Barb Catch Fishing

best fishing rod and reel combos for beginners

Fishing can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, but for beginners, choosing the right equipment can be a daunting task. 

Among the array of fishing reels available, spinning reels stand out as a top choice for newcomers. 

Their ease of use, minimal tangling, and versatility make them ideal for those just starting their angling journey. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the best fishing rod and reel combos for beginners.

What Type of Fishing Reel is Best for Beginners?

Without a doubt, a spinning reels are the best for beginners. Spinning reels are super easy to cast, don’t tangle easily, and are super versatile. 

Spinning reels were all that I used when I was growing up and learning how to fish. 

3 Best Beginner Spinning Combos

These 3 spinning rod and reel combos will cover all of the bases and will serve you very well at an affordable price.

1. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

Price: $59.95

Ugly Stik is renowned for their durability and flexibility. The first couple of spinning rods that I ever owned were Ugly Stik’s, and they are still making great products today. 

For a new fisherman or woman, durability is very important. You don’t want to break your new rod and have to shell out a bunch of money when just getting started. 

Ugly Stik rod are the best in the business when it comes to durability. 

The GX2 spinning combo is a very budget friendly fishing rod and reel that will last you a super long time and give you tons of quality practice.

It comes in a few different sizes, but for a beginner, I would suggest getting the medium power, 6’6″ rod. 

This power and length are the most versatile and universal for all types of fishing.

  • 3 ball bearings plus one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing for smooth gear feel and quick hook sets
  • Reel sizes 40 and 50 feature 2 ball bearings plus one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing
  • Machined double anodized aluminum spool with oversized bail wire for durability
  • Compression bail springs for a long reel life span
  • Ugly Tech construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass to create a strong, yet sensitive rod
  • Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides provide excellent durability and eliminate insert pop-outs
  • Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity
  • 7-year rod warranty

2. Abu Garcia Max X 2-Piece Spinning Combo

Price: $49.99

Abu Garcia has always been one of my favorite rod and reel companies. I have bought and used tons of their products and I’ve loved all of them. 

The Max X is a 2 piece combo which makes travel and storage of this combo much easier. 

This spinning combo also has an integrated polymer comfort grip for ultimate comfort, 3+1 bearing system for ultimate smoothness, and 24-Ton graphite construction for ultimate sensitivity. 

The combination of quality, price, and pure aesthetics make the Abu Garcia Max X a great beginner fishing rod and reel combo.

  • Abu Custom integrated reel seat with molded polymer comfort grip
  • 3 ball bearings + 1 roller bearing provides smooth operation
  • Lightweight graphite body and rotor
  • Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight
  • Everlast™ bail system for improved durability
  • Slow Oscillation provides even line lay with all types of line
  • Rocket line management™ system provides better control of all types of fishing lines
  • Rocket spool lip design™ allows better control of line coming off the spool
  • 24-Ton graphite construction for a lightweight and balanced design
  • Texas rigged hook keeper

3. Ugly Stik GX2 Travel Spinning Kit

Price: $69.95

This one is a bit different. If you have an upcoming fishing trip planned or you are going to be traveling a lot with your rod, this one is for you. 

The GX2 Travel Spinning Kit is a 3-piece spinning rod combo that comes with a travel case. 

Breaking down the rod into 3 pieces makes it very small and easy to pack up in its own rod sleeve case for a long trip. 

Plus, Ugly Stik rods are already ultra durable, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the rod while traveling.

  • Cloth rod & reel travel bag with adjustable strap
  • Aluminum spool for strength and lightness
  • 4 Bearing system
  • Oversized bail wire with compression springs for durability
  • Ugly Tech construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass to create a strong, yet sensitive rod
  • Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides provide excellent durability and eliminate insert pop-outs
  • Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity
  • 7-year rod warranty

Best Beginner Baitcasting Combo

I have used tons of different baitcasters, and this one has the best combination of quality, easy of use, and price.

Abu Garcia Max X Black

Price: $59.99

For the most part, all Abu Garcia baitcasting combos are going to be great. And the Black Max X is very affordable and aesthetic. 

I have used this combo myself, and it isn’t quite as nice as the super expensive and ultra high quality baitcasters out there. 

But for a beginner, it is a great setup to get you into fishing with a baitcaster.

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

What is the Best Rod Power for Beginners?

Personally, I think that a medium action rod is perfect for beginners. 

A medium power rod will have enough flexibility to cast smaller lures while still being able to real in big fish. 

As a kid, I only ever used a medium or medium-lite spinning rod setup. 

Once you get better at fishing, you can use heavier duty rods and bigger lures, but a medium action rod is the perfect size for beginner anglers.

What About Spincaster Reels?

You have probably seen images of these spincaster, or button caster reels. They are designed for young kids and made to be easy to use. 

However, these reels are absolutely terrible. As a very young kid, I had one of these, and it constantly got tangled or broken. 

Spincasters are much harder to use than a spinning reel and cause way too many headaches to make the price worth it.

Reeling this In

When it comes to selecting a fishing reel for beginners, spinning reels emerge as the clear winner. 

Their user-friendly design, minimal tangling, and versatility make them the perfect choice for newcomers to the fishing scene. 

Among the recommended spinning combos, the Ugly Stik GX2, Abu Garcia Max X, and Ugly Stik GX2 Travel Spinning Kit offer a balance of affordability and quality, ensuring that beginners can enjoy a smooth and enjoyable fishing experience without breaking the bank. 

So, if you’re new to fishing and looking for the best reel to kickstart your angling adventures, consider starting with a reliable spinning reel for a hassle-free and rewarding fishing journey ahead.