Just select that box to find the best surf casting combo. Like most fishers, Im not able to carry, store, or afford a different rod and reel for every species of fish or method of fishing. Tsunami TSARM30-IS701ML Armr Combo - 7 ft. Tsunami TSARM40-IS701M Armr Combo - 7 ft. Tsunami TSARM50-BS701MH Armr Combo - 7 ft. Tsunami TSARM60-SS902MH Armr Combo - 9 ft. Tony Maja Custom/Shimano Tekota 800 Bunker Spoon Trolling Combo, Ocean Tackle International Rod/Daiwa Reel Combos, Ocean Tackle International Pitch Black Inshore/Daiwa Saltist Reel Combos, Ocean Tackle International Pitch Black Inshore/Daiwa BG MQ Spinning Reel Combos, Ocean Tackle International Pitch Black Inshore/Daiwa Lexa LX HD Combos, Ocean Tackle International Popping Rod/Daiwa Certate SW Spinning Reel Combos, Ocean Tackle International Popping Rod/Daiwa Saltiga Spinning Reel Combo, View All [Ocean Tackle International Rod/Daiwa Reel Combos], St. Croix SOLS70HF-C Sole Saltwater Spinning Combo, St. Croix SOLS70MF-C Sole Saltwater Spinning Combo, St. Croix SOLS70MHF-C Sole Saltwater Spinning Combo, St. Croix SOLS76MHF-C Sole Saltwater Spinning Combo, View All [St. Croix Sole Saltwater Spinning Combos]. Make your tackle shopping experience as productive as your fishing adventures by getting a rod and reel combo that fits your needs. You start seeing these only on rods in the $150 range, as opposed to the $40 to $50 range, so theyre beyond the budget of most casual anglers. There truly is a better hose for you. Theyre easy to confuse, and our chosen reel wont fit the casting version. Ultimately, Ive had to repair the secondary (freespool) drags on the Baitrunner, which is another reason why I suggest buying a conventional setup if youre going to fish bait. These rods are available in the same wide range of sizes as the GX2 (for the most all-around versatility, wed still recommend a medium to medium-heavy rod in the 6-foot-6 or 7-foot range), but they have a cork grip instead of an EVA foam grip and contain 35% more graphite, which makes them a bit stiffer and lighter overall. Piscifun has also released an updated version of the Sling Fishing Tackle Bag. To supplement my own expertise, I enlisted the help of veteran spinning-reel reviewer Alan Hawk, and also consulted Salt Water Sportsman contributing editor and Discovery Channel television host George Poveromo on what would be the ideal spinning-rod-and-reel setup for a casual fisher. w/ Winthrop Tip Standup Combos, TackleDirect Platinum Hook White Marlin Combos, TackleDirect Platinum Hook 6 ft. Open Guide Standup Combos, TackleDirect Platinum Hook LP Dredge Combos, TackleDirect White Marlin Dink Rod Packages, TackleDirect Platinum Hook LP-S1200-GFN Daytime Swordfish Combo, Shimano Saragosa 10000SW / TackleDirect Platinum Hook Spinning Combo, TackleDirect Silver Hook / Okuma BTX-40 - 3 pc. Accurate Boss Fury Single Speed Reels / Extreme BX Series Rods Combos, Accurate SR-30 Twinspin Reel - St. Croix 12ft Avid Spin Rod Surf Combo, Ardent 1000 FOF Fishouflage Spinning Combo, Abu Garcia Ambassadeur S Round Reel Combos, Abu Garcia Orra SX Low Profile Baitcasting Combos, Abu Garcia ORRA2WNCH / 701M Orra Winch Low Profile Baitcasting Combo, Abu Garcia BMAX3/661M Black Max Baitcasting Combo, Abu Garcia Revo S Winn Grip Baitcasting Combos, Abu Garcia Revo X Winn Grip Baitcasting Combos, Abu Garcia Revo S Winn Grip Spinning Combo, Abu Garcia Revo X Winn Grip Spinning Combos, View All [Abu Garcia Rod and Reel Combos], Avet MXJ5.8 Reel / Lamiglas TFX7030CT Tri-Flex Inshore Rod Combos, Avet MXL5.8 Reel / Lamiglas TFX7030CT Tri-Flex Inshore Rod Combos, Daiwa BG System Saltwater Spinning Combos, Daiwa DWA40-B/F702M D-Wave Saltwater Spinning Combo, Daiwa D-Wave DWB Saltwater Spinning Combos, Daiwa DSH25-4BI/G662M D-Shock Spinning Combo, Daiwa Marine Power Swordfish & Deep Drop Combos, Daiwa Fuego Freshwater Baitcasting Combos, Daiwa Crossfire Freshwater Spinning Combos, Daiwa Tanacom 1000 / TNB56HF-DDL Deep Drop Combo, Daiwa Saltist Ultimate Fluke Spinning Combo, Daiwa Saltist Ultimate Fluke Conventional Combo, Daiwa SALTIGA8000DF Saltiga Reel - Century 13ft Sling Shot Spin Rod Surf Combo, Fin-Nor BT60701M Bait Teaser Rod & Reel Combo - 