Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combo for the Money of 2024: Top 12 Picks

By Bryan ListorLast update: 2024-11-05

Fishing rod and reel can come at an affordable price or a very high one. But no matter what, it’s important to make sure the value they deliver is worth the money or they cannot help you fish well.

With that in mind, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to finding the best fishing rod and reel combo for the money that you can use to seek your perfect combo.

Here are the best fishing rod and reel combos for the money (Dec 2024 Update):

  • Best Overall (Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2
  • Best For Big Fish (Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Penn Battle II & Battle III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
  • Best For Salmon (Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): KastKing Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combos, Toray IM6
  • Best For Trout (Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): PLUSINNO Red Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
  • Best Overall (Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Shakespeare Alpha Medium 6' Low Profile Fishing Rod and Bait Cast Reel Combo
  • Best For Beginners (Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  • Best For Freshwater (Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Low Profile Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
  • Best For Saltwater (Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Sougayilang Fishing Baitcaster Combos
  • Best Overall (Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  • Best For Small Bass (Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): FISHINGSIR Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  • Best For Sunfish (Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  • Best For Crappies (Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): TOPFORT Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
12 Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combo for the Money
Best Overall
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2
  • Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Best For Big Fish
Penn Battle II & Battle III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
  • Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Best For Salmon
KastKing Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combos, Toray IM6
  • Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Best For Trout
PLUSINNO Red Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
  • Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Best Overall
Shakespeare Alpha Medium 6' Low Profile Fishing Rod and Bait Cast Reel Combo
  • Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Best For Beginners
KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  • Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Best For Freshwater
Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Low Profile Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
  • Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Best For Saltwater
Sougayilang Fishing Baitcaster Combos
  • Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Best Overall
Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  • Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Best For Small Bass
FISHINGSIR Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  • Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Best For Sunfish
Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  • Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Best For Crappies
TOPFORT Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  • Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos

Best Overall (Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2

Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2
Pros
  • Cast live baits or jigs effortless – smooth pole design
  • Great for light baits – high sensitivity
  • Durable – feature oversized bail wire and machined-double anodized aluminum spool
  • Give you instant hook sets and smooth gear feel - four ball bearings
Cons

Not for beginners - The line is easily tangled

We have always had a good experience with Ugly Stik rods, and this combo is no different.

The 6’ medium rod works well for most freshwater species; cast really far, too. The pole is smooth and makes casting live baits or jigs effortless. Its sensitivity is what we like the most, especially on those lightweight baits.

Made of oversized bail wire and machined-double anodized aluminum spool, it gives you top-notch durability.

Meanwhile, the four ball-bearings offer instant hook sets and a smoother gear feel than other brands.

Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Specifications

Line Capacity

6-15 lbs.

Gear Ratio

5:5:1 ratio

Rod Length

6’

Rod Power

Ultra-light, medium, and heavy action

Number of Pieces

2

Bearing Count

4

Highlight Features

smooth pole design

high sensitivity

feature oversized bail wire and machined-double anodized aluminum spool

four ball bearings

For most anglers looking for a good spinning fishing rod and reel combo, the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 is the best bet.

Best For Big Fish (Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Penn Battle II & Battle III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

Penn Battle II & Battle III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Penn Battle II & Battle III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Pros
  • Great durability and sustainability - full metal body construction, heavy-duty aluminum bail wire, powerful rotor, and a rod length of 6’6”
  • Offer powerful drag force with smoothness - HT-100 carbon fiber drag system
  • Braid ready & Require no backing - Superline spool
Cons
  • Not the lightest fishing rod and reel combo
  • Slightly lack sensitivity

The Penn Battle II & Battle III gives you a big chance to catch big fish.

Our testers caught lots of sharks, big black drums, large bull reds, and so on with this exact combo. That’s a big thank you to its Superline spool, HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, and full metal body construction.

Combined with heavy-duty aluminum bail wire, a powerful rotor, and a rod length of 6’6”, it is durable enough for serious fishing trips.

Work best for flats/inshore fishing!

