Unleash the beauty of nature! Feel the thrill and excitement of your first catch. Deposit your enthusiasm for that pulsating catch on the shore and silently marvel at your victory. Yes! It’s a great time to spend your vacation on the lake, catching fish, or hiring a fishing charter. If you want to lavish yourself on the adventure of fishing and this is your first real start, buying one of the best fishing rod and reel combos for beginners is a great option.
Don’t rely on that old, incompetent fishing rod lying in the garage for years. Instead, get the latest fishing rod and reel combos designed for newbies, equipped with advanced features and promising smooth victory.
Table of contents
- Top 10 beginner fishing combos
- Beginners fishing combos reviews
- How to choose the best combo – Buyers guide
- FAQs
- Verdict
10 Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combos for Beginners
- Zebco Splash Jr. spincast reel and fishing rod combo (Best for kids)
- Richcat telescopic rod and reel combo (Best for travelers)
- Quantum Invade baitcasting fishing rod and reel combo (Best for left-hand fishing)
- Zebco Roam baitcast reel and rod combo (Best for right-hand fishing)
- Zebco Delta spincast reel and rod combo (Best for panfish)
- St. Croix panfish spinning rod (Best for ice fishing)
- Abu Garcia Veritas spinning fishing combo (Best for high-end performance)
- Lew’s Mach Smash SLP bait cast combo (Best for boat fishing)
- Redington original fly fishing kit (Best for fly fishing)
- PENN Spinfisher VII spinning fishing rod and reel combo (Best overall)
Beginners Fishing Combos Reviews
1. Zebco Splash Jr. spincast reel and fishing rod combo (Best for kids)
Features:
- 4 feet, 3 inches long
- Fiberglass rod with spincast reel
- Suitable for freshwater fishing
- Moderate to fast action
- For medium to light power
- 2.6:1 gear ratio
- 1-year warranty
Having a start with kids is the best thing to do when we talk about fishing rod and reel combos for beginners. The Zebco Splash Jr. kids fishing rod is 4 feet and 3 inches long, suitable for children under 6 to 9 years old, and meets all the safety standards a new fishing starter may need.
Its 2.6:1 gear ratio makes it feasible for shallow to deep sea fishing, which means the kid can catch fish from the shore or he can also use it for boat fishing. The 12 IPT ensures safe retrieval of the line that is slow enough that the child does not want to put a lot of force to bring the fish near, yet has full control over the rod.
On top of all, in case your kid initially has some fishing experience with previous rods, shifting to Zebco Splash Jr. is way easier, allowing fast to moderate action and having medium to light power operating with 1/64 oz. to ⅛ oz. light lures. Although it’s a spincasting fishing road for kids, that’s not a problem because it’s adaptable to whatever fishing technique the kid may use.
Moreover, the other specs include 6 lbs. pre-spooled Jebco monofilament line featuring anti-reverse and adjustable drag properties, which makes this kid’s rod incredibly easy to manage and have fun as much as he can.
Those rising anglers can have so much fun on their trips to fish on a lake or pond, equipped with all the necessary mechanics in this fishing rod and reel combo a beginner requires to initiate his journey to fishing. The package also includes a casting plug, which is useful to practice casting techniques before heading to the spot for fishing. Overall, it’s a great fishing start, along with an advanced level of fishing mechanics at a reasonable price for your kiddo.
2. Richcat telescopic rod and reel combo (Best for travelers)
Features
- 7 feet 6 inch collapsible fishing rod
- Freebies include 22 lb pre-spooled line, a fishing alarm, and a pole holder
- Moderate to fast action
- Medium to high power
- 5.2:1 gear ratio
When you are a hodophile of fishing and always on the hunt for new spots to fish, regardless of the fishing environment, then this collapsible telescopic fishing rod may do justice to your habituality. The blend of carbon fiber and fiberglass material makes this fishing pole eligible to be cast in both saltwater and freshwater.
