishing techniques that require a strong hookset, such as worms or soft plastics.
They can be made of fiberglass and are very strong, making them popular for offshore fishing as well as for freshwater anglers who want to catch fish like steelhead, lake trout, pike, and lake trout.
Bass anglers who enjoy crankbaits – and who doesn’t – find that they provide enough cushion to keep their treble hooks in place when they are tapered right.
This is a great power to use for surfing fishing or inshore applications, especially when the target species are larger. You’ll be able to win the fight against anything, from giant rays to huge sharks.
You should expect to cast lures that weigh no less than 3/8 of an inch.
For:
- Inshore fishing
- Surf casting
- Large freshwater species such as pike and lake trout are available
- Techniques for largemouth bass fishing that are triple-hooked, such as crankbaits or jerkbaits,
Heavy
Heavy rods can be as stiff and sturdy as they are. They’re made for largemouth bass and the biggest fish.
Expect a backbone as strong as steel, unmatched control in fights, and strength that will not quit.
Heavy rods can be used for grouper, shark, tarpon and other large saltwater species. They are also very popular for trophy pike and lake trout.
They are a popular choice for largemouth fishing, such as pitching and flipping, and single hook worm fishing. Braided line will provide instant hooksets.
For line over 12 pounds, heavy rods are usually made. However, the lure size will vary depending on the application.
For:
- Fishing offshore
- Lake trout is one example of a freshwater species.
- Techniques for single-hooked largemouth bass such as flipping, pitching and worming
Take Action
The rod’s action is the point along which its length will bend under load. Fast action rods bend near the tip and are stiff for most their length. Slow action rods, on the other hand, bend closer to their handle and reel seat and curve over a greater portion of their length.
Extra-fast and super-fast
Extra-fast rods, regardless of power, retain stiffness for most of their length. This improves sensitivity at the tip and hookset, as well as allowing anglers to give better action to most lures.
Moderately fast
Fast rods with moderate flex allow for a little more flexibility than fast options. They also offer some cushion for hooksets, which is often a desirable characteristic when using crankbaits or jerkbaits. This allows anglers to avoid grabbing a sharp treble hook out of fish’s mouths, but it still gives plenty of sensitivity at their tip.
Moderate
Moderate rods can bend the rod almost in a parabolic fashion, which allows it to be bent over its entire length. This allows for toughness and enough strength to muscle large fish. This is an excellent choice for hooksets in soft bait applications, but it can also be used for treble-hooked lures or situations where durability is important.
Slow
Slow rods are made of flexible fiberglass and can bend along their entire length. They are often used with crankbaits because of their cushioned hookset, which allows a lure to hang in the mouth for just one second.
Guides
It is important to have good guide quality on all rods, especially when you are moving up in power.
Guides serve two primary purposes. They protect your line from friction and distribute force along the length of the blank. As more contact reduces stress at each point of the rod and line, it is almost always better to have more. On spinning reels, they help channel line from spool. This is why most spinning rods have a large “stripper” guide located near the reel.
You will typically need one guide per foot, plus one.
Some notable exceptions to the rule include surfcasting rods or fly rods.
Surf casting requires more guides to reduce distance. This is perhaps the most important function of the rod. Surf fishing rods will have fewer guides.
Fly fishing rods often have very basic guides. Fly line is not like regular line and doesn’t have to be subjected to the same stresses.
However, for most rods, there is no compromise in guide quality.
Guide material
Guides attach to your rod by feet and are secured with adhesives or some other form of wrapping.
These are three things that are crucial:
- The guides must be securely fastened.
- The guides must be strong enough for abuse.
- The guides must be resistant to corrosion.
Stainless steel is a common material for quality guides. It is strong, durable, and resists corrosion.
Blank Material
Modern fishing rods can be made from a variety of materials, including carbon fiber, graphite, and fiberglass. Some fishing rods feature composite construction that uses more than one material as their backbone.
