Barb Catch Fishing

Not everyone has tons of money to go out and spend on a new fishing setup. 

If you are a beginner, chances are you don’t want to spend much. 

And even for experienced anglers, sometimes you need a new setup to perform one specific job, and that job is not worth breaking the bank. 

So let’s take a look at the 5 best baitcaster combos under $100.

Criteria for Our 5 Best Baitcasting Combos

  • Obviously, these combos have to be priced at under $100
  • These rods need to have both right and left handed options for the reel
  • These rods need to be made from high quality materials
  • These rods need to perform well and very smoothly
  • These rods need to look attractive and well designed

1. Abu Garcia Max STX

Price: $74.99

When it comes to budget friendly baitcasting equipment, Abu Garcia is probably the number one brand. 

They have a wide variety of casting combos at a variety of prices, and our favorite one under $100 is the Max STX. 

This baitcaster combo comes in both 6’6″ and 7′ lengths, and also both Medium and Medium-Heavy powers. 

The STX is a very cool looking grey and orange colored rod with the reel being primarily a black and grey color. 

At well under the $100 price cap, the STX packs tons of quality and value into it’s price tag.

  • Abu custom integrated reel seat with molded polymer comfort grip
  • 5 Stainless Steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
  • Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight
  • Power Disk drag System
  • MagTrax brake system
  • Flipping switch
  • Compact bent handle and star
  • Graphite frame and sideplates
  • 24-Ton graphite construction for a lightweight and balanced design

2. KastKing Centron Lite

Price: $69.99

KastKing is a relatively new company, but has quickly gained a fantastic reputation. 

They have are quickly becoming a front runner for high quality, budget friendly rods and reels. Our favorite of their baitcaster combos is the Centron Lite. 

This combo has a silky smooth baitcaster reel paired up with a super lite weight and strong rod. 

On top of that, the all white color design looks incredible, and as the saying goes, “You look good, you play good”. 

The only downside of this combo is that it is usually out of stock. 

So the opportunities to get one are fairly short, but if you are able to, the Centron Lite is a fantastic option.

  • Lightweight and Sensitive IM6 Graphite Blanks
  • Stainless Steel Guides with Ceramic Rings
  • Contoured EVA Handles and Fighting Butt:
  • Includes Centron Lite Baitcasting Reel
  • High-Speed Gear Ratio
  • Smooth Performance
  • Versatile and Durable
  • Available Lengths

3. Lew's American Hero Baitcast Combo

Price: $99.99

Lew’s has been at the forefront of the rod and reel game for decades.

You can be rest assured that anything they make is very high quality.

Lew’s only has one budget baitcasting combo, and it is the American Hero Combo. 

The combo features a 5-ball bearing American Hero baitcast reel with a one-piece, lightweight graphite frame and sideplates. 

The reel weighs 7.2 ounces. The combo rod features a one-piece premium IM6 graphite blank for extreme sensitivity to detect even the lightest of bites. 

Its guides are gunsmoke stainless steel frames with stainless steel inserts. 

And of course, it has a very clean and good looking color that will give you extra confidence on the water.

  • One-piece graphite frame
  • Graphite sideplates
  • Anodized aluminum spool
  • Externally adjustable Magnetic Control System
  • Zirconia line guide
  • Rulon drag system
  • Speed Lube for exceptional smoothness and performance in all weather conditions
  • Stainless steel guides with stainless steel insert

4. Abu Garcia Vengeance

Price: $34.99

You really aren’t going to find a more affordable baitcasting combo than the Abu Garcia Vengeance. 

It usually comes in between $35-65 depending on what sale they are running or where you buy it from. 

But even with such a low price, the Vengeance is still a great combo. It only has 4+1 ball bearings, but that is not bad at all for its price. 

It also doesn’t have any power or action variability, as it only comes in a medium-heavy action model. 

But I have personally used this combo a fair bit and I didn’t have any real issues with it. 

If you are looking to buy your first baitcaster or you just need an extra one for a specific fishing setup, the Vengeance is an awesome choice.

  • 24 Ton graphite for a lightweight balanced design
  • Stainless steel guides with titanium oxide inserts
  • High density EVA gives greater sensitivity and durability
  • Texas rigged hook keeper for all bait applications
  • 4 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing provides smooth operation
  • Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight
  • Power Disk drag system gives smooth drag performance
  • Duragear brass gear for extended gear life
  • MagTrax brake system gives consistent brake pressure throughout the cast
  • Compact bent handle and star provide a more ergonomic design
  • Graphite frame and sideplates

5. KastKing Crixus

Price: $92.99

The KastKing Crixus Baitcasting Reel and Rod Combo is designed for anglers seeking high performance without breaking the bank. 

Combining lightweight, durable materials and advanced technology, this combo delivers exceptional value. 

Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, targeting bass or trout, the Crixus combo offers the sensitivity and power needed for a successful fishing experience.

  • KastFlex IM6 Graphite Blanks
  • 7+1 Double Shielded Stainless Ball Bearings
  • Carbon Infused Frames and CNC Aluminum Spools
  • Superpolymer Handles
  • Stainless Steel Guides with Zirconium Oxide Rings
  • Power Transition System (PTS)

Reeling this In

it’s clear that not everyone has the budget to invest in an expensive fishing setup. 

Beginners often prefer to start with something affordable, and even seasoned anglers sometimes need a specialized setup without spending a fortune. 

With this in mind, we have explored the 5 best baitcaster combos under $100, ensuring you can find a quality option that meets your needs without breaking the bank.