There are different reasons why you may want to go fishing. Maybe you want to go have fun or maybe you just love to eat the fresh fish that you catch.
Some people are even part of some sporting events and tournaments that involve fishing and they love to catch fish as it gives them a sense of achievement.
Rod and reel are two of the important tools that you must have for fishing. Hence in this article, we have reviewed some of the best fishing rod and reel combo for the money. The reviews will help you buy what suits you best.
Quick Overview- Top 10 Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combos for the Money
- Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit – The Premium Combo
- PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo – The Stainless Combo
- Shakespeare Ugly Stik Fishing Rod and Reel – Elite Combo for Elite Experience
- KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo – An Affordable High-Quality Combo
- Zebco 33 Spincast Reel and Rod Combo – Superior Fishing Combo
- PENN Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Combo – The Responsive Combo
- FISHINGSIR Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo –Premium Grade Combo
- Abu Garcia Catfish Fishing Rod and Reel Combo – Traditional Style Combo
- Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Rod Combo – The Most Portable Combo
- Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Combo – The Most Elastic Fishing Combo
Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combo for the Money Reviews
Those who love fishing are aware of the importance of rods and reels. Instead of buying a rod and a reel separately, it is better to look for high-quality combos of both.
Here we have reviewed some of the best fishing rod and reel combos for the money.
1 Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit – The Premium Combo
This travel kit is one of the best from Okuma’s premium fishing combos. We are choosing it because it is great for a wide range of situations and does not get damaged easily.
This combo is a great choice for all those who are looking for a strong rod that is capable of working in multiple situations without affecting the experience.
Both the rod and the reel come with a compact and portable design that is easy to use for professionals and non-professionals alike.
Comfort: This travel kit comprises the most lightweight, comfortable, and sturdy combination of rods and reels that you can find in the market. None of the products in the kit are too complicated to use.
Durability: All the products in the combo are constructed with high-quality material and hence are highly durable and powerful.
They have been designed to be efficient in the most difficult circumstances that you may face while fishing.
Functioning: All the products that you will get in this kit are designed for smooth functioning and transitioning the power in the right direction to enhance the fishing experience. The handle of the rod also remains in control throughout.
Why We Like It
As mentioned earlier, we admire this travel kit fishing combo because of its premium quality construction and amazing experience. This travel kit is for you to take for both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Pros
- All products are designed with bass fishing anglers in mind
- Everything that you need
- Can be used in different environments
Cons
- Requires care and maintenance for good results
We believe that this travel kit is not only an excellent choice but also an economical one for all those looking for the best fishing combo for the money.
It is an ideal choice for all those who love to travel and fish in different environments. Its highly durable construction protects it from getting damaged.
Also read: Top 10 Best Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo in 2021
2 PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos – The Stainless Combo
This reel combo is another addition to our list of best fishing rod and reel combos for the money.
It is one of Plusinno’s most amazing products that are all made with a great intelligent design that enables the users to operate them smoothly. This a perfect combo for all types of fishing lovers.
This combo will ensure that you have incredible performance, along with great sensitivity and power throughout your experience.
The rod in the combo comes with a carbon-split grip and a non-slip EVA & cork handle which makes it a premium rod that is the best part of this combo.
Comfort: All the products of Plussino are made with an amazing design that minimizes friction while enhancing sensitivity.
This is done by transferring vibrations from the line throughout the rod, and hence the products in this combo are very easy and comfortable to handle.
Moreover, they also enhance the experience of fishing by preventing the fishing line from twisting.
Durability: In terms of durability, all the Plussino products are known for their stainless-steel body and come with ceramic inserts that not only make it highly durable and tough but also minimize friction.
They are made with the IM6 Carbon Matrix Technology that makes them powerful.
Functioning: Plussino has designed a great plastic-reel seat that comes with a double-locking structure which makes it very easy to assemble and disassemble, and you do not need any expertise to use it. This makes this combo even better.
