Why Invest In A Fishing Combo: Key Benefits Explained

Fishing combos are a better investment than buying rods and reels individually, especially as a novice angler building up their fishing arsenal. If you like to have multiple presentations while fishing, it's smarter to buy combos as you'll save a lot more cash than purchasing everything separately.

In the past, many manufacturers made combos specifically for kids or young teens so they could be introduced to fishing in a fun way. Nowadays, there are more technique-specific combos created with a range of power and action ratings so you can fish where you want and catch the species you prefer, from the best trout rod and reel combos to catfish combos and more.

We’ve listed a bunch of rods and reels to suit many styles of fishing in our review.

Considerations When Buying Fishing Rod & Reel Combos

Intended Use

Rod Features

Reel Features

Price & Warranty

Serious anglers who wish to better their skills should opt for a combo with high-quality materials and features. These higher-priced combos tend to have longer warranties and are built by brands to last longer.

There are more affordable combos on the market, which we recommend for beginner fishers. You should expect a standard 1-year warranty on these cheaper models.

1. KastKing Crixus

The first rod and reel combo, and our top pick is by the well-known brand, KastKing. The company’s mission statement has always been "Keeping Fishing Fun," and with the creation of the Crixus rod and reel, they haven’t let anglers down. The rod and reel in this combo are full of innovative features, yet it remains incredibly affordable. Not only is it our top pick for the best baitcasting combo, but it’s also the best rod and reel for under $100.

We’ll start with the rod. The blank is constructed with powerful and sensitive IM6 Graphite, and it’s 6’6” in length. The power rating is medium-heavy, so it has a nice balance of power without losing its sensitivity. All down the blank, you’ll find high-quality stainless steel guides with Zirconium Oxide rings. These rings deliver long and smooth casts with a durable performance when paired with fluorocarbon, monofilament, or braided fishing lines.

Anglers won’t find the handle accompanying this rod uncomfortable. KastKing uses ‘Golf Style’ super polymer handles with each model within the series. These handles are comfortable, durable, and exceptionally slip resistant giving you maximum grip over your fishing rod even in the wettest conditions.

The reel is just as impressive as the rod. The frame is lightweight and carbon-infused for extra durability. It features a CNC aluminum spool and 5+1 double-shielded stainless ball bearings. What we loved the most with this baitcasting reel was its carbon fiber drag system and its magnetic braking system. For a combo this cheap, it’s hard to find features like these anywhere else.

We’re not the only anglers who love this rod and reel combo. There are hundreds of positive reviews on KastKing’s site.

2. Abu Garcia Black Max

The Black Max rod and reel is the introductory offering in Abu's Max line of baitcaster equipment. This combo is for any novice angler who’s looking to get a low-cost baitcaster setup that still has all the quality and reliability you would expect from a brand like Abu Garcia. If you’re looking for a baitcasting combo for intermediate anglers, then the Silver Max combo is for you. And, for experienced anglers, you’ll be best suited with the Pro Max series.

The low-profile reel in this combo is beloved by many beginners entering into the sport of baitcasting. It’s built from a lightweight graphite frame and body. You’ll get 4 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing within the reel for reliable operation and effortless retrievals. Some other patented features on the inside of the black max reel are:

The rod is just as superbly made as the reel. It’s created with 24 Ton graphite construction, and it's accompanied by a high-density EVA handle for all-day usage. The twist-lock reel seat is placed just above the handle, and it is a recessed reel foot.

This allows for a more ergonomic reel design to be paired with the rod. Partner this rod and reel with a braided or monofilament line, and with the lures or baits of your liking, and you’re all set to go! It’s our number one choice for the best fishing rod and reel combo for beginners.

3. Orvis Encounter 5-Weight

Fly fishing is a great way to get by the water. And, the Encounter Outfit by Orvis is packed with everything you need so you can get to the lakes and streams as fast as possible. Many fly anglers reviewed this series positively on the Orvis website.

One angler reviewed this set and said, “Getting back into fly fishing. Purchased the Encounter outfit and haven't looked back. It does everything I want it to. Highly recommended!”

The full Orvis outfit includes the following:

Every Orvis Encounter reel is made from composite plastic. For some, this is a turn-off as you can get a fly reel composed of die-cast aluminum for just a couple of extra bucks. However, it can take a beating and works well with steady moving waterways. It can also withstand saltwater and freshwater applications, so you can bring it to numerous fishing spots.