A true balance of power and action, together with durability, enhances the chances of catching big fish like catfish, trout, salmon, and a lot more species. It stands well against the fighting of big fish. The non-slip handle, extendable rod, and 400 ft/ 20 lb pre-spooled line are certainly made to deliver an uncompromised fishing experience.
The potential is indeed undeniable. There are four stainless steel guides in multicolor, which helps the angler cast the line with the finest accuracy and lessen the line friction.
In addition, this fishing rod is paired with a 5000 spinning reel. Highly eligible to meet the fishing requirements for high tide fishing, deep sea fishing, and open water fish hunting. Having an interchangeable reel seat that is easily manageable for new to professional anglers.
Speaking of the price of this telescopic combo, it doesn’t cost a fortune; instead, the features it offers and the power it holds make it extremely affordable for beginners. Getting started with this less costly fishing rod and reel pays off a lot more than what is expected from it.
3. Quantum Invade baitcast fishing rod and reel combo (Best for left-hand fishing)
Features
- Made for beginners to intermediate-skilled anglers
- Suitable for left-handed anglers
- 6.1:1 gear ratio (26 IPT)
- Support medium to heavy power with fast action casting
- Ideal for lake, pond and river fishing
- 5-years warranty
Want a lot of value on a low budget? You must not skip the Quantum Invade baitcasting fishing combo for beginners. Scaled up with an advanced magnetic anti-reverse feature, an EVA comfortable grip, and a weight that suits well from a beginner to a skilled angler, getting you a top notch fishing performance is something anybody looks for.
It’s a 6.6 feet IM6 graphite rod with a 100 size baitcast reel, with the most comfortable grip for amazingly accurate and balanced fishing. Facilitates fast action and medium to heavy power to catch you on a list of popular spices. The 6.1:1 gear ratio is an ideal line retrieving speed for totally new fishing people to mediocre or unskilled anglers.
This rod and reel combo accommodates 10 to 20 lbs. of line and ⅜-1 oz. of lure. It has six D-shape ring guides, a hook keeper in the middle, and a reliable reel seat you can twist and lock. It is designed for left-hand retrievers, so if you are purely a right-handler then this is not a perfect pick for you.
This two piece rod is extremely easy to manage and carry. The zero friction spool guarantees the smoothest casting each time. Take this fishing rod to your favorite spot and catch fish like salmon, trout, bass, and a lot more like a pro in your very initial phase of fishing.
Remember, it is the best fishing rod and reel combo for only left handler and freshwater fishing. It is not suitable for saltwater or deep-sea fishing. Although it can help you catch medium to large fish, depending on the type of fishing style you adopt and the location you choose. It’s a perfect kick start fishing gear at an affordable cost, the best value fishing rod at the lowest possible price.
4. Zebco Roam baitcast reel and rod combo (Best for right-hand fishing)
Features
- 6.6 feet fiberglass fishing rod with baitcast reel
- 6.1:1 gear ratio (26 IPT)
- 5 bearings and anti-reverse clutch
- Medium to heavy power with fast action
- Beginner-friendly fishing setup
- 1-year warranty
Starting with its best aspect, which every beginner looks for, is its beginner-friendly operation and easy setup without even pulling out the manual. The Zebco Roam baitcast rod and reel combo is highly appreciable for its unskilled manipulation and handling, resulting in a very skilled fishing experience. Anyone with fishing enthusiasm but zero knowledge of casting can get the most out of this combo at the end of the day.
Zebco Roam baitcast reel and rod combo can cater to both beginner and professional fishing needs, regardless of the fishing skills one may already have. This 6.6 feet fiberglass rod is designed for freshwater fishing, with which you can catch striper, catfish, bass, and any medium to heavy fish with accuracy and precision.
Its 6.1:1 gear ratio and 5 bearings result in 26 IPT, which means you can cast the line, set the hook immediately in the fish’s mouth, and retrieve it more quickly with each turn of the spool without losing your catch in no time.
