When I first started getting into bass fishing, I realized early on that if I wanted to throw certain lures and fish certain rigs and techniques, I needed to get myself a nice baitcasting rod and reel combination. The only problem was I didn’t know what the best baitcasting combos were or what to even look for in a good setup. I was able to learn this through trial and error but at the time I wish I had someone to guide me through this process.
For this reason, I have put together this guide to buying the best baitcasting combination for beginners and have included some helpful tips, techniques and things to consider when buying and fishing a baitcaster setup for the first time.
What is the Best Baitcasting Combo for Beginners?
Over the years one of the most common questions that I get asked by new anglers is what is the best baitcasting combination for beginners? My answer to this has typically been one of the Lew’s or Abu Garcia combos. However, through experience, I have learned the best rod and reel combination really depends on the angler and what he or she is looking to accomplish.
Every angler should ask themselves the following questions before deciding what the best rod and reel combinations is best for them:
- What’s your budget?
- How often will you be fishing?
- Are you fishing competitively or for recreation?
- Where will you be fishing and what technique and lures do you plan on using?
By asking yourself these questions you’ll get a better idea of what’s going to be the right baitcasting setup for you in your situation. We will expand more on this later, but keep these things in mind as you continue reading about my top recommended baitcasting rod and reel for beginners.
The 5 Best Baitcasting Combos for Beginners
- Lew’s Mach 2 SLP Baitcast Combo
- Lews American Hero Combo
- Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcasting Combo
- Ugly Stik GX2 Baitcast Combo
- Lew’s Mach Smash SLP Baitcast Combo
Lew’s Mach 2 SLP Baitcasting Combo
The Lew’s Mach 2 SLP rod and reel is the ideal combination for beginners that are looking to get into the sport of bass fishing or for those that are looking to add to their arsenal.
This is a great entry level rod that gives you quality performance and durability. I’d recommend going with this combination if you plan on fishing a lot or fishing competitively in the future.
I have had several Lew’s spinning and baitcasting combinations over the years and have always been impressed with Lew’s. They are great to work with if you do run into issues and they make some quality products at a reasonable price.
The rod in this combo is made from a tough IM6 graphite blank and will hold up against even the toughest fish. It’s also pretty sensitive making it easy to detect those subtle bites.
The lightweight reel is made with a double shielded ball bearing system and an aluminum spool making it easy to cast and is very smooth.
The combination of performance, durability, cast-ability is what makes the Lew’s Mach 2 SLP combo a great option for any angler looking to get started into bass fishing or other species with a baitcaster.
Best Combo for: Beginners that are planning and fishing a lot or competitively
Lew’s American Hero Combo
As you have or will realize I have a lot of Lew’s combo on this list. That’s because Lew’s are really known for making some of the best baitcasting/spincasting combos on the market. The Lew’s American Hero Combo is no exception.
This casting combination is a little bit cheaper than the Lew’s combo but still delivers on quality and performance.
This combo comes with everything you need to get started and comes in both left handed and right handed reels. The reel comes with standard breaking, drag systems and is both sturdy and comfortable.
The rod is a lightweight rod that is constructed from a premium IM6 one-piece graphic blanks there are a few different rod power options to choose from.
If this is your first baitcasting combo you will want to select a power that gives you the ability to fish multiple baits and techniques.
A great starting option would be a 6’10 medium heavy, this give you some versatility and power you’ll need to fish most lures and rigs.
I have been a huge fan of Lew’s fishing products over the years and have many rod and reel combinations. You really can’t go wrong with the Lew’s American Hero Combo.
Best Combo for: Beginners looking for a versatile rod to help them get started.
Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcasting Rod and Reel Combo
The Abu Garcia Black Max is an excellent combo that will provide you with a setup that has sensitivity, durability and toughness.
Overall, this is a great option for anyone that is looking to get their first baitcasting combo or for those that are looking to add to their collection.
The reel has an ergonomically designed handle that fits comfortable in your hands making it easier to use during those long hours on the water.
The baitcasting reel also comes with the MagTrax brake system that makes casting accurately and long distances a breeze.
In addition, the reel has a Power Drag system that provides you with a smooth drag that will help you reel in those big fish.
The rod is a graphite 1-piece rod that is both surprisingly sensitive allowing you to detect even the smallest bites. This combo will also hold up under harsh conditions and can last for a long time.
The Abu Garcia Black Max is a great fishing reel combo that will provide anglers with a smooth drag, a tough rod that has great sensitivity. If you are looking for a versatile combo that holds up overtime, then this combo would be a great option for you.
Best Combo for: Beginners that are planning on getting some good use out of their baitcaster.
Ugly Stik GX2 Baitcast Combo
Next up on the list is the Ugly Stik GX2 Baitcasting combo. The first fishing setup that I ever bought was an ugly stik spinning combo and it has lasted me years.
This combo is perfect for those that are just wanting to get their feet wet with a baitcaster. It’s the most affordable option on this list and can be a great setup for beginners.
The Ugly Stik by Shakespeare is well known for its durability and strength. It’s not the most sensitive combo but what it lacks in sensitivity it makes up for in toughness.
The rod in this combo is a 2-piece rod which makes it easy to store and transport. The only downside of a 2-piece is that if you don’t make sure its secured it might come undone if you make a long hard cast.