The rod is constructed of graphite and breaks down into 4-pieces. It’s not full of power when it's being cast, but it will give you a lot of control, which is important when you're working with such a long pole. Whether you're a hiker, or a cyclist, getting to lakes, rivers, or shorelines won't be a problem once you break down this 4-piece rod and put it into your Cordura rod tube.

Unfortunately, the Encounter series of rods are exempt from the standard 25-year guarantee, but it does come with limited warranty protection against factory defects on the rod. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole outfit, so we had to choose it for the best fly rod and reel combo that’s on the market today.

4. Penn Battle II 6000

Surf fishing is one of the easiest and most fun fishing techniques to take part in. Having the right equipment is crucial, though, as there are many corrosive properties in saltwater. That’s why we’ve picked the Penn Battle II Fishing Rod Combo as the best saltwater combo that’s on the market right now.

This deep-sea combo has one of the best reels that’s perfectly balanced between price and quality. It features a full metal body, rotor, and side plate with a machined and anodized aluminum spool. The carbon washers replace traditional felt washers; this also lengthens the reel's lifespan and provides an exceptionally smooth ‘non-jerky’ drag. It also looks incredibly clean with an improved paint quality compared to previous models. This protects the reel against saltwater spray and chemicals, which will always lead to corrosion if you are not careful.

The rod is just as stylish as the 6000 reel. It’s 7’ long and has a medium-heavy power rating. There are  8 aluminum oxide guides along with this one-piece blank. As it is just one piece, it’s not as easy to put in a backpack and go, but there are 2 and 3 piece models available with the same reel. We picked the one-piece design as it has the most sensitivity, so you’ll feel every bit.

Use this combo for trolling, long casting, and in deep-sea waterways. It’s versatile in every way, even with fish species.

5. KastKing Centron

There are hundreds of spinning combos available nowadays. But there was no question for us which one would be our top pick for the best spinning rod and reel combo. It has to be the KastKing Centron. This model has a professional and sporty look with a black and electric blue design. Don’t let its looks fool you, It’s easy to set up and use, and many anglers have progressed their skills wonderfully with this combo.

The 6' rod is made of IM6 graphite, just like our top pick, so we already know it's strong yet light in weight. There are 7+1 stainless steel O-Ring guides along the blank that perform perfectly with both mono or braided lines. Finish it with a contoured split-grip and EVA handles, and you've got yourself a well-designed and thought-out rod. We loved how sensitive this rod feels, and it remained perfectly balanced alongside the reel.

Connect the reel onto the twisted lock reel seat, and you’re good to go. For the 6’ rod, KastKing pairs it with a 2000 reel size. Some of its features include a CNC machined aluminum spool, a 5.2:1 gear ratio, and a line capacity of 8-14 pounds, making this combo very versatile to catch fish like crappie, bluegill, panfish, trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Out of all of these species, we think it is the best crappie rod and reel combo out there, so enjoy!

6. Wild Water

The next on our list is the best for panfish. It’s the Wild Water Complete Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo. Just like the Orvis fly kit listed above, this comes with a whole set of flies and accessories so you can catch trout, panfish, and small bass in small to medium streams and ponds of all sizes. You'll receive a 32" hard tube case that's composed of black nylon. It also has a reel pouch and side storage pouches so you can fit all of the equipment in a shoulder-strapped bag.

The 9' rod in this set is lightweight yet sturdy as it's built with IM8 graphite. It weighs 4.4 ounces altogether and is slow in action, making it easy for even a beginner to cast. The super-high-quality 7" compressed cork grip keeps the rod light in weight, and we found it very easy to hold for numerous hours. The reel seat is constructed of titanium and has a machined sliding hood to keep the reel firmly in place.

The reel has an 85mm diameter spool that’s constructed of die-cast aluminum. Fear not fly anglers; the reel is already pre-spooled with 5 WT orange backing and floating fly line in the color chartreuse. This fly reel can be easily changed from left to right hand retrieve so any angler can buy and use it without worries.

As for the extras, you’ll receive a waterproof fly box with 9 different flies in total. You’ll also get a monofilament leader,  line nipper with nail knot tying tool, and a hook eye cleaner for easier maintenance. There’s not a lot more you’ll need for a day's trip when fly fishing, so we’re sure you’ll be reeling in panfish in a hurry with the Wilder Water Full Kit.

