Looking for the best rod and reel combo? Then you’re in the perfect spot because that is exactly what we are going to talk about today.
Whatever sort of fishing you enjoy: as a hobby, as your life’s passion, or as a form of meditation, we have a rod and reel combo for you.
We also included a comprehensive yet short buyer’s guide and answered the most frequently asked questions we received from our readers.
We are going to begin by sharing with you some of the best rod and reel combos. We’ve found them online and will be discussing their features and providing their pros and cons.
Best Rod and Reel Combo Reviews
1. The Fishing Rod and Reel Combo by Plusinno
For our first choice, we have the telescopic rod and reel combo by Plusinno. We like for its convenience and durability. This is perfect for both beginners and experienced fishing enthusiasts alike, and it is favored for its affordable price.
Product Highlights
The telescopic fishing rod is made out of a carbon fiber material. It is further reinforced with fiberglass to make it more elastic yet durable at the same time. Equipped with various guides and rings made of zirconium oxide for increased casting distance and accuracy.
The reel, on the other hand, is made of corrosion-resistant aluminum material with ergonomically-designed super polymer handles for added control and comfort.
The Good
The brand itself is known for its usage of durable materials, which sets it apart from other similar products out there in the same price range. It is also important to take note that Plusinno offers various lengths so that you can definitely choose one that specifically fits your style.
The Bad
Honestly, there are not a lot of bad things to say about this product. The only flaw we have noticed is its handle’s length, which is four inches. It can be short and insufficient for some, especially those who enjoy saltwater fishing.
For more information about the product, you can check out the video below:
Pros:
- Made of durable material
- Both rod and reel are comfortable to use
- Comes with a 12-month warranty
- Also available in a kit
Con:
- Short handle
2. The Black Max Rod and Reel Combo by Abu Garcia
Like our previous choice, the Black Max Fishing Rod and Baitcast Fishing Reel Combo by the brand Abu Garcia is perfect for both beginners and more experienced fishing enthusiasts. It is important to note, though, that this entry-level piece is in the middle price range. That means it is a bit more expensive to other rod and reel combos out there, but it is still more affordable compared to high-end units.
Product Highlights
Both the rod and reel have a lightweight yet durable one-piece frame made out of graphite material. They also come with ergonomically-designed handles for added control and comfort.
It has the MagTrax brake system which allows consistent brake pressure that helps improve one’s accuracy and range. It also has the Power Disk Drag System that can make setting the drag and fighting fish easier.
The Good
We like how the brand really put much thought into the design and creation of this product. There are not a lot of rod and reel combos out there that can compare to the quality of this product. The handle on this piece, for instance, is more comfortable than our previous pick and it can definitely improve your accuracy, control, and your overall fishing experience.
The Bad
We don’t like the fact that this piece doesn’t come with a warranty. While we are not expecting this product to give up after just a few fishing trips, the added guarantee offers peace of mind.
Finally, it doesn’t come with a lot of accessories. This means that on top of its mid-level price, you will have to put more money out just to complete your kit.
Here’s a peek of this rod and reel combo in action:
Pros:
- Made of durable material
- Has exclusive brand-specific features
- Comfortable to use
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with other fishing accessories and carry case
- No warranty indicated
3. The Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo by Sougayilang
The previous choice we’ve shared with you did not come as a complete kit, but this spinning fishing rod and reel combo by the brand Sougayilang is a set. In reality, this “kit” only comes with a fishing rod, a spinning reel, and an extra spool. However, what sets this combo apart from others are its premium features geared towards durability—and that’s why we have included it in our list.
This spinning and telescopic rod and reel combo is an entry-level piece for both beginners and more advanced users as well. It is also priced more affordably compared to other similar units.
Product Highlights
The rod is made out of a durable high-density carbon fiber material with fiberglass. It also comes with a guide ring that’s made of ceramic held together by an epoxy resin adhesive. As for the reel, it is made of corrosion-resistant material and an aluminum handle and spool.
Now that we’ve covered up this combo’s materials, we can now move on to the exciting part: the brand’s premium features!
