Fishing is a great recreational activity. It is a fun game of angling. No matter if you are an adult or a teenager, what’s a better feeling than a fish on your hook. It is not always about the fish. It is about the fun and enjoyment of the whole process. Herbert Hoover (The 31st US President) once said,
A fishing rod is the most popular tool used for recreational fishing. The whole experience of your fishing more or less depends on the fishing rod. There are tons of fishing rods available in the market. Picking the right one for you might be a tough job.
“Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers”
So, we put together a list of the 10 best Fishing Rod And Reel Combos that’ll suit your need. Here are the best fishing rods and reel combos which are definitely worth checking out.
Our Pick
Ugly Stik GX2
- Build Quality
- Has an ultra-light version
- Has an excellent footprint and easy to carry
- A perfect combination of durability and affordability
Best Seller
PLUSINNO
- Anti Corrosion
- Telescopic
- Can change itself into a small and suitable size
- Doesn’t get damage in seawater
- Best Customer Service
Cheapest
Zebco 202
- Cheapest Combo
- Has all the essential features
- Lightweight
- Highly suitable for traveling
- Amazing flexibility
What is the Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combo?
If you are asking which one you should buy, then go for Ugly Stik Gx2 Fishing Rod And Spinning Reel Combo. This is the best fishing rod and reel combo that
1. Ugly Stik Gx2 Fishing Rod And Spinning Reel Combo
If you are looking for something better than the Zebco with a little more budget, Ugly Stik GX2 might be the one for you. This one is also an entry-level fishing rod but it packs some serious strength. This fishing rod is relatively affordable for its quality.
If you are picking the light action rod, but no more than 8lb. But if you choose the medium one, up to 20lb is fine. This fishing rod is extremely reliable and relatively easy to use. This rod is mainly known for its durability and affordability. People say it is an easy choice for the value of money buyers.
It works well, has no problem with line snarls or backlashes. For its lightweight build, this rod is superb for carrying it all the way up and down the terrain. Most people haven’t had any issues with it. This particular rod is designed for youths and made ideal for equipping the whole family for fishing trips.
Just like the Zebco, it is also built with lightweight and durable materials like fiberglass and graphite. The Ugly Stik GX2 never falls short of features. It comes with a clear tip design that delivers added responsiveness and strength. The size of your hand is not a barrier for you when you pick this rod.
The lightweight EVA grips that come with it are designed specifically for smaller hands. It comes with a machined aluminum spool paired with one ball bearing that ensures smooth operation.
This product was launched in October 2013 and it has been one of the best selling fishing rods since then. If you are convinced to get this rod, the ultra-light version will suit you the best if you will carry it on terrains. But if you plan to fish on the river and lakes, the medium heavy rod will be the best for you.
Pros
- Build Quality
- Has an ultra-light version
- Has an excellent footprint and easy to carry
- A perfect combination of durability and affordability
Cons
- Mostly preferred for light action
2. Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Reel And 2-piece Fishing Rod Combo
If you don’t have a ton of fishing experience, this Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Reel and fishing rod combo have got you covered. This version is an excellent choice for newcomers. It has a really small learning curve to it.
If you are not concerned about becoming a master angler, this might be the perfect choice for you. Some of you want to go out on your farm and catch some fish. This fishing rod is more than enough to get that done. Just hook, reel, and land.
The rotation works smoothly, and you’ll have a great time fishing with it. It has a great reel. It works great but is almost sensitive enough to be used for trout fishing: still a good value and good quality build. This fishing rod is jam-packed with nifty essential features.
It has a 3.6:1 retrieve ratio with a ball bearing drive. Zebco also has a neat feature called Quick set anti-reverse. According to Zebco, this feature keeps the handle from turning backward. It also allows you to quickly hook a fish when it bites.
Again, this has a really solid build quality with a lightweight graphite frame with a metal handle and rubber knobs. It doesn’t matter if you are a right-handed or a left-handed person. All Zebco fishing rods come standard with a changeable right or left-hand retrieve.
The reel of this fishing rod comes spooled with one hundred yards of ten lb cajun line. Two-piece medium action rods come with this package of lengths six feet each, which has Z glass rods with a full EVA handle.
The cherry on the cake, this fishing rod also has a bite alert system. So, if you are in the market for a simple, easy to use fishing rod combo, this one might be a great buy for you.