Penn Battle II & Battle III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo Specifications

Line Capacity

4-10

Gear Ratio

5.6.1

Rod Length

6’6” – 10’

Rod Power

Light/ medium/ medium-heavy/ heavy

Number of Pieces

1 or 2 pieces

Bearing Count

6

Highlight Features

full metal body construction, heavy-duty aluminum bail wire, powerful rotor, and a rod length of 6’6”

HT-100 carbon fiber drag system

Superline spool

In the Penn, you get the most durable rod and reel combo comparable to those of models costing $400, which makes it perfect for fighting big fish.

Best For Salmon (Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): KastKing Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combos, Toray IM6

KastKing Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combos, Toray IM6
KastKing Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combos, Toray IM6
Pros
  • Increase your catch of salmon - a 6’ rod length with 8’ heavy action, high sensitivity, and various reel size options
  • Offer a balance of rod weight and length - 9+1 ball bearing design, a powerful triple disc drag, an aluminum handle and spool, and more
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Wish it had a stronger rod to reel attachment
  • Not as durable as the higher-end combos

At the price under $80, nothing can beat the KastKing Centron for salmon.

This fishing rod and reel combo gives you everything that might be needed for successful salmon fishing trips – a 6’ rod length with 8’ heavy action, lightweight yet high sensitivity, and various reel size options ranging from 2000 to 5000.

This reel features a 9+1 ball bearing design with two gear ratio selections - 5.2:1 or 4.5:1.

It combines with a powerful triple disc drag, an aluminum handle and spool, and a graphite rotor and frame to give a great balance of rod weight and length.

KastKing Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combos, Toray IM6 Specifications

Line Capacity

10 – 20 pounds

Gear Ratio

5.2:1 or 4.5:1

Rod Length

7'6"

Rod Power

Medium-heavy

Number of Pieces

2

Bearing Count

10

Highlight Features

a 6’ rod length with 8’ heavy action

various reel size options

9+1 ball bearing design

a powerful triple disc drag

an aluminum handle and spool

The KastKing Centron gives you a perfect combo of 8’ heavy action rod and various reel size options from 2000 to 5000, making it a great selection for salmon.

Best For Trout (Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): PLUSINNO Red Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos

PLUSINNO Red Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
PLUSINNO Red Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Pros
  • Offer better line-twisting prevention - an anti-winding tip
  • No lines sticking into the guides - Ceramic inserts and stainless-steel guides
  • Easy to set up & secure - solid plastic double locking reel & cushioned hood
Cons
  • No complaint

Together with your finesse techniques, the PLUSINNO Red Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos will make your trout fishing trip greatly successful.

It is specifically designed with an anti-winding tip for better line-twisting prevention.

We didn’t have any trouble with lines sticking into the guides of this reel, too. That’s a big thank you to the Ceramic inserts and stainless-steel guides, which helps minimize friction for smoother performance.

The solid plastic double locking reel seat makes assembly/disassembly like a breeze.

But rest assured, it will not loosen while traveling on choppy water because of the cushioned hood.

PLUSINNO Red Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Specifications

Line Capacity

10 – 16 pounds

Rod Length

7FT

Rod Power

M power

Rod Action

Fast

Number of Pieces

2

Bearing Count

9

Highlight Features

an anti-winding tip

Ceramic inserts and stainless-steel guides

solid plastic double locking reel & cushioned hood

The PLUSINNO Red Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos are our pick for trout because of their excellent anti-winding tip.

Best Overall (Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Shakespeare Alpha Medium 6' Low Profile Fishing Rod and Bait Cast Reel Combo

Shakespeare Alpha Medium 6
Shakespeare Alpha Medium 6
Pros
  • Allow you to hold it comfortably yet firmly – EVA grips
  • Offer rugged durability with a responsive feel - Tubular glass blank design
  • Lightweight and user-friendly – come with a pre-spooled 8-pound line
Cons
  • Not a high bearing count reel
  • Wish the grip end was a bit longer

For those who need a functional baitcasting rod and reel combo that is sturdy enough to fish with Midwest fish (like bass, rainbow trout, perch, sunfish, and catfish), this fits the bill.

