Best Fishing Rod And Reel Combo

For those of us that take fishing seriously, we realize that the fishing rod and reel combo matter when it comes to reeling in the big fish. The problem is there are so many to choose from, so how do you know which are the best?

As someone that’s been fishing my whole life, I’ve made it my personal business to learn the ins and outs of fishing. So, I’ve taken this time to find out the best possible combos with the highest reviews in order to help you out, my fellow fishers.

Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

When shopping around for a great rod and reel combo, you need to know what it is you need it for. Some of the things to keep in mind when shopping for the best fishing rod and reel combo are:

It’s an art when it comes to choosing the right equipment for your fishing trip. You want to find the rod that will get you the results that you are anticipating.

Not everyone understands, but we’re not asking them to. Then when they come to us fishers for advice, we’ll know exactly what to tell them.

When making the following list, I did my best to keep all of this in mind and give some variety, so I hope you can find exactly what it is you are looking for. After all, fishing is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life!

So, without further ado, here are my choices in the best rod and reel combos currently on the market.

1.   Quantum Reliance Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

Quantum rods always seem to be a hit or miss, but the Quantum PT Reliance reel and rod combo are one of my favorites. This is a fantastic rod for simple fishing and works great in both salt and freshwater.

It has a continuous anti-reverse clutch, changeable left- or right-hand retrieves, and a 4:2:1 gear ratio. It’s customizable in 6 different reel and rod sizes to meet your needs:

This is not a rod that you’ll want to get if you’re after small gamefish. This is a medium-heavy rod that can pull in some pretty sizeable catches.

If you’re going to put in the extra money for this rod, you won’t be disappointed with the fish that you can pull in with it. Right or left-handed fishers can enjoy their trips with the continuous anti-reverse clutch that will help to bring in-game that you’ll be bragging about.

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2.   Mareel Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

This is the perfect rod and reel combo for those who are looking to fish at the last minute or even as a starter pole for a new fisher in the family. It’s compact, easy to reassemble, and comes with a case for easy storing.

I keep this pole under my seat in my truck to be ready for whenever I get the itch to fish and have the moment to do it. It’s good for salt or freshwater, and the extra-smooth performance of the reel makes it even good for big gamefish.

The rod is comfortable in your hands and super easy to use. It’s made from 24T carbon fiber and has a stainless-steel hooded reel seat.

Of all the rods on this list, this is one of my personal favorites, and I recommend it to all of my friends to try out. It’s ultralight and telescopic for easy carrying, and the EVA handle is comfortable and soft to the touch.

You can enjoy the Magreel Telescopic in either fresh or saltwater, especially with how the reel seat is corrosion-resistant and won’t rust easily. Enjoy all sorts of fishing trips with this small rod.

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3.   Zebco 202 Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

For those that are working with a budget or simply want the best value for their hard-earned cash, the Zebco 202 is a great reel and rod combo to get. It’s easy on the wallet and will work to reel you in some great gamefish.

It’s easy to use and is another great rod to recommend if you’re just starting fishing. But that doesn’t mean that this rod is only good for beginners; I can guarantee that even the most experienced fishers will also find that they love this rod.

This 2-piece rod comes with a no-tangle design patented by Zebco. Furthermore, the dial-adjustable drag is quick-set and anti-reverse that gives smooth retrieval every single cast.

The rod is made of durable fiberglass with a comfortable EVA handle, which is a huge part of its easy-to-use charm. The reel is made with all-metal gears that come with a stainless-steel pick-up pin.

Not only is this rod a great value and made durable, but it also comes pre-spooled with a 10-pound line. When you’re in a rush to get on the lake and get to fishing, this is a lifesaver.

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4.   Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo

This is another customizable rod that comes in one or two pieces depending on the length and weight that you are looking for. Be sure you know what kind of fish and water you are wanting to use this rod for before ordering so that you know what size to get.

It’s a reasonable price for the customizations you can do, in my opinion. With the medium heavy 6’6” rod, you can catch up to 20lb fish, so it’s not just for small game.

The customizations for the Ugly Stik are as follows:

• Ultra-light comes in a 4’8” 1-piece rod or a 7’ 2-piece rod
  • Catches fish that range from 2-6 lbs
• Light comes in a 5’ 2-piece rod
  • Catches fish that range from 2-6 lbs
• Medium comes in a 6’ or 6’6” 2-piece rod
  • Catches fish that range from 6-15 lbs
• Medium-heavy comes in a 6’6” 2-piece rod
  • Catches fish that range from 8-20 lbs

That’s what I like about the Ugly Stik is that you can find exactly the kind of rod you need for multiple types of gamefish. The graphite and fiberglass rods are equipped with lightweight EVA grips that are comfortable in your hands for those long trips out.

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5.   Penn Battle II & Battle III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

Saltwater fishing is a whole new ballgame, especially if you’re after that big saltwater gamefish. Going after these beauties involves a rod and reel combo to put up with the fight you’re bound to come across.

The Penn Battles II and III are the best ocean fishing combos that I have come across. The drag systems are made of HT-100 carbon fiber and can handle the big bites that come in saltwater without sacrificing a smooth pull.

Even shark fishing is no problem with the Penns, and there are four different Battles to choose from depending on what you are looking for in the big blue. Pick what you want to go after and get the rod that is best for what you want.

