The fact is, there is one or many "Right Choices" for every kind of fishing you can think of and price and brand are not the determining factor.
First The Facts
What species are you fishing for?
The average size of the fish you are pursuing will dictate the size of your gear. You wouldn't fish for shark with an ultra light rod reel combo.
What are you fishing from, beach, dock, pier, personal boat or party boat?
Each location could require a different rod reel combination.
What type of water are you fishing? Are you in salt or fresh water? Is it in back country where long but low casts are necessary? Are you on the beach were you need to cast long or on a pier were you need to lift heavy fish from the water or are you trolling on a boat. All these factors play a roll in the "perfect Choice" of a rod reel combo.
Rod Reel Choices
There are many, but they can be broken down into 6 classifications.
* Ultralight Spinning
This kind of outfit is ideal for small fish in confined areas. Line from two to six pound test provides a unique fighting experience, and requires some angling skill. Landing even a small fish on this tackle is exciting and fulfilling for all levels of experience.
* Light and Medium Spinning
These are the staples of the spinning category. Line sizes can range from six to as much as seventeen pound test, and the bulk of inshore saltwater fish can be caught using this tackle. They are ideal from an inshore boat, a pier, or the shore, but not in the surf.
* Heavy Spinning
These are the big boys, and this is the tackle you will use in an offshore trolling scenario. These reels are also used in combination with surf rods for surf fishing. Line sizes are twenty pound test and above. Lines larger than thirty pound test are about the largest that can be efficiently used on a spinning outfit. Surf fishing requires a longer rod for the long casts into the surf. Rods of 10' to 12' are best.
* Bait Casting
These outfits are conventional reels, sometimes equipped with a level wind mechanism. Some are equipped with magnets to prevent back lash. They are used for casting artificial lures, live bait and plugs mainly for inshore fishing. Line weights can range from six lb to as large as twenty pound test. Line weights lighter than twelve pound test tend to bury themselves in the spool, and are extremely difficult to clear in a backlash situation. The new braid line such as Power Pro should be used for lighter line casting. Heavier lines are more difficult to cast long distances.
* Bottom Fishing
These are what most party boats offshore fishing boats and head boats use as their mainstay. A five to six and a half foot boat rod with a conventional reel and line from thirty to one hundred pound test makes this an outfit that can take a beating and haul big fish off the bottom. These outfits are not designed for casting, rather straight drop to the bottom from a boat.
* Trolling
This is where you can get into some serious discussions about price and size. Similar to Bottom Fishing Tackle they are a rod and conventional reel and these outfits can sell for well over $1200 each. They are very specialized, and you should not buy one without professional advise.
Our Advice
* On all these combo choices you need to be price conscious. A high price is no assurance that you have the best combo for the job. Try a medium to low cost combo before putting $300 or more into something you don't like or use.
* Reels: Try to find a combo with a reel that has at least 3 ball bearings. Although all reels will feel smooth at first and work just fine for a while, reels with ball bearings rather than brass or plastic bushing will stay smooth and last longer.
* If you fish only occasionally, a cheaper reel may last for you. If you fish a lot, I would buy a reel that has at least five or more ball bearings. Some have as many as ten bearings and their price reflects the higher number.
Conclusion:
* Determine how much fishing you plan to do and spend accordingly.
* Determine where are you planning on fishing.
* What kind and size of fish are you fishing for.
* Then choose the combo that fits with these questions and your budget at the same time.
