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If you’re looking for the best spinning rod and reel combo for bass, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, we have a combo that’s just right for you.

Being a bass angler, I understand how hard is to find the best spinning reel for bass with your best bass rod. Going with combos is great as it is advantageous in every aspect. First, they save you from an endless search for the perfect pairing additionally they are budget-friendly.

There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing the best combo for bass fishing. But nothing to worry about, we’ve got you covered. Here is a breakdown of the different rods and reels combos, and what each offers the bass fisherman.

The point is why we selected the spinning rod and reel as the best combo for bass. We have reasons in its favor. A spinning rod and reel is the best option for a versatile bass fisherman. They’re good for all sorts of techniques and lures, making them ideal for anglers who like to experiment. Plus, they’re relatively easy to use and require less maintenance than other types.

List of best spinning rod and reel combos for bass reviewed in detail

1- Penn Battle Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

best bass spinning combo overall

Starting with one of my personal favorite durable spinning combos that have never disappointed especially under heavy loads. The tested paired reel with this combo isn’t flimsy at all and can perform more than expected.

The reel is surrounded by an aluminum body and spool yes isn’t ideally resistant to corrosion but these metal reels are proudly durable enough to tackle serious fishing conditions. The PENN Battle spinning combo is worth buying especially with this price.

To support smooth drag performance it features carbon drag washers that are lightweight and more durable against heat. In comparison to normal drag washers, the carbon ones provide the more stopping power and support smoother line retrievals even under stress.

Featuring the 5+1 stainless steel ball bearings and a braid-ready spool all set to land your desired bass catches with ease.

The reel is paired with the graphite fishing rod comprising aluminum oxide guides. You can get five different lengths in rods i.e. 6.6 to 10 feet according to your type of fishing.

It is a recommended rod and reel combo for river and lake fishing targeting bass, catfish, and even the bigger ones like common Snook, some redfish, and bluegills. A setup designed for both inshore and surf fishing conditions just goes with the right size reel and a list of species is waiting to be caught.  

I picked the 5000 reel size with a 7 feet long rod. The combo resulted in great and reliable in-between options between smaller and bigger set up. As I wasn’t interested in a big bulky reel for surf fishing and it turned out great.

Make sure to give your setup both rod and reel a freshwater wash after saltwater fishing as they will be corroded after some time if you aren’t careful with the maintenance. Grease the reel parts properly and clean the rod guides to make the combo last longer.

Overall a recommended setup that is comfortable to use with its cork handles in rod and EVA grips on the reel handle. It also costs less rather than buying a PENN Battle rod and reel individually.  

2- Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

best bass rod and reel under $100

The ideal pair for novice bass anglers or other beginners who want an affordable bass spinning combo without any sacrifice in quality and performance. The best bass rod and reel that is surprisingly under $100 and delivers the Ugly Stik signature performance.

Whether it is bass fishing or trout you can trust this combo. It is an ideal setup for freshwater fishing as it is available in reel sizes from the smallest 2000 to the biggest spool reel of 5000 sizes.

Due to its aluminum body and reel preferably it is for freshwater. You can catch a decent size fish with this rod and reel but not recommended for trophy sizes. It may result in a snapped rod as it can’t compete with the PENN durability at this point.

I always say that quality bearings are better than bigger count bearings and Ugly Stik GX2 supports my point of view. It features 4 ball bearings and honestly I didn’t feel any major difference in drag smoothness in comparison to a reel with 6 to 7 ball bearings.

Support fast line retrievals with a 5.5:1 gear ratio and an aluminum bail wire for increasing reel life span. The paired rod comes with composite construction with increased addition of graphite to increase sensitivity and decrease weight.

The rod is available in 4 different lengths and its 4 feet long with ultra-light power is suitable for your younger one to teach with a desirable rod. The 6 feet with medium-heavy power is all set to rock for lakes and pond fishing with great sensitivity to detect the slightest fish nibbles.

In addition to all that, it is a two-piece rod design so can be easily transported to any desirable fishing spot. A go-to budget-friendly spinning rod and reel combo for smaller bass.

