The Best Baitcaster Combo That You'll Use Over And Over Again.
Here's our quick guide to the 3 best baitcaster combos you can buy on Amazon to up your fishing game.
Ready to up your baitcasting game? Here are 3 of the best baitcaster combo rod/reels - why not have your reel matched to the best baitcasting rod?
We’ve got you covered with the best baitcaster combo for every type of angler. We reveal the top 3 combos for you, with one for honorable mention.
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, we have the perfect setup for you.
With all of the different models and brands of baitcaster combos on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best baitcaster combo for your needs. Read on to find out which of these best baitcaster combos is right for you!
How We Choose
Our team has read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings to come up with a list that makes it easier for you to decide what is the best baitcaster to choose. Don’t bother spending lots of time reading over many many reviews, we’ve done it for you and have come up with the top 3 baitcaster combos to help you get the most out of your next fishing trip.
When you're looking for the best baitcaster combo, it can be overwhelming to try and decide which one is the best for you. You want to make sure that you're getting the most bang for your buck, because there are so many different combinations out there.
Read below for details and you can check the price on the best baitcaster combos.
So What Is The Best Baitcaster Combo?
1. Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Low Profile Baitcaster Combo
Solid Performer In A Baitcaster Combo
Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Baitcaster Combo
Why We Love It
This amazing rod and reel combo is designed using Abu Garcia’s cutting-edge engineering for maximum performance. Many bass fishing pros use products from Abu Garcia, and have been using them for decades as a trusted name in fishing.
Plus, it features a custom reel seat with integrated polymer comfort grip for ultimate comfort, so it's really easy to use. Abu Garcia uses what they call their MagTrax brake system on this baitcaster combo, to prevent snarls and backlash. You need a good brake system with the fast gear ratio on this fishing reel.
We love the 7 steel bearings and 1 roller bearing that make this combo super smooth. And the 24 tn graphite construction makes it lightweight, super strong, and well balanced. The EVA grip handle is smooth and comfortable, and overall the 7 foot graphite rod on this combo has great sensitivity. A beginner or a pro will appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of this rig. It's why we feel it's one of the best baitcaster combos on the market.
What You Should Know
Abu Garcia custom integrated reel seat with molded polymer comfort grip
7 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
Machined double anodized aluminum spool providing strength without adding excess weight
Power disk drag system adjustable for that big fish
Abu Garcia’s MagTrax brake system
7.1:1 gear ratio
Compact bent reel handle and star
Graphite frame and sideplates
Rod features 24-Ton graphite construction for a lightweight and balanced design
Stainless steel guides
Top seller as one of the best baitcasting combos available
2. Tailored Tackle Baitcasting Combo
Why We Love It
This baitcaster combo from Tailored Tackle, a newcomer to the industry, is an excellent valued, high performance right handed bait caster. It’s designed by fishing guides to give bass fishing lovers an affordable smooth casting fishing rod and reel combo.
This baitcaster features an easy and unique Pop-Off baitcaster reel system to open up the reel in case you need to fix tangles. But the good thing is that as you get more experienced, that won’t be a problem! The best fishing rod for a baitcasting combo is a medium heavy, fast action tip to give you the backbone to pull lunkers out of the weeds, yet you still have the sensitivity and feel to know when you get a strike.
At 7 feet, it gives you max casting ability. With a 6.3:1 gear ratio, you’ll be set for the most popular lure speeds, and fast casting. This baitcasting combo is designed by a team of fishing guides for performance and value, and add on top of that the excellent customer service from Tailored Tackle, and you have a great baitcasting combo for both freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing. We like that this baitcaster combo comes with a handy 14 page booklet on How to Baitcast with Bass Fishing Tips.
What You Should Know:
Right handed reel handle, not reversible
7 ft 2 piece, a popular length for baitcasting rods
One of the few baitcasting combos with 7ft rod
Easy pop off reel system to fix tangles in seconds
6.3:1 gear ratio tuned to the most popular lure speed
Designed by fishing guides
Rod features medium heavy power with fast action tip
Carbon Fiber
Stainless steel guides
7 stainless steel ball bearings
3. Shakespeare Alpha Medium 6’ Low Profile Baitcast Combo
Performance At A Great Value
Shakespeare Alpha Medium 6" Low Profile Baitcast Combo
Why We Love It
This combo offers premium performance at a fantastic value, which is the main reason this baitcaster combo is on this list. Some just want the best value in a baitcaster combo. This convenient rod and reel combo bundles a pre-spooled baitcast reel with a durable and responsive baitcasting rod. It's a great combo for beginners because of the shorter graphite rod. We know the gear ratio on this baitcasting combo is low, which is why it may be better suited to a beginner.