Further, you may adopt a versatile fishing approach by using a line of 8 to 20 pounds with ⅜ to 1 oz weight of lure. Encouraging the angler to cast the line for a variety of fish in a versatile manner. Moreover, this baitcast reel has an anti-reverse clutch and can lodge 135 yards of monoline of 12 lbs, or you may also use 170 yards of 30 lbs of braided line too.
As a result of the offering features, inclusive of the price it is asking, the Zebco Raom seems highly eligible as a fishing rod for inexperienced and affordability-seeking newbies to start their first fishing journey.
5. Zebco Delta spincast reel and rod combo (Best for panfish)
Features
- 5 foot and 6 inch graphite fishing rod
- For adults, fishing learners
- Light to medium power with fast action
- 3.9:1 gear ratio with 7 bearings
- Uncompromised fishing setup
- 1-year warranty
There is a huge variety of unconditional fishing rods for every fishing style, from flying to spincasting to trolling to boat fishing. Zebco has done some marvelous engineering that meets versatility in fishing like no other. The Zebco Delta spincast rod and reel combo is a similar one, catering to beginners and seasoned fishermen.
Speaking about the features this fishing rod holds, it’s 5 feet, 6 inches of ideal length in graphite material that can tolerate light to medium power in fast action mode. Catch a panfish, walleye, trout, or whatever species you may want in rivers, ponds, or under the tide.
However, the 3.9:1 gear ratio of this spincast reel is ideal for heavy lures of around ⅙ oz to ⅜ oz. with a slow-paced retrieval speed. Though 4 to 10 pounds of line weight is ideal to kickstart your first fishing experience on this specific model.
There are 5+ tip aluminum oxide guides. It has seven bearings for quick retrieval and buttery smooth performance. On the comfort line, it has a MaxTrac grip handle, which ensures an all-day long comfortable grip without straining your hand.
You are also getting a 10 pounds pre-spooled Zebco line, asking you to give minimum effort and maximum comfort. The tangle-free design and its durable build guarantee effortless operation and let you catch a variety of fish. In short, the Zebco Delta is worth buying for people who want to learn fishing and need immediate mastery of the fishing grounds.
6. St. Croix panfish spinning rod (Best ice fishing rod and reel combo)
Features
- 32 inches carbon fiber rod with aluminum spool
- 6.2:1 gear ratio
- Light to medium power with fast action
- 800 size reel and 9 bearings
- Perfect for ice fishing
- 1-year warranty
Ice fishing is a popular occasional outdoor activity for U.S. citizens in the winter and a trending sport in northern America. If you too want to enjoy ice fishing in areas like Devils Lake in North Dakota, Lake Champlain in New York, Big Bear Lake in California, and Lake of the Woods in Minnesota, where you can find several panfish, then picking the right ice fishing rod and reel combo is crucial.
In such a situation, we found the St. Croix ice fishing combo highly eligible to meet these specific fishing requirements. It’s durable and powerful enough to catch medium to big-size panfish. Its build is user-friendly and easy to manage, and most importantly, it is affordable for beginners.
It’s a 32 inch long carbon blank with stainless steel guides. It is a high-sensitivity rod with great precision and remarkable performance. You can feel the subtle bites even in the moving currents. Accommodates light to medium power with fast action.
The nine bearings, including the tip of the rod, and 6.2:1 gear ratio are perfect to match the exact retrieving speed one would need at freezing temperatures. Equipped with an EVA grip, which is the most comfortable hold of the rod is a plus, which helps a lot in this most patience-demanding fishing condition.
Because it’s not just perfect fishing gear for beginners, it’s also well chosen by professional anglers as well. Holding a robust array of features on a budget is what makes it one of the best fishing rod and reel combos for beginners without breaking the bank.
