Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities, and having the right rod and reel combo can make all the difference in your success. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting, having a good fishing rod and reel combination that suits your needs will help ensure you have a great time on the water.
Many different types of rods and reels are available today, so it can be challenging to decide which one is best for you. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of five of the best all-around fishing rod and reel combos currently available. Each option has unique features that cater to different fishing styles, making them ideal for any angler looking to upgrade their gear. So if you’re ready to take your fishing game up a notch, read on to discover our Best All Around Fishing Rod and Reel Combo picks!
Table of Contents
What is an All Around Fishing Rod and Reel Combo?
All-around fishing rod and reel combos are specially designed for various types of fishing. These versatile rods and reels can handle everything from light spinning to heavy-duty trolling.
They’re designed with many features, including comfortable handles, durable blanks, and smooth drag systems. They also come in various lengths, power ratings, and line weights to suit any angler’s needs. With an all-around rod and reel combo, you’ll be able to tackle any fishing adventure that comes your way.
What is the Use of an All Around Fishing Rod and Reel Combo?
All-around fishing rod and reel combos are designed to be great all-purpose tools for anglers of all skill levels. The combination of a rod and reel provides the perfect balance of power, sensitivity, and versatility, allowing you to fish for various species easily.
With an all-around fishing combo, you can cast a wide range of lures and baits with precision and accuracy while still having the power to land large fish. Plus, you’ll be able to cover a wide range of water conditions with one reliable combo.
Whether you’re fishing in freshwater ponds or saltwater oceans, an all-around combo is an excellent choice for any angler. This type of setup is ideal for beginner and experienced fishermen alike.
Best All Around Fishing Rod and Reel Combo-Top 5 Picks
1. Pflueger President Spinning Combo
“Best Overall”
For novice anglers and experienced pros alike, the Pflueger President Spinning Combo is the most incredible fishing rod and reel set on the market. Pflueger’s President spinning reel has become renowned for good reason. Its drag mechanism is excellent, running smoothly and with little initial resistance.
When hunting giant fish that make lengthy runs, having a drag that engages quickly after the rod is set is essential to keeping the line from snapping. Combined with a sensitive rod made of IM-8 Graphite, this setup can pick up on the tiniest of takes. In addition, the shorter rods, which range from 4′ 8″ to 7′, are ideal for casting light lures like those used to catch trout and panfish.
A 7-foot rod and reel is the best choice if you are still determining what you want to fish for, and it works excellently for bass fishing. As far as combos go, you can’t surpass the value of the Pflueger President, which includes both its practicality and longevity.
Why Do We Love It?
The Pflueger President Spinning Combo is the best all-around choice for anyone looking to get into fishing. It has a smooth drag system that allows for robust, long runs when hunting big fish and a sensitive rod made of IM-8 graphite that picks up even the smallest of takes.
The numerous shapes and sizes make it suitable for any angler, beginner, or experienced. Plus, the excellent stability and ease of use make it a great choice for those just starting. This combo offers the best of both worlds, so you can fish with confidence, knowing that you’ve got the right gear for the job.
Key Features
- Changes in the Gear Ratio of a Reel: 5.2:1
- Maximum Pulling Force in Pounds: Ten pounds of resistance
- Length of Rod: from 4 feet, 8 inches to 7 feet
Pros
- Drag mechanism
- Sensitive rod
- Maximum pulling power in pounds
- Length of the rod
- Numerous shapes and sizes are available.
- Superior stability and fishing ease
- Superbly supple reel
Cons
- Not designed for use in saltwater
2. Daiwa D Saltwater Combo
“Ideal for Saltwater Use”
The vast array of high-priced gear available for saltwater fishing might be overwhelming for beginners. The Daiwa Saltwater BG Combo is a cost-effective and reliable solution to this problem.
The Daiwa BG 3000 is available in several combinations to accommodate a wide variety of fishing scenarios, but the finest all-around combo is the 7-foot medium rod. Since it is more significant than standard 3000-size reels, the 15.4 lb. of drag is more than enough to stop even the largest fish. If you’re fishing for a particularly aggressive species that tends to make lengthy runs, you may add more lines to your reel.
The 7-foot medium-action rod is responsive enough to make throws in tight spaces and precise enough for long-range fishing. The rod’s cork grips are a classy addition, usually only seen on more expensive models. When matched with a 30 lb. braid, the BG combination can take on any saltwater fish.
Why Do We Love It?
This combo offers excellent performance and is perfect for saltwater fishing. It has a responsive medium-action rod, 15.4 lb. of drag, and cork grips at a very reasonable price. This is one of Best All Around Fishing Rod and Reel Combo.
The 3000 reel is versatile enough to accommodate a variety of fishing scenarios, from tight spaces to long-range casts. Plus, it’s backed by Daiwa’s outstanding five-year manufacturer’s warranty!