It comes with a special telescopic design made of a high elastic carbon base, making traveling with your fishing gear hassle-free. There are also anti-corrosion guide rings made of piano porcelain.
The product also comes with an aluminum spool already installed plus a graphite spool spare. Finally, the inner parts are made of hardened metal for both precision and durability.
The Good
Features for added durability are always welcome. This tells you right from the start that you and your reel are going to share a lot of fishing trips together. Purchasing one that’s made to last also saves us a lot of money and effort in the long run. We just hope we can say the same for others.
Lastly, we also like how the brand offers a one-year warranty. This just shows how confident they are in their product, and of course, this gives them points for customer service.
The Bad
We just hope that it came with more accessories and a storage kit. Other than that, we have nothing else negative to say about the rod, which is always a good sign for us.
To learn more about the product, here’s a short video straight from the brand itself:
Pros:
- Made of durable material
- Comes with special features
- Comfortable to use
- Comes with a 12-month warranty
Con:
- Doesn’t come with other fishing accessories and a carry case
4. The Dock Demon Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo by Zebco
You have to hand it to the brand Zebco for coming up with a really cool name for their spinning reel and fishing rod combo. The “Dock Demon” certainly has a ring to it.
This entry-level combo is one of the most affordable out there. Just to give you an idea, it is almost half the price of the other combos in our list.
It is also easy to use; in fact, most fishing enthusiasts bought theirs for teaching kids to fish!
Product Highlights
The rod is made out of a Z-Glass material, which upon further research, we have found out is a brand-specific material that Zebco manufactures. It also comes with a handle made out of EVA or ethylene vinyl acetate that is a kind of plastic with a rubber-like texture. What’s great about this material is that it is very comfortable to hold yet it’s also very durable at the same time.
Finally, you will be pleased to learn that the handle is interchangeable and can be easily used by both left- and right-handed users alike.
The Good
We love that the material is very durable, which makes it capable of handling hard training. Another thing we like is that it is easy to use, so there is no wonder why this combo is recommended for kids. We also like that it is comfortable to use and that it comes pre-spooled, giving you a nice grab-and-go experience.
The Bad
We don’t appreciate the lack of warranty as well as the absence of most of the features that other rod-and-reel combos have. We’re guessing that the brand is simply giving us what we paid for.
Pros:
- Made of a brand-exclusive durable material
- Easy and comfortable to use
- Comes pre-spooled
- Ideal for both kids and adults
Cons:
- No warranty was indicated
- Doesn’t come with other fishing accessories and a carry case
5. The DSK20-B/F602ML D-Shock Freshwater Spinning Combo by Daiwa
Finally, we have reached the last but definitely not the least top pick, and that’s the straightforward freshwater spinning combo by Daiwa which they call “D-Shock”.
The DSK20-B/F602ML is an entry-level spinning rod and reel combo for beginners and it is one of the most affordable choices out there. In fact, its price tag is one of the reasons we have included it in our list.
Product Highlights
This product has a durable aluminum spool, and it comes with an ambidextrous handle. The manufacturer is also proud of its lightweight build, but it can still withstand decent force and will not snap anytime soon.
The Good
Despite the limited product information, it is surprisingly very popular. We’ve noticed that there are two types of people who buy this unit: those who are going to an adventurous fishing trip and would not want to take their high-end reel with them, else it gets damaged; and second, those who are buying one to train children.
The Bad
You get what you pay for. It doesn’t come with any product warranty nor will it include other accessories and storage. We sincerely hope that the brand makes enough effort to provide more detail about their product, especially since it’s becoming more and more popular every.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Comfortable to use
- Ultra-lightweight
Cons:
- Limited product information
- No warranty was indicated
- Doesn’t come with other fishing accessories and a carry case.
Buyer’s Guide
Now that we have finished lining up our top choices, we are going to share with you the different features that anyone should look into when buying a rod and reel combo. This is important to make a smarter and more informed purchase.