7. Abu Garcia Veritas spinning fishing combo (Best for high-end performance)
Features
- 7 feet long graphite blank
- Medium to heavy power with fast action
- 6.2:1 gear ratio
- 11 numbers of bearings
- Top-notch fishing performance
- 1-year warranty
If you think you are ready to master the art of fishing and would leap to a high level to become a professional angler, then the Abu Garcia Veritas spinning fishing combo is recommended. It’s a one-time investment to blow out the fishing talent you intend to excel at.
This fishing rod and reel is made to deal with your aggressive fishing journey. It has a spinning reel with 11 bearings and a 6.2:1 gear ratio for smooth and controlled operation, no matter what fishing technique one may adopt. It’s perfectly manageable and easy to learn the basics of fishing and then move on to the professional level with this same rod.
It accommodates medium to heavy power with fast action and is feasible for ¼ to ¾ oz of the lure with an 8 to 14 lb lure rating. Catching a variety of fish is no big deal for this rod. It is durable and has a perfect balance of power and performance.
There are 8 titanium guides, including the tip of the rod, which ensures precise and accurate lure landing. Each part of the rod is highly sensitive; you get trigger instantly when there is a subtle bite from the fish. Hooking the mouth of the fish is also easy, and retrieving it is like butter.
Furthermore, the EVA grip helps to deter long-haul performance with comfort, reducing the possible fatigue one must experience. In short, the Abu Garcia Veritas spinning fishing combo is a great investment in the beginning, even in the long run as well.
8. Lew’s Mach Smash SLP bait cast combo (Best for boat fishing)
Features
- 6 feet and 10 inches of graphite blank
- 7+1 bearings (30 inch IPT)
- 7.5:1 gear ratio
- Medium to heavy power with fast action
- Good for boat fishing
- 1-year warranty
Hang on to the great value fishing rod quickly! The Lews new edition has won the race to pack the most features in one go. If you need power and control, just like Matt Becker, then go for this Mach Smash SLP baitcast combo. Its user-friendly design and operating mechanics achieve the goal like a piece of cake.
It’s a 6 feet 10 inches long IM6 graphite rod with stainless steel guides and drain ports. Having a solid brass reel with a durable reel seat. It contains a 7.5:1 gear ratio, 7+1 bearings, and a 30 inch retrieving line per turn, which is good enough to catch an aggressive fish from the oceans quickly and safely.
It’s a medium to heavy power rod with fast action. A feasible fishing rod to catch medium size to big-size tuna, bass, and salmon. It also includes an anti-reverse feature, magnetic control system braking, and a Winn Dri Tac grip with an EVA butt for the comfortability of the angler on the shore.
This specific model by Lew’s exclusively comes in red, a recognizable color from a distance. Its design and engineering suit beginners as well as professional anglers. Lew’s Mach Smash SLP bait cast is one of the top-tier fishing rod and reel combos anyone can buy to start their fishing journey.
Perhaps the only bottleneck is its cost. It’s not like it’s asking you a fortune, but for beginners, it may be a big investment overall. However, putting aside the affordability factor, it’s a powerful and durable action set for fishing, regardless of the fishing technique.
9. Redington original fly fishing kit (Best fly fishing rod and reel combo)
Features
- 9 feet long graphite rod in four piece
- The package includes five more items to get started with
- Medium power and action rod
- Easy to manage and tackle
- Perfect for a fly fishing method
- Lifetime warranty
Redington has replicated the traditional fly fishing setup, though with advanced engineering. Don’t hesitate to get yourself this new fly fishing combo at your next skill level. No matter if you are a beginner or an average angler, this fly fishing setup in four pieces is ready to serve all your needs in one go.
It’s a 9 foot graphite rod with a crosswater reel, leader, fly line, and a carrying case to keep the kit in one place. The details of the rod are exceptional, backing off the old fly fishing gear your dad most probably loved back in those days.