3- Abu Garcia Revo X LTD Spinning Combo

best lightweight bass combo

A very lightweight rod and reel combo for bass, you can easily fish full day long with this combo and wouldn’t feel any fatigue or burden on your arms. Besides being lightweight, I am a fan of Abu Garcia Revo X cosmetics. The full matt black body also available with a combination of blue is a treat with its top-rated performance.

This Revo X spinning combo makes sure to not create any chance of a missed catch with the increased sensitivity that lets you feel the slightest fish strike to lure. It’s a 24-ton graphite rod so more durable than other bass rods.

The paired reel is 3000 size which is suitable for bass fishing but not when casting heavy lures up to 2 oz. The nice 7 feet long medium power rod with 3000 size reel offers smooth and well-balanced casts and lets you catch some prominent-size bass up to 6 pounds.

Abu Garcia rods and reels are well known among tournament anglers and so is this one. The rod has enough backbone and required flex to land bass, trout, catfish, and blue gill.

Its reel features a C6 carbon body all lightweight and not flimsy at all. The reel has 6+1 ball bearings which are real heroes behind the smooth retrievals.

Its rocket line management system and spool lip design play their role in more controlled casts. The rod and reel are perfect for different fishing techniques that include fast retrievals with different bait presentations whether it is spinnerbaits, lighter crankbait, or a plastic worm. With a 6.2:1 gear ratio, it is all quick.

Overall, a solidly constructed rod and sturdy reel with corrosion-resistant components. This combo can bear saltwater bruises, from rod guides to reel bearings that stainless steel material and the graphite rotor that can resist corrosion and maintain smoother casts without line tangles for a long period.

4- Ugly Stik Elite Ice Fishing Combo

best ice fishing rod and reel combo for bass

Ice fishing is an exciting fishing experience only with the best ice fishing rod and reel. It is tricky to find the right-size ice fishing reel that best pairs with the smallest rod in your fishing arsenal. 

Ugly Stik Elite series serving as an all-rounder and performing in almost every type of fishing didn’t skip the ice fishing. This ugly Tech constructed rod that is a composite construction with 35% more graphite wouldn’t let you miss any fish nibbles even in minus temperatures.

The Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides don’t dislocate from their position and properly play their role in balancing the stress between rod and line. They are lightweight in weight and don’t add any additional weight to the rod.

This combo features a durable graphite reel. It’s a fast-spinning reel with a 5.2:1 gear ratio. Bass are lethargic in cold water so adopt vertical drop fishing techniques. 

The only room for improvement noticed is the fewer number of ball bearings i.e. 3 less than the recommended count which is at least 4. You can pick another ice fishing reel from the list if you prefer greater ball bearings.

The split grip cork handles offer a firm grip with gloves too. The Ugly Stik Elite combo will be a reliable addition to your ice fishing arsenal.  

5- Pflueger Trion Spinning Combo

best bass spinning combo for the money

This unique spinning rod and reel combo also come with a lure paired so you don’t even have to bother about the lure pairing. It is all in one type of combo.

Pflueger is one of those freshwater bass fishing combos I really put trust in. Many anglers believe that in fishing combos the quality of the actual product is reduced. The Trion Spinning combo negates all this.

The combo features a smooth reel and a durable rod with enough backbone to set solid hook sets. Pflueger Trion has a long list of satisfied customers mostly explaining that it performed more than expected.

Talking about its specs, it has a 24-ton graphite durable rod. The rod is strong enough to handle aggressive bass. It readily blends in every fishing type, try it for flipping and pitching. It offers quick hook sets with fast action.

The reel is a graphite one with 7 ball bearings and a 5.2:1 gear ratio. A Pflueger reel is a versatile option not only restricted to bass but suitable for multiple species.

I wish the manufacturers replace the oil-felt drag washers with carbon fibers so the anglers will be free from a regular check of the grease. 

The reel included in this trio is available in 4 different sizes from 2500 to 4000 with rod lengths of 6, 6.6, to 7 feet long. A recommended reel for freshwater fishing as for saltwater we haven’t tested it yet but hope it wouldn’t disappoint.