7. PLUSINNO

Plusinno has created a rod and reel combo that’s designed to be compact and portable. It’s a perfect choice for anglers on a budget or looking for the best fishing rod and reel combo for the money. From freshwater to saltwater, this combo is suitable for all water conditions, and it’s telescopic, so you can retract the rod, making it travel-friendly, too.

Choose between silver, gold, or platinum color options. Each size is as follows, but they all collapse to 20" in length.

No matter the size you choose, you’ll receive a rod that’s composed of high-density carbon fiber that’s mixed with fiberglass. This composition gives you a hard and durable rod with just the right amount of elasticity when you need it most. The reel seat is hooded and created with stainless steel allowing it to be anti-sea water corrosive. You’ll also find an EVA split-grip handle on this telescopic rod. It’s not the most comfortable, but it is good against wear and tear.

The reel is what we loved as it’s high-quality and easy to set up. You’ll get good instant anti-reverse settings and power drive gears with this Plusinno reel. It has a thick coiled bail spring, and the spool is built with aluminum, and it’s deep, so you can put more line on the spool than other budget-friendly options. The reel handle is oversized, and you can change it for right and left-hand retrievals for you or your loved one. Overall, it’s the best bang for your buck, and we highly recommend this model for traveling.

8. Ugly Stik Catfish Spinning

The best catfish rod and reel combo have to be the species-specific model by Ugly Stik. The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Catfish Spinning Combo includes a 2-piece Ugly Stik rod and a 50 size ball bearing drive spinning reel. It’s our top pick for the best catfish rod and reel combo as it's durable and it's built to last. We're not the only anglers who love it.

This features a medium-heavy action and is 7-feet in length. It’s constructed with many of Ugly Stik’s patented design elements. These include:

The 50 (also known as 5000) size spinning reel features 1 ball bearing plus one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing. We usually like to see 3 bearings within reels, but it didn’t let us down. It also features an oversized handle knob for fighting big cats, and the aluminum spool is perfect for a monofilament line. This rod and reel combo will have you reeling in mid-large sized catfish without a problem. It’s a fun yet durable combo when used correctly.

9. Quantum Strategy

Having control is essential when you’re going against any bass fish, and you're sure to gain it with the Quantum Strategy 2-Piece Fishing Rod Combo. This fast action 6'6" rod has medium power and perfectly compliments the reel. With a medium power rating, it’s ideal for more than just bass. You can target walleye and a wide range of panfish with this combo.

Made of ultra-light IM7 graphite, the Quantum spinning rod comes equipped with deluxe D-ring guides and a classic cork full handle. You’ll also get a built-in hook keeper, which preserves the integrity of the rod guides and ceramic insert rings.

From the rod to the reel, this combo has silky smooth retrievals, and we believe it’s thanks to the elite drag performance and ball bearings. You get 5 ball bearings, plus 1 clutch bearing to keep everything operating with ease. And, the Continuous Anti-Reverse Clutch keeps you in control even when reeling in tough-to-catch bass fish.

Partner these reel features with a forged and machined double anodized spool which can hold a mono or braided line, and a balanced computer rotor; you’ve got yourself a killer reel. Quantum’s  TRU Balance rotor offers a fluid cranking motion, which, combined with the powerful drag, makes it easy to land some of the strongest bass fish. This combo is a fish-fighting set at a fraction of the price compared to their competitors.

10. Lew's Wally Marshall Speed Shooter 100 6'

The last combo on our list is the Lew's Wally Marshall Speed Shooter. We have tried and tested this combo for trout fishing, and we must say, it did impress us thoroughly. It’s created and inspired by Mr. Crappie himself- Wally Marshall. This series features rods in all different actions and lengths, but we believe the 6’ model is the best for trout.

This Pro Series rod by Lew’s Fishing features a premium IM6 graphite blank with weight, sensitivity, and performance in mind. Its guides and inserts are constructed of stainless steel for reliable use with all lines, including monofilament and braided lines. It also means that these guides won’t erode with saltwater if maintained and cleaned correctly after every use.

