15 Best Baitcaster Combos of 2022– Complete Beginner’s Guide & Reviews

Fishing is one of the fun outdoor activities that you can do for recreation or commercial purposes. You need the right fishing gear and equipment to make your fishing sessions successful.

Have you been using a spinning reel and you now feel it is time to switch to a baitcaster combos?

 If so, I will help you pick the best baitcaster combo that are affordable and easy to set up.

With the many baitcaster combos on the market, it can be daunting to select the right one. However, we have researched and tested a wide range of baitcaster combos to provide you with the right product. Whether you are looking for the best baitcaster combo for beginners or experienced anglers, I'm sure you can find the best one here.

Do I Really Need a Baitcaster?

Having the right fishing tools will ultimately make you an experienced angler. There are many reasons why you need to consider having a good baitcaster combo. Here are some top ways you will enjoy the best baitcasting combo.

Opportunity for new doors

Baitcasters create more doors for hard and soft baits that fish love. They have a nice design that gives more capabilities, which you will not find in spinning reels. 

Additionally, the best baitcasting combos have a high gear ratio, allowing precision casts when engaging in sight fishing. They also provide more sensitivity in deep water jerking.

Fast and Accurate Casts

This is another reason why an angler needs the best baitcasting combo. The modern baitcasters feature a free spool design, which makes casting easy and accurate. 

You can do it faster with a push of a button than in a spinning reel, which needs the bail on one side of the reel.

Great Performance

You need to hold a baitcaster with your hand’s palm, which increases manipulation and sensitivity. Therefore, you will find it easier to feel the activities at the end of the line.

What Characterizes a Quality Baitcaster Combo?

Several qualities make up a good baitcaster combo. You need to ensure you have the right baitcaster that works well. Consider these qualities when searching for the best baitcaster combos.

Materials

What type of material is your baitcaster combo made of? You need to consider a high-quality material for the best performance. I would recommend graphite material because it is sensitive and lightweight. 

Fiberglass is also another great material that is durable and strong. However, if you want to get the performance of the two materials, get a composite rod.

Balance

When choosing a baitcaster combo, make sure you consider the balance. The reel’s rod should be well-balanced with the rod’s weight. As a result, you will achieve smooth and long casts which makes your experience better.

Drag System

When choosing the drag system, know the type of fish species that you want to fish. Generally, get a baitcaster combo with a powerful drag system of 10-15 pounds.

15 best baitcaster combo for beginners Comparison Table In 2022

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Baitcaster Combos For Beginners 

When it comes to the issue of selecting the best bait-caster, majority lack the basics features and other crucial specification that you should have. 

If you are looking for are a good bait-caster, then these are some of the things you should consider. Make sure you check them carefully before you buy to help you pick the right product.

Material

You need to check the material of the rod first, especially if you are a beginner. Lightweight rods are better because they offer more control for beginners. 

The best material that makes lightweight rods include fiberglass and graphite. Fiberglass is best if you deal with fast-moving and bigger fish because they are stiffer.

Comfort

You want your adventure to be great without feeling fatigued or pain in your hands. Therefore, consider rod grips and reel handles, which are comfortable. With a better grip, it will be easier for you to catch more fish.

Length

If you are choosing the best baitcaster combo for beginners, the length is essential to consider. Beginners need a short rod because casting and controlling is easier. 

Experts with a high skill level can work well with longer rods, providing longer casting distance.

Price

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get the best baitcasting reel and rod combo. There are many best baitcasting rod and reel combo for the money that provides a great experience. 

Whether you need the best baitcaster combo under $100 or the best baitcaster combo for the money, you can easily get them. They are a great option for casual anglers and beginners who are on a budget and need quality.

The size

Bait-casting combos are available in different sizes like; small, medium as well as large ones. When it comes to the small ones, they are lighter, easier to cast as well as handling as compared to the large ones.

If you are looking for a tougher and heavy bait-caster combo, then you can go for the large one. Line capacity is another important factor when we are implementing the size of the bait-caster as the larger one will hold a more line as compared to the small one.