Graphite
Graphite is a common material that can be used as a blank. It provides strength, stiffness and light weight all in one package. Fishing blanks with higher modulus numbers, which are usually described by the word “modulus”, are larger in diameter and more flexible than those with smaller numbers.
Graphite is also known for its high sensitivity.
However, graphite’s weakness lies in its brittleness. If pushed too hard, graphite can crack and break.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass rod technology is old, but it’s still a great rod technology.
Fiberglass rods are heavy, much like fiberglass boats. They’ll be heavier than other options, inch to inch and foot to foot. Fiberglass blanks are extremely flexible, but can also be extremely tough. They are also extremely rigid in very short tubular lengths making them an excellent choice for offshore trolling rods.
Fiberglass is not able to perform fast actions or sensitivity (except for very short distances). It is just not as stiff or strong as other options.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is space-age technology. It takes everything that’s good about graphite, and elevates it to a higher level. It’s an excellent choice for blank material because it is extremely stiff and strong.
Carbon fiber is susceptible to impacts. A hard hit on a boat or piling can cause damage to your rod.
As you would expect, it is also very expensive!
Composites
Manufacturers of rods often combine different materials to get the best out of each one. A graphite core is one common example. It provides stiffness and strength and is wrapped with fiberglass to give it flexibility and toughness.
These composite rods are very effective when done correctly.
Length
The length of the rod is important.
The rod’s length will determine how far it can cast. The rod’s length will determine how accurate it casts.
The ideal starting point is between 6’6′ and 7′. This is the sweet spot for accuracy and distance: shorter ranges will result in loss of range, while longer ranges will lead to a decrease in accuracy.
Handle
The decision about which handle you choose is personal. What’s easy for me may not be right for you. You will find two main materials for rods: EVA foam and cork.
Cork
Cork is a natural material. It’s soft to the touch, but firm enough to give you a comfortable grip. Premium-grade cork can withstand a beating, but it is not as attractive as synthetics.
EVA foam
EVA foam, a synthetic material, provides a soft grip. It’s a bit colder than cork but it’s usually more affordable and lasts longer.
Spinning Reels
Drag
The drag is what I first look at when looking at any reel.
First, I evaluate where it is. The best drag systems are situated directly over the area they will be working. Therefore, drag knobs are often located at the end of the spool.
While some spinning reels may have dials located elsewhere, these require a more complex mechanism that doesn’t work as well as it does not last as long.
Second, I look closely at the maximum setting to see if it slips at this weight. I want to find a maximum setting for spinning reels that is appropriate for the species and their weight. I do this by stringing some strong lines and testing the drag with a weight.
This is about assessing the drag’s quality, not testing the maximum. I won’t set the drag that high.
Finally, I like spool up some medium-weight line for the reel. Then, I set the drag to about a third of that and see how easily it allows me take line. I like a steady, smooth release, no jerking, catching or slipping.
Ratio of gears
The reel’s gear ratio is the relationship between the crank, the spool and the crank. It tells you how many turns the crank makes. A gear ratio of 5.2 to 1 means that one crank turn spins the spool 52.2 times.
This is important for two reasons.
Some lures require a slow, medium or fast retrieve. A reel’s gear ratio should be matched to the intended purpose of the reel in order to improve action. A fast reel with a gear ratio greater than 5.2:1 is ideal for topwater lures and shallow crankbaits.
You should also care about the gear ratio because it shows you how fast it picks up lines. A medium to fast ratio is important, regardless of whether you are jigging deep and casting far out to cover the water.
Smooth operation
A reel of high quality should have a tight bail, a crank that spins freely and a drag knob that adjusts the setting. To encourage solid hooksets, the anti-reverse system should also lock up quickly.
Capacity
It is important to have a line capacity.
A properly filled spool will ensure that you don’t cast your line too far. Over a day of fishing, however, you may need to cut the line to either reduce abrasion or recover from a poor cast.
