Trolling involves baiting lines with baitfish or lures and pulling them through the water. These lines are either attached to a moving boat or slowly reeled in when fishing from a fixed position.
The best trolling rod and reel combo guarantees optimal performance, increasing the chances of a quality catch. With a sturdy design, a trolling rod and reel combo can withstand large catches in the deep sea or salty water bodies.
There are numerous trolling rod and reel combos on the market, each with its unique design, features, and price points. This article highlights some of the best trolling rod and reel combos you can consider for your next fishing expedition.
Top Trolling Rod and Reel Combo
1. Best Overall | PENN Pursuit III & Pursuit IV Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
The PENN pursuit combo offers enhanced versatility and a sturdy design for convenient trolling.
Key Features
- Carbon fiber drag system
- Corrosion-resistant body
- 4-in-1 stainless steel bearing
- Anti-reverse bearing
- Smooth gear system
- Full or split grip rod
The reel comes with a graphite body that is lightweight and resistant to corrosion. It also comes with a carbon fiber drag washer that offers unparalleled stopping power and heat tolerance. It is also friction resistant, thus reducing the chances of the line breaking when you catch fish.
This rod and reel combo also has an anti-reverse bearing system that prevents the rotor from winding backward. It also comes with a 4-in-1 stainless steel bearing that makes for easy reeling and superior performance when you hook a big fish.
Lastly, the combo comes in a sleek black appearance. The grip on the rod comes in two options. You can choose between a full grip and a split grip. Regardless of your choice, you can be assured of a smooth and solid experience.
Pros
- Durable
- Suitable for saltwater fishing
- Excellent drag system
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Audible drag.
2. Best Premium | Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
The Plussino rod and reel is an excellent option for anglers searching for a premium trolling rod and reel combo. It is packed with durable material and leading-edge features suitable for any fishing situation.
Key Features
- Instant anti-reverse
- Stainless steel reel
- Telescoping rod
- Plussino fishing line
- 5.2:1 gear ratio
- Soft handle with anti-skid properties
The fishing rod is made of carbon and fiberglass, making it flexible and robust. It is also telescopic and can extend or collapse to your preferred length. The design ensures that the rod doesn’t take up too much space and is convenient to carry.
The reel comes with an interchangeable handle. It is made of high-tensile strength plastic and has a 5.2:1 gear ratio. It also comes with an aluminum spool that can hold 150 to 260 yards of the Plussino fishing line. You can easily thread the line through the stainless steel wire guide.
Overall, the combo has a smooth performance when fishing. The rod is sensitive, so you will not miss the moment you hook a fish. The reel also performs well when it comes to reeling in the fish.
Pros
- Portable
- Great value for money
- Excellent build
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a carry case.
3. Best Compact | Ghosthorn Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
If you are searching for the perfect trolling rod and reel combo with high-quality features, the Ghosthorn combo is the best choice. It offers excellent qualities that any experienced angler needs.
Key Features
- Telescoping fishing pole
- Aluminum reel
- Stainless steel ball bearing
- Smooth and powerful drag
- Carbon fiber drag system
The device comes with a telescoping fishing rod that collapses to a shorter length making it convenient to carry. The rod is also lightweight as it is made of graphite. It is also super sensitive, allowing you to detect even the slightest strike.
The reel is made out of aluminum material, making it corrosion-resistant. It also has stainless steel bearing that delivers smooth retrievals. Additionally, the reel has a low gear ratio that is ideal for retrieving large fish since you put less effort into retrieval.
Also, the combo has a carbon fiber drag system that makes the drag smoother and offers a higher max drag. It also has a switchable metal handle that conveniently accommodates right and left-handed anglers.
Pros
- Collapsible
- Beginner-friendly
- Saltwater resistant
- Lightweight
Cons
- The tip may break if not well cared for.
4. Best Affordable | Okuma Fishing TU-702-50 Tundra Combo Spinning Reel
The Okuma Tundra is an affordably priced rod and reel combo with top features. It is ideal for anglers on a tight budget but unwilling to compromise on quality.
Key Features
- Ceramic lined wire guide
- Glass fiber rod
- One ball bearing
- Foam hand grip
- Stainless steel reel
- Rubber cap
- Pre-spooled with line
The Tundra rod is made of fiberglass material that’s more durable and flexible. It can catch medium to large-sized fish without breaking. It offers a combination of smoothness and strength, making it ideal for casting and trolling in rough waters.
The combo also comes with a ball bearing system that reduces friction and eases motion, making it easier to cast and retrieve a line. It also has a stainless steel reel that is resistant to saltwater and corrosion.
Lastly, the combo comes pre-spooled with a fishing line. The spool can hold upto 250 yards of line. The spool is graphite and turns smoothly and effortlessly, making it easy to cast far. The device also comes with a ceramic guide insert that is easy to thread and friction-resistant.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable grip
- Sturdy design
- Durable
Cons
- No instant anti-reverse system.
5. Best Durable | Ugly Stik Shakespeare GX2 Fishing Reel and Rod Combo
The Shakespear GX2 is packed with valuable and durable features and comes at an affordable price. It is an excellent addition to any angler’s fishing gear.
Key Features
- Three ball bearings
- Anti-reverse system
- 5.5:1 gear ratio
- Aluminum spool
- Durable graphite and fiberglass build
- Two-piece construction
The rod is made of graphite and fiberglass, making it virtually unbreakable. It can handle medium to large size fish without bending or snapping. It is also extremely sensitive, allowing you to feel every movement and know when to retrieve your catch.
The reel is made of glass-filled nylon. It has compression strings to extend its lifespan. It also has a three-ball bearing system for smooth retrieval and added sensitivity. It has a 5.5:1 gear ratio that is great for rolling big and heavy fish.
The unit also has an anti-reverse system that works instantaneously to absorb shock and prevent the reel from turning backward, thus ensuring a smooth performance. It also comes with a durable aluminum spool that can hold a 200 yards line.
Pros
- Durable
- It comes in different weights
- Smooth and balanced performance
- Soft anti-slip grip
Cons
- The line does not come pre-spooled.
6. Best Portable | RICHCAT Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
The RICHCAT fishing rod is a collapsible unit. It is perfect for anglers who need a portable rod and reel combo with excellent features.
Key Features
- Telescopic carbon fiber rod
- Pre spooled 400ft fishing line
- Aluminum reel
- Interchangeable handle
- Fish alarm bell
This unit comes with a carbon fiber rod that is lightweight and sturdy. It can handle medium to large-sized fish without breaking. The rod is also telescopic and can be easily retracted and packed in a backpack.
The reel is made of aluminum, a durable and corrosion-resistant material. It comes pre-spooled with 400 ft fishing line that is perfect for trolling.
Lastly, the unit has a soft-grip handle that is interchangeable. It can support both right and left handed individuals upon switching the handle. The unit also has a fish alarm bell that alerts you when a fish tugs the line.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable
- Ideal for long casting
Cons
- Needs frequent servicing.
The Bottom Line
When choosing a trolling rod and reel combo, there are several qualities you should look for, including the length and the quality of the material. The above meet these qualities and have proven to perform well with other anglers and you can find the most appropriate combo for your needs.