6- Zebco 33 Spinning Reel and Telescopic Fishing Rod Combo

best telescopic spinning combo for bass

Telescopic rods are mostly underestimated yes they are prone to breakage but only when the user exceeds it line, lure, and weight-lifting limit.

Zebco 33 spinning combo is the cheapest combo listed among the other best spinning combos for bass. The combo that can always be in your car. A go-to setup that shrinks to only 20 inches.

I mostly prefer to take cheap fishing rods when traveling because in any case they get broken, the damage can be recovered. Zebco 33 is one of those.

But cheap doesn’t mean it does not perform well. It’s a tested rod and reel for bass and trout fishing and resulted in a positive. It is a great rod for backpacking place it in your fishing backpack and it only covers a smaller space.

To make it durable and less brittle fiberglass is used in rod construction. The rod also features EVA handles that are comfortable to hold and retain their shape for a longer period.

The combo features the reel with front drag adjustment. Easy to set and easy to manage drag system. Its aluminum spool has enough capacity for a 12-pound test line for bigger catches with ½ lure capacity.

Yes, it is the best-paired reel with a six-footer telescopic fishing rod. You can trust this rod and reel as a travel combo and this budget-friendly trust isn’t a bad deal at all.

7- Abu Garcia Pro Max Fishing Combo

best rod and reel combo for smallmouth bass

If you are tired of using your old classic gear give the Abu Garcia Pro max combo a try. A very nice well-constructed lightweight rod and reel combo with fast action and a sensitive tip to catch multiple types of bass with multiple types of lures and different types of lines.

I appreciate the quality features added to the rules it’s a combination of graphite rod and aluminum spool reel. The rod added is durable enough to tackle small-mouth bass, and target northern pikes. It has an optimal 7 feet long to fit in different fishing conditions.

I wish that it was a 2-piece rod so easy to place in the car and bring to any desired location. Overall a great rod offering leverage and proper and powerful hook sets when a heavy bass gets hooked.

Coming to the reel paired, it’s a 3000 size that features 7 stainless steel ball bearings that deliver reel operating smooth underloads. Besides having an aluminum spool it is lightweight and doesn’t add any additional weight to the whole setup and disturb the balance.

Its slow oscillation offers even line lays on the spool, this slows the speed at which the line leaves the spool, causing less drag on the lead and increasing casting distance.

Having a 5.8:1 gear ratio offers quick line retrievals perfect for targeting the hungry bass at peak hours. The rocket line management and spool lip design also lead to more control casts.

In addition to top-rated specifications, the combo also has attractive cosmetics. Both rod and reel are white grayish colored with combination black a very decent looking combo at an affordable price i.e. under $100.

The rods also feature the hook keeper so the hook will not damage the rod’s external outing.

8- KastKing Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combos

best bass spinning combo for beginners

KastKing Centron spinning reels are a great choice. Their unique design ensures optimal performance without sacrificing portability or affordability. The combination of easy setup, reliable construction, and affordability make KastKing Centron spinning reels ideal for both beginners and experienced anglers alike.

The KastKing Centron Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combos feature Toray IM6 graphite blanks that are lightweight and sensitive. These blanks are designed for anglers who demand the most out of their gear. They are 2-piece rods that are easy to transport.

The Centron spinning reel is built with a precision-machined aluminum spool, so it’s durable enough to stand up to any fish. The fishing rod has a comfortable EVA foam handle that provides a firm grip, even when your hands are wet.

 The KastKing Centron Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combos are the perfect choice for anglers who want the best of both worlds – a durable spinning reel and a sensitive, lightweight fishing rod.

The reel is made of high-quality materials and is built to last. It has a smooth triple disc drag system that provides smooth and consistent performance. The reel also features a quick-change spool system that allows you to change your line quickly and easily.

Confidently target heavy catfish, some crappie fish, walleye, trout, and decent-sized bass. This fishing Rod combo features contoured EVA handles and a fighting butt for added comfort and control while fishing. The contoured EVA handles provide a comfortable grip for all-day fishing, while the fighting butt helps to fight fish when they are on the line.

The guides on the rod are made of stainless steel, so they will not rust or corrode. This makes them perfect for use with any type of fishing line.