7ft, Fin-Nor BT60802MH Bait Teaser Rod & Reel Combo 8ft. I found the Battalion to be somewhat lightweight for its action and recommended line weight, which you could easily solve by ordering the next weight up (for example, if you want a medium action rod, order the Battalion in medium heavy). Piscifun has now released an updated model of this bag. (Consider sizes 1500 to 2000 for small freshwater and inshore saltwater species, 3000 to 5000 for medium freshwater and saltwater species, 5000 to 8000 for surf fishing, and 8000 to 10000 for larger fish, including some pelagic fish like mahi mahi and small tuna.). The line lay is impeccably even, and despite being largely plastic, the Spheros is sturdy where it counts. Weve looked over this guide and still stand by our recommendations. While these materials are not necessarily stronger than stainless steel or lined aluminum oxide, they are higher-performance materials, and a lot more expensive. The anti-reverse clutch (which keeps the reel from spinning backward) consists of individual metal springs, as opposed to the cheap plastic clips usually featured in $120 reels. We also tried the Penn Battalion and the Shimano Teramar SE, which are both great rods. In researching and testing, I prioritized attributes such as durability and build qualityfeatures that anyone, regardless of skill level and intended use, can appreciateover more specialized features such as multiple-geared reels for using live bait or especially stiff rods that can handle big fish but not smaller ones. When rinsing a reel, first tighten the drag, sealing it so that water doesnt work into the washers. In the Daiwa, you get a reel with build quality and durability comparable to those of models costing $200 or more. Since fishing rods are often exposed to sun, salt, sand, dirt, fish parts, and general wear and tear, glue is simply less than ideal (as is plastic); a single piece of relatively rustproof metal is incomparably sturdier. The Ugly Stik GX2 was introduced in 2013 as the first major redesign of the Ugly Stik series since its debut in 1976. Drag on a spinning reel is provided by a stack of washers, which you can either tighten or loosen against the spool (the part of the reel that holds the line) to build friction to reel in a fish, relieve friction to allow for play in the line (so it doesnt break), or let it swim away in order to let the hook fully set.1. Travel Combo (Was $199.98 - Now $129.99), Shimano Beastmaster / TackleDirect Platinum Hook Swordfish Combo, TackleDirect Platinum Hook King Mackerel Combos, TackleDirect Platinum Hook Sailfish Combos, TackleDirect Silver Hook Conventional Jigging Combos, Daiwa SALTIGA5000 Saltiga Surf Shark Fishing Combo with Lures, Quantum Cabo CSP60PTSE Pier Fishing Combo, Shimano ST4000XGFK Stradic Inshore Light Tackle Combo, Shimano SRG10000SW Saragosa Jigging Combo, Van Staal VSB200BXP X-Series Surf Fishing Combo, Daiwa SALTIGA8000DF Saltiga Dog Fight Jigging Combo, Shimano SRG10000SW Saragosa Cobia Fishing Combo, Shimao TI80WA Tiagra Wahoo Trolling Combo, Shimano TOR30HGA Torium Bottom Fishing Combo, Shimano SP10000SW Spheros Shark Fishing Combo, Daiwa LEXA-HD300XSL-P / TackleDirect TDSSC701MHT Left-Hand Combo, TackleDirect Silver Hook / Shimano Stradic FK Inshore Travel Combos, TackleDirect Silver Hook / Daiwa Saltist Back Bay LT Travel Combo, TackleDirect Silver Hook / Shimano Sedona Spinning Combos, View All [TackleDirect Saltwater Fishing Combos], Tsunami TSSHD30/IS701ML Tsunami Shield Spinning Combo, Tsunami TSSHD40/IS701M Tsunami Shield Spinning Combo, Tsunami TSSHD50/BS701MH Tsunami Shield Spinning Combo, Tsunami TSSHD50/JS661MH Tsunami Shield Spinning Combo, View All [Tsunami Shield Spinning Combos]. In comparison with the tackle boxes of oldwhose fold-out compartments resembled hardware storage more than outdoors equipmenta well-constructed tackle bag with individual compartments, carabiner loops, and a supportive shoulder strap will lessen the load of hiking to remote spots or bringing necessities with you while wading into a river. Cheaper reels come with cheaper drag systems made of felt or lower-quality carbon fiber, which disintegrates quickly. Second, while the GX2 