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Fishing rod and reel combos aren’t for everyone. You are giving up a certain level of customisation when you buy the two together and it doesn’t tend to suit more experienced anglers. Anglers you like to spend a little more time choosing a reel, or picking up one of the best lure fishing rods on the market.
But we have a lot of time for a good rod and reel set. In a world of FG knots and gear ratios, there’s just something about the simplicity of having someone deal with things for you in a pre-packaged manner. But of course, you still need to find a good quality combo – and we’re here to help.
We’ve done the research and testing to bring you the market’s tip-top options. From ultra-lightweight freshwater combos to heavy-duty saltwater setups and everything in between, we’ve got you covered.
The 6 Best Sea Fishing Spinning Reels in 2023 Editor’s choice
Table of contents
What should I look for in a fishing rod and reel set?
For a good quality fishing rod and reel set, you should consider;
- Fishing method: if you’re planning on fly fishing, you need a fly fishing rod and reel set. For lure fishing, you’ll need a spinning or baitcasting combo. Obviously…
- Rod action, length and power: If you’re targeting powerful predators – particularly of the saltwater variety – with lures, then you’ll need a medium to fast action rod as a minimum.
- Reel type: The three main types of reels at your disposal are spinning, baitcasting and spincasting. Spinning reels tend to be best for beginners as they don’t tend to snag or get ‘bird’s nests.’ Baitcasting reels tend to have a higher power output and are better for larger predators but tangle more frequently as the mount is parallel to the rod.
- Reel gear ratio: The higher the gear ratio on a reel, the more power output you have at your disposal. For a reel with a 5:1 gear ratio, the rotor will spin around the reel five times with every crank. When targeting larger, more powerful fish, gear ratios of 5:1 and above are essential.
- Reel drag system: The drag system is the mechanism that applies pressure to the fish. Higher quality, more powerful drag systems are essential for larger fish.
- Price: You can pick up a decent quality rod and reel combo for under £100, which is why they’re such a good introduction to fishing. If you’re looking to spend substantially more on a very high-quality, customised rod and reel, you should consider purchasing them separately.
- Material and construction: Graphite and fibreglass rods tend to be the pick of the bunch in terms of flexibility and quality construction. Most quality reels are made from aluminium and stainless steel, with equally well-crafted components (ball-bearing et al). If you’re planning on saltwater fishing, then look for corrosion-resistant options for both.
Best Sea Fishing Lures in 2023
What is the best all-around fishing rod and reel combo?
The Abu Garcia Superior Spinning Combo is the best quality fishing rod and reel combo on the market. With an ultra-lightweight option for micro-fishing right the way up to a rod with a casting weight of 60g, it’s a powerful, flexible, two-piece, carbon-fibre-made rod that’s superb for fishing in all conditions. It’s a little on the premium side price-wise, but well worth spending the money if you’re taking fishing seriously.
At a glance
The 9 best fishing rod and reel combos
Abu Garcia Superior Spinning ComboBest quality spinning rod and reel set
Amazon.co.uk
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- The best quality spinning rod and reel combo on the market
- Ultra-lightweight micro-fishing option up to 60g casting weight and a 2500-sized reel
- Two-piece rod from 6’7″- 8’2″ (more powerful rods are longer)
- Carbon fibre made rod has power and a sensitive tip
Abu Garcia Superior Spinning Combo is the best quality rod and reel combo on the market. With options ranging from a 6’7″ two-piece rod with a casting weight of 1-7g right the way up to an 8’2″ rod with a casting weight of 12-60g, there’s a spinning rod for every scenario outside of targeting giants.
Of course, you aren’t going to get the casting distance associated with 11’+ surfcasters, but it’s a fantastic lure fishing and spinning combo. The 5.2:1 gear ratio is perfect for predator fishing in both fresh and saltwater conditions and the corrosion-resistant guides, fastenings and fittings make for a durable rod that’s tough to beat.