Gearing

In this part, we are going to discuss gear ration, which determines the speed of the reel. The gear ration is used for determining the number of rotations the spool rotates with single or multiple turns of the handle. 6.4.1 Is the average bait-casting of a combo as it's suitable for both beginners and professionals.

But if you need a faster speed, then it's recommended you go for the ratio of 7.1 as its good with the most application. However, as we also have the ones who prefer to have a slow speed, then you can decide to use the 5.4.1 and will perfectly suit your need.

Braking system

First of all, breaking is different from braking in bait-casting. The braking systems are used for adjusting the rotation capability of the spool during the cast period. Therefore, it can either let the spool spin more freely or spinless freely. But as time goes by, when you thumb spools the cast correctly, then the braking system will become less important.

Other factors you can consider includes

A. Ball Bearing- This are inexpensive parts in the bait-caster thus you only need to get high quality and long-lasting ones.

B. Frame- They come in two different forms, i.e., graphite or aluminum. The graphite one is less expensive and lighter in terms of weight than the aluminum frame but cannot withstand harsh condition as compared to the aluminum frame.

C. Spool- Most of the modern bait-caster combos have an aluminum spool that makes them stronger and durable as they are rustproof. This feature also makes them less expensive and harder and rigid to scratch. The spools with a hole are lighter in weight and easier to stop and start spinning unlike the ones with no hole.

D. Handles-This is another crucial feature that you can't afford to miss to consider while making your purchase in the market. The most preferred handles are the rubber ones due to their softness.

E. Line Guides. Line guides are made from either ceramic or titanium which is less expensive as compared to similar materials, but there can crack and break.

Recommended Top 15 Baitcaster Combos Reviews of 2022

Successful fishing requires essential items like fish finders, GPS combo and baitcaster combo among others.

The following are amazing baitcaster combos that you can consider buying. Whether you are looking for the best baitcaster combo under 200 or the best baitcaster combo under 100, you can get what you want here. 

The products are affordable and designed to meet your fishing needs. Examine their reviews carefully so that you can decide with baitcaster combo is suitable for your fishing needs.

1. Tailored Tackle Bass Fishing Baitcasting Combo

Need a right-handed bass fishing rod and reel? This one will give you high performance at an affordable price. Unlike other complicated reels and rods, this one is easy to use, even for beginners. 

It features a medium-heavy rod for fast action tip. This is the only fishing combo that offers 7-foot length to give you maximum casting.

With this combo, you will get a gear ratio of 6.3:1 and 7 smooth ball bearing for fast casting. Dealing with tangles is also easy since you only need to pop out the spool and make quick fixes. This product is made to provide great performance when you are fishing.

Pros

• Perfect for leaning baitcasting
• Great performance and good customer service
• Sensitive and provide a smooth action
• Good baitcaster combo for the price
• It has the right specs required for catching fish

Cons

• Great but not beginner-friendly
• Poor packaging and some users get it damaged

2. KastKing Cadet Casting Combos

This is another best baitcasting rod reel combo designed to give you better performance without breaking the bank. The combo is reasonably priced to help anyone start bass fishing easily. 

You will love the quality of the components and the rod blanks. They are sensitive and light; hence easy to store and pack when out of the water.

The combos give you unmatched durability. The line guide is made of ceramic, and the frame features a lightweight graphite material. 

The handle has aluminum material, and it also has a CNC aluminum spool. Additionally, it has a rubber handle knob for a better grip.

This casting combo has a top-quality casting reel with seven magnetic braking to make casting effortless. Therefore, you don’t need to stress about backlashes and overruns. 

The reels have a 5+1 shielded ball bearing that contributes to smooth operation. You can also find the cadet combo in right or left-hand orientation to match your needs.

Pros

• Affordable combo with high-quality components
• They are made in two-piece for easy storage
• The magnetic braking system makes casting simple
• Lightweight graphite frame
• Great baitcaster for beginners

Cons

• The reel is great, but the rod needs improvement
• The tip breaks off easily

3. PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos

This package comes with one fishing rod and fishing reel. The fishing rod features high-quality construction to provide durability and elasticity.

 It has welded stainless steel guides featuring ceramic inserts to offer accuracy and superb casting. This happens when dissipating heat efficiently, and this brings about durability.