is the direct successor to the classic Ugly Stik, which had four decades of acclaim behind it, the Elite series is a newer line. We expected more out of a $180 reel. While this design can be advantageous for casting plugs, it offers less play or give, which can hinder other applications like setting the hook while bottom fishing with bait and a heavy sinker, where some flex is advantageous. With the rod settled, we looked into reels, which are a lot more complicated since they have so many moving parts. Based on the GX2s build and the originals history of durability, the GX2 could very well be the last rod youll need to buy. You can find reel grease in almost any outdoor-sporting store, but if youre not confident in taking your reel apart to apply grease, having it done in-store would be worthwhile. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. What about deep-sea fishing reels and rods to snag barracuda? This design also represents an upgrade from the old Ugly Stik, which had two-piece pop-out guides that were the only weak spot in an otherwise bulletproof rod. Sea Striker PT50/SS70PG Ladie's Pier & Surf Spin Combo - 7 ft. Sea Striker PT50-SS80PG Ladies Pier & Surf Spin Combo - 8 ft. Sea Striker Shur Strike Pre-Spooled Spinning Combos, Sea Striker Pre-Spooled Pier and Surf Spinning Combos, Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combos, Shakespeare USCA661M/LPCBO Ugly Stik GX2 Low Profile Combo, Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spincast Combos, Shakespeare USLDCA562M/SC6CBO Ugly Stik GX2 Ladies Spincast Combo, Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ladies Spinning Combos, Shakespeare USYTHSC6CBO Ugly Stik GX2 Youth Spincast Combo, Shakespeare USYTHSP30CBO Ugly Stik GX2 Youth Spinning Combo, Shakespeare CMF2LAKEPOND Catch More Fish Lake/Pond Spinning Rod, Shimano SRG20000SW Saragosa - Shimano 11ft Tiralejo Rod Surf Combo. But if youve never held a high-end spinning rod before, you wont notice the difference. But to make sure you get what you need, look for the maximum drag rating on the spec sheet. The major issues I immediately had with the Nasci were the slightly uneven line lay (line doesnt seem to collect on the spool as neatly as on other reels) and the tiny crank handle, which is bolted on and cannot be changed. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. The Elite is a bit stiffer than the GX2 and typically costs $10 more, so its a great buy for lure fishers. I was a big fan of St. Croixs Triumph spinning rod as an all-around inshore stickits featherlight, well-balanced, and a pleasure to cast all day long. Lower-end fishing rods (and many higher-end ones, too) usually feature guides made of either thin stainless steel or aluminum oxide (ceramic) frames holding cheap ceramic O-ring inserts (rings designed to protect the insides of the guides and prevent line wear) that chip or corrode, and eventually fail. So I picked an affordable, high-quality spinning-rod-and-reel combo that can work in as many fishing conditions and settings as possibleincluding saltwater and freshwater. Im a United States Coast Guardcertified master captain, and I have been fishing since I could walk. We also considered several high-end models to determine if paying a lot more would get you a much better product. If you have your heart set on a particular brand, our experts will help you find one of their combinations that matches your needs and budget.Whatever your angling skill and knowledge level, our fishing superstore has the best rod and reel to fill up the cooler. EatMyTackle 30 Wide 2 Speed Fishing Reels on 30-50 Pound Tournament Rods (2 Pack). The Shimano Baitrunner performed well, but its lack of durability took it out of the running after we did our teardown test. (The Battle II has been replaced by the Battle III, which we have not yet tested.). Additionally, keeping your reel packed with grease will reduce corrosion and improve longevity. