Selecting a Rod and Reel Combo

By West Marine Staff, Last updated: 11/2/2021

Store display rack with rod and reel combos

What Rod and Reel Combos Are

A fishing combo is a matched rod and a reel set, configured for a specific type of fishing. A wide selection of combos are available, ranging from basic spinning options up to top quality options with legendary reels by Penn, Shimano and others.

Benefits of Rod and Reel Combos

Minimal Setup

Rod and reel combos are ready to use, "out of the box". All you have to do is wind line onto the spool and add the terminal tackle of your choice. Some combos even come with line pre-wound.

Great Value

In general, combos are attractively priced, which makes them great for beginners who want to try fishing, but don't want to drop a lot of money getting into the sport. A combo also takes the guess work out of getting the right setup. The rod and reel are matched out of the box, so you don't have to worry about the action of the rod (and whether it has the right flexibility) or the gear ratio of the reel (and whether it has enough mechanical advantage). A fishing tackle expert has done this work for you, so you don't have to.

Great for Beginners through Experienced Anglers

Many anglers who buy combos want to enjoy recreational fishing and need a relatively simple, effective and inexpensive rig. Novices or value-conscious anglers who don't want to customize tackle are prime candidates for combos, as are parents who want something functional and cheap for their kids to learn on. However, combos also can be sophisticated fishing gear, with good components, specifically designed for a variety of fishing techniques.

What Kind of Fishing Will You Do
Where Will You Fish?
What Type of Reel Do You Want?

Choosing a Rod and Reel Combo

Shimano TLD 25 Stand up Conventional Combo

Consider What Type of Fishing You'll be Doing

Baitcasting

Casting an artificial lure with a revolving-spool reel. Popular in both salt and fresh water.

Trolling

Trailing a line with live or artificial bait behind a boat. The depth of the bait and the speed of the boat are adjusted depending on what species is being fished.

Drift Fishing

Similar to trolling, but the boat is allowed to drift quietly with the current or wind, instead of powering in a specific direction.

Chumming

Involces scattering ground-up fish, usually oily and always smelly, into the water as bait to attract hungry fish that in turn attract bigger hungry fish.

Surf Fishing

Saltwater baitcasting from the edge of the shore, a jetty or a small boat, in which the angler plays the hooked fish through the surf.

Baitcasting combos are offered for fresh- and saltwater applications. Pictured is Abu Garcia's 7' Revo X Low Profile baitcasting combo.

Consider Where You Will Fish

Freshwater-in lakes and rivers, or saltwater-in the ocean, either along the coastline, deep sea, or inshore and in tributaries. Rods and reels used for freshwater fishing do not need the extensive protection against aggressive corrosion brought about by exposure to seawater. Heavy-duty saltwater reels are pricier because they feature corrosion-resistant materials such as anodized aluminum, shielded stainless steel or bronze bearings and forged aluminum spools.

Match Your Rod and Reel Combo to Fishing Type and Location

Conventional Combos

Typically used for bait casting, trolling or bluewater fishing. Typical line weights range from 10lb. for bait casting all the way to 130lb. for big ocean species.

Baitcasting Combos

Used for baitcasting and are very popular for types of fishing that require frequent casting and retrieving like bass fishing.

Spinning Combos

Used for many different fishing styles and for lighter lures. Line weights used on spinning reels vary from as little as 4lbs to approx. 25-30lbs. Spinning reels can be designated for ranges, e.g., 2 to 8lb., 8 to 15lb., and 15 to 30lb. test.

Conventional reels are used for bait casting, trolling or bluewater fishing. Typical line weights range from 10lb. for bait casting all the way to 130lb. for big ocean species.
Spinning reels are used for many different fishing styles and for lighter lures. Line weights used on spinning reels vary from as little as 4lbs to approx. 25-30lbs. Spinning reels can be designated for ranges, e.g., 2 to 8lb., 8 to 15lb., and 15 to 30lb. test.

Conclusion

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 just a bit of 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 why buying a rod and reel combo can be a definite shortcut. For a moderate cost, you can get proven components, middle-of-the-range length, action and line class, and you can get out on the water and start catching fish.

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