Why We Like It
We love the Plussino combo because the products are powerful and durable. The spinning rod has a cushioned hood that keeps the reel in place and does not let it loosen while traveling.
Pros
- All products have a stainless body that will not rust
- Easy to handle, assemble, and disassemble
- Ceramic inserts that reduce friction
Cons
- May not be suitable in very difficult circumstances
This combo is a great option for all those who are concerned about rust as well as friction during fishing trips. Plussino’s exceptionally versatile products can be used in combination with all types of lines including braid.
3 Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Reel Combo – Elite Rod for Elite Experience
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Combo has an ideal fishing rod and reel combination which makes it a perfect choice for anglers of all skill levels.
It has been perfectly designed for both amateurs as well as professionals, and it has numerous great features that make this combo worth having for all trips.
The freshwater spinning reel and rod combo can significantly add to your fishing efficiency as well as strength. Professionals, as well as beginners, can benefit from this perfect combo.
Comfort: The rod in this combo has been specially equipped with a design that makes it stronger than any other alternatives.
It comes with 3 ball bearings and a one-way clutch that is an ideal choice for instant anti-reverse bearing.
The rod and reel in this combo work together to facilitate a smooth operation, and this makes your fishing experience better than ever before.
Durability: The graphite and fiberglass construction makes both the rod and the reel highly durable despite being a very lightweight rod.
Functioning: The rod in this combo has a 4/8″ ultra-light spinning combo and is constructed with just one piece. The 1-piece rod construction makes it even easier to handle.
Why We Like It
This combo is super helpful when it comes to catching a lot of fish within less time and using less energy.
It not only adds to your efficiency of catching fish but also makes the process smooth and easy. This combo is a great choice for beginners.
Pros
- It has a combination of fiberglass and graphite in terms of construction
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Can be used by almost everyone
Cons
- Slightly expensive as compared to its alternatives
- Needs to be protected from damage and maintained regularly
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Fishing Rod and Reel Combo are ideal for all those who are looking for efficient and strong options for their fishing experiences.
4 KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Baitcasting Combo – An Affordable High-Quality Rod
This combo gives its users a feeling of a gladiator on the fishing journey. Kast King Rods and Reels are famous for their incredible, high-performing rods despite their affordable price.
The products in this combo come with super KastFlex Technology that distinguishes them in terms of power and sensitivity. They are constructed using IM6 graphite that makes them strong and yet lightweight.
Comfort: KastKing Combo products are extremely comfortable, and the experts have added a Golf Style SuperPolymer Handle to further add to their comfort and ease of use.
Moreover, the SuperPolymer handles have the reputation for their exceptionally great slip-resistant feel.
Durability: All KastKing rods and reels and constructed using high-quality, stainless-steel guide frames that contain Zirconium Oxide rings.
This enables the rod to deliver long, smooth casts without any hassle. Their durable body further adds to their performance in different circumstances.
Functioning: Kast King products are designed to work in both freshwater and saltwater.
They are highly suitable for different kinds of fishing including bass fishing, walleye fishing, trout fishing, and a lot more.
You will find them in at least 20 different models that have 20 different designs. The best part is that they are finished with an EVA fighting butt.
Why We Like It
This rod is part of our best fishing combos for the money list because of its unique design and incredible performance that make it stand out from the rest.
These products are great in terms of both their sensitivity and efficiency.
Pros
- Strong due to pure graphite construction
- For a wide range of situations
- Highly smooth performance
Cons
- It is not easily available in the market due to high demand
The products in this modern combo are exceptionally lightweight because of their pure graphite body construction.
Anyone who adds them to their fishing bag will soon understand that they can never find a better rod at this price.
5 Zebco 33 Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo – The Superior Fishing Combo
Zebco 33 Spincast Reel and 2-Piece Fishing Rod Combo are one of the strongest fishing combos on our list. There are rarely any alternatives that can compare with its superior responsiveness.
