7 Best Ice Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Carla Arbuckle
A fishing rod offers you the flexibility of fishing everything below the ice or under seawater/freshwater environment, while the reel winds and stows the line. These are two essential tools for fishing. However, buying a separate device can be a bit difficult sometimes. It takes a lot of time and energy, finding what kind of reel best suits your rod. Isn’t it frustrating? But what if I told you that these two are now an item?
Today, fishing is becoming both a hobby and a sport. Thus, the demand for a perfect fishing tool continues to grow. One of the most recent breakthroughs in the fishing industry is the creation of a rod and reel combo.
Pro and amateur ice anglers and weekend warriors can now enjoy the benefits of having a rod and reel in ONE. The rod itself is made up of both fiber and graphite materials for lighter weight yet strong enough to haul big catches. Meanwhile, the reel is seated on a fiber-coated material that offers durability and is corrosive-resistant that is perfect for both fresh and seawater environments. Crafted by fishing guides for high performance at an affordable price, this the perfect combo to start your fishing adventure.
7 Best Ice Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
1. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Reel & Rod Combo
2. Shakespeare UGLYDR36PDQ Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Combo
3. Zebco Dock Demon Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
4. PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel
5. Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
6. Sougayilang Speed Bass Fishing Rods
7. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Reel & Rod Combo
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Reel & Rod Combo comes in three sizes, such as 26 light, 28 medium, and 30 dense medium. It offers a better balance for a lighter feel, improved components, and eye-catching cosmetics for a modernized look.
The spool is made of aluminum to make it more reliable and more durable. It has clear tip design, twist-lock reel seat with EVA handles, and one-piece stainless steel guides.
It is compatible with size 20 spinning reel with one ball bearing suited for ice applications.
Pros
- Durable
- Strong
- Offer better balance for a lighter feel
- Modernized design
- Flexible
Cons
- The reel is not durable
Our Take
This Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Reel & Rod Combo is light and very easy to use. It is sensitive enough to catch the tiniest of fish, yet sturdy and flexible enough to bring up the big ones.
Moreover, the poles are firm but sensitive on the tip so you can see light nibbles when fish are either suspicious or not hungry.
I would refer this to a friend. And if you want a pole that is strong enough for hard-hitting large fish, but wants the sensitivity of a light action pole, then this is for you.
Shakespeare UGLYDR36PDQ Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Combo
The Shakespeare UGLYDR36PDQ Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Combo is a combination of both graphite and fiberglass to create a stiff, yet sensitive rod that is suitable for ice fishing. The rod measures 36 inches long and comes with a 6 lb pre-spooled line for a size 30 spinning reel. Plus, it is easy and comfortable to use due to its cork and EVA grips with twist lock reel seats.
Enjoy fishing anywhere you go with this fun and portable ugly Stik spinning combo. Great for casting in tight places.
Pros
- Highly-sensitive
- Lightweight
- Strong and flexible
- Portable
- Durable
Cons
- The reel has poor retrieve
Our Take
This thing will haul in some smaller types of fish so that it will work correctly for dock fishing. The rod sensitivity is good, so you can feel any fish swiping at your bait.
I would say that this is a light/med rod and is much stiffer. I love how portable it is, lighter to carry whenever you have distant fishing trips. All in all, I think using this item is very helpful for fishers because it is designed for easy casting and smooth retrieves.
Zebco Dock Demon Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
The Zebco Dock Demon Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo have a Durable Solid-Core with 30-inch Z-Glass Rod. It comes with an EVA grip, which makes it easy and comfortable to handle. The reel has a Ball Bearing Drive, Pre-spooled with 6-lb line (Line capacity: Up to 135 yards/6-lb mono).
Plus, it has a locking mechanism, and a changeable left/right hand retrieve. It is budget-friendly and perfect for both hobbyists and professional anglers.
Pros
- Strong rod
- Can handle larger fish
- Very affordable
- Pre-spooled
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Weak and noisy reel
- Fishing line breaks and twists easily
Our Take
This is an excellent combination for fishers of all ages, kids, or adults. The rod is sturdy, based on what I can see from its reviews and very user-friendly. Casting isn't as bad as you'd think from a two and a half foot rod either! The handle is in high value also, plus it can be interchangeable, so you don't have to worry if you're left or right-handed person.
So for a conclusion, if you're considering buying this, just try it. It's a lot of fun fishing, and you'll be surprised at how sturdy this rod is.
PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel
The reel is made of elastic and high-density Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass to make your fishing pole hard and durable while the Stainless Steel Hooded Reel Seats is corrosion-resistant and equipped with EVA Grip for comfort.
The telescopic fishing rod is portable, and closed length design is convenient for carrying around.
The reel is an instant anti-reverse with the left/right interchangeable feature. The gear is powerful (gear ratio is 5.2:1.), while the aluminum spool has dual-color and one line holes; More short body with large spool and large line capacity. Line capacity: mm/M 0.20/240 0.25/200 0.30/140.
