My Favorite Spinning Rod and Reel Combos

The best spinning rod and reel combo has a smooth retrieve, corrosion-resistant materials, at least 15 lb of drag, and a durable, sensitive rod. Selecting the right combo depends on your target species, fishing location, and budget.

The Daiwa BG Spinning Combo is my top choice because it is durable and has a long distance cast. It features a high max drag and more line capacity than its competitors. It is ideal for anglers looking for a rod and reel combo that is both robust and affordable.

This list is based on my 20 years of experience angling and is based on performance, durability, and value for money.

1. Daiwa BG Spinning Combo

The Daiwa BG spinning reel is an extremely popular model that is both versatile and performs well. It is affordably priced and filled with Daiwa’s tough technology. It is hard to walk past anything Daiwa produces if you are looking for a durable option that will last a lifetime.

It is saltwater ready with an aluminum body, side plates, graphite rod, aluminum oxide guides, and cork handles. I am a big fan of cork on my fishing reels because of the comfort, non-slip nature, and the aesthetics.

When it comes to rugged performance under all conditions, the Daiwa BG is my top pick.

Specifications:

• Gear Ratio: 5.6:1
• Max Drag: 15.4 lb
• Saltwater Ready: Yes
• Ball Bearings: 6+1
• Rod Power: Medium-Light to Medium-Heavy
• Rod Length: 7 ft

Pros

• Proven Power and Performance
• Extremely Durable Design and Construction
• Comfortable Cork Grips

Cons

• Limited Range of Reel Sizes and Rod Lengths

2. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

If you are especially careless and have broken multiple rods over your lifetime, you must pick an Ugly Stik GX2. They are virtually indestructible, and are famous for being able to bend back on themselves. They are made from a glass nylon blend that is both durable and affordable.

This combo is the most affordable option on the list, so if your budget is limited, look at the GX2. The reel certainly lacks the premium features of the more advanced alternatives, but it can still catch fish.

You are buying this combo for the rod, and the reel is just a cheap add on. It comes in a wide variety of lengths and powers to suit your target species. It also comes with a brilliant 7 year warranty.

Specifications:

• Gear Ratio: 5.1:1
• Ball Bearings: 3+1
• Rod Power: Ultralight to Medium-Heavy
• Rod Length: 4’8″ to 7′ ft

Pros

• Extremely Affordable Price Tag
• Ugly Stik rods are virtually indestructible.

Cons

• I prefer graphite rods over glass nylon materials
• Rough retrieve with 3 or 4 ball bearing systems

3. Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Combo

The Penn Spinfisher is one of my favorite spinning reels of all time. It is extremely durable with a full metal body. It is saltwater ready and is filled with Penn’s latest technology include HT-100 drag washers, CNC gears, and stainless steel ball bearings.

There are also specific designs for certain fishing tasks – including long casting and live liner.

This spinning combo is more expensive than some of the alternatives, but its combination of durability, longevity, and performance still gives it a high value-for-money ranking.

There are also a variety of rod features – including cork or EVA handles, rubber gimbal, graphite and tubular fiberglass. You can find a reel and a rod to suit your exact circumstances and fishing environment.

Specifications:

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Max Drag: 15 to 40 lb
• Saltwater Ready: Yes
• Ball Bearings: 6
• Rod Power: Medium to Heavy
• Rod Action: Moderate-Fast to Extra Fast
• Rod Length: 6’6″ to 8′ ft

Pros

• Penn’s HT-100 drag washer technology prevents saltwater corrosion
• IPX5 Sealed body and spool design
• Full metal body and sideplates

Cons

• There is a wide range of combo options, including cork and EVA handles, so narrowing down your selection can take some time.
• The full metal body does make the reel heavier.

4. Pflueger President Spinning Combo

The Pflueger President is a brilliant reel that performs under nearly all circumstances. It is unheard of to find a 10 ball bearing system reel at this price tag. This is why it is so popular among anglers.

It has several downsides – the first is that it is not designed specifically for saltwater. It has sealed drag washers and an aluminum spool, so it will survive well, but you must flush it with freshwater as soon as possible.

The other problem is its low max drag at only 10 lb in the 3000-sized reel. This is not enough – so make sure you pick a larger size model than you generally would.

Specifications:

• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
• Max Drag: 14 lb
• Saltwater Ready: No
• Ball Bearings: 10
• Rod Power: Ultralight to Medium
• Rod Length: 4’8″ to 7′ ft

Pros

• Extremely smooth retrieve due to the 10 ball bearing system
• Sealed drag washers for corrosion resistance
• Braid ready spool doesn’t need mono backing
• IM-8 graphite rod

Cons

• Not available in a heavy power rod
• Not available in high gear ratio speeds
• Not saltwater ready

5. Penn Battle III Spinning Combo

The Penn Battle III is a great option if you are looking for an inshore or saltwater spinning combo. It has more of Penn’s advanced technologies than its previous iteration the Battle II. This is a durable reel with a full metal body, but this does make it heavier.

You will notice sorer arms and hands after a full day of fishing than the lighter alternatives.

The HT-100 drag washers and sealed ball bearings make it well suited for saltwater and you won’t experience corrosion over time. There is no better way to increase the value-for-money then picking a durable reel that will last for a lifetime.

The rod is also available in 1, 2, and 3 pieces for easy transport and storage.

