7 Best Surf Rod and Reel Combo
Carla Arbuckle
Combos are always a great idea because the components are designed to work hand in hand. When it comes to surf fishing, you need a reliable pair that supplements the features of each other to achieve a fantastic performance.
These rod and reel combos were curated, evaluated, and chosen especially for your convenience. We all have different preferences, so it is ideal that we choose the combo that suits us best. There are a wide variety of features among these combos, each offering their own pros and cons, which we can choose from to cater to our needs.
Check them out!
7 Best Surf Rod and Reel Combo
1. Okuma Tundra Surf Spinning Combo
2. PENN Battle II Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
3. PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
4. KastKing Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combos
5. KastKing Sharky III Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
6. PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
7. Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
Okuma Tundra Surf Spinning Combo
This Tundra Surf Spinning Combo by Okuma measures 10 ft. with a sized 80 spinning reel. Its rod is lightweight and long-lasting as it is made of durable glass fiber. The guide inserts are ceramic, making it impossible to corrode despite exposure to water. The reel is powered by a 1BB ball bearing drive to assure smoothness. With its multi-disc oiled felt drag system, catching a powerful fish will be easier. It also has a corrosion-resistant spool made of graphite that does not rust over time. This combo is easy to use and comfortable to hold because of the EVA foam fore and rear grips.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Has a warranty coverage
Cons
- Needs maintenance
Our Take
For only $40, this combo is a good deal. The rod is strong and sturdy. Since it is made of mainly fiberglass, rusting is not a problem even when you are fishing in saltwater. It is a common problem since rust eats off the metal and leaves you with a piece of dysfunctional equipment. The material used in the rod is also impressively lightweight and easy to manipulate. However, it is important to take good care of the eyelets as they are not as strong as the rest of the rod. If you are like me who is meticulous enough to store them properly when transporting, then this rod will give you no problems. The reel gets the job done as well. The clicks are not disturbing to hear. When you are dragging, you will not have a hard time as it is smooth. A little maintenance now and then is ideal for this combo to serve you longer. Overall, it is a budget-friendly deal that will catch you as many fishes as the expensive combos out there. This combo also comes with a one-year warranty shall you receive one with any factory defects. Worth a try!
PENN Battle II Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
This combo is ideal for conquering big saltwater fishes. It pairs a durable rod made entirely of metal and a stainless steel reel. The sensitivity of the rod gives you the ability to gauge the next best action because one can feel the movements optimally. The sideplate and rotor are made of metal that can undoubtedly handle rough movements. One can drag smoothly because this combo is powered by HT 100 carbon fiber drag system that is engineered to deal with fierce saltwater fishes. The fluid cranking of the reel together with five sealed stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse bearing ensure to deliver the best performance you need in every moment. Its superline spool does not need backing, and it is ready for any braided lines.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Good combo
- Strong and sturdy
- Designed for rough actions
Cons
- Not lightweight
Our Take
When looking for a combo, it is important to look at the quality of both components in order to maximize the features of each one. Having a good rod with a bad performing reel will be a waste of money. This combo arrived in a well-packaged box without any signs of damage. It is a two-piece rod that is easy to assemble. This also comes with an instructional manual with a list of all the parts in order to guide the user. When it comes to performance, this combo does the job pretty well. I am always impressed with the PENN quality, and this combo certainly manifests that. The rod is very sturdy and robust. It will surely last long if you take good care of it. However, you have to be very keen on the movements because it is not the most sensitive. It is designed for big fishes, so one can still feel when the bait has been caught. The reel performs great! Dragging is an easy task in this combo. It is not the most lightweight reel, but it surely assures durability. I would say this combo is designed for a heavy-duty performance that is expected in saltwater fishing.
PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
This is a complete set combo made especially for those who are always on the go. The rod is made of high-density carbon fiber incorporated with fiberglass. This offers perfect flexibility while maintaining the hardness and durability of the rod. Its stainless steel hooded reel seat features anti-seawater corrosion properties to eliminate rusting. The reel has an instant anti-reverse system. It houses a power drive gear designed to take on high amounts of pressure. Aluminum is used to create the spool, which features double color and one line holes. It is shorter than average spools, but it has larger spool and line capacity. The handle is covered with EVA foam for grip comfort. All of these features are compacted inside a portable case that is lightweight and easy to bring anywhere. This combo awaits your next adventure.
Pros
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Compact casing
- Heavy-duty
Cons
- May be small for your preference
Our Take
I am impressed with the engineering process of this combo. It is well designed and well built. The case it has looks very professional and expensive. It features a zipped case that is nicely padded. Every component of this combo has a special compartment in the case that makes it easy for you to detect if you are missing any piece. They are well-positioned inside as the padding is designed to accommodate the specific shape and size of each part. This functions as a protective feature that prevents unnecessary movements that can harm the parts, especially when traveling. The construction of the telescopic rod is amazing. It is easy to assemble with the reel. The rod is also durable and lightweight as I expected it to be. On the other hand, the body of the reel is made of a composite material that is also lightweight. It is smooth on the surface and very easy to cast, lock, and reel. The seat of the reel is also positioned perfectly as its distance allows you to cast out and reel back in without hitting the other components. The drag is smooth and can withstand rough fishes. This combo is a steal! It is designed to be user-friendly and heavy-duty at the same time. It is highly recommendable.