It is comfortable, firm to hold, and lightweight while giving rugged durability and a responsive feel. The performance is also smooth, thanks to its multi-stop anti-reverse ball bearings.

Besides, it comes with a pre-spooled and 8-pound line so all you need to do is threading, tackling, and go!

Shakespeare Alpha Medium 6' Low Profile Fishing Rod and Bait Cast Reel Combo Specifications

Line Capacity

8 pounds

Gear Ratio

6.2.1

Rod Length

6'

Rod Power

Medium-heavy

Rod Action

Fast

Number of Pieces

2

Highlight Features

EVA grips

Tubular glass blank design

come with a pre-spooled 8-pound line

If you’re looking for the best overall baitcasting fishing rod and reel combo, the Shakespeare Alpha Medium 6' is a flawless choice.

Best For Beginners (Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Pros
  • Cast smoother and further & durable - zirconium oxide rings, stainless-steel guides, powerful carbon drags, CNC aluminum spools, and more
  • Easy to use – unique PTS technology
  • Great manageability and comfort - golf-style super-polymer handle
Cons
  • The tension knob seems a bit off
  • The drag has no noticeable clicking sound

We’re pleasantly surprised by how strong of this rod and reel combo for bass and trout.

By featuring zirconium oxide rings, stainless-steel guides, powerful carbon drags, +1 double-shielded stainless ball bearings, CNC aluminum spools, and carbon-infused frame, it delivers durable performance with all fishing lines. Meanwhile, it casts further and more smoothly.

The combo is also a perfect choice for beginners as it’s super-easy to use, transport or storage.

The golf-style super-polymer handle gives you great control with optimum grips to feel more peace in mind while using it in wet conditions. And, the unique PTS technology makes it feel as solid as you’re going fishing with a one-piece rod.

KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Specifications

Gear Ratio

6.5:1

Rod Length

6'6"

Rod Power

Med Heavy

Rod Action

Fast

Number of Pieces

2

Bearing Count

6

Highlight Features

zirconium oxide rings, stainless-steel guides, powerful carbon drags, CNC aluminum spools, etc.

unique PTS technology

golf-style super-polymer handle

The KastKing Crixus is lightweight, firm to hold, and easy to use, making it the best choice for beginners.

Best For Freshwater (Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Low Profile Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Low Profile Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Low Profile Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Pros
  • Deliver superior responsive and supple feel - 24-ton graphite rod, one-piece graphic frame, and side plates
  • Smooth drag performance - Power Disk system
  • Offer effortless retrieve & reliable operation - 1 roller bearing and 4 stainless steel ball bearings
Cons
  • The rod is pretty heavy
  • The gear ratio is lacking in feel

Another great combo for beginners due to its superior responsive and supple feel, along with great lightness. But this option is more specializing for freshwater fishing, such as striped bass and small catfish.

The durable 24-ton graphite rod, stainless-steel bearings along with 1-piece graphite side plates and frame make it hold up well so far.

Both the rod and reel are very lightweight so you won't tire out fishing all day. The drag, besides, works pretty great and is smooth through the entire drag range.

Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Low Profile Reel and Fishing Rod Combo Specifications

Line Capacity

20 lbs.

Gear Ratio

6.4:1

Rod Length

6'6"

Rod Power

Medium

Rod Action

Fast

Number of Pieces

1

Bearing Count

5

Highlight Features

24-ton graphite rod, one-piece graphic frame, and side plates

Power Disk system

1 roller bearing and 4 stainless steel ball bearings

We strongly recommend considering the Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Low Profile if you’re looking for a rod and reel combo for freshwater.