Knowing the type of gamefish you are after is absolutely important when choosing which of the four Penn Battles is right for you. You don’t want to buy the more expensive version of what you are after can be caught with a cheaper one.

The Penn Battles are pretty pricey, but with the gamefish, they are pulling up, they have to be. This is not a rod for a beginner but a rod for someone who is taking saltwater fishing seriously.

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6.   Penn Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Fishing Combo

Honestly, I think when it comes to saltwater fishing of any kind, Penn is the brand to go to because they have rods for just about everything. The Penn Squall is one of my favorite level wind reels available on the market today.

Not unlike the Battles, the Squall is made for those big gamefish that reside in the ocean waters just waiting to be fished up. It’s perfect for Grouper and other sorts of big game fish like sharks and halibut.

The rod durable and ultrasensitive rod is made with tubular glass blank with a solid tip. And it’s made with the same HT-100 carbon fiber drag system as the Battle, giving a smooth drag of up to 15lbs.

The rod is also a 1-piece to ensure it’s durable and able to pull up large gamefish. If a saltwater rod that is meant to pull up large saltwater fish is a 2-piece, I would proceed with caution out of fear that it wouldn’t be able to handle the heat.

As with all saltwater fishing, it’s important to know what kind of fish you are going for before purchasing this rod. It’s putting heavy, so it won’t be good for something like surf fishing.

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7.   Plusinno Red Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

For a rod that only pulls in great gamefish but also looks fantastic, the Plusinno Red Eagle is positively amazing. The saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” is something that you want to follow, especially when it comes to fishing rods; the Red Eagle is an exception to this rule.

Just by looking at it, you get the immediate desire to hold it in your hands and cast the line out. Then when you cast out the line and realize that it’s not only sensitive but also strong, you’re bound to fall in love with this combo just the same as I did.

Then, when you learn about its anti-winding tip that will nearly eradicate all of your twisted fishing line problems, you’ll be certain you made the right choice in judging this rod worthy. Go freshwater fishing in style in this beauty and enjoy how high tech it seems.

There are two weights to choose from with the Red Eagle, and it’s all dependent on how big of the gamefish you are expecting. No matter which of the two you choose, however, you can expect fast action from this beautiful rod.

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8.   BlueFire Telescopic Fishing Pole and Reel Combo

The Bluefire Telescopic rod and reel combo are great for anyone ranging from the newest fishers out on the lake for the first time to the veteran fishers that are going on their thousandth fishing trip. It’s lightweight and durable, and it’s perfect for fresh and saltwater.

It’s easy to store and light to carry around with you, making it the perfect on-the-go rod like the Mareel. However, the BlueFire is made with high-density carbon fiber and a spinning fishing reel.

The reel is high performance and has a high speed and smooth retrieval rate to help with landing those big gamefish that fishers live for. And because the guide rings are anti-corrosion, you can even enjoy some saltwater, inshore fishing.

Just keep in mind that you can’t go too big with a telescopic rod such as this. It’s great for beginners or a spontaneous fishing trip, but don’t go after the big game fish that would put better rods to the test.

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9.   Topfort Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

So, I’ve posted plenty of rods for different occasions so far, but I haven’t done anything for the fly fishers yet. So, here it is, what I think to be the best fly fishing reel and combo set.

Topfort’s fly fishing rod and reel combo is technically a starter set, but I’ve been very happy with my time using it, and it’s been my favorite of all fly fishing rods I’ve ever used. I recommend it to everyone that ever asks me about fly fishing, so now I do that same for you.

The 4-piece rod is made with mid flex IM8 graphite and the stripper guide is stainless steel to reduce friction and heat. This makes it an ideal pole for getting out and catching the best game with fly fishing such as trout and salmon.

Enjoy the benefits of fly fishing with the compressed cork trip grip that will help with your accuracy and not tire out as quickly. No matter which hand you use, you’ll find yourself enjoying the superior Teflon disk drag design.

It can be easily stored in the travel bag that comes in this specific kit, so it doesn’t take up space in the storage closet you keep your poles, or can even be kept in the back of your truck.

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10. KastKing Centron Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

Last but certainly not least, on my list of the best rod and reel combo is the KastKing Centron. This is a visually appealing rod that gets the big-time freshwater fishing done.

This rod is customizable in 5 lengths depending on how big you want the reel to be and how big the fish you want to catch will be. They are all 2-piece and feature a lightweight and sensitive Toray IM6 graphite blank.

The customizations for the KastKing are:

Just like with every other customizable reel, it’s all dependent on the type of fish you are catching. If you’re only after bass or trout, you’ll want the 6’, but if it’s salmon or catfish you’re after, then you’re better off with the 8’.

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Conclusion

There are so many different choices when it comes to the best fishing rod and reel combo, and it can be difficult on which to pick. But as mentioned numerous times, it all comes down to the type of gamefish you are trying to catch.

When weighing your options, keep in mind the factors that come into play, and it will make choosing a rod and reel combo much easier for you in the end. I’ve tried out many different combos throughout my time, and the ones I’ve listed here have been my personal favorites.

Once you’ve decided on your target gamefish, get the rod and reel combo that best suits that specific ground. Then all you need is the correct bait, but that’s for a different time.

Good luck with your fishing, fellow fishers! May you get the best game that nature has to offer.