How to choose a rod and reel on a budget

By Robert Thornton

Working at a tackle shop I get to meet people at different stages in their fishing journeys. Those just beginning their foray into sportfishing are usually there to start or continue putting together their basic fishing kit. More often than not, they have a budget they need to stick to. Sometimes this budget is quite tight, especially in recent years and months!

In this blog, we’ll dispel the idea that you need expensive gear to catch quality fish. We’ll provide some budget-friendly rod and reel options, and what to look for if you want to build your own. So, if the high costs associated with fishing tackle are what’s keeping you from diving in further, definitely give this one a read!

GLAMOUROUS GEAR

It’s crazy for many of us to imagine dropping $1k on just a fishing rod alone. That’s a month’s rent for many people!

It’s certainly true that upmarket gear looks and feels nice. Daiwa’s flagship rods and reels are feather-light in the hands, crisp and responsive on the job, and smooth as an Airbus A380 with zero turbulence, all while sporting Daiwa’s signature stylish finish.

It’s also true that some fishing situations call for high-end fishing tackle, where cheaper options may not physically withstand the punishment. Upmarket tackle is also usually designed with longevity in mind, so a dedicated angler who is fishing multiple times a week can justify their purchase on this basis.

For the most part though, anglers use expensive gear because it looks and feels nice, and there’s nothing wrong with that! The vast majority of fishing can be done with budget-friendly options that cost no more than a few hundred dollars.

It’s worth noting as well that in the modern day, a lot of the ‘cutting edge’ technology in high end tackle from the last few decades has since trickled down to the cheapest gear on the market. Entry-level fishing rods are often made with Fuji guides and componentry, and most reels under $100 now come with multiple ball-bearings, for example.

As someone who’s fished all my life, I own my share of high-end tackle, but I’m fully aware that it’s not necessary for the majority of fishing I do. I always tell my customers, it’s not the tackle that catches the fish, it’s the angler. People used to land 30kg+ Spanish mackerel off the rocks with wooden Alveys – something unimaginable today. A feat like this is only possible with a lot of skill and experience on the angler’s end; the tackle is secondary.

BUYING ON A BUDGET – WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Buying tackle on a budget means taking the time to find what’s right for you. Below are some things to look out for and things to avoid.

Buying a reel

Generally speaking, you can buy a decent ‘budget’ reel for between $100-200. Whether you prefer using spin, baitcast or spincast reels, there should be something in this range for you.

The first thing you want to check is that the reel has what’s known as infinite anti-reverse, meaning the reel doesn’t have any ‘play’ when at rest. In other words, if you try to wind backwards, it doesn’t budge more than a millimetre or so.

Another thing to look for is smoothness. Smoothness when winding will allow you to feel more, as opposed to a disjointed, clunky feel, which will dull whatever’s coming through your rod and reel and cause you to miss bites. A good indication of a reel that’s not smooth is rattling sounds, so make sure you listen carefully as you wind.

A smooth drag is also important. The best way to test this is to loosen the drag, if it’s a spin reel, gently turn the spool with your fingers, and if it’s a baitcaster, gently turn the handle while holding the spool with your other thumb. In either case, the spool/handle should turn easily and with consistent friction, and it shouldn’t feel too ‘jumpy’ or ‘sticky’.

Lastly, have a good look at the reel and make sure it’s tough enough to handle whatever you plan to use it for. Try to avoid things like ultra-thin bail wires, seized or sticky roller bearings, loose screws, or any other flimsy components.

Buying a rod

Likewise with buying a rod, there’s a little checklist you should tick off when looking for the right one. Once again, it’s perfectly reasonable to expect something of decent quality for between $100-200.

The first thing I look for is the overall weight. Bear in mind that you might sometimes be casting with a rod for hours at a time, and an unbalanced or excessively heavy rod will wear you out and cause cramps.

Next, it’s a good idea to examine each and every guide on the rod, as these are most often what breaks down first. Make sure each of them are bound down and glued on solidly. Any flimsiness will cause cracks in the glue, and this is most often where rust starts.

This one may seem a little strange, but it’s always worth checking that the rod isn’t bent. Poor packaging in transit, heat and other factors can cause rods to end up with a permanent bend, especially inexpensive rods, so I always like to hold the rod butt up to my eye and look down through all the guides to make sure it’s perfectly straight.

After that, make sure the rod has the action and taper you’re after. To learn more about these terms, you can read this blog here. Basically, if you’re planning to fish with lures, you’ll most likely want a rod faster action. If you’re looking for something to bait fish with, you’ll probably want something with a slower action.

ALL ABOUT BALANCE

When it comes time to put rod and reel together, what you want is balance. When my customers are buying a rod and a reel, I always encourage them to put the rod and reel together and feel the balance before they decide to buy.

When I talk about balance, I mean exactly that. To check the balance, simply hold the rod and reel as if you were fishing with it, and see how it feels. The pairing shouldn’t feel too top or bottom heavy, and the angler shouldn’t feel any excessive strain in the hands, arms or shoulders when using it.

Finally, ask yourself, “would I be happy fishing with this all day?” If the answer is no, keep looking!

DYNAMIC DUOS

If you’re having trouble finding a rod and reel to pair, Daiwa actually has a few pre-mounted combos for the budget-conscious angler ready to go! All the guesswork is already done, so all you need to do is spool the reels with line (something many tackle stores will do for you) and you’re all set. Let’s take a look at a few of those options!

For those after a basic spin set up, the Aird XT Pre-Mounted Combo ticks all the boxes. Coming in a range of sizes, from 2500 sized reels up to 5000, and in a few different rod lengths and line ratings, this is ideal for the novice angler looking to start fishing with lures.

Anglers looking to try their hand with a baitcast outfit also have pre-mounted options. The Megaforce (MF) Baitcast Pre-Mounted Combo is a great choice for anyone chasing estuary brawlers like mangrove jacks, barramundi, mulloway, and big flathead and more. With the MF’s Magforce magnetic cast control system, you’ll still be able to cast with the accuracy and control of a more upmarket reel!

Finally, for the surf and rock anglers, the Crossfire Surf Pre-Mounted Combo is a great setup that won’t break the bank. Ideal for anglers throwing large metals, stickbaits and hardbodies from the beach, ocean rocks or river breakwalls, this set up will handle everything from tailor and Australian salmon, right up to monster mulloway and larger pelagic species. The extra ‘beef’ in these combos allows for easy lifting of fish up onto rock ledges without having to risk your safety going down to the wash zone.

WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET?

Having a budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp out on quality. Hopefully this blog has shown that you can find a rod and reel combo fit-for-purpose for only a few hundred dollars. Even in times of economic uncertainty, I encourage you to not let budgetary constraints stifle your fishing. 

So if you’re new to fishing and looking for a setup to get you started, be sure to apply some of the lessons and ideas mentioned above, and you’ll be out there catching in no time!