Pros
- Very Affordable
- Easy to use and learn
- Decent Build Quality
- Bite Alert System
Cons
- Not good for medium or heavy action
- The pole might not meet standards for medium action n
3. Plusinno Fishing Rod And Reel Combos
It is a higher-end fishing rod and reel combo that has a comparatively higher price range. But if you consider the quality of this product, it is relatively inexpensive. It is a telescopic fishing pole. So, if you want to put it in a tight corner of an RV, you can.
It turns itself into a small and compact size. To be exact, it collapses under 2 feet in length. Fully extended, it is over 6 feet tall. You can throw it somewhere in your truck and go for a last-minute fishing trip. Overall, the user experience of this rod is excellent for the price.
The rod feels sturdy even when it’s extended to its full length. The handle is solid and feels nice in hand. The reel is clean, quiet, and it turns smoothly. It does feel a little heavy, and it could be the reason why it felt solid. Plussino’s customer service is also quite good. Users are more than satisfied with their service.
It is no surprise that this fishing rod has a ton of useful features. It has the perfect elasticity you need in a fishing rod. It is because of the high-density Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass used to make this fishing rod. For comfort, it has the EVA foregrip.
The stainless steel hooded reel seat has anti-seawater corrosion. It has a gear ratio of 5.2:1. The power drive gears are equipped for high strength. The overall verdict is, this rod is suitable for sea and boat fishing. It is good for traveling because it collapses very easily.
The rod pole is sensitive and has a graphite blank construction. It has multiple lengths for different actions. So you are in the market for such a functional rod which also happens to be affordable, this one is a great pick for you.
Pros
- Anti Corrosion
- Telescopic
- Perfect elasticity
- Can change itself into a small and suitable size
- Doesn’t get damage in seawater
- Best Customer Service
Cons
- Little Heavy
- The line quality is average
4. Zebco 202 Reel And Fishing Rod Combo, 2-piece Rod, Quickset Anti-reverse Fishing Reel
This one is another Zebco on the list. It is a popular favorite in the Zebco Spincast family. It has the quality and feature set of a great utilitarian fishing rod for a very affordable price. If you are a beginner and you want a good starting point, this rod can be a pretty good buy for you.
It is a lightweight, simple, easy to carry fishing rod that can catch small-medium fishes. The combo comes with a durable fiberglass rod. If you are looking for something that can catch big fishes with the superior build quality, this one might not be the one for you.
It is also jam-packed with some neat features despite it being so much affordable. The spincast reel that comes with the combo is pretty good. It features all-metal gears and a stainless steel pick-up pin. The reel is pre-spooled with a 10lb line.
It has a patented no-tangle design and just like the other Zebco, it has the Quick-set Anti-reverse with a dial-adjustable drag for a smooth retrieve every time. This rod also has a built-in hook-keeper and a Twist-lock reel seat.
EVA handle grip is also not an exception for this rod. The biggest selling point of this rod is its price point. The whole combo comes complete with a 44-piece tackle kit: 2 bobbers, 18 hooks, 5 swivels, 3 split-shot sinkers, 1 spinner attachment, 3 jig heads, 4 swimbaits, and 8 curly-tail jigs.
Just like other Zebco rods, it also comes with a year of warranty which is a huge plus point when you are shortlisting your next buy. So, if you are in the market for an affordable, do it all fishing rod, you should consider this fishing rod combo.
Pros
- Extremely Affordable
- Has all the essential features
- Lightweight
- Highly suitable for traveling
- Amazing flexibility
Cons
- Average build quality
5. Plusinno Kids Fishing Pole, Portable Telescopic Fishing Rod, And Reel Full Kits
If you want your kid to get into fishing from a very young age, Plusinno has got that option too. The Plusinno kids fishing pole is designed fully for toddlers. They like hours of angling and the general idea of fishing. So, they’ll have great use of their leisure time through fishing.
Even a four-year-old kid can go fishing with this rod. This one is an ideal rod for them to catch their first fish. It comes complete with a telescopic fishing rod, spin-cast reel, fishing line, fishing tackle, and a travel bag.
It is a very light fishing rod that is soft and flexible. Like the other Plussino rods, this one has the functionality of being telescopic. It can collapse to a small size, and you can carry it easily to different places.