The reel has a collapsible handle which you can interchange from left to right. You will also find ball bearings that are corrosion resistant to provide smooth performance. Additionally, it gives a gear ratio of 5.2: 1. 

The unit is lightweight and easily portable since it fits in your car trunk, backpack or boat easily. Therefore, you can carry it wherever you want easily.

Pros

• Made with high-quality materials for durable use
• It has a compact design for easy traveling
• Convenient and lightweight
• Provides accuracy and great casting distance
• Ball-bearing are corrosion resistant
• The unit makes a perfect gift

Cons

• Breaks easily
• Poor quality control

4. BlueFire Fishing Rod Kit

The telescopic fishing rod features high-density carbon fiber to provide lightweight use, durability, and sturdiness. You will appreciate the telescopic design, which makes storage and transpiration easy. The spinning reel have 5.2:1 gear ratio to provide more speed and smooth retrieval. It has a durable construction and gives high performance needed for both beginners and experienced anglers.

You will find smooth guide rings corrosion-resistant and made of top-notch ceramic and stainless steel materials. As a result, they provide good heat dissipation and also keeps the friction minimal. Lastly, you will get a convenient carry bag constructed with nylon material. It has a large capacity to help you carry more tools that you require for your fishing trip.

Pros

• The kit is great for beginners and experienced anglers
• The rod and the fishing reel has quality construction and components
• Suitable for inshore fishing, saltwater, freshwater, and bass trout fishing
• Rod has a telescopic design for easy carrying and storage
• The rod has nice grips for right and left-handed users
• It comes with a functional bag with ample storage

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a better lure
• The reel doesn’t fit in the rod

5. Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

Do you need the best bass baitcaster combo for freshwater and saltwater fishing? You can consider this combo that comes at a pocket-friendly price. 

The fishing rod is made of carbon fiber, and it has stainless steel hooded real seats that are corrosion resistant. Additionally, it features a stainless steel line guide ring featuring ceramic to provide better heat dissipation.

Anglers also love the comfortable EVA handle that gives a good grip. The reel has an aluminum spool, and you can interchange it from left to right-hand use.

 It gives a good performance hence ideal for catching large gamefish. You will also get a gear ratio of 5.5:1, and the metal handle is foldable for compact storage.

The package comes with multiple accessories to get a fishing rod, fishing reel, and fishing line. EVA carrier bag, lure, and other accessories. All these items are easy in the carrier bag to take in your backpack, boat, or car.

Pros

• Great value and durable performance
• Comes with a good carrying case
• You will get everything you need to get started
• Ergonomic handle provides comfortable use
• You will get multiple accessories
• It comes with a carry bag for easy storage of the items

Cons

• The quality is not consistent
• Not suitable for a beginner
• It breaks easily

6. Ugly Stik Elite Bait-cast Combo - best baitcaster combo for beginners

Ugly Stik elite bait-cast combo is one of the finest and strongest baitcasting combos that are now available in the current market. This is a light and durable bait caster for big fish as well as the small ones. The best thing with this kind of bait caster is that is suitable for both beginners and professionals.

The baitcaster combo is made for two thumbs up, which makes it perfect for beginners. It also ensures that the operation is easy and effective as compared to the one thumb bait caster combos. Another great feature with this baitcaster is that its well-designed handle for easy handling while fishing.

When it comes to the rod sensitivity, then no way we can afford to negotiate on that. This classic and high-quality bait caster combo features a high rod sensitivity and strength, making fishing effective and perfect. The bait caster is suitable on both softy and freshwaters; thus no need to get several bait casters for different water sites.

Pros

• It has a smooth and amazing handle
• Very easy to use and maintain
• Suitable for freshwater and saltwater fishing
• Less expensive
• Great for beginners
• Easy to use

Cons

• It's a bit heavy 
• Requires some skills in fitting the rods

7. Abu Garcia BMAX3/662M Bait-cast Fishing Reel Combo -best baitcasting combo for saltwater

If you need a quality and reliable baitcaster combo, then this is the best type that you should be aiming to get. It is equipped with all the modern features that a classic baitcaster combo should have. First of all, it's a two-piece rod which makes it easy to put it in and out of your car or boat with ease.