Best For Saltwater (Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Sougayilang Fishing Baitcaster Combos

Sougayilang Fishing Baitcaster Combos
Sougayilang Fishing Baitcaster Combos
Pros
  • Easy to assemble/disassemble – 4-piece rod and a knotted mode
  • Versatile – fit most popular fishing techniques
  • Lightweight yet durable and corrosion-resistant - CNC machined, Aluminum spool & aluminum frame rod
Cons
  • No complaint

The major reason why we suggest the Sougayilang Fishing Baitcaster Combos for saltwater is its corrosion-resistant aluminum rod frame and CNC machined aluminum spool.

But what we like the most about this option is its slim-profile construction (both reel and rod) for a lightweight, smooth, and comfortable experience while fishing.

Though there’s no universal choice, this rod and reel combo is easy to use and portable enough for most popular saltwater fishing techniques.

Sougayilang Fishing Baitcaster Combos Specifications

Gear Ratio

7.2:1

Rod Length

6.9FT

Rod Power

Light

Number of Pieces

4

Bearing Count

18

Highlight Features

4-piece rod and a knotted mode

fit most popular fishing techniques

CNC machined, Aluminum spool & aluminum frame rod

Feather-light, smooth, comfortable, and fit most popular fishing techniques, the Sougayilang Fishing Baitcaster Combos are our favorite choice. Combined with corrosion-resistant construction, it’s perfect for saltwater.

Best Overall (Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Pros
  • Inexpensive and easy to use
  • Lightweight yet strong - machined aluminum reel and rod
  • Easy to transport – include a carrying case
Cons
  • The rod is a bit stiff and hard to cast

For those beginners who want to start out with something inexpensive and easy to use, this is worth a try.

The lightweight yet strong machined aluminum reel and rod allows it to easily handle small bass, large crappie, and bluegill like a pro. The build quality and slow action is great, too. Rod loads well and the eyelets are sturdy while the reel feels solid and has a great drag.

But the biggest selling point is the waterproof, floating fly box that’s designed to deliver up to 372 flies, along with an 85mm diameter spool fly reel.

Finally, it comes with a good carrying case for easy transporting to a backpack for hiking.

Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Specifications

Line Capacity

5 pounds

Rod Length

9'

Rod Power

medium

Rod Action

slow

Number of Pieces

4

Highlight Features

Waterproof, Floating fly box

85mm diameter spool fly reel

A 32” hard tube case

IM8 graphite machined aluminum reel and rod

For those who have expressed an interest in learning to fly fish, don’t hesitate to pick the Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo.

Best For Small Bass (Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): FISHINGSIR Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

FISHINGSIR Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
FISHINGSIR Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Pros
  • User-friendly - Left and right hands switchable, a quick release tab, lightweight 3.1-ounce rod, and Stainless Steel Hook Keeper
  • Ideal for small bass – feature a 55-yard 20-pound orange backing, 9’ tapered leader, and 100-foot weight forward fly line
  • Easy to handle - AA+ high-grade cork grip
Cons
  • The dry flies aren’t really great
  • The velvet carrier could be stronger
  • Its reel is a little cheap feeling

We are a big fan of this rod and reel combo as an all-around bass-fishing stick – it’s high-quality, user-friendly for a first-timer, and lasts long.

It also provides you with a 55-yard 20-pound orange backing, 9’ tapered leader, and a 100-foot weight forward flying line. Furthermore, it includes the Easy-Cast Line System for a full kit for bass.

The FISHINGSIR Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo are well-loved by lots of newbies as it is lightweight, easy to handle, and store.

Whether you’re a left-handed or right-handed angler, it fits perfectly.

FISHINGSIR Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Specifications

Line Capacity

20LB

Gear Ratio

1:1

Rod Length

9FT

Rod Power

medium

Rod Action

fast

Number of Pieces

4

Bearing Count

3

Highlight Features

Left and right hands switchable, a quick release tab, lightweight 3.1-ounce rod, and Stainless Steel Hook Keeper

feature a 55-yard 20-pound orange backing, 9’ tapered leader, and 100-foot weight forward fly line

AA+ high-grade cork grip

For small bass, the FISHINGSIR Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo cover all the bases for reliability and use.

