As many anglers might attest, fishing can be an expensive hobby. There is a lot of different pieces of gear that a fisherman must have before ever heading out on a trip, such as a rod, reel, line, hooks, lures, etc. This list only seems to be getting bigger and bigger as time goes on, as well as the price tags! Luckily, there are plenty of great options when it comes to the best fishing rod and reel combo for the money on the market.
Not every piece of gear or equipment needs to be super high end or cost a lot of money in order for it to perform well. In fact, many items are made in the same places and have no difference in quality. Some reels might cost more due to their name and reputation, while others will cost more due to the materials that are used in their construction. But you might not need to pay these higher price tags, especially if you find quality equipment from good companies, many that also offer outstanding warranties on their products!
There might also be differences in price between different types of reels, such as spinners and bait casters. Aside from the price tag, you might choose one or another depending on your personal preference and fishing style. If you are looking for the best fishing rod and reel combo for the money, then you have come to the right place! Let’s take a look at some of the most budget-friendly fishing combos that you can buy today, and just how much quality you can expect from each of these combos!
1. Zebco 33 Folds of Honor Spincast Reel and 2-Piece Fishing Rod Combo
- MODERATE ACTION: 6-foot 2-piece fishing rod combo provides medium power and moderate action, making it easier to catch a wide variety of species including panfish, trout, walleye, bass, catfish, striper, and saltwater fish
- EXPERTLY CRAFTED MATERIALS: Durable fiberglass rod blank construction and ultra-tough D-Ring guides provide smooth cast and retrieves while cushioned EVA handle reduces discomfort and ensures a sure-grip
- EFFORTLESS FISHING: Zebcos QuickSet anti-reverse reel stops your handle from moving backward and creates a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your prized catch. It features an interchangeable right or left-hand retrieve, patented no-tangle design, and comes pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco Cajun line
- SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION: Premium all-metal gears, a 4.1:1 gear ratio, and dual-ceramic pick-up pins ensure a buttery-smooth retrieve, extended life, and ultra-high abrasion resistance to make every fishing experience a memorable one
- TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Zebco is a company that is well known for creating fishing gear for budget-minded fishermen, so it is no surprise that first on our list is their 33 Rhino Tough Spincast combo. This combo features a closed cast fishing reel that is paired with a 2 piece fiberglass rod. It even comes already spooled with a 20-pound test line to get you out on the water as soon as possible.
The spin cast reel that comes with this combo is very high quality and is made to be able to fish in both freshwater and saltwater. Coming in at only around $39, this rod and reel combo is the perfect choice for anglers who want a versatile setup that they can take and fish with wherever they go. For a ready to fish combo for only $39, this is one of the best! Plus each purchase donates $1 to a good cause.
2. Quantum Throttle II Baitcast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
- POWERFUL COMBO: This baitcast fishing reel comes with a 1-piece, 6.75-foot IM8 graphite fishing rod. This rod features Dynaflow aluminum-oxide guides and a built-in Hook Keeper, while the reel offers DynaMag cast control and EVA foam handle knobs.
- SMOOTH RETRIEVAL: This reel features 8 bearings (7 + clutch), a 31-inch retrieve rate, right hand retrieve, and a Zero Friction pinion gear to stand tough for many fishing adventures to come!
- RELIABLE: The Throttle II Baitcast Combo brings an elevated fishing experience to a trusted baitcast. The continuous anti-reverse technology on this reel helps secure your next prized catch, enhancing any fishing trip with its smooth feel and reliability.
- VERSATILE USE: With a mono capacity of 135/12 and the ability to hold 170-yards of 30-pound braided line, this combo is for medium to heavy species such as walleye, bass, catfish and striper! Set a new gold standard for angling achievement with Throttle.
- TRUSTED: Since 1954, Quantum has helped people enjoy and discover the outdoors through fishing. Quantum products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materia
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Baitcasting reels tend to run a little more expensive than other types, but this Quantum Throttle II Baitcast Combo is not only one of the best combos for the money, it is also a great baitcasting reel for those that want to learn on a baitcaster without breaking the bank. All Quantum products are also warrantied for an entire year after purchase, so you are really getting a lot of value for a great price.
This combo comes with a changeable right or left hand retrieve on the reel and a one-piece 6.75-foot graphite rod. It is perfect for medium to heavy species of fish like bass, catfish, and stripers. Coming in at around $100, this rod and reel combo is a great way to get some hands-on experience with a baitcaster and save some money.
3. Plusinno Carbon Fiber Rod and Reel Combo
- 🎣 Warm Prompt: Full Kit with Carrier Case: 1 Fishing Rod + 1 Fishing Reel + Fishing Line + Various Fishing Lures + Fishing Hooks + Some Necessary Accessories + Carrier Bag.
- 🎣 Full Kit with Carrier Case is specially made for novice, including necessary fishing accessories. With this set, there is no need for you to buy any other fishing stuff.