The 7 Best Bass Fishing Rods in 2023
Abu Garcia Cardinal Pro Spinning ComboBest all-around spinning rod and reel
Fishing, Tackle & Bait
- 7’1″ long, two-piece rod with a casting weight of 10-30g or an 8’2″ rod with 10-45g casting weight
- Good-quality manufacturing spec with carbon blank and aluminium spool
- Medium – medium heavy power
- Reel size in 2000 or 3000 with 7+1 ball bearings
Born from the bestselling Cardinal range of rods, the Abu Garcia Cardinal Pro Spinning Combo is almost, almost as good as the Superior Spinning Combo. It doesn’t quite have the same level of flexibility or power and the manufacturing spec isn’t quite to the same standard. But that is to be expected at this slightly lower price point. It’s still a very competent spinning and lure-fishing set that drastically outperforms on a value basis.
The reel has a pretty smooth retrieve and the heavier rod is a good option for medium-sized predator fishing. It doesn’t provide the best power, sensitivity or durability, but at this price point, it’s a tremendous all-around spinning rod that’s great for beginners.
Sonik Vader X RS Spod Rod & Reel ComboBest coarse fishing rod and reel combo
- 12′ long two-piece rod weighing 620g made for carp fishing
- High-quality manufacturing spec, fastenings and fittings throughout the rod
- Carbon fibre made rod makes for good power and sensitivity
- 8000 size reel with a spool capacity of mm/m 0.30/370 0.35/280 0.40/220
Sonik Vader X RS Spod Rod & Reel Combo is a 12′ SPOD rod complete with an 8000-sized reel with a high line capacity designed for some pretty serious carp fishing. Whilst rod and reel combos are typically designed for beginners (or fishermen with very lazy shopping habits), the spec and aesthetic appeal of this combo belies that assumption. The matte black is a personal favourite.
The carbon fibre blank is sleek and supple with an outstanding casting range and good power. The reel itself is relatively smooth and the instant anti-reverse and twist-free roller are also associated with reels at slightly higher price points. It’s a good but not a great coarse fishing combo.
A spod is a cylindrical bait rocket that is filled with bait and cast into the swim. It’s most commonly associated with carp fishing and the buoyant nose cone is designed to flip the spod end up in the water with supreme accuracy.
Savage Gear Night Prowler KitBest dropshot rod and reel combo
- An excellent dropshot rod, reel and dropshot fishing setup that is perfect for fishing in urban environments
- Two-piece, 7’1″ rod with a 3-15g casting weight and a 2500-size reel
- Includes everything you need to start fishing for perch
- Jigs, tailspin and fluoro and a lightweight rod and reel setup with a range of jigs included from 5-13g
Savage Gear Night Prowler Kit is something I truly love and is perfect for the urban angler. We’ve spent many hours wandering London’s canal system (with – if we’re being kind – varied success) and perch tend to be the go-to fish of choice. That’s what this set is perfect for.
The dropshot fishing setup includes a 7’1″ rod with a 3-15g casting weight, a 2500-size reel, fluorocarbon leader and a few metal tailspinners and jigs. It’s a truly excellent setup for fishing canals and smaller bodies of water and is made to a genuinely high-quality spec. Something not normally associated with rod and reel combos.
Penn Wrath Surfcast ComboBest lightweight beachcaster rod and reel combo
- Three-piece, 14′ surfcasting rod with 170g casting weight
- Super supple, sensitive tip and fantastic casting distance
- Aluminium and graphite-made reel and rod, with corrosion-resistant accessories
- Fast action, so suitable for lure and bait fishing from the shore
Penn Wrath Surfcast Combo is a 14′ beachcasting rod and reel set fantastic for targeting large fish from the shore. With a 170g casting weight and a fast action, this three-piece rod marries a tip subtle enough for good bite detection with a supple, powerful rod designed for bigger fish. Of course, a three-piece tends to be slightly weaker than a two-piece, but outside of giants, you shouldn’t have a problem.
It doesn’t have the flexibility of other rods and is not exactly suitable for fishing in smaller rivers or in more confined spaces. But if you’re in the market for a rod and reel combo that focuses on casting distance and can handle some fairly serious saltwater fish, this is the best available option.
Penn Pursuit IV Spinning Rod and Reel ComboBest rod and reel combo for big fish
Tackle Direct
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- Two-piece, 460g 7’1″ rod designed for saltwater fishing with a fast action and medium to heavy power
- Larger versions of the rod are capable of handling lures of up to 150g
- Corrosion-resistant manufacturing, with K-type rings and graphite housing
- Stainless steel ball-bearing system designed for saltwater conditions
The Penn Pursuit IV Spinning Rod and Reel Combo is specifically designed for serious saltwater fishing. Everything about the rod is aimed at saltwater specialists and the most powerful nine-foot-long option has a casting weight of 100-150g. That is some serious lure fishing.