Best For Sunfish (Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Pros
  • Travel friendly – include a carrying case & a portable fly box
  • Offer instant and accurate drag engagement - The smooth click drag
  • Ideal for sunfish beginner fishermen - Half wells cork handle & a lightweight 9’ slow-action rod design
Cons
  • The top section is prone to break over time
  • Wish its fly box was higher quality

While offering a great size for beginners, the Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo are ideal for sunfish, due to its super-lightweight 9’ slow-action rod design.

It also has dots to help line up when put together and holds up well after months of use.

The reel quality is beyond our initial expectations, at least for the price. It is a steel shaft with caged roller bearings – something that is commonly found on higher-end combos.

For your best fishing experience, it comes with 9 flies and clippers, all packed in a portable and neat fly box. A carrying case is also included for simple transportation.

Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Specifications

Line Capacity

5 pounds

Rod Length

9’

Rod Action

Slow

Number of Pieces

4

Highlight Features

include a carrying case & a portable fly box

The smooth click drag

Half wells cork handle & a lightweight 9’ slow-action rod design

If you’ve been looking for a starter rod and reel combo for sunfish, the Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod, and Reel Combo will never disappoint you!

Best For Crappies (Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos): TOPFORT Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

TOPFORT Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
TOPFORT Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Pros
  • Ideal for starters – a free tip
  • Prevent loose swing phenomenon on fishing & fatigue – the western-style grip and adjustable CNC aluminum reel seat
  • Reduce harm to the fishing line - mid flex IM8 graphite material of the rod
Cons
  • Slightly overpriced

With a 9’ 3x leader, a weight forward floating 100’ fly line, and a pre-loaded 20-pound 98’ backing, in addition to heavy-duty aluminum construction and spool, the TOPFORT has everything needed for crappies.

It’s also perfect for starters, due to the free tip of the four-section designed carbon fiber rod.

We do appreciate that it prevents effectively loose swing phenomenon on fishing as well as avoids fatigue, all thanks to the western-style grip and adjustable CNC aluminum reel seat.

Made of mid flex IM8 graphite, the rod limits heat and friction like a champ, which reduces harm to your fishing line.

TOPFORT Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Specifications

Line Capacity

20lb

Gear Ratio

1:1

Rod Length

8’

Rod Action

fast

Number of Pieces

4

Highlight Features

a free tip

the western-style grip and adjustable CNC aluminum reel seat

mid flex IM8 graphite material of the rod

The TOPFORT Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is by far the shiniest candidate for crappies that we’ve ever tested.

How To Choose Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combo For the Money?

Choose the best fishing rod

Rod action:

This factor indicates how sensitive the rod is to pressure, divided into fast and extra-fast, medium, and slow action.


Fast and extra-fast

Medium

Slow

Features

Stiff backbones

Bend 1/3 from the tip down

Bend 1/2 from the tip down

Bend in the lower 1/3 of the rod, down to the base

Pros

More sensitive

Allows to feel every bump and bite

Balance of flexibility and stiffness

Cast further

Cons


Less sensitive

Least sensitive

Difficult to set the hook quickly

Best for

Ultralight fishing

Plastic worms

Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and trolling

Switching up bass lure presentations/

Power:

The power of a fishing rod is related to the pressure required to make it bend. Regarding this factor, you can choose heavy, medium-heavy, medium-light, light, or ultralight power. The lighter power the rod, the lighter lures, and fishing line required.

Length

While a longer rod allows for casting further, the choice of length should be based on the type of you’re targeting. With a longer rod, you can catch lake-bass, for example.

On the other hand, a shorter rod is suitable for tossing ultralight lures into weed-edges and nooks.

Materials

Fishing rods are mainly made of three materials: fiberglass, graphite, and composite.

Fiberglass bends the most and costs less. This material is suitable for finesses and ultralight fishing, but not for big fish.

