Best Bass Rod and Reel Combo for the Money

Best Bass Rod and Reel Combo for the Money

Are you looking to upgrade some of your gear for your next bass fishing trip? If you enjoy using high quality fishing combos, then you might need to purchase one of these new Bass Rod and Reeling combos for the next time you are out in the water. 

Bass fishing is a very popular sport in both saltwater and freshwater locations.  Fishing for Bass can be quite a challenge for some people. You need to consider the weather, the body of water that you are going fishing, and also make sure that you have all the equipment and gear you need. One of the most important pieces of equipment is the fishing rod and reel. 

A fishing rod is a flexible and very long rod that is used to catch fish. The bait to lure in the fish is placed on a hook at the end of the line. This line is stored in a reel that helps in landing the fish and reduce tangles. The reel is attached to the fishing rod for winding the line when you bring in a fish. 

Today some reels come with modifications like pressure sensors and are fitted depending on the accuracy and the distance while fishing. If you like Bass fishing, this article provides a breakdown of the best Fishing combos you could use the next time you are out on the water. The chart below provides a table of our 6 favorite fishing combos for bass:

NameRod LengthLine Capacity (lbs)Action
Lew’s Crush Speed Spool SLP Combo7’0”12lbsBuy Here
KastKing Cadet Casting Combo6’6”, 7’0”10-20lbsBuy Here
Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elit Bait-casting Combo6’6”6-15lbsBuy Here
Cadence Bait casting Combo6’6″, 7’0”12lbsBuy Here
Abu Garcia Black Max Bait-casting Combo6-7′30lbsBuy Here
Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo5’9″-8’9”30lbsBuy Here

Lew’s Crush Speed Spool SLP Combo – Best Durable and Lightweight Bass Combo for Casting

The Lew’s Fishing Mach Crush Speed Spool SLP Combo is a super low profile rod and reel with a durable graphite frame. This quality rod is the perfect mesh of strength and sensitivity made by Lew’s. 

Specs

  • 14.4 ounces
  • 9+1 bearings
  • 7:5:1 gear ratio
  • Medium-Heavy Power

The Lew’s Bait casting rod is a comfortable rod that you can hold all day long. The graphite blank is also fitted with Winn Dri Split grips which are large but still comfortable.  It has a zero reverse system with a premium 10-bearing and shielded stainless steel bearings for smooth casting. The handle and spool are made of aluminum to ensure improved performance on the areas that are mostly used. 

Pros

  • Very simple and easy to cast
  • It is easy to handle the grips on the reel
  • The rod is extra sensitive allowing it to feel every bump or movement
  • Super light reel for casting light or heavy lures

Cons

  • After continued use you can start hearing the gears when you reel in the lure

Verdict

With the strength and sensitivity of this fishing combo, you are sure to get the Bass you are looking for. This rod performs well for an all graphite reel when casting and retrieving lures. 


KastKing Cadet Casting Combo – Best Performance Bass Combo for the Price

If you want to buy an affordable fishing combo for bass fishing, the KastKing Cadet Casting combo might be the one for you. You don’t even have to spend a lot of money to get this high performing gear. 

Specs

  • Medium and heavy power
  • Stainless O-ring
  • 1.8 pounds

This casting reel combo is made from graphite.  The rod blanks and components are of high quality. It comes with rods of two sizes, the 6’6 and 7’o inches that you can easily pack and move when you are not in the water. The similarly high-quality reel is made to go with these rods. The paddles are also made out of rubber making them much easier to use for the long days fishing. 

Pros

  • The ideal combo for experienced and new users
  • It is affordable for the quality it offers

Cons

  • It needs frequent greasing because it is not as flexible
  • It requires more maintenance

Verdict

The KastKing Cadet Reel is perfect for catching bass at an affordable price range. It can be used together with common bass fishing techniques like Bass jigs and Bass crankbaits. 


Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elit Bait Cast Combo – High Quality Rod and Reel Combo for Bass

This is one of the best fishing combos for fishing made of high quality and durable material it offers smooth casting and is affordable compared to the other combos 

Specs

  • The magnetic cast control is adjustable
  • Lightweight graphite frame
  • Aluminium handle

This combo comes with two ball bearings and one ball bearing which is in anti-reverse. This reel is very smooth with an adjustable magnetic cast control which is ideal for catching bass. The added 35% of graphite makes it lighter than other rods. You can also purchase this rod in two pieces if you prefer. This combo features a lot of creations from Ugly Tech construction. 

Pros

  • Affordable for the quality it offers. 
  • The rod is almost indestructible
  • Comes with a 7-year warranty
  • Modern design with Ugly Stik durability. 

Cons

  • Heavy than most casting fishing combos

Verdict

The Shakespeare Ugly Stik rod and reel is at an affordable price and is ideal for catching bass. With a modern design and improved features, it is sure to make your fishing days enjoyable. The mix of modern and traditional ensures that you get a well-designed rod but still with the quality strength that the Ugly Stik is known for. 


Cadence Bait-casting Combo – High Performance Rod and Reel for Bass

The Cadence bc6 bait casting combo comes with a very lightweight rod made of graphite. The carbon fibre drag gives it plenty of power. 

Specs

  • 8 stainless steel ball bearings
  • Adjustable mechanic breaks
  • Available in 3 different lengths
  • Smooth 20lbs carbon fibre system

This combo has a very adjustable brake system to reduce backlashed. The Rod has stainless steel guides that are corrosion resistant making it smooth. An added feature is it comes with 3 different actions and length style. It also comes in left and right-handed models for your convenience. This rod is designed to provide maximum comfort with a smooth, comfortable grip, so no pain during use. 

Pros

  • A great two-piece combo
  • Very easy and smooth to operate
  • Highly recommended combo for the price
  • Amazing design and look
  • It has a comfortable grip

Cons

  • Has a low drag setting

Verdict

This combo is also perfect for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. So whether you are going kayak fishing or surf fishing, this is a great fishing combo for you. 


Abu Garcia Black Max – Reliable Rod and Reel Combo for Bass

The Abu Garcia Fishing combo are made of high-quality materials and modern features. No matter what you are fishing, this is a fishing combo with a lightweight design that you will love to use. 

Specs

  • It has 2 ball bearings
  • Spool made of aluminum
  • Body made of graphite

Made with a graphite frame and side plated, this fishing combo is lighter than most out there in the market. It comes with stainless steel bearings for easy casting and easier retrieval. The brake system on the Abu Garcia rod and steel combo help to improve the accuracy and range while casting. 

The durability of this fishing combo ensures that you will have it for years to come. The grips provide the right amount of balance ensured for comfort while fishing. The strength of this combo will help you in reeling in even the biggest catch. 

Pros

  • Can be used in both freshwater and saltwater
  • It has a strong and durable rod
  • Smooth reeling power when operating
  • A very good Magtrax brake system 
  • Noise-free

Cons

  • Complicated for some beginners

Verdict

This is a high-quality combo that is great for a day out bass fishing. It is sensitive and very strong so you are sure it will last you long. With this combo, you won’t have to worry about getting another one any time soon. 


Plussino Rod and Reel Carbon Fiber Combo – Telescopic Rod and Reel Combo for Bass

This is a unique fishing combo that has a carbon fiber telescopic rod. It is one of the more popular combos for bass fishing. The covered seat on the rod is made of stainless steel and is ideal for saltwater usage. 

Specs                                    

  • The fishing rod is telescopic
  • Reel seats are made of stainless steel
  • It has a changeable handle
  • Intensely coiled bail spring

This combo comes with one fishing rod and one fishing reel. The mixture of fibre and fiberglass makes sure that this pole is durable and very hard. It is convenient to carry this rod around due to the telescopic design. 

The kit carrier comes with one fishing line and one fishing lure. This is a unique feature because some rod and steel combos do not include this in their package. It is also suitable for both boat fishing and sea fishing.

This combo has a shorter body with a large line capacity and spool. The handles are also changeable making it convenient to use depending on how you see fit. 