The handle is constructed of premium cork with Duracork accents, so not only is it practical, but it looks snazzy, too. This combo's color option is an electric blue and green, giving it a very sporty look. It may not be the best design for anglers who prefer a traditional fishing set. From the split-grip handle to the super-sensitive tip, this moderate action, medium-light powered rod is a perfect catch for many fishing applications.

The reel is just as impressive, too. It has a lightweight graphite body and skeletal rotor design with 4 top-quality bearings. You’ll also get a Zero reverse one-way clutch bearing to help you with control. The ported aluminum spool is anodized twice, so it can be used without any wear and tear. And, the collapsible handle adjusts for left/right hand retrieve. For such a low-cost rod and reel, it sure knew how to perform when fishing for trout, so it has to be our pick for the best trout combo.

Comparing Rod And Reel Combo Types For Fishing

Fishing Combo Setup: Recommendations For Rod & Reel Sizing

Now that you have decided on your rod and reel combo, there are a few things to consider purchasing before you hit the waterways. The line, lures, and leaders are just a few, and they’re going to be based on your rod and reel.

Luckily for you, you already know the rod and reel are made to be balanced and perfectly paired. Within the specifications of each combo, the manufacturer will indicate which line is suitable, and they’ll also say the line capacity for each model. Next, you’ll need to focus on some lures that suit each power rating and the fish you can catch. Here’s a quick guide to help you complete your setup.

Basic Fishing Combo Tips For Beginners

Here are our top 3 fishing combo tips for beginner anglers:

1. Practice makes Perfect

Even if you’ve used a rod and reel before, it’s wise to practice casting your new combo on dry land before taking it to the water. This will help you with casting accurately when the time comes to shoot into waterways. You’ll also see how much line is coming off your spool so you can determine the best places to cast from on your fishing adventure.

2. Rig your Combo Right

There’s no point researching and buying a new fishing rod and reel combo if you don’t rig your equipment correctly. This will require appropriate lures and learning specific fishing knots. A good example of a knot for fly fishing is the Turle Knot. It’s a great fixed knot that makes your dry flies drift properly.

3. Plan your Fishing Trip according to your Equipment

If you buy a fishing combo that’s only suitable for freshwater applications, then stick to only freshwater lakes, ponds, and streams. Planning to bring your combo on a full fishing trip to the shoreline will just damage your gear for future trips to come.

People also Ask (FAQs)

Are there any special care and maintenance steps for these rods & reels?

When you use your rod and reel (especially after saltwater presentations), we recommend giving your equipment a light clean with a damp, clean cloth. This is a great way to check your equipment for any damages so they stay properly maintained. Deep cleans are essential after every 3-4 times of use. For deeper cleans, check out this helpful video, or you can read over our guide on how to clean fishing reels.

What is the difference between inexpensive and high-priced combos?

High-priced rods and reels are created for particular fishing techniques. They tend to be a lot slower or faster in action with specific power ratings. Tournament level anglers use these rods and reels, and they will require a lot more experience. Inexpensive combos were created so a beginner to intermediate angler could learn with them without breaking the bank buying them. They’re not as specific in ratings, nor are they constructed with top-of-the-class materials. However, there are more competitors on the market nowadays, so the quality is becoming higher every year.

As a beginner angler, do I need to get a fishing license?

Unless you fall under a small minority of individuals (like anglers over 65, for example), then you’ll need a license to fish. You won’t have to do a written exam nor a practical test. You simply buy a license through your state’s agency website. You can buy a license depending on how much you fish. There are one-day, annual, family, and even lifetime licenses available in many states.

What are the best brands for fishing combos?

Some of the best fishing rod and reel combos on the market are created by Lew’s, Penn, Shimano, and Okuma. These are just a few manufacturers that have released combos that many anglers rave about. New brands are arriving on the fishing scene every year, so keep your eyes peeled.

Where can I buy these fishing combos at a good price?

We recommend fishing around Amazon to find your preferred combo at the best price. There are a ton of sellers that have our top picks ready and available to buy. The review section allows you to read other anglers' opinions before you make your final decision. This means your new fishing combo could arrive at you in no time, and you’ll feel fully assured.

Conclusion

Set yourself up for success by choosing one of the best rod and reel combos on our list. You really can't go wrong with our top pick, the KastKing Crixus. It’s versatile, durable, and most importantly, it’s fun to use! If another combo seems better suited to your needs, then go for it! We love each combo for its unique features, so we’re sure you’ll love them, too.