Walk into any bait and tackle shop, and you’ll be confronted with rows of rod and reel combos. Most of these factory-matched pairs are entry-level models with basic features designed to get a new angler on the water. But, the latest generation of rod and reel combos are upping the game. With better features and more advanced materials and construction, new combos offer better quality at a lower price. And, purchasing a matching set guarantees choosing the right size rod and reel for the job.
How To Choose The Best Combo For Any Size Fish
Daiwa
Tatula CT PMC
$229 | daiwa.us
Rod and reel combos aren’t just for entry-level anglers; tournament pros are looking for an affordable matching rod and reel with serious performance. Daiwa introduced the new Tatula CT PMC combo for anglers fishing high school and college tournament series. The graphite fishing rod with comfortable split grip comes in seven-foot medium and seven-foot, six-inch medium-heavy models. The lighter rod is designed for jigs, topwater lures and small to medium crankbaits. The longer model is heavier for working larger swimbaits and fishing heavy cover. Both combos come with a Daiwa 100-series Tatula CT baitcasting reel, a pro-level reel with Daiwa’s patented T-Wing line guide for longer, more accurate casts.
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AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S SPORTSMAN’S GUIDE
PENN
Fierce IV
$109.99 to $139.99 | pennfishing.com
PENN’s new Fierce IV combo is a perfect example of squeezing the most value out of an inexpensive rod and reel combo. With a graphite rod and a reel with a metal frame and side plate, the Fierce IV fights above its weight class. The line runs from a six-foot, six-inch medium-light model for finesse fishing to a beefy 10-foot rod and 5000 reel for heavy-duty surf fishing. The Fierce IV reel includes PENN’s premium HT-100 carbon fiber drag system. The Fierce IV combo is saltwater ready with corrosion-resistant components and sealed bearings.
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ACADEMY SPORTS AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S CANADIAN TIRE DICK’S SPORTING GOODS DUNHAM’S SPORTS KMART SAM’S CLUB SCHEELS SPORTSMAN’S GUIDE TACKLE DIRECT WALMART
BUY DIRECT
Mustad
Legacy Combo Series
$39 to $89 | mustad-fishing.com
To get the whole family into fishing, Mustad came up with the Legacy Combo Series. The quality rod and reel combos are available in sizes to match young anglers and adults. The Legacy Series rods are available individually or as a two-rod Team Combo. The two-rod kits include a rod and reel matched for an adult and one perfect size for a junior angler. The series comes in three styles: Freshwater, Saltwater and Big Hit. The sturdy graphite composite two-piece rod is matched to a durable spinning reel. The reels are loaded with appropriate strength monofilament fishing line, all you need to add is a hook or lure. Best of all, the Team Combo gets two anglers on the water for less than $100. For parents and kids, grandparents and grandkids, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and anyone who wants to take a kid fishing, Mustad’s new Legacy Combo Series is a perfect fit.
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St. Croix
Sole
$225 | stcroixrods.com
Leave it to St. Croix to take the rod and reel combo to another level. The folks behind the self-professed “best rods on Earth” put together one of the greatest combos on Earth with the new Sole series. As expected, St. Croix developed a high-quality rod with their most advanced and toughest carbon fiber and resins. Then, they added cork grips and low-profile aluminum line guides for a quality feel. What I didn’t expect was a high-quality reel with six ball bearings, a roller bearing and a reliable drag system. The aluminum reel is designed and built by St. Croix’s engineers. Of course, the eye-catching accents and aluminum finish tells other anglers I’m fishing with a premium rod and reel.
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AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S DICK’S SPORTING GOODS TACKLE DIRECT WEST MARINE
Okuma
Halogen Combo
$134.99 | okumafishingusa.com
Okuma is obsessed with combining durability and performance. Their unique engineering and construction produce lightweight rods and reels with a heavy-weight attitude. The Okuma Halogen Combo balances a powerful reel with a sensitive 24-ton graphite rod. The baitcasting reel includes five ball bearings and an adjustable magnetic braking system. To save weight without sacrificing strength, the carbon fiber reel frame is both light and stiff. The rod features durable line guides and split grips for a premium feel and lifelong durability.
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[ Kayak Angler Buyer’s Guide: View all fishing accessories ]
13 Fishing
Kalon Radioactive Pickle
$159 | 13fishing.com
With a name like Kalon Radioactive Pickle, 13 Fishing’s new freshwater-focused combo is designed to stand out. But beauty is only skin deep, and the Kalon’s looks don’t distract from the combo’s steadfast performance. A solid graphite blank with a comfortable split grip is available in three models for finesse, crankbaits and swimbaits. The reel is built tough and smooth with six ball bearings, instant anti-reverse and precision gears powering a six-disc drag system producing 14 pounds of pressure.
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Shimano
Spheros SW Combo
$199 | fish.shimano.com
Winner of Best Rod and Reel Combo at the ICAST trade show, Shimano’s Spheros SW Combo includes some of the company’s best technology at a great value. The Spheros comes out swinging with a tough carbon composite rod fitted with reliable aluminum oxide line guides and a comfortable EVA grip. The masterpiece is the redesigned Spheros reel. Shimano used their all-metal body, packed with premium gears and carbon fiber drag, for a reel that is ready for big fish. If you were building a combo out of separate Shimano components, you couldn’t beat the Spheros SW for the price and quality.
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BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S SPORTSMAN’S GUIDE TACKLE DIRECT WALMART WEST MARINE
VIEW SHIMANO PRODUCTS
Best New Boats, Tackle And Gear From ICAST 2023, Part III
This article was first published in the Spring 2024 issue of Kayak Angler Magazine. Subscribe to Kayak Angler Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse thearchives.
Like peas and carrots, Daiwa’s Tatula CT PMC rod and reel combo is matched for serious fishing. | Feature photo: Patrick Hayes