The KastKing Centron Spinning Reel is built with a lightweight graphite frame and aluminum spool. This reel is designed for both fresh and saltwater fishing. With its nine-ball bearings, it provides a smooth drag while you are reeling in your catch.

The reel has a high-quality drag system that can handle the big fish and can set speedy retrievals for bass with a 5.2:1 gear ratio.

How to choose the best spinning rod and reel combo for bass

Now we know what the top-recommended rod and reel combos for bass fishing are. The next step is to select one from the best i.e. best of the best. The combo that is best for one angler doesn’t guarantees that it will be the same for you.

There are a lot of different factors to consider when trying to decide on the best spinning rod and reel combo for bass fishing. You need to think about the type of water you’ll be fishing in, the size of the fish you’re targeting, and your personal preferences. With so many different options out there, it can be tough to know where to start.

One of the most important things to consider is the type of water you’ll be fishing in. If you’re planning on fishing in ponds or lakes, you’ll want a lighter rod and reel combo that’s easy to maneuver. If you’re going to be fishing in rivers or streams, you’ll need something a bit sturdier that can handle the current. Let us discuss each of these factors in detail.

Rod Material

The material of the rod affects the rod’s durability, flex, weight, and price. Different materials are used for blank construction these are graphite, fiberglass, composite (combination of both graphite and fiberglass), and now some of the latest rods are of carbon fiber the enhanced form of graphite.

Each of these materials has properties that make them superior to one another. Graphite rods are lightweight, stiff, and superior with their sensitivity feature. Graphite rods detect the slightest fish nibbles and reduce the chances of a missed catch. However, due to their stiffness, they are flimsy as compared to other material rods.

Fiberglass rods are more durable than graphite, they last longer but are slightly heavier than graphite ones. Fiberglass rods also have a lower price range than other rods.

Composite is the combination of both and has the qualities of both materials. At last, there are carbon fiber rods lighter, more sensitive than graphite, and more durable than fiberglass rods. Nowadays, these rods are more enhanced and advanced which also raises their price.

Now the question is which one to pick? If you prefer sensitivity and want a lightweight rod for fatigue-less fishing pick graphite rods. If you want a durable rod and require prominent rod flex pick fiberglass. And if you get carbon fiber rods in comparison to both and at an affordable price they can be preferred over the others.  

Reel body Material

Reel bodies are mostly graphite or aluminum. Just like the graphite rods, graphite reels are also lighter in weight and their superior quality is corrosion resistant. These material rods are best for saltwater fishing as their bodies do not get affected by saltwater particles to disturb their performance.

Whereas, aluminum reels are durable and non-flimsy. No doubt these are stronger reels than graphite but heavier and have less corrosion resistance. You have to be careful with the regular maintenance of these reels after saltwater exposure. ]

Make sure to use synthetic oils and lubricants, and grease them properly after saltwater fishing. But if you are a beginner, and don’t know how to disassemble the reel components and then assemble them back, it is better to pick graphite reels.

Rod Guides

The smaller-sized eyelets on the fishing rods are the rod guides. These guides play their role in casting accuracy, and evenly distribute the stress between rod and line. In addition to this, rod guides also reduce friction when a fishing line passes through the guides.

Rod guides also lead to achieving casting distance and sensitivity to transfer nibble vibrations.

It is important to have good-quality material line guides. It is better to have lightweight guides that do not add additional weight and disturb the rod’s balance. The guides should be durable and shouldn’t bend easily under heavy loads.

Among them, stainless steel guides are recommended on the rods they are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Aluminum line guides are also an option available but they have less rust protection. They get affected earlier than stainless steel guides.

Spinning Rod Power

The power of the rod is selected according to the size of the target fish as power is the indication of the rod’s strength. It is divided into different levels i.e. Heavy, extra-heavy, medium, medium-heavy, medium-light, light, and ultra-light.

The higher the power scale is, the more strength, the more heavy the rod will be in weight and the bigger catch it can land. The official definition of the fishing rod is the “Pressure required to make rod bend”.

If you are up to smaller catches or panfish, go with an ultra-light rod and reel combo, targeting bass, trout, and medium-sized catches go with medium power, targeting giant trophy-sized fish pick heavy power rods. The power of the rod also shows the line and lure weight limit of the rod.