On that basis, it is absolutely the best rod and reel set designed for casting big lures and targeting big fish. Every individual component is corrosion-resistant and the lightweight carbon blank is powerful and responsive. Of course, the seven-foot-long, 10-40g rod has a limited casting distance and the more powerful rod has limited bite detection, but this isn’t the best all-around rod. It’s the best rod and reel combo for landing big fish.
Abu Garcia Max Pro Casting Fishing Rod and Reel ComboBest baitcaster rod and reel spinning combo
Fishing Republic
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- Two-piece, 6’7″ rod with a medium-heavy action and casting weights of 10-40g or 15-60g
- Baitcasting reel suitable for powerful predators (and experienced anglers) and has a smooth action and 7+1 ball bearings
- Carbon-made blanks, lightweight guides and a cork handle
- Power disc drag system and brake system suitable for more powerful predators
Abu Garcia Max Pro Casting Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is an excellent baitcaster option designed for more experienced anglers. The carbon-made blanks are powerful and combine really well with the smooth-action reel and strong drag and brake system. With a casting weight of up to 60g on the more powerful model, it’s beautifully designed for river fishing for pike.
We’ve always found baitcasting rod and reel combos to be something of an oxymoron. Rod and reel combos tend to be better for beginners whereas baitcasters are designed for the more experienced angler. But this is a good value set and an excellent intermediary between spinning and baitcasting rods and reels.
Baitcasting reels are mounted on top of the rod, with a perpendicular spooling action associated with landing more powerful predators, accurate casting and ‘birds-nests.’ Where the line tangles infuriatingly when you cast. Hence why it’s unsuitable for beginners.
A Guide to Pike Fishing in the UK
Greys K4ST X Fly ComboBest fly fishing rod and reel set
Sportfish
Decathlon UK
- Superb value fly fishing rod and reel combo
- Four-piece rod ranges in length from 8-10′ with a medium action blank with a lightweight cork handle
- Complete with travel case, line and leader
- High manufacturing spec fly rod at this pricepoint
The Greys K4ST Fly Combo is an excellent fly fishing rod and reel combo. Complete with a cracking little carry-case, decent quality line and leader this four-piece rod comes in sizes between 8′-10′ in length. It’s a really excellent beginner fly fishing rod. Such good value, in fact, we own one.
The medium-action blank is supple, with a nice whip and sensitive rod tip. The cork handle is firm with a decent feel to it and the construction is very good at this price. Honestly, it’s a really decent fly fishing rod and reel to have in your arsenal and well worth the money. particularly as a beginner or as a backup. One you can give to your friends.
Abu Garcia Diplomat V2 Travel ComboBest travel rod and reel combo
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- Four-piece, 8′ long travel rod with a 10-35g casting weight and a moderate to fast action
- Lightweight stainless steel corrosion-resistant guides
- 5.2:1 gear ratio designed for more powerful predators
- Reel Capacity – 0,25 mm/165 m 0,30 mm/130 m
As kings of the value fishing tackle, it’s no surprise the Abu Garcia Diplomat V2 Travel Combo is a very good travel rod and reel combo. We now have a Savage Gear Power Game travel rod, but the Abu Garcia Diplomat combo is a very good travel rod and reel. Albeit the reel capacity is fairly limited and 3+1 bearings don’t make for the smoothest reel.
Travel rod setups are meant to be convenient. They’re all about convenience in fact. From purchase to catching a fish, you want everything to be included. Which is exactly what you get here. The 2500-sized reel with a 5.2:1 gear ratio is spot on for catching medium-sized sea predators and pike, with a relatively smooth action. Of course, you give up something in the casting distance and overall power output, but that’s what a travel rod is!
The 7 Best Travel Fishing Rods in 2023
FAQs
A rod and reel combo is a fishing setup that includes both a fishing rod and reel as part of the set. Typically the rod and reel are well-matched regarding line strength and the type of fishing you’ll be doing. It is an excellent option for beginners because the setup is done for you and it’s typically excellent value.
Hi, I'm Harry. A keen, albeit exceedingly average fisherman. I've spent the last few years trawling London's waterways with - if I'm being kind - varied success and would love to help you avoid the mistakes I have made.