This combo is unique not only because of its superior strength and functionality but also because of its capacity to aid in a wide range of uses while fishing.
Comfort: Zebco products are designed to ensure that you do not lose the grip no matter how wet it gets.
The comfort is such that you will only feel a very light burden on the hand during difficult situations. Almost everyone can use this amazing rod.
Durability: In terms of durability, Zebco has its own name and reputation in the market for creating highly durable rods with the best quality material.
Their premium handle enhances the experience and protects the user from stress on hand in difficult situations.
Functioning: With this combo in your bag, you can go fishing at almost every single thing that an angler wants.
You will get access to so many features that every angler desires and you will also be able to catch much more fish without much effort.
Why We Like It
We love this combo because it never disappoints the user and always provides high-end performance in the most difficult scenarios. The design and construction are much better than many other alternatives.
Pros
- Comes equipped with almost everything you need
- Easy to maintain and works for years
- Easy to use and carry around
Cons
- Comes with only a limited warranty
We have added this combo as the best fishing combo for the money because Zebco has a big name in producing the most lightweight and comfortable rods and reels.
They do so without having to compromise on strength, power, and performance.
This combo is like heaven for an angler as it gives them access to everything they need at an affordable price. You cannot find a better and more efficient rod that is as good and as affordable.
6 PENN Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Fishing Combo – The Responsive Combo
PENN Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Fishing Combo is the most responsive and great quality combo that you can find among the best fishing combo for this price range.
It is a perfect combination of strength and power, and it delivers outstanding performance in many different scenarios no matter how difficult the conditions are.
PENN Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Fishing Combo is better than all the previous versions of rod and reel that PENN Squall has created.
It has a stronger construction that makes it better, stronger, and even lighter than before. Moreover, it is made from a stainless body which means that you no longer have to worry about corrosion.
Comfort: The rod and the reel in this combo come with a highly comfortable handle that is necessary to make sure that you get a comfortable fishing experience without getting exhausted.
It is designed in such a way that it minimizes the shock and damage to your skin and wrist joints while fishing.
Durability: One thing that distinguishes PENN Squall products from others is their durability and reliability.
They have strong construction that can be effective in any circumstances. This makes your fishing experience carefree.
Functioning: This combo is very easy to use and functions well. It does not involve any complicated processes.
Why We Like It
We really admire this combo by PENN Squall because it is one of those combos that deliver extra strength whenever you need it.
Pros
- Much more pure graphite
- Extra strength
- Easy to handle
- Backed by warranty
Cons
- Sometimes, the guides are not lined up when the product is delivered.
We think that the PENN Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Fishing Combo is the most responsive combo.
That makes it an ideal choice not only for beginners but also for all those who wish to have an elite experience in many different scenarios. We highly recommend adding this amazing combo to your bag while going fishing.
7 FISHINGSIR Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo – The Most Premium Grade Combo
This classic combo by FISHINGER is truly one of its kind. It will make your fishing experience 10 times better and help you survive in the most difficult fishing circumstances.
There are many things that make this combo unique. However, one thing that distinguishes it from the rest is its ability to engineer various levels of power that an angler needs for a great and fun fishing journey.
You are going to love adding it to your bag because of its high performance despite its very affordable cost. All the products in this combo are made with premium, lightweight, durable, and sensitive materials.
Comfort: Fishingsir products are well known to come with an easy-to-handle and comfortable grip. The rods in this combo are strong yet comfortable to handle regardless of the circumstances.
Durability: The products in this combo use high-quality graphite fiber with a higher strain rate than common fibers and this is one thing that makes it one of the most durable combos on our list.
To further make it stronger without adding any weight, the manufacturers have used a reel seat with a frosted hood. This is accompanied by hard aluminum guides with strong frames.
Functioning: You do not have to worry about functioning at all. It is designed to work easily in all kinds of situations.
Why We Like It
We like this combo because it has strong construction and design that allows it to perform in any circumstances no matter what.