The types of equipment that are designed for adults can be too cumbersome and complex for a child to handle. The Plusinno rod is durable and good looking which is a plus point because of all the added functionality you get with the rod. It is suitable for freshwater and lake fishing. It has all the safety features that are required for a child.
It is also not a surprise that this rod is pretty easy to use. Any toddler can pick it up and jump straight into fishing with a small learning curve. It is also very comfortable for your kid because it comes standard with a rubber grip handle.
Even though it is made for kids/toddlers, it comes with some nifty features like a dual alert bell, bobbers, three bobber stoppers, and many more. So if you are in the market to get something for your kid and get the youngsters into fishing, this fishing rod is a great buy.
Pros
- Almost no learning curve
- Specially made for toddlers
- Easy to use
- Made for kids
- Telescopic
Cons
- Can’t be used in salty water
6. Kastking Crixus Fishing Rod And Reel Combo, Baitcasting Combo
This fishing rod is around a hundred dollars. Though it is at a little higher price point, Kast King claims it is the best value fishing rod you can buy right now. Other than that bold claim, it is a pretty good and solid fishing rod.
Sadly this rod is not telescopic which is kind of disappointing at this price point. It means you cannot collapse or expand it for portability. Otherwise, this fishing rod is a beast. It is very lightweight and has excellent build quality. You can get this fishing rod ranging from six to seven feet, and there is also an option of left/right handed usage.
Make sure you pick the correct one before you buy it. The best part about this rod is its build quality. It is built with IM6 graphite rod blanks that provide a great performing rod and stunning looks. The spool is built with CNC aluminum and the six ball bearings are double shielded.
The handle is like a golf-style and made with super polymer. These handles are comfortable and have exceptional grip. The rod is the perfect rod for wet conditions because of this feature. There is one signature feature of the Crixus fishing rod is called PTS (Power Transition System).
The fishing rods are built with two-piece construction. The PTS technology will make the rod feel like it is all one piece. This fishing rod is made for fast action medium and heavy fishing. The weight to performance ratio of this rod is excellent compared to all the other fishing rods on this list.
So if you are into some serious fishing and you are looking for a high-performance lightweight rod that is also relatively affordable, this rod might be the perfect one for you.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Feels like one piece of rod
Cons
- Not telescopic
- Hard to carry
7. Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod And Reel Combo Set With Fishing Line
This fishing rod is one of the cheapest fishing rods with the telescopic feature. It makes it one of the most compelling options on this list. It is very convenient to carry around for its compact size. It collapses to a very small size and can be extended up to 8.9 feet, which is a pretty good length for catching the big fishes.
You can put it anywhere, carry it to places easily, and have great time fishing with almost zero limitations. This fishing rod has a quite sturdy build quality that gives it an edge above its competition in its price range. This fishing rod is known for being flexible.
It is the perfect balance between flexibility and flexibility. It is quite essential while fishing. This fishing rod is optimal for any kind of use, let it be saltwater or freshwater. So, you can go fishing in the ocean, river lake or pond. Magreel claims that it is a premium fishing rod.
Surprisingly it has a great build quality to back that statement. It is built with 24T carbon fiber with stainless steel hooded seat. These materials are durable as well as anti-corrosive. The reel is also very smooth with an exquisite aluminum spool. It has a compact carry bag which makes it very convenient to carry around in places.
Fishing is an outdoor activity, so portability is something you should definitely keep in mind. It has a gear ratio of 5.5:1. Overall this package is very compelling to buy. There is a high chance that this one is the best suit for you in this list.
So, if you are looking for an affordable, compact fishing rod with a premium build quality to catch big fishes in any kind of water/condition, you should just go and buy it. The only downside is that it has a bigger learning curve.
Pros
- Extremely Affordable
- Telescopic
- Can be used in both salty and freshwater
Cons
- Not easy to use
8. Kastking Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combos
This fishing rod is another example of KastKing at a lower price point than the Crixus. It is still a premium fishing rod with moderately high performance. So, this one might be a better value for you than the Crixus if you are not super seriously into fishing.
To be exact, it is about half the price of a Crixus. This one is also a relatively light fishing rod. The only downside is that this rod is not safe for saltwater. It is strictly for freshwater use only. Other than that, you are good to go with it. It is mainly aimed at amateurs who want to get into serious fishing.