KastKing Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combos
This affordable reel and rod combo is great for gift-giving and for personal use! The rod is made of a Toray IM6 graphite blank that offers a lightweight feel and sensitivity to the angler. Its guides are made of stainless steel, which gives it durability and utmost strength. They are paired with O-ring inserts that are made perfectly to accommodate mono and braided lines. It is a perfectly balanced rod blank because the stainless steel frames are also lightweight. The Centron spinning reel comes in sizes ranging from 2000 to 5000. Its reel has 9+1 Maxi-Dur ball bearings, a frame made of graphite, and an aluminum spool. This combo is ready to offer a smooth and powerful dragging.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not very durable
Our Take
This combo is a good offer for anglers who are starting out, especially those with a low budget. It does not feel flimsy as what you would expect from a combo of this price. The rod casts very well. Even beginners will not have a hard time operating this combo. The product description is accurate when it said that the rod is light and easy to hold. However, one has to be careful with having the line stuck on certain debris. It is designed for fighting sea creatures, after all. When stuck on tree branches or things like such, be sure to follow proper procedures on how to get loose. Forcing to retrieve in these instances may trigger the rod to break. On the other hand, the reel retrieves smoothly and does not create unnecessary noises. Its bail returns without pause or roughness every time. It does not hang on the first crank, which is pretty common for low-budget combos. Catching largemouth bass does not feel like a task at all. When taken care of properly, this rod and reel will deliver good performance without any problems.
KastKing Sharky III Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
This KastKing Sharky III combo features a Toray IM7 graphite blank that is designed for hardcore fishing enthusiasts. It is powerful, sensitive, and lightweight, which is ideal for fighting robust saltwater fishes. This spinning fishing pole combo coms in 2-piece installations with lengths varying from 6’6” to 9’. Its O-ring inserts could be paired with mono or braided lines. The Fuji reel seats assure that the reel stays in the right place without wobbling despite the heavy-duty actions of the angler. Its KastKing Sharky III reel that comes in sizes 2000 up to 5000 can take on fishes of different sizes. The 10+1 stainless steel ball bearings power this combo for smooth drag. Water-resistant design is incorporated in the spool, body, and rotor to stop rusting. It offers optimum comfort since the handles are made of EVA foam, making them easy to grip as well.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Color may fade over time
Our Take
It is a very good lightweight saltwater combo! The rod holds up stronger than I expected. It has a reliable backbone that can take on lures of any sizes. I would say that this combo easily handles fishes with sizes that are close to a bass, or even slightly bigger. The rod is sensitive enough to feel light nibbles but is also tough enough to handle even fishes that measure 3 ft. Its guides are made of premium materials that will withstand rough actions. The reel is smooth and shows no problem when dragging. You almost cannot feel the mechanism turning because it does not create rough sensations when you operate it. The versatility of this combo will make it stand out. It performs well in any kind of fishing, may it be near shore or long cast. For its price point, this combo offers a lot more than what you pay for. It is great as a gift because the price is affordable, and it can be used by anyone of any skill level. It is highly recommendable.
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
This Plusinno fishing rod and reel combo is suitable for sea fishing, boat fishing, and rod fishing. It is easily collapsible for portability and easy storage. It packages all components in a compact case that is small and lightweight. The telescopic fishing rod pole is made of sensitive graphite blank construction. It can be adjusted to multiple lengths, which makes it convenient for the angler in different situations. The materials used in the rod are carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass that both offer durability and strength. Its stainless steel hooded reel seats feature an anti-corrosion property for rust protection. The reel has a thick coiled bail spring, and an S-curve shaped oscillation system to assure efficient line winding. Its deep aluminum spool offers larger line capacity. Left and right-handed retrieves are possible upon adjustment.
Pros
- Affordable
- Portable
- Convenient to use
- Compact case
- Has extra accessories
Cons
- Reel is not lightweight
Our Take
This combo arrived in a well-packaged case that looked very organized. Each component is packed individually in the padded case that has specific shapes to snug every component safely. One of its most impressive features is its portability. It is amazing when you can fit everything you need in one case because it causes no hassle when you carry it around. Since it is adjustable to different lengths, I had to try out the extremes to see if they hold up well. To my surprise, the rod offers consistent sturdiness and strength in every length you set it in. The reel performs in a quiet, smooth manner that is easy to use. It is not that lightweight, but it surely is very durable and sturdy. I also like the free accessories that came with the combo. It included tackle, bait, and a fishing line that most combos do not have. Overall, it is a pretty convenient package to have because you have everything in one case. Storage and transportation will certainly not bother you because everything is well kept. This is ideal for those who are highly adventurous!
Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
This Okuma Voyager Spinning Travel Kit is designed for an adventure that awaits you. When assembled, it is a 6ft. tall rod that is made of 5-piece components. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it convenient for storing and transporting after use. The rod features a comfortable cork grip, stainless steel hooded reel seat, and a guide insert that is made with durable ceramic materials. Its reel is a size 20 Voyager that is made of a corrosion-resistant graphite frame that houses a ball-bearing drive system. It features a machine cut brass pinion gear and one-piece spool made of anodized aluminum. This combo comes with a tackle box that holds several spinners, spoons, fishing hooks, and other accessories that you might need. This whole package is stored in a padded, soft-sided travel case that is zipped for maximized portability.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Portable
- Lightweight
Cons
- The reel occasionally makes sounds.
Our Take
For someone to be purchasing a $35 combo is a steal in itself. Adding on all the features this product brings makes it a one of a kind combo that stands out from everything else. This will make your adventure easier and more organized because everything comes as a package. It would be hard for you to leave out anything because the padded case has a specific space for each component, which acts as a checklist for all that you need to bring. Although the rod is not the stiffest one in the market, it is stiff enough to catch a large Bass. It is ultra-lightweight and easy to grip. The way it performs exceeds what you would expect of a cheap combo. It is comparable to combos that cost twice as much. Its reel can do the job fairly well. It is smooth to use, although it could have slight sounds every now and then. This is perfect for anglers who are always on the go. The bag it comes with is easy to carry around. It barely looks like an equipment case from the outside. For its price, I would confidently say it is such a good offer. If well maintained, this combo will be your partner for many adventures.