This powerhouse is exclusively made to tackle whatever fish you may want to catch using the fly fishing method. Gearing up uncompromised versatility to catch a wide variety of species at the bank
Enjoy the diverse fly fishing experience with this medium action rod, an optimal performer to deter any fishing environment quite easily. It comes in four pieces for maximum convenience for the angler to transport. The package includes an RIO mainstream 8wt line, a crosswater reel with carbon disc drag, an RIO tapered leader, and a nylon carrying case.
Hop on the fly fishing adventure with this complete kit, offering an all-in-one solution for anglers of any skill level. It is potent enough to provide sufficient power to meet the latest fishing techniques according to the environment an angler is facing. Don’t call it “old”; instead, it’s “classic”, furnished with new technology!
10. PENN Spinfisher VII spinning fishing rod and reel combo (Best overall)
Features
- 7 feet tubular fiberglass rod
- Leads heavy power and fast action performance
- Use in both saltwater and freshwater fishing
- Heavy-duty professional rod, though beginner-friendly
- Top-notch performance
- 1-year warranty
We believe that if you start learning how to fish, it may lead you to a professional level at some point if you keep yourself in practice. Many novice fishermen want to buy a fishing rod that will not only last longer but also be workable in any fishing environment and that is also able to catch a variety of fish without shifting to any other rod.
The PENN spinfisher VII is the most powerful, durable, and reliable fishing rod and reel combo for beginners and seasonal fishermen. It is a very trusted and long-haul rod with rugged features that would keep you on track in every fishing condition you may face.
It’s a 7 feet long tubular fiberglass rod with an IPX5 sealed frame. It accommodates heavy power and fast action, which means you can catch medium to big size fish whatever fishing technique is used. It contains an 8,500-size spinning reel, able to host a 20 to 40 lb monofilament line, and seven PENN Dura Guides, including the tip of the rod.
The design is highly admirable as well. It comes in a black and gold color combination, exposing the uniqueness and strength it is holding back. It has an EVA handle, which is renowned for its comfortability, and a front drag that can maintain a maximum dragging power of 40 lbs.
Overall, the Penn Spinfisher VII is fully equipped with the latest features to start your first-ever fishing trip. While it may seem costly for beginners, the remarkable performance and user-friendly handling compensate for the price and prove to be worth spending on saltwater and freshwater fishing together.
How To Choose The Best Fishing Rod And Reel Combo – Beginners Guide
We have covered everything about the factors to consider in a buying guide for a fishing rod and reel. For our new readers, we are going to pen it down again precisely, so one must know the importance of the features that are necessary to consider when you are about to buy the best fishing rod and reel combo for beginners.
Here is a checklist for new anglers about the compulsory features of a rod and reel combo to start fishing.
Power and action
The right amount of power applied to a rod brings the right action, which is extremely crucial to the type of fishing and the size and weight of the fish too. For example, if you want to catch a bigmouth bass or trout, you need to pick a rod that says it is built for medium to high-power applications.
On the other hand, if you want to catch salmon or panfish, a rod with light to medium power and light action is sufficient. This scenario underlies the power and action of the rod, which is important to the angler in defining his needs.
Determine the fishing environment
Saltwater fishing or freshwater fishing? Which type of water you want to fish in defines the material of the rod you need. For saltwater fishing, like surf fishing, or boat fishing in big oceans, or high tides, you need to buy a corrosion-free saltwater fishing rod. For example, buy a rod that is made up of stainless steel or aluminum.
Likewise, for freshwater fishing, buy a rod that is made up of graphite, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. You can also buy composite material rods if you feel indecisive about whether you should go for saltwater or freshwater in the beginning.
Gear ratio and IPT
These two terms are interrelated. The gear ratio explains the amount of line that reels in with a single turn of the handle of the spool. Whereas the IPT stands for “Inches Per Turn”, which says the amount of lines in inches that reels in.
A low gear ratio, like 2.6:1 with 12 IPT, indicates a very slow retrieval speed of the line, which is sufficient for children using a fishing rod and reel designed for kids.