Pros
- Easy to handle
- One of the signature products of the brand
- Works in the most difficult situations
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than other rods yet worth the price because of its premium quality
As we said, there are barely any other products within this price range that can be better than this combo.
Adding this combo to your fishing bag will revolutionize your fishing experience and make everything so easy.
It is a bit expensive but that money is worth paying for the wide range of functions that it will allow you to perform.
8 Abu Garcia Catfish Commando Fishing Rod and Reel Combo – The Traditional Style Combo
Abu Garcia Catfish Commando Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is considered to be a traditional style combo because of its qualities.
However, that does not mean it is outdated. Rather it is famous for its amazing upgraded design that is great for anyone who desires to enjoy fishing too often and wants to avoid problems that ruin the mood as well as the day.
The manufacturer has the reputation of producing high-quality rods and reels with classical-heritage looks.
These looks are not only attractive but also constructed using modern techniques that make them even better. All anglers should have this combo in their bag.
Abu Garcia Catfish Commando Fishing Rod and Reel Combo have a great reputation among professional anglers as it is one of the strongest and yet very light and comfortable combinations of rod and reel.
Comfort: This rod and reel combo by Abu Garcia has a unique design that makes it stand out when it comes to comfort and ease. These products are ideal for any day and any weather because of their less-damping capability and high-grade sensitivity.
Durability: Abu Garcia has a brand reputation for producing the best and highly durable stainless-steel rods and reels that are great and long-lasting.
Functioning: One unique feature of these rods and reels is that they can be easily adjusted for any angle and you can use them with either of your hands without having to adjust anything else.
Their interchangeable handles are perfect and aid the professionals a lot. Moreover, these rods have amazing balancing as well.
Why We Like It
We admire this combo because it is great for very long distances and facilitates in catching trout, basses, walleyes, or big salmons.
Pros
- Stainless steel
- Easy to handle
- Great for cold weather as well
- Allows you to catch a wide range of fish
Cons
- Complicated for the beginners
This combo is exceptionally good to catch a wide range of fish and hence we have added it can be called the best fishing rod and reel combos for the money.
9 Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Rod Combo – The Most Portable Combo
Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Fenwick Eagle Fishing Rod Combo is a highly portable combo of rod and reel by two of the best and most reputable brands known in the world of fishing.
Their products are of the highest quality and are powerful, lightweight, and highly sensitive.
This is a unique combo of two of the best rods and reels that come together to give you outstanding performance with great comfort and ease. It is one of those combos that are a must to have for professional anglers.
Comfort: This combo uses the most comfortable rod and reel combo that come together to enhance the fishing experience and make it so easy to catch a wide range of fish.
Durability: Both brands are known for using high-quality metal for construction and hence it is one of the highly durable combos to add to your fishing bag.
Functioning: The combo is perfect for beach fishing and inshore fishing because it has a strong design and construction that allows it to operate in the toughest situations.
Why We Like It
We like this combo because it uses two of the best brands and brings them together to deliver the best results not only for beginners but also for professionals. There is no doubt about the reliability and credibility of either of these two brands.
Pros
- It is available in different lengths
- Both come with a warranty
- Combo of unique features
Cons
- It is high in demand, and hence often very difficult to find such combos
As we already mentioned, both brands are highly reputable in the market. As such, we believe that the combination of Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Fenwick Eagle Fishing Rod Combo is an excellent overall choice no matter what circumstances you go fishing in.
Both the rod and reel in this combo are great in all aspects such as design, performance, or comfort. It offers the anglers a wide variety of techniques and allows them to perform powerful actions for big surf duty.
10 Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Combo – The Most Elastic Fishing Combo
Finally, we have the Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Combo in our list of best fishing reel combos for money. This combo is considered by the pros to be the most elastic fishing combo in the market.
Constructed using a nice and simple design, Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Combo comes with the most unique features that are admired by the best fishing professionals as well.