The rod and reel are built to excel in a wide range of settings from freshwater to offshore. The rod is 2-piece, from a tubular glass blank, and provides a sensitive yet durable design, while the reel's tough graphite frame is exceptionally rigid under pressure. The reel comes pre spooled with 8 pound test line, so you can start your fishing trip right away.
Its adjustable magnetic cast control allows you to cast with superior precision and range, while its multi stop anti-reverse helps eliminate backlash for smooth operation. The grips are extremely comfortable EVA, which gives this Shakespeare Alpha baitcaster combo a firm and comfortable feel. We rank this as a great baitcaster reel combo for beginners because the shorter rod is generally easier to control for most fisherman trying to catch largemouth bass or other game fish.
What You Should Know:
6’ Medium heavy power action
2 piece graphite rod
Right hand retrieve
Aluminum and graphite materials
Pre spooled with 8lb test line
3.1:1 baitcasting reel gear ratio
Lightweight Graphite Frame
1 stainless steel Ball Bearing
Medium power fishing rod
Stainless steel guides
Honorable Mention:
KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
What to consider when buying a good baitcaster combo
What are the right questions to ask? We're talking about the best baitcaster combo here, but when choosing spinning reels or baitcasting, it's important to consider the size, durability, number of ball bearings, the gear ratio, and quality of the drag system. Also baitcasting rods can vary in length and in sensitivity.
Gear Ratio
Gear ratios indicate how many times the spool turns per rotation of the handle, and a higher gear ratio means more line is retrieved with each turn. Choose the ratio that best fits your fishing situation, whether you're bass fishing, or inshore fishing. When searching for the best baitcasting combo for bass, look at what type of lure(s) you want to. The lure type will help you select one of the most important factors for the reel: the gear ratio.
The gear ratio of a reel is the relationship between the rotation of the handle and the rotation of the spool. Our opinion is that the best baitcaster combo has a gear ratio of 6+, for better retrieve, whether you're using braided fishing line, mono or fluorocarbon.
The best gear ratio for bass fishing will vary depending on the type of lure you are using. For instance, if you are using a slow-moving bait like a plastic worm, you will want a lower gear ratio so that you can make long, slow casts.
On the other hand, if you are using a fast-moving bait like a crankbait, you should fish with reels that have higher gear ratios so that you can make short, quick casts. The best way to determine what gear ratio is best for your situation is to experiment with different gear ratios and see what works best for you.
Drag System
A good drag system is essential for preventing your line from breaking when a big fish takes off with your lure. Look for a reel with a multi-disc drag system for best results.
Ball Bearings
Bearings help reduce the amount of friction on the spool, so the action is more smooth. The reels in higher end baitcaster combos will have more bearings than what's typically in other baitcaster reels reels. Stainless steel bearings have moderate corrosion resistance while ceramic bearings have higher corrosion resistance and will generally hold up longer against harsh saltwater fishing. Most fishing reels will include stainless steel ball bearings.
Anti-Reverse System
The anti-reverse system in will stop your reel from turning backward and prevent any tangles in the line, or a "birds nest" situation on the spool. On some baitcasting reels you can turn the anti-reverse on and off, and on some other reels it's always on.
Stainless Steel Guides
Most quality rods will have stainless steel guides. They will hold up to the elements better, whether you're freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing.
Right or Left Hand Retrieve
Most people don't realize that a fishing reel can be either right hand or left hand retrieve. Some are reversible so a lefty or a righty can use it. Most actually are set up only one way, so remember to consider the "handededness" of your reel. We feel the best baitcaster combo has a reversible handle, which gives it more versatility.
Rod Features
The best fishing rod for you is the one that best suits your fishing needs and budget. If you fish often, are serious about fishing, or fish tournaments, you'll want to invest in a higher-quality graphite rod. These rods are more sensitive and responsive, allowing you to feel more of what's going on with your lure and achieve greater accuracy in your casts. Look for stainless steel guides, which most rods will have.
However, if you don't fish as often or are just getting started, you may be able to get by with a less expensive rod. Probably the most popular fishing rod is the 7 foot medium heavy power. It's used by pros and amateurs alike whether they've set it up as a baitcasting rod or as a spinning rod. Pair the right rod with the right reel because it can be more work than you think if you don't have the right reel for your rod.