Similarly, ascending gear ratio to 5.2:1, 6.2:1, or 7.3:1 refers to the higher retrieving speed and the greater amount of line reeling per turn of the handle. This speed and power are more likely required in tackling large fish, where anglers face aggressive species getting hooked, and they must need instant reeling in to fight back and get the catch without losing it.
Types of reels
There are four basic types of fishing reels you will always see on the hunt for the most popular fishing rod and reel.
Spinning reels
Most adaptable for starters/ beginners. They are versatile, easy to handle, and are used to cast medium to lightweight lures or baits.
Spincast reels
It is widely used among anglers; both learners and professionals prefer its operation. Easy to manage and easy to cast. Mostly a reliable option for children’s first fishing experience.
Baitcast reels
This reel is designed for professional anglers rather than beginners. It offers accuracy, durability, and power altogether. It is used to catch large fish in oceans, rivers, or ponds.
Fly reels
This fly reel is explicitly designed for fly fishing techniques, using fly rods with artificial flies. They are manageable and accurate but are less likely to be used by beginners.
These aspects, if considered thoroughly and made sure to align with your fishing needs, can make a huge difference from mediocre to the best fishing experience ever. A little time devoted to these elements and close inspections of the rod features is worth it and will help you make not just a rational decision, but it will also encourage your fishing like no other.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fishing rod suits beginners learning to fish?
A beginner who has just started fishing shouldn’t be laden with the technicalities often attached to complex fishing rods like baitcast or fly rods. Instead, we recommend newbies pick a 6 to 7 feet long ultralight spinning fishing rod and reel in any material they might choose. Spinning reels are generally easy to handle and cast, whatever fishing technique is followed. Its simple setup is quite adaptable regardless of the age and skill level of the person, and it encourages the starters to learn effortlessly within no time.
What type of reel is best for beginners to learn fishing?
We suppose beginners are less exposed to advanced techniques or methods of fishing. In such a case, spinning reels are the best option to start with. The major aim is hopefully not to master the art of fishing, but to learn and take the first step towards being a proper angler. In this matter, spinning reels help immensely to deal with errors and give chances to improve as many times as one can.
Is buying a fishing rod and reel combo worth it for beginners?
Buying a rod and reel combo is overwhelming for beginners. It is not just an affordable option to start with but is curated with such great compatibility that one does not need to spend time and effort to couple up rod and reel together. It saves a lot of time, which a person can spend directly on the learning phase instead. In short, combos are ready to use out of the box at budget-friendly prices.
How much should a beginner spend on a fishing rod?
At the beginning of learning to fish, one must not spend a fortune. Keep in mind that the more you intend to invest in a rod, the more it probably goes in vain. It is because you wouldn’t master any technique with those expensive and complex rods out there. Therefore, we suggest newbies allocate not more than $30 to $100 in their learning phase. However, the decision is still very much based on personal preferences and skill level, along with how quickly one can master fishing.
Which is the best fishing rod and reel combo for kids?
We found out that Zebco Splash Jr. is one of the best rod and reel combos for young kids. It is a lightweight and compact rod with a comfortable grip, suitable for small hands. With a spincast reel, this small fiberglass fishing rod is very easy to cast and use in freshwater. Accommodating medium to light power with slow retrieval speed are just the features a fishing rod requires for kids.
Which is the best fishing rod and reel for travelers?
Travelers must look into telescoping or collapsible rods for fishing. They are highly manageable and portable, making them very easy to carry without compromising on the quality of the rod. We have recruited a Richcat telescopic fishing rod as one of the best options for travelers, which can be used in saltwater as well as freshwater. It is expandable to 7 feet and collapsible to the length you are comfortable carrying.
Verdict
All of the above-reviewed fishing rods are explicitly designed to buck up people who are newly inclined to fishing sports or just want to dip their toes in the water as a hobby.
These are some of the top ten best fishing rod and reel combos for beginners trending nowadays, gaining popularity among anglers all around the shore. Featuring all the necessary properties and ease of use that are required to start your first-ever fishing trip.