Choosing the Best Rod and Reel Combo for You

With more and more fishing gear and equipment being developed and made, it can be difficult to choose which of the ones that have come out to use when you go angling. Fishing is an interesting pastime as it can require particularity depending on what you want to gain when you venture into it. To start, you need the right rod and reel. Choosing the right rod and reel has been made simpler as manufacturers now sell a set combination which makes it easier for anglers by taking all the guesswork of matching a fit. 

A rod and reel combo is a specially designed matched set that caters to a specific type of fishing and is ready to use once you acquire them. Ranging from a basic set to a top-tier package, rod and reel combos are available in vast selections. Some sets even come with a pre-wound line. Buying a rod and reel combo is also great for anglers who are budget and value-conscious as most are fairly priced without skimping on the quality. Those who are just starting to get into angling or just want to do some recreational fishing are also great candidates for the set. They’re also great because you don’t have to worry about the rod’s action and the reel’s gear ratio as it’s already been matched by a fishing tackle expert. All you have to do is get a set and have fun fishing. Here are the things to consider when you choose the best rod and reel combo for you:

What Type of Angling Will You Be Doing?

Before you choose what rod and reel combination you will be getting, identify what type of fishing you will be using it for. This will help you determine how much power and drag you’ll need as different techniques require different rates. How the rod bends when it is put under pressure is action while how your reel is tightly geared and how much line it will give a fish when it’s fighting a bit refers to drag. Under action, you can choose between:

• Fast - Provides sensitivity so you can feel when a fish strikes.
• Medium and Medium-Fast - If you’re casting from the shore, it provides more distance. It also offers more stiffness to be able to hook larger fish but is still sensitive enough to notice light bites even in deep water. 
• Heavy or Medium-Heavy - Able to stand heavier lines and is great when fishing for larger species and trolling.

Knowing about drag is also important because a fish fighting you when you hook it can jerk the line and even spit the hook. A good reel will provide smoother drag, giving you less chance to lose your fish by providing constant pressure on the line. 

If you’re doing some baitcasting, trolling or deep sea fishing, a conventional rod and reel combo will have you set as they range from 10lbs to 130lbs. Combos with spinning reels are great for different styles of fishing like fly fishing and spinning or something that requires light lures. Line weights used on the reels come in varied heaviness and can also be designated in several ranges of pound tests. You can also get combos that are fit for drift fishing and surf casting as the former requires pulling the line and the latter has you casting out from a jetty, bank or the shore. 

Where Are You Fishing?

Rod and reel combos also come in different kinds depending on where you will be using them. Sets that are for freshwater angling don’t have the considerable protection like ones made for seawater that deal with aggressive corrosion. Heavy-duty seawater reels consisting of corrosion-resistant materials such as shielded stainless steel, anodized aluminum or bronze bearings and forged aluminum spools are expectedly pricier. Whether you’ll need a light or heavy setup also depends on where you’re fishing - whether it’s on a jetty, in a lake or stream, by the shore or banks, or in the middle of the ocean. 

Picking the Right Rod

Things to consider when picking a rod is its power rating and what material it is made from. The power rating should coincide with the type of fish you are trying to target. For tiny fish in lakes, rivers or saltwater bays, ultralight rods are a great choice. For small to medium-sized fish, get a light to medium-light power rod. The rods are great for species like bass, walleye and many other fish found in saltwater. For large game fish such as catfish, musky and pike, as well as big saltwater fish like striped bass or tarpon, a  medium-heavy or heavy power rod is your best bet. 

Rods have two main materials they’re made out of: graphite and fiberglass. Graphite provides sensitivity but is still stiff, sturdy and lightweight. It can detect light strikes from fish. On the other hand, fiberglass rods are noted for toughness and soft actions. That type of rod is preferred when you’re using crankbaits or other uses when a slow or medium action is needed. It also has more give in the rod tip so fish are more likely to chase the lure. There are also composite rods that are made out of both materials that compromise on each other’s advantages.

Picking the Right Reel

As it has been established, the better your reel, the smoother the drag. You need something that can be finely adjusted so you can prevent fish from breaking the line when you’re in a fight. Being able to adjust the drag can also provide you more control which won’t happen when a fish takes too much out of your line and you lose your target. 

If you’re trying to choose between a spinning or casting reel, the former has an open spool that allows you to cast your line and lure farther, while the latter gives you more power that’s needed when you’re fighting fish. Spinning rigs are easy to cast and are ideal for topwater fishing. A baitcasting reel is great for all-around use, having strong drags, offers accurate casting and comes in the most options. 

Buying a rod and reel combo is a great shortcut to get into effective angling, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t know much about what goes into choosing gear. Now you know the basics in choosing the best rod and reel combo for you.