This combo is loved by beginners and professionals alike because of its lightweight construction and portable design that makes it so easy to carry on long trips. It will be certainly a highly valuable addition to the fishing kit that will enhance your journey.
Comfort: This combo is celebrated for its padded EVA foregrip that is not found in most of the other rods and reels. Moreover, it has a medium-power blank with an extended handle that makes it so easy and comfortable to use regardless of the circumstances.
Durability: We have already mentioned that there is no doubt about the durability of Plussino products as they are made using high-quality construction that adds strength without adding weight.
The brand has the reputation of using the best quality and high-density carbon fiber to further enhance your fishing experience.
Functioning: As we said, it is the most elastic combo and it is its elasticity that adds to its functionality in multiple scenarios without compromising on the ease of use.
Why We Like It
We love it because it is the most widely used combo in the world of fishing and it is one combo that you can rely on at any time.
Pros
- It comes with an EVA grip
- Great comfort and ease of use
- Maximum sensitivity that enables you to catch more fish with ease
- Highly safe for the beginners
Cons
- Cannot be used for some highly professional trips
We believe that this is one of those combos that you can definitely not avoid having in your fishing kit if you really care about your fishing experience.
A Manual to Purchasing the Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combo for the Money
We have reviewed some of the best combos of rods and reels. Now it is time that we delve into the details of those things that you should look for when you are in search of the best fishing rod and reel combo for the money.
In this section, we will highlight some of the most important features that you must examine before choosing your combo of rod and reel.
Power
This one is obvious. Power is highly important to consider when looking for the best fishing combo for money because no matter how attractive and cool your combo is, if it is not powerful, it will not help you in your fishing journey.
You must make sure that the combo of rod and reel that you are purchasing is powerful enough to meet your needs and can it help you with catching the kind of fish that you are looking for. Power is one of those features that you can never take for granted.
Action
By action, we are referring to the functioning of the rod and reel in your combo. You should consider if your rod as well as the reel is capable of bending swiftly according to your need.
Furthermore, you should see how fast and sensitive it is in adjusting and reacting while fishing. This is even more important when you are fishing in the sea.
Length
Fishing is one thing in which size does matter. If you are planning to go for long-distance fishing and catch large fish, then your rod, as well as the reel, must be long enough to facilitate you throughout.
However, you should also not forget that sometimes shorter rods are better for accuracy.
Composition and Construction
You must have noticed that in each review, we have focused a lot on the material that is used in rods and reels for construction and this is because the material determines everything else.
The best of the rods and reels are those that are made with high-quality fiberglass, graphite, and composite materials. If you can afford it, then you should also look for those that come with SIC rod guides.
Comfort
Finally, we suggest that you always consider the level of comfort a rod or reel offers because fishing is not an easy task, and you do not want to feel tired after your fishing day. Your rod and reel should not harm your skin or affect your joints. The best rods are lightweight despite being strong.
Rod and Reel Combos for the Money (FAQs)
Having provided some of the guidelines, we will now discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about people looking for the best fishing rod and reel combos for money.
✅ Do these rods and reels need to be maintained after every use?
Yes, if you want your rods and reels to last longer and stay corrosion free, then you should take care of them and maintain them on regular basis.
✅ Should l wash the rods and reels after every use?
Both the rod and the reel should be washed after every time you use them, even if they are stainless. This is even more important if you fish in salty water.
✅ How to choose the right combo?
If you have read the reviews and the manual above, we have already outlined the key features to look for in a rod and a reel. Keep in mind your requirements and budget and choose accordingly.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed in detail the key features of the best fishing rod and reel combo for the money. We have also provided a detailed guide to help you understand what needs to be considered before buying a perfect reel and rod combo.
We highly recommend Plussino Telescopic Combo because of its great construction and unique design that is ideal for many fishing journeys.
Alternatively, if you cannot afford it, then you can go for Zebco 33 Spincast Reel and 2-Piece Fishing Rod Combo that is available at a much more affordable price.
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API