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. While that extra 35% of graphite sounds appealing on paper, its still too early to tell whether that might decrease the long-term durability. That said, if you plan to do a lot of bait fishing from boats, buy a conventional open-faced reel with a more dependable dual drag system. For most anglers, the GX2 is the better bet. Although I found the Saguaro rod itself to be more clunky and cumbersome overallespecially when casting lightweight artificial luresthats also what made me recognize and appreciate it as a dependable workhorse. When you shop with us, you'll know you have the best saltwater fishing combos available. Although a good rod and reel are crucial for the beginning angler, managing the necessary tackle (hooks, lines, sinkers, floats, and so forth) for your fishing expedition can also make or break your experience. This combo compares favorably to outfits costing twice as much. We independently review everything we recommend. As our former runner-up pick, the Penn Battle II reel offers build quality and durability comparable to those of models costing $150 or more. Having fished on a budget in settings as varied and diverse as the spring brooks of the Adirondack Mountains, the brown sludge that is the Hudson River, and the emerald coastal waters of New Zealand, I can say that a careful selection of the most durable all-around tackle has been essential to me. The Elite is usually only about $10 more than the GX2 at any given length, which isnt a lot of money, so you might be wondering why it isnt our top pick. And finally, one small but brilliant finishing touch: The spool has a small hole drilled in it to prevent rust and allow trapped water to escape. For a beginner or an all-around angler, a combination of both materials offers the most versatile package: It gives you enough stiffness to adequately manipulate a lure, while maintaining enough sensitivity for detecting small bites. This rod is known for its strength, durability, and versatility. It has the same three-part pinion/clutch seal (the most important seal in a spinning reel, protecting the very center of the reel, which is virtually irreparable) as Shimanos $1,000-plus reels. Learn more. Im thoroughly impressed, especially with the fact that Shimano includes a cold-forged drive gear (usually cast zinc in reels within this price range), though according to spinning-reel guru Alan Hawk, its made more cheaply than the higher-end drive gears. Im also a fan of the Teramar, which is extremely well-balancedboth in weight and in guide placementbut Shimano rods come with only a one-year warranty, and I prefer the high-end cork on the Triumph anyway. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. The more graphite in a rod, the lighter and stiffer it is, but such rods are also more brittle, so you wouldnt want to hand one to a 3-year-old. (Daiwas 15002500 models are ideal for small trout streams but can also handle light inshore fishing for spotted seatrout and flounder, while the larger 5000 and 8000 models will handle larger inshore species and perhaps even small tuna and dolphinfish.). If youre more experienced and looking for a specific rod and reel, apart from the size of the fish youre targeting, youll also have to take into account what kind of fishing youll be doing: Will you be casting artificial lures (objects designed to look like fish or other prey with a hook attached), or using bait (smaller fish, worms, or other natural prey, either alive or dead)? Also, most anglers wont even notice the differenceI find that I dont care one way or the other, and Ive been fishing my whole life. The poles stiffer graphite composite also makes it more brittle and less suitable for bait fishing. If youre looking to spend $200 on a reel, the Spheros is it, with the Quantum Cabo PTSE(more on that model below) so close behind that Id recommend trying both before making a decision based on your own personal preference. This makes it comparable in durability to reels that cost twice as much. