How to Choose a Rod and Reel Combo
A rod and reel combo is an important equipment to catch fish. The rod has the function of making long casts, feel strikes, and set the hook. Whereas the reel enables the anglers to manage the line and retrieve the catch. So, how to choose a rod and reel combo has become a very important step for fishing endeavors today because it is a very effort-demanding task to choose a perfect rod and reel combo.
But previously, it was not that important. Today, fishing has become more of a game than a hobby. Moreover, in the past, choices available for how to choose a rod and reel combo were fewer than today as hundreds of rods and reels are being introduced on a daily basis according to baits, lures, and the targeted species. Every lure and bait has a specific rod and reel combo.
However, there are two types of setups to answer how to choose a rod and reel combo: spinning and baitcasting. A spinning combo is best for lightweight presentations whereas baitcasting is ideal for heavier fishing around thicker areas. However, whatever the setup, it should be well-balanced, budget-friendly, and strong enough to withstand any hurdle coming in the way.
How To Choose a Rod and Reel Combo
Choosing a rod and reel combo prevents anglers from arranging a separate rod and reel, especially the beginners. How to choose a rod and reel combo is a challenging task, however. Rods have labels on them according to lure types. The rods have the following types on the basis of fish species they are used to target:
- Ultralight Rods are productive in catching small fish.
- Medium-action rods are useful for catching medium-sized fish like bass.
- Heavy Power Rods are ideal for grabbing larger gamefish like catfish.
As far as reels are concerned, their choice is made while keeping drags in mind so that can move according to the action of the rod.
How To Choose a Rod and Reel Combo: Considerations
As shared multiple times above, how to choose a rod and reel combo is a confusing task, especially when being done for the first time. However, there are a few considerations to choosing a perfect rod and reel combo. And, these considerations are:
Rod Length: The first thing to be aware of, as an angler, is the right-length fishing rod. The range of a perfect fishing rod ranges from 4-14 feet. Similarly, the rod and the fish species you are going to target should be in accordance with each other.
Likewise, it is as clear as daylight that the longer the rod the farther the cast. It is true that shorter rods provide you with good control but you cannot throw the line as per your wish. One other advantage that shorter rods offer is that they are very powerful enough to take hold of large fish. The ideal rod length for that purpose is 5-7 feet.
Rod Material: The rod material has also an impact on how to choose a rod and reel combo. The performance is dependent on the material of the rod and reel combo. Fishing rods have two following types of materials that have an immense influence on the result of your fishing expedition:
Fiberglass Rods: are in use for a long period of time and therefore can be trusted. They are very strong and durable enough to afford a good strike. What makes them a favorite among novice anglers is their durability and low price. Moreover, their pliable nature makes them weak detectors of lighter bites.
Further on, they are too heavy to be used to fight against heavy prey for a long time. Further on, they are too heavy to be used to fight against heavy prey for a long time.
Graphite Rods are popular fishing rods but they are not a stronger alternative to fiberglass rods. The graphite rods cause some confusion for the new users. They have markers like IM6, IM7 and IM8. A new user thinks that it stands for weight or stiffness. However, there is an interesting revelation that an IM8 graphite rod is lighter than an IM6 graphite rod.
Additionally, the graphite rods can feel the bite quickly meaning they are very sensitive. The lighter weight of graphite rods makes them ideal to handle and cast them.
Cons: It is clear from the discussion that graphite rods are stiffer but they can break easily as well. Another drawback with them is that they are expensive as compared to fiberglass rods which makes new anglers avoid them.
Composite Rods are the mixture of the two above-mentioned rods. They are both flexible and sensitive. A 100lb test line can be handled easily on a rod of 20-30lb frame.The composite rods provide you with the choice to fish in different waters.
Cons: One thing that makes the composite rods a lesser favorite of anglers is their higher price.
Type of Fish: Another point in how to choose a rod and reel combo is to be clear about the type of fish you are going to target. It has also been discussed above that catching larger fish will require a larger rod and reel combo and vice versa.
Fresh Water vs. Saltwater: How to choose a rod and reel combo differs according to water situations. Taking the wrong combo for the wrong water condition will have a huge impact on fishing outcomes. This causes the combos to get affected by the water conditions as they are not designed for that situation. It means that a saltwater combo will not work 100% in freshwater conditions.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is evident that how to choose a rod and reel combo is related to your fishing targets and water conditions. One more thing is that in today’s world, the guesswork cannot work as there are a variety of rod and reel combos available according to one’s fishing targets at affordable prices.
FAQs
- What is a good rod and reel combo?
Ans. However, whatever the setup, it should be well-balanced, budget-friendly, and strong enough to withstand any hurdle coming in the way.
- What is a good bait caster rod and reel combo?
Ans. Lew’s Mach Pro Bait Cast Combo is the best-considered combo for bait casters.