Key Features
Ratio of the Reel’s Gears:
- BG 2500- BG 3000: 5.6:1
- BG 4000- BG 6500: 5.7:1
Maximum Pulling Force in Pounds
- BG 2500: 13.2lbs
- BG 3000: 15.4lbs
Measurement of Rods
- Heights between 7 and 10 Feet
Pros
- Lightweight and reliable
- Versatile reel and rod combinations
- Cork grips
- Efficient drag system
Cons
- Not suitable for luring or trolling
3. Penn Battle III Combo
“Top Choice for Surf Fishing”
When it comes to surf fishing, nothing compares to the durability of the Penn Battle III Combo. Put a setup through its paces by taking it to the beach for a day, and you will learn immediately how valuable it is. Unfortunately, surf fishing gear that is both effective and durable may cost hundreds of dollars.
Penn Battle reels are designed like tanks to resist long days in the saltwater, and their carbon composite drag systems won’t rust even if submerged. Learn What is the best rod and reel for saltwater fishing?
The rod is much more remarkable than the reel, which is already very good. Unfortunately for surf anglers, many combinations match high-quality reels with subpar rods. The Penn Battle Rod’s elegant profile and comfortable grip balance the rotation flawlessly.
The 6000-size reels’ 25 lb. of drag is more than enough to stop even the largest of fish, and the rod length enabled me to cast fish beyond my normal casting range, past the breakers.
Why Do We Love It?
The Penn Battle III Combo is a balanced combination of strength and comfort, ideal for surf fishing. The carbon composite drag system makes it the perfect choice for fishing in the saltwater environment, and its long rod length gives you extra reach when you need it.
The reel is designed to be durable and reliable, while the rod offers an elegant profile and a comfortable grip. Trust us, once you try it out, you won’t want to return to your old gear!
Key Features
- Changes in the Gear Ratio of a Reel: 5.6:1
- Maximum Pulling Force in Pounds: 25 lbs
- Measurement of Rods: 9 feet
Pros
- Durable and reliable reel design
- Carbon composite drag system
- Long rod length for extra reach
- Comfortable grip on the rod
Cons
- Price point may be out of some anglers’ budget
4. Lew’s Speed Spool LFS Baitcast Combo
“Superior for Baitcasting”
A baitcasting setup might be overwhelming for anybody seeking to get into bass fishing. If you’ve never used a rod and reel before, it might not be easy to learn how to pair them together, and casting the rod can be much more challenging.
The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS Baitcast Combo is a high-quality, affordable option for novice anglers. Bearings allow baitcasting reels to throw smoothly and accurately while preventing backlashes. The Speed Spool LFS features ten quality bearings, and in general, the more bearings a reel has, the further it can cast.
If you’ve never used a baitcasting reel before, here’s all you need to know: adjust the tension knob so the bait barely falls when you free-spool it, crank the side brake halfway, and you’re ready to throw.
We’re pleased with this package, which competes well with some high-end baitcasting rigs. Almost any bait a bass would bite off can be cast with the 7-foot medium-heavy rod. Even though more specialised rods are needed for more sophisticated tactics, this one is perfect for general use and has a medium-heavy action that can horse large fish out of dense cover.
Spooling a bait caster with 15-pound monofilament is intelligent if you’ve never used one before since it’s more forgiving and resistant to backlash. When you’re ready, however, go to the 30-pound braided line.
Why Do We Love it?
The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS Baitcast Combo is an excellent choice for anglers of all skill levels who want to upgrade their rod and reel combination without breaking the bank.
The ten-bearing system helps ensure smooth and accurate casts, while the high-quality construction ensures durability for years of use. In addition, the medium-heavy action of the rod is perfect for general use, making it a great all-around combo.
Key Features
- Ratio of Reel Gears: 7.5:1
- Maximum Pulling Force in Pounds: 15 lbs
- Measurement of Rods: 7 feet
Pros
- 10-bearing system for smooth and accurate casts
- High-quality construction ensures durability
- Medium-heavy action is perfect for general use
Cons
- Not as light and sensitive as some other combos
5. Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
“Best for Fly Fishing”
The fly fishing subculture has long been seen as exclusive and elitist, but recent cultural shifts have made the sport more welcoming than ever. Companies like Orvis are among the several that have recently begun producing high-quality equipment explicitly aimed at novice fishermen.
Orvis has invested a lot of time and effort into the Clearwater series, and the technology has trickled down to every product in the range. Casting accurately and over great distances is a breeze with the Clearwater because of its high-quality construction and excellent cork and guides. As a result, Clearwater won our fly rod test for the best value.
The 9-foot, 5-weight combination is an ideal starter rod since it is suited to fishing for trout but can also be used for bass and panfish in warmer waters. Previous generations of combinations often had subpar reels that served little use beyond storing the fly line.
In contrast, the Clearwater reel is a cut above. This one is die-cast or poured in a mold to keep costs down compared to completely machined aluminium reels. The drag components, in particular, are comparable to those found in Orvis’s high-end reels, which sets this reel apart from others. The outcome is a reasonably priced, smoothly operating reel with little initial resistance to casting.
