Fishermen in the market for low-priced rod and reel combinations can definitely find what they are looking for without sacrificing functionality.
Zebco’s Budget Tackle
For a rod and reel set that costs little but fishes big, the Zebco 10 lb. Spincast Rod & Reel Combo can’t be beat. This 5.6” medium-action rod and easy-to-use reel will bring in bluegill, bass, crappie, and catfish, giving great service at much less expense than most other equipment. Cost-conscious anglers can reel in fish for less than $20 and a bucket of bait.
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik
According to a recent report from consulting firm Southwick Associates, the Ugly Stik is the best-selling fishing rod in the United States. Low price and good performance combine to make this line of fishing rods a smart choice for most casual fishermen, and a reliable, inexpensive back-up tackle for serious anglers. For general bass, crappie, and catfish fishing the medium action 6.6” Ugly Stik, which takes 8-17 lb. line and has an EVA foam grip, is a great workhorse rod. It can be purchased as a combo with a bait casting reel. This reel is nothing special, but it functions well for recreational use. Smart shoppers can find this combo for less than $50.
The Shakespeare Dimension
Moving up the Shakespeare Line brings the fisherman to the Dimension combo. This medium action 6.6” rod has a cork handle. The accompanying bait casting reel, which takes 10-17 lb. line, has a smoother feel than the one paired with the Ugly Stik. This combo retails for around $60.
The Shimano Sojourn Rod and Callisto Reel
Shimano offers a 6.6” medium action, cork-handled Sojourn rod paired with the popular, affordably priced Callisto bait casting reel. At around $70, this rod and reel is significantly more expensive than the Ugly Stik combo, but offers the advantage of a Shimano reel with a magnetic cast control system. This set is fished with 6-15 lb. line, also appropriate for most bass, crappie, and catfish.
Customize Features and Price
Some outfitters combine rod and reels by different manufacturers to create combos. Cabela’s offers their cork-handled Pro Guide rod along with a REVO Black Max bait casting reel by Abu Garcia for just under $60. Even greater versatility is available with this package, as Cabela’s allows the customer to pair the reel with a Pro Guide rod of desired length and action.
Bigger Fish? The Abu Garcia Silver Max Rod and Reel Combo
The medium heavy 6.6” Silver Max combo takes 10-25 lb. line, allowing for bigger bass, weightier catfish, and even moderate muskie. The angler who goes out after bigger fish can haul them in with this rod. The Abu Garcia bait casting reel casts smoothly and freely. Also priced around $70, this is a fine choice for heavier equipment.
Big Tackle Names Not the Only Choice
Bass Pro Shops, Gander Mountain, and other stores offer more rod and reel combos in the $40 - $99 price range. By taking the time to shop different vendors and compare features and prices, anglers can choose affordable rod and reel combos that suit their desires. Then, great fishing is on the way, for less than $100.
Brenda Layman - I grew up in eastern Kentucky in a family that hunted, fished, hiked, and camped regularly. Although I moved to Ohio to become a teacher ...
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