The general choice in rods for baitcasting combos is either graphite or fiberglass. Graphite is considered by many to be the superior version of fiberglass, but while graphite rods can withstand more intense conditions than fiberglass and may be more appropriate for catching larger fish, one can't replace the other. Graphite rods are best for experienced anglers who don't mind the fast action of a graphite rod.
You may want to check out our review of the Best Crankbait Rods here.
Reel Size
The last thing you want is to run out of line when you've got a big fish on. That's why it's important to choose a reel with the right line capacity for the type of fish you're hoping to catch. If you're fishing for big fish, you'll need a bigger reel so you can have enough line to fight them.
Deep-sea fishing also requires a larger reel so you can have enough line to reach the bottom of the ocean. However, if you're just catching small to medium fish, a small reel will be sufficient. Just keep in mind that larger reels are usually heavier, so only choose one if you need the extra line capacity.
Best Baitcasting Rod And Reel Combo FAQs
Are Baitcaster rod and reel combos good?
Baitcaster combos are perfect for beginners, and are generally a very affordable way to purchase a fishing rod. Since the fishing rod is matched to the reel, there's no guesswork in which reel or rod to choose.
What is the best way to pick a Baitcaster rod and reel combo?
Read our article on the best baitcaster combo to help you decide which combo to choose.
Is Abu Garcia a good brand?
Yes, Abu Garcia is a good brand. Abu Garcia is one of the top fishing gear brands on the market today, and their rods and reels are used by bass pro fishing legend Mike Iaconelli, as well as other bass fishing professionals.
What are the pros and cons of baitcasting reels?
All in all, a baitcaster combo offers several key advantages over spinning reels, including longer and more accurate casting ability. On the downside, however, they are more expensive and harder to master.
What is the best baitcasting combo for me?
It depends on multiple factors. Read this article to find out how to choose the best baitcaster combo. A baitcaster typically will be used on a heavier rod than most spinning rods.
How important is spool tension?
The spool tension knob is an important adjustment to make with a baitcaster. Some people actually open up the reel and adjust the different colored caps inside the reel but the spool tension knob should be adjusted so a lure falls slightly then stops right at the natural stopping point before it hits the ground.
Why do most pros use a baitcasting rod and reel?
For using “power techniques”, working with heavier lures like crankbaits and ½ oz. spinnerbaits, or fishing in heavy weeds where you need strong line. Baitcasters are recommended because they have more torque, handle heavy fishing line, and are more known for accurate casting.
What rod length should I use as a baitcast rod?
The most popular spinning rod type many pros use is a 7 foot medium heavy action rod. This size is great for catching bass as well as many other types of game fish. With a longer rod, it becomes harder to control so stick with 7 foot and under for smooth casting, especially if you're a beginner. Medium heavy rod power is a good all around action rating for a baitcaster and rod combo. Most baitcasting combos will have a rod length between 6 and 7 feet.
Is the gear ratio important in choosing a baitcast combo?
Yes. The lower the gear ratio, the slower the retrieve on your baitcasting reel will be. A higher gear ratio will retrieve more line for every turn of the crank. When choosing the best baitcaster combo to use, the gear ratio is one of the most important considerations.
The Summary on Baitcaster Combos
If you're in the market for a baitcaster spinning rod and reel combo, we've got good news for you. Not only are they great tools for catching fish, but also because of the way that they're designed, it's nearly impossible to buy a bad one.
Each fishing manufacturer pairs the right baitcasting reel to the right rod length, so you know that it's well matched for best performance. When you begin to mix rods and reels for specific purposes, the combinations can seem endless. When you’re a novice, you just want to get on the water, cast well, retrieve well and avoid snags, snarls, wind knots, and backlash.
As you progress in the sport, you’ll learn what you like and don’t like in a rod, and what you prefer in a baitcast reel. If you're not a beginner, stick to a baitcaster combo with a higher gear ratio.
In this post, we've recommended the Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Low Profile Baitcast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, the Tailored Tackle Multispecies Spinning Combo, and the Shakespeare Alpha Medium 6’ Low Profile Baitcast Combo as the top 3 baitcast combos available today. Honorable mention to the KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo.
But ultimately, the best way to find the baitcaster combo for you is to talk to other fishermen, try out different rods, and see what gear works best for your next adventure.
Click the button to search the price on the best baitcaster rod and reel combo!
Cheers to the great outdoors,
Bert,
Bert Martin
Bert Martin
Bert Martin