For many beginning anglers, trying to figure out which fishing gear to buy can be dizzying. You can start by establishing if you're going freshwater or saltwater fishing, of course. Then you need to figure out if you're going fly fishing or if you need a casting rod. Once you know where you're fishing and how you're fishing, the easiest way for beginners to figure out the right rod and reel for their needs is to simply buy a rod & reel combo. You can get a spinning combo, baitcast combo, fly fishing combo, even an ice fishing combo. It takes out a lot of the guesswork, and if you decide to switch out your rod or reel, you already have the basic components to build off of.
What is the difference between a rod & reel combo and a pole & reel?
A rod & reel combo is sold as a matched set in one package. A fishing pole and a fishing reel that are sold separately would not be considered a fishing rod combo. By the way, the vast majority of seasoned anglers use the term "fishing rod," and might give you some sideways looks if you say "fishing pole." Don't worry about it, it's just semantics, and the whole point is to get out and go fishing!
Can you mix and match rods & reels?
Yes, you can! This is mostly a matter of preference. Some anglers will only use rod & reel combos from the same manufacturer in the same models. Others like to tinker with their rod combo and swap rods and reels out as it suits their needs and to experiment with the results. There really isn't a wrong way, although some rigs will perform poorly in real-world applications. Beginners should leave that to seasoned anglers and just start with the fishing combo that meets their needs.
Is it cheaper to buy a rod & reel combo?
Yes, it is cheaper to buy a rod & reel combo! A rod combo is most often priced lower than if you were to buy the rod and reel separately. This is much like a lot of products out there, not just fishing gear. Sometimes folks will buy a rod & reel combo and take off the reel to use on another rod, keeping the new rod as a backup.
Are there any rod & reel combos for kids?
Yes, in fact most kids' beginner's fishing rigs are rod & reel combos. This ensures the best results for first-timers, and are often decorated with popular cartoon characters to get them excited before they even go out on the water.
Buy Rod & Reel Combos from CampSaver!
Shop at CampSaver.com for Rod & Reel Combos from the best brands like 13 Fishing. Learn more about fishing and a whole bunch of other outdoor recreation in our ever-growing Guides section. Have questions? Reach out and contact us anytime!
Other categories you may be interested in: Fishing Rods, Fishing Rods & Reels, Fishing Rods, Reels, & Combos, Fishing Gear, Equipment, & Accessories.