Your reel should have enough line to last you the entire day without having to re-spool.
I will be reporting line capacity using monofilament weights. You can change to braid to get more line on your reel, or increase the weight to a mono equivalent of 4 or 6 pounds.
When I decided to use my ultralight for big-bass, I did exactly that!
Baitcasting Reels
Durability
Baitcasting reels are often expensive, and it is frustrating to have expensive tackle stop working after just one season.
We recommend reels that are durable and make the most of your money. We don’t have any vested interests in manufacturers, but we tell the truth about all products, good and bad. Three names are worth mentioning: Shimano, Daiwa and Lews.
These reels are some of my favorite reels. If you have a good conversation with other anglers on the water, there’s a chance you’ll spot these reels on their rods.
Great drag
An awesome drag is your friend when you are fighting a monster. Smooth and strong are your best friends, whether you’re running crankbaits or helping to catch fish.
You might want to keep your drag weight at 3-4 pounds when crankbaiting. Smooth performance is what you want, with just a little bit of give to keep you from ripping treble hookeds free, especially if your rod is not made of glass.
You will need to increase your drag setting if you want to make long-distance hooksets or drag bass out of heavy covers. In these cases, slippage is not an option. However, opinions differ on how much drag should be used.
Many anglers recommend that you set your drag at 1/3 of the breaking strength. This gives you enough power to turn big fish and protects your rod and line.
Others disagree. They claim that they bought superlines for their maximum capacity and will set the drag at the maximum when fishing heavy cover. They rely on the rod, line, knot and rod to hold them together. The idea is to drag bass away from the bad stuff.
Who is right?
Both camps have good reasons to do what they are doing. You won’t need more drag than 6-10 pounds.
Do you really need all the torque that your truck can provide?
Amazing casting
A good baitcasting reel should have a spool that defies physics. The spool should spin as easily as possible and have slick surfaces that allow the line to pass through. To make long casts, it is important to have the right design of the level wind (the part that guides the line onto the spool).
The smooth operation of the “T-wing” by Daiwa is well-known in fishing circles. However, other top manufacturers also have their own designs.
Long casts can be dangerous if they result in bird nesting backlash. Many rods with higher ends have magnetic brake systems. They apply more pressure to the reel as it slows down, preventing the reel from feeding too much line.
These systems, when designed and implemented by the best, can help you cast light lures and work in the wind to launch your crankbaits to the next county.
Ratio of gears
The gear ratio is the number of revolutions that one crank of a handle produces on the spool. A gear ratio of 7.5 to 1 means that one turn of your handle spins the spool 75% of the time. The faster the retrieve, the higher the ratio. This speed can also be represented by the number or retrieve per turn (IPT/RPT) which is 31. This would mean that each turn of the handle picks-up 31 inches of line.
Although speed is not always better than slow it can offer more flexibility. It is easier to slow down than speed up your retrieve. With a little practice you can adjust your natural cadence to meet the requirements of slower presentations.
Speed is important when fighting fish that run straight for you.
It is important to keep your line straight. A fast reel can help you do this.
Capacity
Capacity is not something to be proud of, especially if it’s necessary to strip and cut lines while you fish.
This is a fairly balanced selection of reels, but there are some standouts. There are tradeoffs, however, as a larger reel will usually require a larger spool.
We list capacities such as 12/120 in mono-diameter equivalents and feet.
Weight and “Palmability”.
A good reel should be lightweight and comfortable. Ideal reels should be lightweight enough to disappear on your rod and in the palm of your hand.
In each review, we’ll discuss comfort and weight.
Bearings
Baitcasting reels have a bearing count that is important, but the standard is only one roller bearing per spool. Retrieving is as easy as climbing icy stairs because the rest of the bearings are hidden in the internals.
Although it is not an absolute rule, more is always better.
Last Thoughts
We hope you found these reviews helpful.
We’d love to know your thoughts and questions.
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