- 🎣 Perfect elasticity, high density Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass makes your fishing pole hard & durable. Stainless Steel Hooded Reel Seat is anti-seawater corrosion; EVA Fore Grip for comfort. The telescopic fishing rod is portable, and closed length design is convenient carrying around. Power: Medium.
- 🎣 Instant anti-reverse; Power drive gears equipped for high strength. Deep aluminium spool with double color and one line hole; More short body with large spool and large line capacity. Line capacity: mm/M 0.20/240 0.25/200 0.30/140. Model: HA 3000; Gear ratio: 5.2:1.
- 🎣 Its the best gift to send father, son, husband，fiance, boyfriend for the upcoming Christmas. Want to buy single rod or single reel? Please search the ASIN: B00YBV7WLE or B07YFP8K
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This rod and reel combo from Plusinno is one of the best selling combos on the internet, and for good reason! At only $60, this combo comes equipped with a carbon fiber telescopic rod that is mixed with fiberglass to make the rod hard and durable. This combo is super tough and can be used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
As if that wasn’t enough, even the reel seat is made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion from saltwater. This is one of the most durable fishing setups on the market today and comes in at a great price for its value. If you are tough on your gear, then this rod and reel combo will be a great fit for you. It is no surprise that it continues to be the best selling combo year after year!
4. Kalex Telescopic Fishing Kit and Combo
- Rod: telescopic rod compacts down for easy travel and storage - reel: 4+1 bearing system for smooth operation
- Rod: carbon composite blank construction for added strength and sensitivity - reel: graphite body and rotor reduces overall weight
- Rod: stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts for smooth casting - reel: graphite body and rotor reduces overall weight
- Rod: aluminum reel seat with stainless steel cushioned hoods for added durability - reel: aluminum spool and handle for added strength
- Rod: Eva contoured rear grip for comfort, soft touch handle knob for added comfort - reel: smooth multi-disc drag system provides consistent drag press
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you want a little more choices and variety in the combo you get, then the Kalex Telescopic Fishing Combo would be one you want to look at. This combo is available in a variety of different rod sizes depending on your own preferences, as well as the option of coming with an entire fishing kit to get you started.
The rear grip on this rod is contoured and has a soft touch handle for even more comfort while fishing, and the reel is extremely smooth with a reliable drag system. With a very light overall weight and so many different options, the Kalex combo is perfect for anglers who only have around $50 to spend but still want to customize their rod to their preferences.
5. Zebco 404 Spincast Freshwater Combo
- EASY-TO-USE: The Zebco 404 spincast reel and rod combo has been a mainstay with anglers for years. The combo features a 6-foot 2-piece fishing pole and size 40 reel. You will be ready to hit the water with the patented no-tangle design and simple push-button mechanics for ease of use making this reel great for both beginners and experienced anglers
- BUILT-IN BITE ALERT: You will be amazed by the built-in bite alert designed to alert anglers of activity below the water. Bite alert is a mechanical system that disengages the anti-reverse of the reel and engages a clicker to create a sound when line is being taken out so you will not be mistaken when your next trophy is on the line
- TOUGH YET SLEEK: Utilize the convenient dial-adjustable drag and the QuickSet anti-reverse features to stop your handle from moving backward and create a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your prize catch. Featuring a tough-yet-sleek design the 404 spincast reel will look and perform great
- HEAVY-DUTY & SMOOTH: This size 40 reel is constructed with all-metal gears and a 2.8:1 gear ratio for a silky-smooth retrieve and consistent performance that will stand tough for many fishing adventures to come. Meant for the right-handed anglers, this heavy-duty reel features a right-hand retrieve and is pre-spooled with 15-pound Zebco fishing line so you can start catching bigger fish right out of the package
- TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materi
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Another offering from Zebco, the 404 Spincast Freshwater Combo was designed for fighting with big freshwater fish like largemouth bass and catfish. It is one of Zebco’s most popular products and has been a mainstay with freshwater anglers for many years. The rod is made of durable fiberglass material, and the reel features all-metal gears to give it the best durability possible.
The Zebco 404 is the most affordable option on our list, coming in at an average of around $30. But with all of the extra features it includes built-in bite alert, adjustable drag, an all-metal design, it offers a ton of value for such a low price point. If your budget is your deciding factor on a new rod and reel combo, then the Zebco 404 deserves a look!
Final Thoughts
Fishing is a great hobby that is enjoyed by many all throughout the world. Unfortunately, many anglers believe that you need to be using and fishing with the highest priced gear in order to have the most success. This is simply not the case, and there are plenty of great options out there that are the best bang for your buck when it comes to quality.
Any of these five options offer excellent quality for the price you can buy them for, and they can do anything that the much higher priced gear can do. These are the best fishing rod and reel combos for the money out on the market today, and they will not disappoint you!