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The GX2 is the latest update to a classic line of rods renowned for their versatility and durability for nearly four decades. Nevertheless, although machined aluminum makes for a higher-quality, more durable gear, cast zinc still gets the job done and is the industry standard in reels under $300. While generally sturdy, they still dont come anywhere close to Ugly Stiks Ugly Tuff guides. I grew up working on charter boats in and around Long Island Sound, and reliable fishing gear has been paramount not only to my profession but also to my life. You can narrow down your search by choosing inshore or offshore fishing combos, boat rod combos, rod power and action, reel type, reel retrieve and other features. Daiwa no longer states on its website that the BG has a machined aluminum gear, but the company avoids mentioning what material the gear is made of. Compared with the original, it includes more graphite and less fiberglass, giving the rod more of a backbone for working lures and handling heavier fish, while still keeping the soft fiberglass tip that makes it sensitive enough for detecting subtler strikes and smaller catches. Daiwas original BG series has been a crowd favorite since its introduction in the 1980s but has fallen short as an all-around choice only because the roller on the bail (which guides the line from the reel to the guides on the fishing rod) was not built to handle braided line. We spoke with senior editor and lifetime angler Grant Clauser about his preferences for tackle storage. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Most lure fishers will want a stiffer rod composed of graphite (or mostly graphite) so that they can work a jig or plug to imitate the movements of prey, while bait fishers might seek out a rod thats a little looser or more sensitive, so as to detect the slightest strike. Spending less means losing out on long-term durability; spending more means youre paying for features designed for specific kinds of fishing, or lighter-weight materials that are nice to have but unnecessary for a general-purpose fishing setup. I havent found another $50 fishing rod I would trust this much. Compared with the similarly priced Ugly Stik models, the Shimano Saguaro is a stiffer graphite composite. Toward the end of the season, a 400-pound bruiser burned up the clicker on the spool, which isnt a huge deal but worth mentioning. View All [Quantum Saltwater Rod & Reel Combos], Quantum Cabo CSP100PTSE - St. Croix 12ft Avid Spin Rod Surf Combo, Quantum Cabo CSP100PTSE - Penn Prevail 12ft Surf Rod Surf Fishing Combo. Lay the reel out horizontally so that any water that gets in has an easy path out, and dont blast a reel with water to avoid blasting out the grease; just make sure it receives a thorough flow. (Note that the Cabo PTSE sizes 60 and up are superior to the 40 and 50 sizes, which have inferior anti-reverse clutches.). After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Fiberglass is heavier but more flexible (slow action) and nearly impossible to break. One quick shopping note: Make sure youre buying the spinning rod, not the casting version of the same rod from the same manufacturer. Once finished, loosen the drag; if you leave reel drags tight, they tend to get stuck that way and lose their precision. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Think of it as the automatic transmission version of a fishing rod and reel. The amount of tackle carried to the boat, watering hole, or river will vary depending on what kind of fishing youre doing. First off, I had to decide what kind of rod and reel we would focus on, which was an easy choiceif youre going to own only one fishing rod and reel, a spinning-rod-and-reel setup is the most versatile and the easiest to use. Compared with a baitcasting or fly-fishing setup, a spinning setup is more comfortable to use and is usually easier to repair; it also requires less finesse to cast. When youre shopping for a reel, among the first things you need to consider is how much drag youll need to handle the type of fish you hope to catch. If youre paying $13 to $35, you shouldnt really expect much, but if you need to have a fishing rod and want to spend less than $20, the FXS will do the trick for smaller fishjust take it for what its worth and dont expect it or its guides to last. If youre a beginner, its much easier to pick up than either of the other options, and its far less likely to become tangled than a baitcasting setup. Its strong enough to handle salmon and other