Fishing Rod & Reel Combos
Why purchase a rod and reel combo?
A combo is a matched rod and reel set, configured for a specific type of fishing. West Marine offers baitcasting combos, conventional combos and spinning combos. The selection varies from really basic set-ups to top quality packages with excellent reels and quality rods by Penn, Shimano and others.
Combos come ready for use. All you have to do is wind line onto the reel’s spool, add the terminal tackle and you are ready to rock. Some combos even come with fishing line pre-wound onto the reel. All of the rod and reel combos that West Marine offers are “balanced”, which means that reels are selected to match the action, power and intended purpose of the rod.
Many anglers who buy combos want a relatively simple, inexpensive rig. If you are a novice or value-conscious angler who doesn’t want to customize tackle, you are a prime candidate for a combo—as are parents who want something functional and cheap for their kids to learn on. Although many combos are basic set-ups offered at a value price, some are sophisticated pairings that include premium rod and reel components.
What to consider when selecting a rod and reel combo
Your selection of a rod and reel combo should hinge on the type of fishing and the size of the fish you want to catch. The combo you select might be a light-action set-up that is best for small inland species or a heavier-action combo to handle larger fish. When making a selection, bear in mind that so long as the rod and reel have corrosion-resistant components, some combos (but not all) can work equally well for inshore salt- or freshwater use. For example, if you fish along the gulf coast or in the Florida Keys, a bait casting combo suitable for throwing large swim baits and tackling large bass can also be used for snook and other inshore, saltwater fish. The same can be said for some spinning rod and reel combos. When selecting a combo, avoid “overkill”, an example of which would be to purchase a heavy-action conventional combo to catch small trout.
Baitcasting Combos
Bait casting is the art of casting an artificial lure with a revolving-spool reel. Baitcasting combos pair a level-wind bait casting reel with a baitcasting rod that sometimes includes a trigger-style grip. The reel is mounted on top of the rod. When casting, anglers wrap their forefinger around the “trigger” for stability while thumbing the reel’s spool to reduce the chance of a backlash. As mentioned, baitcasting combos can be used in many freshwater and saltwater applications.
Conventional Combos
Conventional combos pair a conventional reel with a conventional rod. The reel, which is mounted on top of the rod may or may not have a level wind device. In the hands of an experienced angler, lightweight conventional combos (in the under-40-pound line class) can be used to cast heavy jigs. These same combos are a good choice for all-around use and can serve equally well for pier fishing, jigging, mooching, bottom fishing and trolling. Some conventional combos include a roller tip and roller guides which makes them a good choice for trolling and heavy bottom fishing. West Marine offers conventional combos to accommodate line classes ranging from under 30 pounds up to brawny set-ups in the 100 pound (mono) line class for battling large offshore fish.
Spin Fishing Combos
Spin fishing combos pair an open-face spinning reel with a spinning rod. Spin fishing involves casting natural and artificial baits, jigs, poppers and other terminal tackle. There are a wide variety of spin fishing rod and reel combos from which to select—from lightweight set-ups for catching small inland species all the way up to heavier combos designed for surf fishing or even blue water big game fish. When shopping for a spinning rod and reel combo, make sure to select one that is right for the size of fish you want to catch.
Fishing Rod & Reel Combo FAQ
Choosing the right fishing rod and reel combo depends on:
- Target species: Different combos are designed for small panfish, bass, or larger saltwater species.
- Fishing environment: Whether you're fishing in saltwater or freshwater affects durability and corrosion resistance.
- Skill level: Beginners may prefer all-purpose spinning combos, while advanced anglers might choose specialized baitcasting or trolling setups.
West Marine provides product descriptions and guides to help match you with the perfect combo for your fishing style.
Different combos are available to match various fishing techniques:
- Spinning combos: Ideal for general use, easy to handle, and great for beginners.
- Baitcasting combos: Provide precision and control for targeting larger fish.
- Trolling combos: Designed for deep-water fishing and handling larger game fish.
Combos are also categorized based on saltwater and freshwater use, ensuring durability in different environments.
Fishing rod and reel combos are commonly made from:
- Graphite: Lightweight and highly sensitive, ideal for detecting light bites.
- Fiberglass: Durable and strong, suited for handling larger fish.
- Stainless steel components: Corrosion-resistant, making them perfect for saltwater fishing.
West Marine offers high-quality combos designed for longevity in both saltwater and freshwater conditions.
Some fishing rod and reel combos come pre-spooled with line for immediate use, while others allow customization:
- Pre-spooled combos: Ideal for beginners looking for a ready-to-fish setup.
- Custom spooling: Allows anglers to choose the line type, strength, and brand best suited for their target species and fishing conditions.
Proper maintenance extends the life of your fishing gear:
- Rinse with fresh water after each use, especially when fishing in saltwater.
- Lubricate moving parts on the reel periodically for smooth operation.
- Store in a cool, dry place and use rod covers to prevent damage.
West Marine offers cleaning kits and storage solutions to keep your rod and reel in peak condition.
- Trusted brands known for durability and high performance.
- A wide selection catering to all skill levels and fishing styles.
- Expert guidance through in-store staff and online buying guides.
By purchasing from West Marine, you ensure you get high-quality, expertly curated combos designed for an excellent fishing experience.
Rod & Reel Combos At West Marine
Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities, but not everyone who puts their hook in the water is an expert. Face it, the terminology can be a challenge for the novice, and if you talk to three of your fishing friends, you may get three different answers about what kind of rod and reel to purchase. That’s because there is often more than one way to “skin a cat”—or catch a fish. Buying a rod and reel combo can be a definite shortcut. For a moderate cost, you can get proven components, in a combo of the type you need to start catching fish.
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