Each spinning reel paired with the rod in these spinning combos for bass is according to the power, action, and target fish.

To learn more about fishing rod power check out this guide.

Spinning rod Action

To check how much flexible your rod is, check its action. The rod action is also categorized further i.e. fast action, moderate-fast, moderate, moderate-slow, and slow action rods. The slower the rod is, the bendier the fishing rod is.

The action of the rod is how fast the rod returns to its original position after bending. The fast action rods only bend from the tip, the moderate action rods bend from the mid-section to the tip, and at last the slow action rods, these bend throughout their whole length from right above the butt section to the tip.

For setting fast hook sets, pick fast action rods, fast action rods are also great with sensitivity. Both fast and moderate action rods are also easy to handle. Slow action rods are slower of all and good for targeting smaller catches.

To learn more about the fishing rod action check out this guide.

Handle Material

What if your fishing rod slips from your hand when you set the hook? It’s a missed catch. Make sure the handle grip of the rod offers a firm grip even with wet hands and should be a source of comfort to hold the rod for a longer period. The same is the case with the reel handle.

Mainly two handle options are available in different types of fishing rods and reels i.e. Cork and EVA. Cork handles offer a firm grip and wicks away moisture quickly so easy to hold with wet hands too but they don’t retain their shape for a longer time especially when placed in a rod holder.

While the EVA foam handles are long-lasting, lighter in weight, and less expensive than cork handles. They are durable and the perfect option, especially for winter fishing as they feel warmer to hands. EVA handles are also good with sensitivity.

Regarding the rod handle design, two different styles are adopted i.e. full grip and split grip. It is up to the angler’s style and preferences what he/she picks as the design doesn’t affect the cast.

When it comes to fishing reel handles, prefer to go with reels that have relatively bigger handles easy to hold. As smaller size handles can slip from the hand no matter what material.

Gear Ratio

The gear ratio indicates the speed of the retrieving line by the reel. This is how many times the spool rotates on one complete turn of the handle. The more time it rotates, the faster the reel is.

It is an important factor to consider before buying a fishing reel. It is dependent on your type of fishing, and what gear ratio is required. If you are fishing with heavy baits and lines, targeting bigger catches, a slower gear ratio reel i.e. 4:1, or 5:1 reels of this range are perfect.

 Some techniques required fast retrievals so pick reels of higher gear ratios i.e. 6:1 or above.

Drag system of the reel

The drag system of the reel relies on the drag washers (friction plates). These plates apply a specific amount of pressure on the spool to limit the excessive line release. As the fish get hooked, it starts running away hence more line will be released.

By setting the drag, you can pull heavy fish before the breaking strength of the line. Usually, the drag is set at one-third of the fishing line’s breaking strength. 

Drag needs to be set before the cast using the clutch or knob. By turning it clockwise it tightens and by turning it anti-clockwise, the drag is set loose.

Among all the different types of drag systems, go with the front drag spinning reels they are durable and easier to set and manage.

Ball Bearings

The smaller components inside the reel body reduce friction between moving parts and smooth the rotational process of the reel.

To land with the best spinning rod and reel combo for bass make sure to check that the paired reel has at least 4 ball bearings. This is the minimum limit. The greater is always recommended. As more is the number of ball bearings, the more smooth and stable the reel is.

But sometimes the fewer good quality ball bearings win over the ball bearings of a larger count. The reel in the combo must have well-built ball bearings of quality material e.g. stainless steel. This material offers long-lasting smoothness with corrosion resistance.

Aluminum ball bearings are also added to the rods and are durable but lack rust resistance.

The Size of the Fish

The size of the fish you’re targeting is also important. If you’re going after smallmouth bass, you’ll need a smaller rod and reel combo than if you were after largemouth bass. The size of the fish will also affect what type of line you use. Heavier lines are better for bigger fish, while lighter lines are better for smaller fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Your personal preferences will also play a role in choosing the best spinning rod and reel combo for bass fishing. Some people prefer heavier rods that offer more power, while others prefer lighter rods that are easier to handle. It’s really up to you to decide what feels best in your hands.