After all, the reel plays a crucial role in fishing. In fact, even with the best technique, you will be off your game with a subpar piece.
1. Line Capacity
Line capacity is one of the first things you should consider when hunting for a fishing reel. This will determine the depth and kind of waters you can fish. What kind of fish you can target. The types of lures your gear can accommodate, and most of all, the fishing styles you can use.
If you’re only out to target smaller fish, then you won’t need to worry much about this feature. The smaller fish like panfish and perch rarely have the energy to fight that much and drag your reel to the limit.
2. Reel Body
Another important feature you should look into is the material that your reel is made from. There are different options available: aluminum, graphite, and plastic are good examples, just to name a few.
Just remember, aluminum is great in saltwater while graphite is great in freshwater. If you fish in both, then we suggest you look for those made with both materials combined since they are more flexible to adapt to different fishing locations.
3. Bearings
Bearings systems handles the friction and vibration of your reel. Have you noticed that there are fishing reels which are noisier than others while there are some which are really quiet and relaxing? That all depends on the quality and number of bearings installed in your reel.
Better quality bearings mean fewer vibrations and noise. Lower quality bearings mean more vibrations and noisy performance.
4. Handle
You have probably noticed in our list that almost all our choices have handles that are ergonomically designed. This means that the handles were created with the grip of its user in mind. Some handles can even adapt to the grip of its owner.
We put high importance on the handle because this will determine your control and accuracy. Not only that, this will keep your wrists happy as well, accommodating longer fishing journeys.
5. Spool
Yet another vital part of the fishing reel is its spool since it holds your line. The spool is made of different materials: graphite, aluminum, and stainless steel. We personally prefer to match it to whatever material the main body is made from in order for them to age together at the same rate; otherwise, the choice is yours!
Don’t forget to take a look into the spool information indicated on your reel as well. It will determine the line length and the weight that your spool can handle. For instance, 12/200 denotes a spool that can hold a 12-pound line at the length of 200 yards.
6. Drag
In line with the spool is the drag. This is a pair of small plates installed in your fishing reel in order to create the friction that can help you in hauling your catch. If the fish pulls hard enough, these plates will also ensure that more line is released in order to prevent breaking.
The drag capacity you’ll need will boil down to your style of fishing but here’s a quick tip: the larger the fish, the higher the drag required.
7. Gears
The gears drive your fishing reel. It drives the spool, bail, and handle. Like the other parts of the fishing reel we already mentioned above, this part is also made out of different materials. It’s up to you to decide, but we do suggest you stay away from plastic as they are not very durable.
8. Rod Power
Finally, you also need to think about the rod power. It determines the balance between how much your rod will bend or not when put under pressure.
The flexibility you need will largely depend on your fishing style. There are fishing styles that require more bend while there are others that need stiffness a little bit more.
When fishing for smaller fish, for instance, you will need something that will bend at the slightest movement to alert you that something has taken hold. Fishing for bigger ones doesn’t require the same “sensitivity”, though, so would fare better with a stiffer rod.
FAQs
1. What Are the Different Types of Fishing Rods and What Are They Used For?
There are different types of fishing rods. Here they are:
- The Telescopic Rod
This type of fishing rod is designed to be folded down for easy storage. If you’re the type of fisherman who enjoys traveling, or if you prefer a piece that is lightweight yet still matches a certain length that your fishing style requires. The collapsible and extendable fishing rod is the one for you.
In fact, if you want to go even further, the telescopic rod has a subcategory called the pen rod that can go even smaller. We don’t recommend this to be your main rod, though, since it can be very limiting. However, this pen-size collapsible fishing rod can still be handy to bring anywhere with you for those impromptu fishing opportunities.
- The Casting Rod
This type of rod can be further categorized into two subcategories: bait casting rods and spin casting rods. What they do have in common is that both of them, as casting rods, provide the user with complete control over where to put the bait or lure.
- The Spinning Rod
This rod looks very similar to the casting rod, but don’t be mistaken. They are certainly very different rods. Casting rods, for instance, are more challenging to control since the reels are used on the top of the rod.
