Baitcast Combos for the Casual Angler

Buying a baitcast reel and rod is daunting to some experienced anglers. The casual angler likely has more difficulty making a good choice. This is when baitcast combos are a wise choice. Purchasing a rod and reel together saves money and reduces research. The combos have reels and rods that match up in quality and for presentations. This takes the guesswork out of picking the right rod or reel that goes together.

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Choose your preference in the make of reel. Then add the power and action in the rod. The chances are there are baitcast combos that fit your needs. The price increases based on quality. As a result, combos in the 200-300 dollar range will have higher-quality reels and rods. The 100-200 price range will have combos of good-quality rods and reels.

Baitcast reels tend to cost more than a spinning reel. A combo below the 100 dollar range will have an inferior reel and a rod with less performance. The performance gets better with quality. Lower quality rods do not load well leading to shorter casts and less accuracy.

Quality

Reel quality and durability go together. In other words, cheap reels do not last. Another issue with low-cost baitcast reels is a backlash. They have a poor or no braking system for cast control. A proper setup helps with backlash issues. The quality is of importance also.

Choose a medium or medium-heavy rod based on the weight of the lures being used. Find the ratio that is comfortable and performs for the presentation. Using soft plastics go with a fast action rod and high ratio reel.

Throwing crankbaits or spinner-baits use a medium or medium-fast-action rod. Paired with a lower ratio reel. All-around anglers use a fast action in either medium or medium-heavy power. Then pick the combo with a mid-ratio reel. The choices are many.

Reviewer’s Picks

  • Best Combo; Shimano Curado K and CarbonLite 2.0 rod
  • Best Value; Daiwa Tatula 100 and Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier 2
  • Best Budget; Abu Garcia Revo SX/Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier Rod

Best Baitcast Combos

An angler serious about fishing needs better gear. The more time spent fishing adds to stress on the equipment. Also, lower quality tackle weighs more leading to fatigue. A few ounces in weight make a difference fishing for hours. Consider a lighter rod and reel an investment in comfort.

baitcast combos shimano slx and carbon lite rod

Shimano Curado K/Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite 2.0 Baitcast The Curado K is one of the best Shimano reels. Shimano makes a reel that lasts and performs. This reel outperforms others in the price range. Paired with a Carbon Lite rod it is an unbeatable combo. The rod has exceptional sensitivity for finesse fishing. Plus the backbone for pulling big bass out of the weeds. The number one pick in baitcast combos.

Baitcast combos lew's tourament speed spool with the carbon lite rod

Lews KVD /Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite 2.0 Pro-level tackle at a casual angler’s price. Lew’s is a leader in bass fishing reels. The reel has a 7.5:1 ratio for picking up the line fast. A need for working many soft plastic rigs. It is paired with a Carbon Lite rod also. Anglers with loyalty to Lew’s brand will make this their number one choice.

Mid-Priced Baitcast Combos

Revo SX and pro qualifier rod

Abu Garcia Revo SX/Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier 2 Abu Garcia Revo SX is a durable reel with 2 ratios available. The reel has left or right-hand options. The Bass Pro Rod is well-matched with the reel for performance. The left and right-hand reel options with 2 ratios. Also, many rod powers make this an excellent choice for left-hand retrieving anglers.

Daiwa Tatula 100/Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier 2 If you are a fan of Daiwa reels this is your combo. The Tatula is one of Daiwa’s top-selling reels. The reel also has left and right-hand retrieves with 3 gear ratios. Looking for speed the 8.1:1 ratio is fast. Coupled with your choice in power and action in the rod. Any presentation is covered.

Budget Combos

Anglers choosing to fish occasionally likely want to spend less on a set-up. These are budget-friendly options with performance. The combos at the price range will work fine. They will perform well for the angler wanting to get into baitcasting.

Abu Garcia Revo SX/Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier rod. The price of the combo is exceptional. The combo costs are significantly less than if bought separately. The Revo Sx is a high-performing reel. Then add the Pro Qualifier rod is the best value of the combos. This combo should be in a higher category but it is budget-priced.

Lew’s Speed Spool LFS/Bass Pro Shops XPS Bionic Blade is An affordable rod and reel combo. This rod and reel are good performing tackle. The price is suited for anglers looking to keep costs down. The reel is left or right retrieve with 2 gear ratios. The rod features titanium oxide guides and a full-contact reel seat. It provides sensitivity with performance.

Summary

Baitcast combo has many offerings fitting any angler’s choices or desires in a rod and reel. This eliminates researching rods and reels trying to get a good set-up. The reels offer left and right-hand retrieves. Most have 2-3 ratios for various lure retrieve rates. The lengths, powers, and actions are available in the rods in too many to mention.


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