If you are just getting started into fishing or are looking for an affordable rod and reel combo under $50, you’ll notice that there is a lot of options out there.
Let’s face it. When it comes to fishing, having the right rod and reel combination that fits your individual needs is super important. After all its the direct link between you and the fish.
Avid anglers will spend hundreds of dollars on multiple fishing setups (my self-included) but this kind of spending isn’t necessary for everyone. Especially for those that are just starting out or are on a tight budget.
This guide looks at all of the different rod and reel combinations in the market right now and gives recommendations on the best rod and reel combos under $50 dollars and some tips on how they can best be used to fit your fishing needs.
The 5 Best Spinning Rod Combos Under $50 Dollars
Top Rod & Reel Combinations Under $50 Dollars
- Abu Garcia Black Max Spinning Combo
- Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
- Lew’s American Hero Camo Spinning Combo
- Abu Garcia Ike Dude Spinning Combo
- Pflueger Trion Spinning Combo
Abu Garcia Black Max Spinning Combo
The Abu Garcia Black Max Spinning Combo is my top recommendation, it’s a high quality rod and reel combination at a great price. It’s extremely smooth, light and has a great feel to it.
This is the ideal combination for beginners and an experienced anglers looking for an affordable spinning setup. It’s a great all around rod and reel combo and could be used for multiple fishing applications.
I recently purchased this combo for my sister who just started taking up fishing a few years ago. I have been really impressed with the quality of this product. She mainly fishes for bass, trout and some smaller species and the Black Max has handled the different size of fish extremely well.
If you are looking for a very good product at a great price point, then I would highly recommend picking up this spinning rod combination. For the price it is sure tough to beat.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
The GX2 Ugly Stik Spinning Combo is one of the toughest rod and reel combinations out there and one that I would highly recommend for those that are looking for a quality spinning combination under $50 dollars.
I’ve had this same setup for many years now and have definitely put it to the test. I have caught a ton of different fish on it and it has held up extremely well for me over the years. It also come in a variety of power, lengths and sizes to fit your individual fishing needs.
This rod and reel combo is well known for its durability, and all-around use for all types of fish species. In addition to its durability, it’s a versatile spinning combination that casts well and has a nice smooth retrieval.
After many years of use, I have been extremely happy with this spinning combo and would highly recommend it for beginners and for those looking for a quality setup on a budget.
Lew’s American Hero Spinning Combo
The Lew’s American Hero Camo Spinning Rod Combo just might be my favorite combination on this list. I would have ranked this one higher but it is just a tad over the $50-dollar mark. With that being said the small increase in price is well worth it.
The American Hero Spin combo is a great setup and was built for performance. I bought this combination this past year and have been very happy this product. I have been primarily using this combination as I have fished for trout using tube jigs and spinners and have also used it a ton finesse fishing both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
It’s a light sensitive rod making it easy to detect bites, the reel is super smooth and it holds up well in all type of weather conditions. All in all, this is a versatile spinning rod combo that is cheap in price but not in quality.
If you are looking for an all-around great spinning rod combination that is just a tad over $50 dollars then the Lew’s American Hero Spinning Combo is a great option. I would highly recommend looking into this spinning setup.
Abu Garcia Ike Dude Spinning Combo (Great for Kids)
Next up on the top 5 spinning rod combination list is the Abu Garcia Ike Dude Spinning combo. This combo is a great value and a solid setup for bass, trout and smaller species of fish. At this price it will be tough to find anything that compares to this spinning rod combo.
This spincast combo was designed especially for youth anglers in mind but is also a great option for beginners as well. It comes with a very smooth reel that makes it ideal for long range casts that is paired with a tough rod that will handle your fish with ease.
If you are looking to get your kids setup with a great rod and reel combination or you are just getting into fishing then the Abu Garcia Ike Dude Spinning Combo is a great option that you should consider looking into.
Pflueger Trion Spinning Combo
The Plueger Monarch Spinning Combo offers solid fishing performance at a great value. It’s sensitivity, toughness and versatility makes it a great setup right around the $50-dollar price point.
This is a versatile fishing combo that is an ideal choice for targeting a wide variety of species. In addition to its versatility, it’s also a comfortable and light setup that provides smooth cranking and sensitivity helping anglers feel every bite.
Overall, this is a quality product at a great price. If you are looking for a reliable fishing rod and reel combo that will also give you high quality performance, then the Plueger Monarch Spinning Combo is a great option.
How to Choose a Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
Before you decided to purchase a spinning rod and reel combo it’s important that you first think about how you intend to use this setup and what type of species you plan on targeting. You will never want to buy a spinning combo just on the price alone.
Understanding what kind of fish you are going to target, how you are going to fish for them and where they live will be key factors in determining the right power, action, length you’ll need for your targeted fish and technique(s).
Here is a simple step by step process that will help you determine what the right rod and reel combination is for you.
- Determine the targeted fish (trout, bass, catfish, walleye, panfish etc.)
- Understand what type of lures, techniques and terminal tackle will be needed for your targeted specie(s).
- Determine what size line will be required for these fishing lures and techniques.
- Select a rod and reel combinations with the appropriate power, reel size, length and action to best help you land your targeted species. (see graphic below for more guidance)
Here is a helpful graphic that teaches you about the different rod powers and action:
Source: Fix.com Blog
Fish come in all shapes and sizes so it’s important that you get the right spinning combination that will fit your specific fishing needs. Having the right setup will not only help you land and catch more fish but will also make your fishing experience more enjoyable.
For some additional tips on how to select a spinning combo check out this article by Cadence Fishing.
Finals Thoughts
Whether you’re just taking up fishing for the first time and looking to get your first rod and reel combo or if you are looking to find a quality setup at an affordable price. I hope this guide has been helpful to you in some way and has given you a thing or two to think about.
These rod & reel combos and tips listed above should make it easy to identify a solid fishing setup at a fair price. The key is finding the right one that fits you in your situation. I hope I have been able to help you do so.
I appreciate you taking the time to stop by.
Tight Lines
Aaron