Spinning rods, on the other hand, are a lot easier to manage—which is why we highly recommend them to complete beginners!
- The Fly Rod
If you’re a fishing enthusiast, then you have probably seen the film “A River Runs Through It” starring Brad Pitt. Fly fishing is truly an artistic performance, don’t you think? So for this, you will need the fly rod that’s been specifically designed for this fishing method.
- The Ice Fishing Rod
This looks very similar to a spinning rod, but if you look closer, you will notice that this piece is a bit shorter. That was made in order to accommodate the limited space that is usually available when ice fishing.
- The Sea Fishing Rod
As the name suggests, this baby works best on saltwater, especially during game fishing. There’s also a more specialized subcategory of a sea fishing rod. The surf rod.
Again, it looks like a spinning rod, only this time it’s heavier. That’s to accommodate the far cast lengths. The long rod length helps when fishing from rocky shores and beaches.
2. Are Longer Fishing Rods Better?
Now that we are aware of the different types of fishing rods, you might have noticed that they have different lengths too. The question is, does their length affect their performance?
Before anything else, though, let us first learn how to properly measure a fishing rod. You do so by measuring it from the end of the handle to the rod’s tip.
As to whether or not longer ones are better, that will all depend on a number of different factors: your fishing style, the size of fish you want to catch, and the casting distance.
3. Do Longer Fishing Rods Cast Further?
Ultimately, the longer the rod, the farther you can cast your line. Just know that shorter rods can add to the rod power, especially when fighting the force of stronger fish since they have less bend.
If you do want to cast further, though, then there are ways to do that. Here are some tips:
- Just Hold Your Reel Correctly
This is a common problem, especially for beginners. Each reel has a limited distance that they would be able to reach, for sure, but by holding it wrong, you are also detrimentally shortening its capacity.
In fact, if you just hold your reel in the proper form, you will be able to increase your casting distance to as much as 30 yards!
- Use Enough Line
Here is another common issue. The difference is, even experienced fishermen can sometimes mix this up too. Some of us don’t spool enough while some of us put in too much!
Fortunately for everyone, newer fishing reel models are now being made with built-in markers, pointing out the suggested amount of line according to its manufacturer.
- Choose a Heavier Lure; It Can Sometimes Be the Key
It’s just the simple law of gravity: we can use the weight of heavier objects as leverage to further the casting.
- Practice Your Casting Technique
So you’ve already learned how to hold the reel correctly, you already use the right amount of line, and you’re even using a heavier lure, but you’re still not reaching your desired distance! What’s wrong? Well, it’s the perfect time to hone your skills and practice.
- Go with the Wind
Even the masters won’t be able to cast far enough if the wind is working against them. The ideal wind direction is to have it blowing at your back, or at the very least, at your side, but never in front of you.
4. What Does Line Rating Mean on a Fishing Rod?
In a nutshell, the line rating is the breaking strength of the line as calculated by the manufacturer. This figure combined with your reel’s power can give you an idea of the ideal scenario where your line and rod can perform at its absolute best.
The general rule of thumb is to not combine a line and rod with significantly different ratings; for instance, a 50lb mainline with a 12lb rod. Other than that, feel free to play and experiment with different ratings and adjustments.
Wrapping Up
So, how did you enjoy our line-up? We hope that we have given you enough choices to consider and think about. However, if you’re going to leave that option for us to decide, then we very much recommend our first choice: the rod and reel combo by Plusinno because of its durability.
You can also purchase a complete kit wherein you get the combo, additional accessories, a carry case to hold everything, and on top of that, a one-year warranty. These features make the product perfect for both beginners and experienced fishing enthusiasts alike.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option that is just simple to use and something you won’t feel bad banging up a bit during those hard fishing trips, then the DSK20-B/F602ML D-Shock Freshwater Spinning Combo by Daiwa is a good choice.
In the end, though, your performance will still boil down to your know-how and technique. Even the best rod and reel combo will fail at the hands of the untrained. We bid you good luck out there!