The reel is pretty standard and comes with pre-spooled 12lb. line, which I’d recommend taking off and upgrading to a better line. The reel is made of plastic which isn’t ideal but is a decent entry level reel.
If you are looking for a baitcasting setup that you can use every once in a while or to help you get started this combo could be a great fit for you.
Although this combo lacks in some areas, overall its a great combination at this price point. I would highly recommend this setup for any angler that is just wanting to get started with a baitcaster.
Best Combo for: Beginners looking for the most affordable option
Lew’s Mach Smash SLP Baitcast Combo
The Lew’s Mach Smash just recently won the best of show baitcast combo award at ICAST, which is one of the biggest fishing conventions around. Not only does it have the street credit but it also come in a unique color that stands out and looks awesome.
The Lew’s Mach Smash is one of my favorite baitcasting combo on this list. However, it is also the most expensive combo as well, but its definitely worth the extra price. You can typically find this combo just over the $120-dollar mark.
This is a very nice combo that not only has an eye catching color, but it’s a lightweight setup that is built for heavy duty use. The rod is 6”10 medium heavy one piece rod this makes it an overall versatile setup.
I could write a ton about all of the specs and quality material this combo is built with, but I won’t’ bore you with that information, but you can check it out by clicking the button below.
The Lew’s Mach Smash Baitcasing Combo is a great fit for the beginners that are planing on fishing more seriously and need a quality setup that can keep up.
Best Combo for: Beginners looking for a high performance combo that can keep up.
How to Choose the Right Baitcasting Combo
As I mentioned previously the right rod and reel combination will be different for everyone and will depend what your price range is, how often you will be using it and how often you plan on going fishing. Here is a quick guide that will help you choose the right baitcasting combo for you.
Budget
If you are on a tight budget and can’t afford to drop a lot of cash on a fishing pole then I would recommend choosing the Ugly Stik GX2 combo. This is a great entry level rod that will help get you started.
If money isn’t an option, I would recommend going with the Lew’s Mach Smash or if you want a truly premium rod and reel combo and are willing to spend more go with the Lew’s Mach Crush combo.
Use
Anyone of these rod and reel combination can get the job done. However, if you are planning on fishing a lot then I would recommend paying a little extra up front and buying either the Lew’s Carbon Blue GT or Abu Garcia Black Max, it will be worth it in the long run.
On the other hand, if you plan on going out every once and while then a cheaper option might be right for you.
Recreation or Competitively
Another factor to consider is are you going to fish competitively in fishing tournaments or just for fun? If your goal is to fish in tournaments, then I would recommend going with some of the higher end entry level rods & reels. That way you won’t have to upgrade down the road.
If fishing just for fun is more your style, then I would chose a price point that you are most comfortable with.
Make sure to check out My Recommended Bass Fishing Gear and Tackle Guide to ensure you have the right gear for your next fishing adventure.
Baitcaster Basics
The Drag
The drag on a baitcasting reel is typically located on the side near the handle. It’s used to set and regulate the tension placed on the line as you are reeling in a fish. The tighter the drag ,the harder it is for the fish to peel off line. However, you don’t want your drag set too tight or the fish can easily break off.
Braking System
The breaking system on a baitcasting reel is designed to regulate how fast the spool rotates during a cast. This breaking concept is similar to how the brakes work on your car’s tires.
The brakes are usually found on the opposite side of your reel and can be easily adjusted as needed.
The more braking power you add, provides more resistance on that spool keeping you from getting really big bird’s nest, but it is also going to affect how far you can cast.
If you are just learning how to cast a baitcaster its best to set you brakes high this will make it easier. Once you get a feel for the reel and become more confident you can let up on the breaks and start casting farther.
Spool Tension Knob
A Spool tension knob is another way you can fine tune your spool speed. Most anglers will adjust this for different lures that have varying sizes and weights.
This knob is a great way to further tune your spool to ensure that you can get the perfect cast with every lure you throw.
How to Cast a Baitcasting Reel
Frequently Asked Baitcaster Questions
Is braided line good for baitcasters? Braided fishing line works very well with baitcasting reels. In fact, most professional bass fishing anglers prefer to use braided line for most of their fishing applications, especially when fishing in heavy cover and structure.
Can you cast light lures with a baitcaster? A lot of people wonder if you can cast light lures with a baitcaster. The answer is: absolutely. It’s just a matter of adjusting the brakes and tension, you’ll also need to make sure you have lighter line and the right rod.
Why are baitcasters better? Fishing with a baitcaster allows you to typically launch a lure farther because the line flows directly straight off the spool. They are also generally better for accuracy and will allow you to more accurately fish in hard to reach areas.
Why do bass pros use baitcasters? Professional bass fishing anglers use baitcasters when fishing in tournaments for a variety of reasons. They allow them to cast their lures farther and more accurate. The other main reason professional use baitcaster is that it allows them to more accurately fish in cover and heavy structure such as lily pads and tullies.
Final Thoughts
There are many things to consider when buying your first baitcasting rod and reel combination. Before you make any decisions and purchases make sure to considered the factors we discussed in this article to ensure you get the right combo for your situation. I appreciate you taking the time to visit my site and I wish you the best of luck out there.
Tight Lines!