Pros

  • It is suitable for saltwater use
  • The reel is of high quality
  • It casts well
  • Does not corrode easily
  • The design is retractable for better storage
  • Very affordable

Cons 

  • The rod is less durable compared to the reel

Verdict

The PLUSSINO Fishing combo is a great deal for that amount of money. You do not need to break the bank to get a high performing fishing rod. The lightweight design of this fishing combo makes it an ideal choice for bass fishing. 


What should you consider when buying a Rod and Reel combo for Bass Fishing?

Length

One of the most important things to consider before getting a fishing combo is its length. The spinning rods and bait casting rods come in different lengths. The spinning rods are shorter than the bait casting rods.  A rod with additional length helps a lot in retrieving your catch. 

Most of the common rods have a length of 6 to 7 feet. You should consider getting the 7 feet rod for better performance. The longer the rod, the easier it is to hold the handle which is a bit heavy.  Although a longer rod may cover a wider area, a shorter rod will be better in handling fish in a smaller area. 

Power

You should pay a lot of attention to the power that comes with the rod and steel combo you chose to buy. You will need more power if the type of fish you are targeting is heavy. As you know, when the fish is hooked up by bait, it will fight back. So you need enough power to be able to reel it in. If your rod does not have enough power, then the heavy fish might break off easily. You don’t want to lose your catch moments after you caught it. 

Material

The material that the rod is made of, is important to consider. It has to be durable so that you use it for a long period. The most common material used to make rods is graphite and fiberglass.  Some manufacturers even combine these materials to make a rod. 

The graphite rods are preferable due to their lightweight compared to rods made of fiberglass. Although rods made of fiberglass are tougher and more durable, they can be heavy when fishing the whole day.  The rod made of fiberglass is indestructible while that made of graphite loses value over some time. Make sure to chose the best material that is not only durable but effective to use. 

Ball Bearings

The ball bearings are also important to consider when choosing a combo. Ball bearings are important because they keep the reel turning smoothly. They are also important to retrieve and for casting. Although having extra ball bearings on your fishing rod could be good, quality is more important than the number. These bearings have to be made of quality materials. They should also be protected from external elements like dirt and other debris which may cause friction. 

Gear Ratio

The gear ratio deals with the number of times the spool turns with each handle turn. This determines how fast you will retrieve your catch. A quick gear ratio will ensure you get your catch faster. For Bass fishing, you should try and find a mid-range gear ratio so that you can retrieve them better without having to use too much strength. 

Drag Strength

This has to do with the amount of weight the reel can pull in without getting damaged. Some rods drag strength is low so there is the risk of the reel breaking or you losing your catch. You don’t want to be disappointed with losing a catch because of the drag strength of the fishing combo you chose. You should look for a fishing combo with greater drag strength. 

Price

One aspect of every product that you cannot ignore is the price. The price will determine which rod and steel combo you decide to buy. The prices of these combos may vary due to manufacturers, and materials used to make them. 

Consider buying a rod and steel combo with an average price but that still offers quality performance while fishing. You might opt to go for a cheaper rod but it may not last very long. Make sure to compare prices before settling on one. It might be costly, but quality rods are durable. 

Ease of Use

Whereas most fishing equipment can be easy to use, some rods are complicated for beginners and those trying to learn. Depending on how long you have been fishing, make sure to choose a rod and steel combo that you can easily handle.  You should get a fishing combo that you can use for fishing. 

Handle

The handle of the rod is very important because you will be holding it all day while fishing. The feel of the handle is completely dependent on your personal choice. Some handles are made from cork or a combination of both cork and foam.  For roll casting, shorter rods are preferred. Depending on the distance you are planning to cast, you can choose a short or long handle. A longer handle allows you to grip with both hands putting more power into it. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, there is a lot you should consider when buying a fishing rod and reel combo for the next time you want to go bass fishing. The price that you pay is not the only factor to consider. For bass fishing, some combos are preferred because of their power and action activity. Fishing can be a long day activity and you don’t want to use an uncomfortable rod the entire time.

Always remember that that the material used to make the rod is durable and the reel should be easy to use for beginners. Some rods come with unique features that allow it not to corrode while fishing in saltwater – so it is important to also consider that. Take your time and compare all of these features so that you get the best fishing combo that works for you. Go catch a big bass!

More To Explore