Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combos for the Money

best fishing rod and reel combo for beginners

Are you looking forward to having fun yet fruitful fishing experience? It is better to have perfect fishing equipment for a memorable fishing experience and what could be more suitable than having the good rod and reel combo for the money!

We have got you the best ones listed below. Make sure you go through the buying guide at the end of the blog to make a wiser choice.

Our Top Picks of best fishing rod and reel combos in 2021.

Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

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The first on our list is for beginners – Plusinno combo. So, if you are looking for a best fishing rod and reel combo for the money, go with this one. It has an interchangeable handle that makes it hassle-free equipment to operate – your friend on any fishing trip you plan.

It has got a gear ratio of 5.2:1, medium power and a rod length of 5’91” to 10’83”. It is a fast action telescopic rod with twelve plus one ball bearing. The blend of high-density carbon fiber and fiberglass used for its construction makes it corrosion resistant and robust. Whether it is saltwater or freshwater, this telescopic rod will give you a fantastic experience.

However, there a few downsides of the rod, which some anglers don’t like – it is not so durable as expected. But, if you use it carefully, you can avoid breaking it too soon.

Features

Pros

  • Built using the best quality materials.
  • Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater.
  • Has EVA Foregrip to provide optimum comfort.
  • Short body – large spool and large line capacity.

Cons

  • Not so durable.

Penn Pursuit II & III Spinning Fishing Reel & Rod Combo

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Penn Pursuit II & III is one of the most affordable pieces included in the list, with the capacity of handling 25 mono easily. It is one of the best pieces on the list for both beginners and experienced anglers.

With a gear ratio of the range – 5.2:1 to 6.2:1, light power and fast action, this fishing combo is great for competitive anglers. Talking about the reel, it is sturdy having a smooth drag that helps you finish the fishing in great shapes. If you are a seasonal angler, you will get the benefit of its stiffness in pursuing medium-sized and larger fish species.

The only downside of this combo is the brittle graphite blank that makes it less reliable for big game fishing.

Features

Pros

  • Top-quality lightweight rod.
  • Highly affordable.
  • Wide range of options available.
  • Perfect tuning.
  • Amazing size combination.

Cons

  • Not so reliable for fishing large fishes.

Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

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The Wild Water Fly Fishing Combo is well-known for its essential parts. It is constructed with mid-flex IM8 graphite. The model is lightweight and has a slow action. It comes with a waterproof floating box that allows you to cast properly. The combo offers a comfortable fishing experience to both beginners and experienced anglers.

The only downside is it gets a little inconsistent to drag its large reels.

Features

Pros

  • Strong and durable.
  • Compressed cork trim rings.
  • High-quality cork.
  • Flexible slow action offering optimum control.

Cons

  • Large reels can be inconsistent to drag smoothly.

Sougayilang Portable Telescopic combos

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Are you planning a trip for casual fishing? If so, this is one of the best combo for the money. Sougayilang Portable Telescopic Combos is a perfect piece from the Chinese manufacturing company. It is a solid combo, which you can easily carry in your carry-on!

You can get the full kit that includes rod reel, lures and accessories. The rod is designed using Fiberglas and high-density Carbon fiber that makes it sturdy and durable. With a medium power and fast action, the rod offers rigidity, high-sensitivity and lightness. Talking about the guides, those are built using Stainless Steel. It has hooded reel stats, which is anti-seawater and completely corrosion resistant. Moreover, it comes with an EVA Fore grip providing extra grip and comfort.

Coming to the reels, the model has got impressive reels with a 13+1 ball bearing system and a gear ratio of 5.5:1. Some of the essential features of the reel includes Power drive gear, instant anti-reverse and high strength.

However, you cannot use this portable travel rod for heavy fishing.

Features

Pros

  • Ultimate travel rod.
  • Strong and portable.
  • Lightweight.
  • Comfortable fishing with EVA grips.
  • Stainless steel guides.
  • Wide range of options available.
  • Suitable for beginners.

Cons

  • Low gear ratio.
  • Not so durable.