You can still handle a catfish with this rod if you pick the eight feet variant. This fishing rod has a two-piece design that helps massively for portability. It does not have that PTS technology that you find in the Crixus. This rod is also built with IM6 rod blanks…
The Centron features a gear ratio of 5.2:1 or 4.5:1. The reel action is super smooth which is complemented by a triple-disc felt drag system. Overall, this fishing rod is very smooth and practical. For the price point, it is really hard to beat.
Even though this rod has some restrictions like saltwater and average durability this rod still has some value in it. If you are an amateur and you want to step up your game to become a professional, give this fishing rod a shot.
Pros
- The contoured EVA handles gives a good grip
- Affordable
- High-performance
- Strong Built quality with lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for saltwater use
- Not for proper professional use
9. Penn Battle Ii & Battle Iii Spinning Reel And Fishing Rod Combo
This fishing rod is at a premium budget segment. It is aimed towards more professional use. Speaking straightforwardly, this rod is at a higher mid-range territory. Battle II and III spinning wheel combos are rods with medium power. The first disappointment is that the rods are poorly packaged.
This is simply not acceptable for the money and hurts the user experience. People got their half snapped rods while shipping. But if yours finally reach you safely, you’ll have a great experience fishing with it. The body is built fully with metal.
It comes in three colors: black, gold, and smoke. The fishing rod has a front drag type. You have the functionality of using it with both right and left hands. It has the CNC Gear technology which is an advanced feature but expected at this price point. The rod blank is made with graphite composite which makes it lightweight.
Sadly, it is not telescopic, so you don’t get that functionality to carry it in a small form factor. It has HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers. This system provides you with a smooth drag under heavy loads. The guide type of this fishing rod is made of aluminum oxide.
And you can get this fishing rod at 6.6-inch length. So, if you are in the market for a premium built rod, you can shortlist Penn’s battle rods. These don’t shoot numbers or throw some crazy specs at you but it genuinely provides you a premium value.
You can have a lot of fun fishing with this rod. And the features are pretty compelling too. It can catch all kinds of fish: big or small, the battle does it all.
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Lightweight
- Good customer care service
- Perfect for professional use
- six sealed stainless steel ball-bearing system
Cons
- Rods are of average quality
- Poor packaging
- Expensive
- It is not telescopic
10. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Gx2 Ice Fishing Reel & Rod Combo
If you live in a colder country, you might have heard about ice fishing. It is a practice where small holes are made on frozen lakes or any other kind of water bodies and fishes are caught through that hole using a spear or a fishing rod. This is the Ice fishing version of the already mentioned Ugly Stik GX2.
This one comes at a really cheap price point to get you started with ice fishing on a budget. It looks and feels pretty much the same as the Ugly Stik GX2 standard version but it has its own perks. You can do all the light and medium-heavy fishing with ease on this rod.
The spec sheet of this fishing rod is also pretty standard. It has a 20 size spinning reel with 1 ball bearing. It has the ported aluminum spool for lighter weight and added stability. This fishing reel didn’t also miss out on the twist lock reel seat system.
This combo is very inexpensive for what it offers. The types of functionality it has over the others at such a low price point make it a really compelling deal to snatch. This fishing rod operates at temperatures under 20 degrees Fahrenheit or 29 degrees Celcius. This means this is built pretty ruggedly.
There are very few in the market that offers so much for so little. Therefore, this rod is pretty much a no brainer. So, if you are in the market for something affordable to go ice fishing, definitely give this Ugly Stik GX2 fishing rod a go. It is totally worth your money.
Pros
- The EVA handle gives good grip in extreme conditions
- High stability with lightweight
- Affordable
- Can be used for ice fishing
Cons
- Only preferred for light-action fishing
Conclusion
These are our picks for the 10 Best fishing rods and reel combos for you to buy and start experiencing the world of fishing or gift someone close to do the same.
If you are searching for the best fishing rod and reel combo, then you should buy Ugly Stik Gx2 Fishing Rod And Spinning Reel Combo. And if you are searching for the cheapest rod and reel combo, then go for Zebco 202 Reel And Fishing Rod Combo.
Happy fishing!