Pros
- Telescopic
- Durable
- Corrosion-resistant reel
- Portable
- Comes with a kit and a carrier case
- Lightweight
- Comfortable and easy on the hands
Cons
- Its twist and lock mechanisms have poor longevity
Our Take
First, I would like to commend the rod and reel kit. The reel is easy to install, and it looks sturdy enough, plus it comes with a lock. This lock lets you wind in the line and does not allow the line to get pulled back out. The pole extends out to full length, and it makes storage easy.
The bonus here is the kit that comes in a hardshell zipper case with two handles to carry it with. You can find everything you need inside: high-quality lures, baits, and hooks. The case is fully padded on the inside to keep things neatly organized.
Overall the quality of the rod and reel is excellent. I can also recommend this to any fisherman that wants to travel with the poles more easily.
Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
The Voyager measures 6 feet and composed of lighter materials. The rod breaks down into 5-pieces for compact storage and travel. Plus, it is outfitted with comfortable cork grips, stainless steel hooded reel seats, and durable ceramic guide inserts.
It comes with a size 20 voyager reel that is perfect for trout, panfish, bass, catfish, and walleye fishing. The reel features a ball-bearing drive system in a corrosion-resistant graphite frame and machine cut brass pinion gear and one-piece anodized aluminum spool. Plus, its handle can change from left- to right-hand retrieve.
As a bonus, the Voyager comes with a kit that contains a handful of spinners, spoons, fishing hooks and split shot, along with a couple small crankbaits or bobbers. And wait, there's more. It also has a customized, padded, and soft-sided Travel Case with a zipper closure so it would be effortless to carry, especially during long fishing trips.
Pros
- Comes with a tackle box and customized travel
- Portable
- Durable
- High-end performance
- Convenient nylon travel bag
- Shock-resistant foam insert
- Adjustable shoulder strap
Cons
- The reel may be noisy at times for it only has a few bearing.
Our Take
I love the carrying case, and the lure box, which comes as bonus essentials, so longer fishing trips would be a lot easier now. I would recommend this set up to anyone who is looking for a great backpacking/travel kit.
However, the real value here is the rod. The rod itself is easy to put together and has a high sensitivity. You can be able to feel the blades spin on a spinning lure as you reeled in. Plus it casts very nicely and is well balanced.
The quality is real Okuma and is top-notch.
For the price, it is really affordable. There are other rods with similar features, but you couldn't find anything that was: affordable, light, and strong. Plus, you get a free backup reel!
Sougayilang Speed Bass Fishing Rods
The rod is made up of carbon fiber with excellent cushioning, shock resistance, heat insulation, moisture resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance. It is equipped with a reliable grip handle for comfort, and the guide rails are smooth and will not damage the fishing line.
For the reel, it is made to resist corrosion-resistant for super smooth casting. The integrated metal rocker arm is sturdy and durable. It is intended for an 8.1:1 gear ratio with CNC machined gear, which makes it sturdy enough. Lastly, it is forged with anodized aluminum for fast brakes so you can hunt correctly.
The combination of the rod and reel is a perfect gift for fish lovers. It is lightweight and portable so that you can carry it wherever you like. You can put it on your trunk, kayak, or even in your backpack. Please be assured that it will not bring you any trouble.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable and easy to carry
- The rod is Chemical and corrosion-resistance
- The rod features solid-grip handle
- Foldable rod
- The reel is also corrosion-resistant and durable
- Comes with a travel bag
- Durable
Cons
- The only disadvantage of this product is its fishing line. It is not strong enough, so it may snap or keep knotting up in the reel.
Our Take
This fishing rod got everything you need for fishing. The combination will save you money, and time for both the rod and reel are corrosion and chemical-resistant so that it will last longer than any other brand. Plus, exposing it in both seawater and the freshwater environment will never be a problem.
I strongly recommend this product for those who love to spend their time in the water. Aside from being too lightweight, this comes with a travel bag for distant fishing trips. What you need to do is just fold the rod, and you are ready to go.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo
The fishing rod and reel combo are ideal for anglers of all skill levels. The rod is made up of graphite and fiberglass construction, so it is lighter to carry and will last longer.
Unlike other rods, it has a precise tip design, so it delivers added responsiveness and strength. Besides, its sensitivity allows the user to feel that something is nibbling on the bait. Plus, the EVA grips provide comfort during lengthy fishing outings.
The reel has three ball bearings, and the one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing ensures smooth operation. Plus, it can deliver a 4/8" Ultralight Spinning Combo.
Pros
- Lightweight and highly sensitive rod
- The combo has a good value
- Durable
- Strong rod
- Has EVA-grip handle
Cons
- The combo is not corrosive-resistant
Our Take
For this combo, anglers can especially pair it with mono 8 or 6 lb line. That can be a good set up for your fishing activity. Looking at the features of the rod, it does provide pretty good sensitivity, although its main advantage is its durability. As what I can see from experts' review, the UglyStik is nearly impossible to break.
This combo seems to be of good quality. I have to say I love the rod. Your casting distance of lightweight lures will probably increase by about 10 - 15 feet with this rod, compared to other light action rods. I highly recommend this combo so you will have fun fishing experience.