Mitchell 300 Pro Spinning

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Another famous brand’s product included in the list of best spinning combo for the money is Mitchell 300 Pro Spinning Rod and Reel Combo. The model has got some fantastic features of both rod and reel, making it a reliable option for both beginners and experienced individuals in fishing.

It offers a huge option for rods, but we mostly suggest the 2-piece 7-inch medium power rod providing fast action. It has got a moderate configuration and it is also portable. There are different sizes of rod available, most of them in a range of 5’6” to 7” having various action and power. For top water, drop shots, etc. we would suggest you to go with the 6’6”, medium power rod. If you are looking forward to going for a soft-plastic bait, go with the 7”, medium-heavy rod.

It is made up of 24-ton Graphite than makes it highly sensitive and lightweight. Another interesting and useful feature of this model is the split EVA grip handle.  

Coming to the reel, it offers an average reel with 10 ball bearing system and an instant anti-reverse feature. It provides a perfectly smooth performance. The reel boasts of the Innovative Bail Halo that offers it greater strength. It has got an EVA knob handle, Aluminum Spool, advanced and robust Polymeric body and rotor. It is these features that makes it stand out from the other models by Mitchell in the market.

Talking about some more features of the reel in Mitchel 300 Pro fishing combo, it has smooth hybrid Carbon fiber drag. Now you can imagine how responsive, effective and powerful the drag is!

It is one of the best combo for the money you can ever have.

Features

Pros

  • 24-ton graphite construction.
  • High sensitivity.
  • High stiffness.
  • Lightweight.
  • Split SVA grip handle.
  • Innovative Bail Halo.
  • 10 ball bearing system.

Cons

  • Not found yet.

Ugly STIK GX2 Baitcast Combo

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Don’t go by the name of the manufacturer, this shakespeare ugly stik gx2 combo is a pretty model to have. Not only the looks, but its features are also something worth spending money for. Shakespeare constructed this GX2 combo to represent the new-gen Ugly Stik combos. The new rods showcase the performance and reliability of the Ugly Stik name with durable, making the model stronger, modern materials, lighter and well-balanced.

Not every one like it at the first glance, but the features are something people fall for. Its reel has a single bearing offering smooth action to enable a comfortable cast and retrieve. The combo comes with a pre-spooled 12lbs line. It has an aluminium handle paddle, an adjustable magnetic braking system to offer precision castingand a graphite frame and. It helps anglers to see the bites in a better way and fish with maximum power.

Features

Pros

  • Responsive rod having high sensitivity.
  • Butter zone stiffness.
  • Perfect casting control.
  • Easy to use rod for beginners.

Cons

  • Not the best reel.
  • Favors right-handed line guide control.

Zebco Bait-cast Combo

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Zebco baitcast is Another well-known brand of fishing combo included in the list of good combos. This Zebco model is one that can give you a fantastic experience. It is suitable for both beginners and professionals. Designed using a graphite frame, it comes with two-side covers and aluminium spool for better durability.

It has got a gear ratio of 6.1:1 and renders high speed. Some more exclusive features of this fishing equipment include a three-bearing system, continuous anti-reverse gears, etc. Not just this, it has got a 6.6-inch high quality graphite rod along with a premium natural cork soft handle. Its dynamic magnetic cast controls is what makes it an ideal tool set for both pros and novice anglers.

Features

Pros

  • Less expensive.
  • Elegant design.
  • High sensitive rod.
  • Durable and lightweight.
  • Easy-to-carry.
  • Smooth casting reel.

Cons

  • Not multi-purpose.
  • One-piece suitable for only right-handed users.

Abu Garcia Silver Max Combo

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The next on our list is Abu Garcia Silver Max Combo. It is designed to provide the best fishing experience to the users. Having a 5+1 bearing reel and roller bearing setup, this model offers consistent and smooth operation. If you want to experience a seamless fishing, you can go with this fishing combo.The Power Disk System controls the drag system, giving a smooth feeling throughout the drag range.