Specifications:

• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1 to 6.2:1
• Max Drag: 15 to 30 lb
• Saltwater Ready: Yes
• Ball Bearings: 6
• Rod Power: Light to Heavy
• Rod Action: Moderate-Fast to Fast
• Rod Length: 6’6″ to 10′ ft

Pros

• Full Metal Body and Sideplates
• CNC Gear Technology
• HT-100 Carbon Fiber Drag Washers
• 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system

Cons

• The full metal body is heavier which can add to muscle fatigue over time

6. Lew’s Laser Lite Speed Spin Combo

If you are looking for a panfish spinning combo, the Laser Lite Speed is a great option. This is an extremely lightweight design, due to its skeletal frame. This does come with some disadvantages, such as its 5 lb drag. This means it isn’t powerful enough for anything larger than a bluegill.

The rod is both light and fast so it is sensitive enough to feel even the smallest bite. The gear ratio is on the slow side, so you will need to reel faster for some lures, like frogs or topwater lures.

Lew’s are becoming more and more popular every year, so you can be confident in the quality and availability. This is an affordable spinning combo at a price tag that is hard to ignore.

Specifications:

• Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
• Max Drag: 5 lb
• Ball Bearings: 3+1
• Rod Power: Light
• Rod Action: Fast
• Rod Length: 5′ to 7′ ft

Pros

• Affordable price tag
• Available in 1 and 2 piece travel rods

Cons

• Lower ball bearings does limit its retrieve smoothness
• Only available in fast action
• The gear ratio is on the slow side
• Extremely low drag

7. Penn Wrath Spinning Combo

Last on the list is the Penn Wrath. This is one of the more affordable options, and getting a reputable brand like Penn for so cheap is surprising. It lacks some of the more advanced features you will find in the Battle.

It only has 3 ball bearings, so you will notice the retrieve is rougher, but still sufficient to catch fish. It is saltwater ready, but it lacks sealed drag system which makes it more vulnerable to corrosion.

The rod is available in multiple sizes and powers, including surf rods. However, it only comes with EVA grips, whereas I prefer cork generally.

Specifications:

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Max Drag: 10 to 25 lb
• Saltwater Ready: Yes
• Ball Bearings: 3
• Rod Power: Medium-Light to Heavy
• Rod Action: Moderate-Fast to Fast
• Rod Length: 6’6″ to 10′ ft

Pros

• Affordable price tag to get a trusted brand in Penn
• Saltwater ready
• Aluminum spool material

Cons

• The ball bearings are shielded but not sealed, which his a lower level of saltwater protection
• I prefer cork handles to EVA grips

Spinning Rod and Reel Combo Buying Guide

As a fishing enthusiast, I can confidently say that buying a quality spinning reel and rod combo is not a simple task. Whether you’re an amateur or a seasoned angler, consider various factors before investing in a combo. This guide will walk you through the different aspects of a spinning reel and rod combo, drawing from my personal experiences and the reviews of fellow fishermen.

Brand

A brand’s reputation can indicate the quality of the rod and reel combo you’re looking to buy. Trusted brands like Ugly Stik, Zebco, Daiwa, Shimano, Penn, Abu Garcia and others available on Amazon or your local pro bass shop often offer reliable, high-quality products. My favorite is Shimano, but everyone has different preferences and requirements.

Spinning Reel

When buying a spinning reel, consider the following factors:

Gear Ratio

The gear ratio represents how fast you can retrieve your line. For spinning reels, the gear ratio ranges between 4:1 to 8:1. As a saltwater angler, I often find myself drawn towards a higher gear ratio for speedy retrievals, especially when dealing with faster-moving fish.

Drag System

A good drag system is crucial for successful saltwater fishing. As someone who has battled with quite a few big, feisty saltwater fish, I cannot stress enough how important a smooth, adjustable drag system is.

Sealed vs Shielded

When it comes to saltwater fishing, you should look for spinning reels with sealed bearings. Saltwater can be harsh on the reel’s inner workings, and sealed bearings offer better protection against this corrosive environment. On the other hand, shielded bearings are better suited for freshwater fishing, and are more affordable.

Corrosion Resistant Construction Material

Your spinning reel must withstand the tough saltwater conditions. Hence, opt for corrosion-resistant materials such as anodized aluminum or stainless steel. My first saltwater spinning reel was not corrosion-resistant, and trust me, the outcome was not pleasant.

Spinning Rod

When buying a spinning rod, consider the following factors:

Length

Your fishing rod’s length should depend on the distance you want to cast and the target species. Short rods are great for short casts and offer better control, whereas longer rods are best for long casts. As a saltwater angler, I often prefer a longer rod for surf fishing and a shorter one for close-quarters inshore fishing.

Power

The power of a rod refers to its resistance to bending. You can choose from light, medium, or heavy power rods. I usually use a heavy power rod for big saltwater species and a medium power rod for smaller species.

Action

The action of a rod refers to where it bends. Fast action rods bend at the tip, medium action rods bend in the middle, and slow action rods bend at the butt. As a rule of thumb, I use fast action rods when making long casts or dealing with large fish.

Graphite or Fiberglass

Fiberglass rods are tough and more durable, while graphite rods are lighter and more sensitive. As a seasoned angler, I recommend graphite rods to beginners for their ease of use, but I personally enjoy the toughness of a fiberglass rod when fishing in saltwater.

Finding the best fishing rod and reel combo is challenging, but with careful research and patience, you can find the perfect combo that matches your needs. From my experience, reviewing your options and considering factors like brand, gear ratio, drag system, construction material, length, power, and action can make a significant difference in your fishing experience.