Meanwhile, graphite makes the strongest rods and costs the most as well. It allows for catching saltwater fish and big bass.

Composite offers both flexibility and strength. Rods made of this material can catch various types of fish. Their price range falls between fiberglass and graphite.

Choose the best fishing reel

Gear ratio

This ratio indicates how fast the reel retrieves. The ideal ratio is 5.0:1. Meanwhile, the 6:1 ratio is high-speed and 4:1 is slow.

Ball bearings

The most important thing about ball bearings is the material, which should be stainless steel or ceramic. This is more important than the number of balls and determines how smooth the reel is.

Besides, the bearings must be well-protected, you should check if there is a seal-tech for protection, especially with saltwater fishing.

Drag system

This component lets the fish pull the line from the spool, avoiding backlash and breakage. The drag system is especially important when it comes to fishing for tarpon, swordfish as well as other fish monsters.

When choosing the drag system, you should pay special attention to the components. High-quality components like carbon fibers are always recommended as they last much longer.

Which Brands Make Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combo For the Money?

Shakespeare

Over the past 115 years since its establishment, this brand has focused on creating quality, affordable fishing solutions. It offers various products for the entire family that deliver the best experience.

Abu

Since its foundation in 1921, Abu has become a leading brand in terms of fishing equipment. Its products are made with a promise of compact design and great power.

KastKing

Founded in 2013, this brand was aimed to provide everyone with affordable fishing equipment. Not just that, it continuously innovates its products to boost performance.

Piscifun

With 7 years of experience in the industry, this brand is dedicated to offering affordable, high-quality fishing gear for customers.

FISHINGSIR

This brand was born in 2014 with the vision to be the forever shopping place for anglers. It makes products by working with global anglers to best meet consumers’ needs.

Penn

This brand specializes in making reels with the priority for strength. Here, you will find some of the strongest fishing reels on the market.

FAQs

How much does a decent fishing rod and reel cost?

A set of fishing rod and reel can cost from $80 to over $200.

Are an expensive fishing rod and reel combo worth it?

If you often go fishing, it’s totally worth investing in an expensive combo of fishing rod and reel. It not only lasts longer but also boosts your performance.

Can you use a saltwater reel in freshwater?

Yes, you can use a saltwater reel when fishing in freshwater, but not vice versa.

How long should my fishing rod be?

The length of the fishing rod depends on your type of fishing. A long rod of at least 7 feet is suitable for lake-bass while shorter rods let you toss the lures into weed-edges and nooks.

Should I get a medium or medium-heavy rod?

The medium-heavy power rod seems to be the best option for fishing in general.

Are telescopic fishing rods any good?

They are beneficial in several ways. Telescopic fishing rods offer unmatched portability, allowing you to fish any time you want. They can fit into a carry-on suitcase easily and you don’t even need a case.

Besides, telescopic rods consist of multiple sections, which distributes stress and weight evenly. This helps prevent the pole from snapping, especially when you fight large fish.

Is a 1-piece rod better than a 2-piece?

The answer to this question comes down to the space you have. If it’s limited, a 2-piece rod is more suitable, but if you’re in open space, you should go with a 1-piece rod.

Why do fishing rods break?

There are three reasons why fishing rods break:

  1. The rod has already been damaged before you take it out.

  2. High-sticking as you fight a fish.

  3. The rod breaks if I have to handle a fish too large for its power.

Can you put a heavier line on a rod?

This depends on the rod, but remember that the line cannot be too light or too heavy for the rod. If the line is too heavy, the rod will likely break.

How do you store a two-piece fishing rod?

For proper storage, you should keep the rod rigged and hooked in the keeper, fold it, and put the roll in the slackline.

Conclusion

We hope that through this post, you have got an idea of how the best fishing rod and reel combo for the money should be like. There are a lot of factors to take into account, but if you follow our guide closely, you will find it much easier to choose the right combo. Good luck!


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