saltwater fish, but sensitive enough for trout. This construction, combined with little or no preventative sealing to keep saltwater and grit from entering the mechanical parts, means that most reels less than $50 just arent worth the money. If youre ready to make the jump from occasional home cook to home chef, these are the pro-level tools we recommend. The Daiwa BG series is our reel pick because these reels are built tougher than any similarly priced competition. After 30 hours researching and testing reel mowers, we think theScotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower is the best pick for manual lawncare. Be the first to know about product news, exclusive sales and events. One of the most important features is durability. During testing, I accidentally planted my foot directly on the guide of a rod that Id left in the bottom of my boatas one doesbut it was unscathed. Shimanos Saguaro series is every bit as versatile as the Ugly Stik GX2, but the guides are nowhere near as durable as Ugly Stiks Ugly Tuff guides. Thats still a lot of drag for most In other words, you dont need much drag to cover a wide variety of fish. First, its heavier than more high-performance graphite rods (which usually run about 5 ounces for a medium-heavy 6-foot-6 or 7-foot rod), and some people find that tiring. More expensive (and usually sturdier) guides include inserts made of higher-quality materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) or titanium-framed silicon carbide (TiSiC), which are usually affixed to rods built for performance (longer casting and lighter weight). But to keep things flexible and give yourself room to grow and try out different environments, we think investing in a simple yet multipurpose tackle bag is a good place to start. This spinning-rod-and-reel setup is approachable enough for a novice to learn on, yet it performs well enough for a seasoned veteran to depend on. That (slightly) higher price also gets you a grip thats cork, instead of EVA foam. I also tested the gear on smaller bottom fish, including summer flounder, sea bass, and porgies (or scup), as well as red drum and spotted seatrout in Charleston, South Carolina. I beat up these rods and reels, from the mouth of the Hudson River in New York to the Cook Strait of New Zealand. They are seriously tough rodsa fact supported by their industry-leading seven-year warranty (compared with the typical one-year coverage offered on Penn and Shimano rods). TackleDirect has those, too. The drag or thrust disc has a rubber seal mounted to it, and according to expert spinning-reel reviewer Alan Hawk, its constructed of the same polymer that makes up the thrust discs of the Penn Slammer III (which usually costs about $300). The downsides of the Ugly Stik GX2 are few but worth noting. That said, most 100- or 120-size reels are probably outmatched by 400-pound fish. His tackle splits its time between a classic (and unfortunately discontinued) L.L.Bean tackle bag (which straps easily to the front of his kayak) and a similarly vintage side-sling number from Piscifun. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. The next most important specification youll want to consider is the material that makes up the guidesthe loops that lead, or guide, the line from the reel to the tip (the skinny end) of the fishing rod. The only issue I have with the Triumph (as with almost all other rods that arent Ugly Stiks) concerns the guides. We don't just sell tackle - we live for those weekends on the water ourselves. Mechanically, the Daiwa BG reels stand head and shoulders above competitors within the same price range for a handful of reasons. If youre fishing from shore in thick brush or in a narrow stream, consider a shorter rod, down to 5 feet or even 4 feet 6 inches, for tiny creeks and brooks. Follow TackleDirect for exclusive giveaways featuring top brands. You'll find combos for spinning, baitcasting, jigging, spincasting and trolling. You could easily spend $2,000 on a fishing rod if youd like something ultralightweight or designed for a specific species youre targeting, but our pick will get the job done almost as well (if not just as well) most of the time.