The tool is designed on a one-piece frame having graphite side plates. It has a compact bent handle and star with EVA handles for a secure grip. It is available with 7 stainless steel guides with zirconium coated inserts for high durability. The 5 stainless steel ball-bearing and 1 roller bearing is for smooth operation. The Silver Max combo has a gear ratio of 6.4:1.

Constructed using 24-ton graphite, this rod of this Silver Max baitcaster combo is highly sensitive of vibration throughout its length. This also suggests that the rod renders powerful action while giving a balance of comfortable and lightweight feel. On buying this model, you will have a tool giving you a sense of confidence while using it and no fatigue while handling it for long hours.

Features

Pros

  • 3-year warranty.
  • One-handed operation.
  • Suitable for beginners.
  • Strong and lightweight rod.
  • Fast action.
  • Reel offers minimal backlashing and good casting.

Cons

  • Reel handle can get loose over frequent use.

Sougayilang 4Piece

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The next name in the list of the fishing rod and reel combo is Sougayilang 4Piece. The model has a wide range of features that you are going to love, without any doubt. It has a long fishing rod measuring 7ft when stretched out completely. You get this feature handy while you try reaching out to the earlier inaccessible areas. The baitcaster is easy to operate and you can handke it without using much energy.

Another interesting feature of this fishing tool combo is the magnetic-tuned brake allowing 12 pounds drag, which makes it one of the most effective rods deliveringincredible performance as required. Its handle is designed with non-slip rubber grips that offer comfort and make sure the rod doesn’t slip out of your hands while in use. The fishing line of the model is built using long-lasting materials, ensuring higher durability. It survives both in salt water and freshwater.

Features

Pros

  • Durable.
  • Medium power rod.
  • Easy-to-operate.

Cons

  • Not for long hours of use.

Ugly Stik Elite USECA661MH/LPCBO

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If you are interested in adventurous fishing amid turbulent waters, you should own sturdy fishing tools that is unbreakable and durable. This model from Ugly Stik is counted among the best fishing rod and reel combo that will fit your needs perfectly. It is robust and durable to handle the heavy impact in the turbulent waters.

They are available with stainless steel guides having a clear tip design to improve the sturdiness and sensitivity of the fishing tool combo. Its handle has got Ethylene Vinyl Acelate grips along with contours that offer a comfortable and firm grip, ensuring you are in total control while fishing.

Features

Pros

  • Comfortable and firm in handling.
  • Fit for fishing in turbulent waters.
  • Durable and robust.
  • Sensitive fishing line.

Cons

  • Not a stiff rod.

Buying guide for the best fishing rod and reel combo

Here’s a brief guide to help you choose the best fishing rod and reel combo and enjoy a great experience.

Look for these features when comparing between fishing rod and reel combos:

Rod

There are four types of rod available in the market:

Fiberglass: Durable but a little heavier than others. You can choose this if you are an experienced angler.

Modern composite: A little expensive and not suitable for beginners.

Carbon fiber: A refined rod type – better than graphite rod.

Graphite rod: Lightweight, flexible and most affordable. It is best for beginners.

Power

The power ratings of a fishing rod and reel combo is listed as light, medium and heavy. The more power, the easier it gets to reel larger fish species.

Action

A slow action fishing rod bends at the base while one with fast action starts bending at the tip. The action rating is crucial.

Reel

Spincast reel: It is easy to handle and suitable for beginners.

Spinning Reel: Great and versatile for experienced anglers.

Length

The length of the rod works in identifying the distance at which your rod can cast and your ability to fight and catch all fish varieties. The longer the rod, the longer it casts.

Gear Ratios

The higher gear ratio ensures better speed while the ones with lower gear ratio offer more power. The call is yours!

Ball bearings

The more ball bearing the fishing reel holds, the smoother gets the drag.

In a Nutshell

We hope our list of the fishing rod and reel combo for the money helps you decide the ideal model for your fishing purpose. Do keep in mind the features you are looking for to be in the model. Refer to the buying guide, mate!

Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API