It's a pretty good medium-heavy baitcaster combo that is worth your money hence very easy to fish without much struggle. Another great feature with this amazing baitcaster combo is that its gears are so smooth. It is also capable of casting at a very high rate which is not common with most of the traditional bait caster combos.

The drag is also quite impressive as it's capable of landing up to 20 +lb stripers with this rig making it unique from the rest of bait caster combos in the market. When it comes to its handle, its well designed for comfortable fishing as it has a soft and high-quality rubber.

It has a nice rod with a perfect bent, and it has two pieces. Besides, it comes with an extra rod piece; thus no need to purchase a spare one. Lastly, our premium bait caster combo is well balanced.

Pros

• Much easier to adjust
• The rod is a bit heavy
• Easy to use and suitable for both professionals and beginners.
• Comfortable handle.

Cons

• The rod is not stiff
• No bail it's just a button

8. Lew's American Hero Bait-casting Rod and Reel Combo

Here comes one of the great baitcaster combos that have a high quality and classic frame and side plates that are made from a lightweight and premium graphite. This type of modern bait-casting combo has a tension adjustment knob that makes it easy to adjust your combo.

The five bearing system has four double-shielded stainless steel ball-bearing that are corrosion resistant. Thus, you are guaranteed of getting a life warranty baitcaster with 1 zero reverse one-way clutch. It also has a sturdy and long-lasting solid main gear as well as a premium crankshaft which makes it unique from the rest of bait-casters in the market.

This bait-caster combo also features IM6 one piece that is made of sturdy graphite blank that is multi-layered for additional strength. The one Rulon drag that is constructed from a durable and lightweight material is capable of offering up to 10 lbs of power.

Pros

• Made of aluminum bowed handle.
• More portable
• Medium power rod
• Less expensive than similar types

Cons

• It requires frequent maintenance
• The rod maybe not so much stiff.

9. Sougayilang 2-Piece Baitcasting Fishing Rod with Fishing Reel Combos

Make fishing enjoyable and effective with the sougayilang 2 piece bait casting combo. It helps perform all kind of fishing in both fresh and salty waters. One of the fantastic features of this combo is the smooth and durable handle. The rod is designed uniquely to ensure that it's capable of bending effectively and perfect.

Another great feature with this amazing bait caster combo is that it's a 2 piece and comes with an extra rod piece. The rod is sturdy enough to cough both large and small fish. In addition to that, the combo is well balanced, and well design with a very high eye catch up.

When it comes to assembling, it's effortless to assemble the rod and the reel. If you need a classic and quality bait caster combo, this is the right one as the real operates smoothly.

Pros

• Left and right-handed bait caster combo
• Sensitive fishing line
• Strong construction
• Very affordable.

Cons

• It requires some frequent maintenance

10. Lew's Fishing Laser MG Bait-cast Combo - best baitcaster combo for bass

Which features make baitcaster combo good? The discussed features are the main one that makes this one of the amazing and quality bait caster combo in the market. One thing that you should have in your mind before purchasing any combo is its quality. This Lew's fishing bait caster combo is constructed from sturdy and durable rustproof materials.

This combo is a one-piece making it a bit challenging to the left-handed users. However, it's straightforward to use and operates thus suitable for beginners and professionals. The graphite composite frames make it strong and worth to work in all types of water as it includes side plates made of graphite.

Additionally, the 8 premium double-shielded steel bearing system which is free from rust makes this kind of bait caster suitable for salty water. It's also equipped with zero reverse one-way steel clutch bearing which is also stainless. Another rare feature with this fantastic bait caster combo is the palming side plate that is very easy to remove for quick access of the spool.

Our combo is equipped with a high strength main gear and crankshaft solid brass which is not a common feature with most of the ordinary bait caster combos. It also has a sturdy and durable Rulon drag system that is capable of delivering up to 10 lbs of the drag power.