The rod has a quick action while yet being forgiving, making it ideal for novices starting to throw. Roll casting and overhead casting are second nature, and even if you’ve never cast a fly rod before, a quick half hour in the front yard may have you well on your way. To top it all off, the rod is covered by Orvis’s famed no-questions-asked 25-year guarantee, so you can fish with peace of mind knowing you’ll be taken care of no matter what.
Why Do We Love It?
The Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit is an excellent beginner setup that includes a high-quality reel, which is rare in starter packages. The revolution has a smooth drag and extraordinary casting abilities, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Additionally, the rod is forgiving yet responsive, which allows novice anglers to quickly learn the art of fly fishing without worrying about their equipment.
Key Features
- Ratio of Reel Gears: 1:1
- Maximum Pulling Force in Pounds: 5 lbs
- Measurement of Rods: 9 feet
Pros
- High-quality reel
- Crisp and smooth drag
- Best quality rod
Cons
- Price might be too high for some budgets
Buying Guide for Best All Around Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
A fishing rod combination is the ideal starting equipment for novice fishermen. The rod and reel in a high-quality variety are matched to provide a seamless experience and ensure that the equipment is easy to use.
Aside from saving money, purchasing a combination leaves more cash in your pocket for more fishing gear. Finding out what you want to catch, how big of a rod and reel you need, where you want to fish, and how much money you have to spend are all intelligent places to start.
1. Category of Fish
The first stage in selecting the optimal mix is deciding on the fish species you want to pursue. Combinations may be diverse. It’s risky to base your fishing preparations on appearances; you might end yourself unprepared.
When going for larger fish like salmon, it’s essential to have a reel that can withstand the fish’s scorching rushes and a rod that can prevent your line from being damaged by the fish’s weight. When you know the landscape, you can focus on only a few viable solutions that will serve you well for years.
2. Size
Even though one-piece rods are convenient, not every fisherman can easily store or transport a 7-foot rod or longer. To save room, try to choose combinations that include rods that can be disassembled into many parts. A two-piece rod is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a middle ground between portability and sensitivity.
Depending on the configuration, several sets are available in portable versions that may be disassembled into as few as four pieces, making them ideal for transport when space is at a premium. These are my go-to shapes if I need something compact enough to carry in a bag or when traveling to my fishing destination.
3. Saltwater vs. Freshwater
When comparing saltwater and freshwater combinations, you’ll notice a big difference. A saltwater combination may be taken in freshwater, although the reversal can be tough on equipment.
Great as they are for freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing puts a strain on freshwater gear that can’t handle the salt. As the salt corrodes the gears and other components of reels, the devices become corroded and inoperable.
Some saltwater reels have entirely sealed drags that keep saltwater out even if the revolution is completely immersed. The combination you choose will serve you well for a more extended period if you carefully consider the circumstances you want to fish in.
4. Price
It’s understandable if novice anglers want to spend only a few dollars on their gear. Fortunately, there are a lot of excellent setups that are reasonably priced for newcomers to try out.
In addition, the rod and reel sets offered by the industry’s top manufacturers are reliable and incorporate many of the same improvements in their premium products. The cost savings that result from purchasing bundles are still another perk. There are a lot of firms that sell rod and reel sets at a substantial discount compared to buying the two items individually.
FAQs
How much do sets of a rod and reel cost?
Although the price of fishing rod and reel sets might range widely, you can stay in the bank to get started. Between $80 to $150 is a reasonable entry point.
You can find a combination for every fishing you’re interested in at this pricing. Aluminum reels, cork grips, and excellent guides are all things to keep an eye out for. You may save time and money by focusing your search in this way.
Which rod and reel should you buy?
Choosing a rod and reel is the most challenging aspect of beginning fishing, but doing so in light of the target species is the best approach. Determine the ideal rod and reel for your needs by considering the fish you want to catch. In other words, this greatly improves the quality of your time spent on the water. You may stop fussing with your equipment and concentrate on the mission at hand: catching fish.
What are the most common fishing rod and reel combinations for novice anglers?
Spinning rods and reels are the most popular among new fishermen since they are versatile and straightforward. It takes a few minutes to get the hang of a decent spinning setup, and then you’re ready to cast your line.
They may learn to cast a broad range of lures accurately and improve their accuracy with repetition. The beauty of spinning configurations is that they may continue to perform admirably regardless of how much your abilities grow.
How can I determine the correct reel size?
The size of a reel you need depends on the fish you want to catch. Smaller reels are designed for smaller fish, whereas larger reels are constructed for larger fish.
For trout and smaller panfish, a 1500 or 2000-size reel works well, whereas bass fishermen prefer a 3000 or 4000-size reel. Keep in mind that there is a minor size difference between reels of different models and brands. To ensure the reel is the proper size, it is best to inspect it physically before making a purchase.
Conclusion
The right rod and reel combo can make all the difference in your fishing success. With so many options available in Best All Around Fishing Rod and Reel Combo, it cannot be easy to decide what’s best for you. We put together this list of the five best all-around fishing rod and reel combos. No matter what type of fishing you’re into, one of these combos will improve your angling experience.