• Lightweight, sturdy and durable split grip handles
• Durable Rulon 10 lb
• 8 ball-bearing laser
• Cheap
• High-quality rod

Cons

• Only suitable for right-handed users

11. Berkley® Big Game™  - Best baitcaster combos under 100

Here comes one of the great baitcaster combos that are very affordable as compared to similar types in the current market. One of the amazing features is its graphite reel body that is made of a durable aluminum handle for a long life span.

It also includes 1 stainless steel bearing that is corrosion resistant; thus, you are guaranteed of a high-quality bait caster combo. This kind of modern bait caster combo is suitable for both beginners as well as professionals. It has a gear ratio of 5.1.1 which is not a common feature with majority of the bait caster combos.

The handle is well designed in an elegant design that is eye-catching with soft rubber. This is a one-piece bait caster combo thus favorable for right-handed users. The best thing with this amazing bait caster is that it does not require any battery. The drag system is of high quality and more powerful than any other type.

Pros

• It has a sturdy rod and reel feel
• Big power series
• The rod has a high sensitive capability
• It's affordable
• Light in weight

Cons

• Only suitable for right-handed users.
• Made for small and medium-size fish

12. Daiwa Tatula Bait-casting Reels

When it comes to fishing reels and other fishing equipment, Daiwa is one of the reputable brands that you can find on the market today. In their series of baitcaster combos, the Daiwa Tatula Bait-casting Reels is ideal for fishing enthusiast. This is a lightweight fishing reel that is easy to use.

The best thing with this great bait caster is that is suitable for both fresh and saltwater which not a common feature among baitcaster combos is. The combo is equipped with a high corrosion resistant clutch that gives it a long life span.

The rugged, durable and lightweight aluminum frame, as well as its side plate, makes it sturdy for both small and large fish. The reel features a large 90 mm swept power handle that is comfortable to use. You will not experience too much fatigue when using this unit.

Pros

• Durable and lightweight
• Equipped with Magforce Z cast controls
• Easy to carry and use
• Includes a graphite rod for sensitivity
• Durable reel as well as the rod

Cons

• Not suitable for high pressure

13. Lews Fishing Tournament MB Bait-cast Reel - best baitcaster combos under 200

This reel features ten double shielded stainless steel bearing to offer an exemplary performance. The spool is made of aluminum making it durable and lightweight. Another great aspect of this reel is the high strength solid brass gearing.

The high strength solid brass gears makes it perfect for light and heavy fish with zero reverse one-way rustproof steel clutch bearing. It's also equipped with a rugged carbon composite drag system of about 14lb max drag.

Pros

• Lightweight with a durable aluminum reel handle
• Aluminum frame and side plate
• Zirconia line guide
• Affordable
• The reel is stable

Cons

• Hard to get it tuned

14. Zebco Bait-cast Combo, Size 100, Right

Zebco is another great brand that is known to make high quality bait casting reels. It provides quality products that anglers love. You can try the Zebco Bait-cast Combo if you want to have an experience with bait caters. It is constructed with a graphite frame and includes two side covers with an aluminum spool for durability.

This fantastic bait caster combo is equipped with 6.1.1 gear ratio thus suitable for high speed. It also includes other unique features like 3 bearing system, continuous anti-reverse gears, etc.

Another great feature we can't afford to leave behind is its amazing and high-quality 6.6-inch graphite rod with a premium natural cork soft handle. The dynamic magnetic cast controls make it suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Pros

• Less expensive
• Lightweight
• Smooth casting reel
• Elegant design for portability
• High sensitive rod

Cons

• One-piece thus suitable for only right-handed users
• It's not multi-purpose

15. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite - best baitcaster combo under 150

This new model is made with 35% more graphite and a lightweight rod without compromising its toughness. It provides you with unmatched durability so it can serve you for many years.

The level of the tip sensitivity will make fishing faster and enjoyable. Also, the high-speed gear that is provided by the real ratio of 6.3.1 and coupled with a 7 classic bearing system to ensure smooth retrieval actions.

Pros

• The reel is equipped with a pop spool
• It's affordable
• Includes a heavy-duty for big fish
• Sturdy and durable
• Lightweight and easy to use

Cons

• It's a right-handed bait-caster combo

Final Words