Which rod and reel make the best baitcaster combo?
In this post we are going to take a look at 4 different combos that we think that every angler should own.
Let’s get started.
What is the best baitcaster combo?
Here is a quick preview of the rod and reel combinations that we are going to look at in this post, for more information please keep reading below.
- Abu Garcia Black Max Rod & Reel Combo
- Abu Garcia Silver Max Rod & Reel Combo
- Lew’s Mach Crush Combo
- Lews Laser MG Baitcasting Combo
Reel Features:
- Gear Ratio: 6.4:1
- Ball Bearings: 5
- Magnetic Braking System
- Line Capacity Yards / lbs: Braid 140/30 Mono 145/12
- Max Drag: 15 lbs
Rod Features:
- Available in 3 different models Medium 6’6″ 1 piece, Medium 6’6″ 2 piece and Medium Heavy 7′
If you are a regular reader of my blog you know that I like Abu Garcia’s Baitcasting reels. The reason is because they are beautiful reels at an affordable price. One of the most popular baitcaster combos amongst my readers is the Abu Garcia Black Max Rod & Reel Combo.
It is equipped with the Black Max Reel that has a 6.4:1 gear ratio which is a good overall ratio for all types of fishing. The 4+1 ball bearings make it extra smooth. The magnetic braking system helps keep consistent brake pressure throughout the cast. This makes it easier to cast and reduces your chances of blacklashing. This is a great baitcaster combo for those just starting to learn how to cast a baitcasting reel.
The low profile makes it very comfortable to hold it one hand. The bent star and handle make it more ergonomic and easier to fish with.
The rod is available in 3 different models. There are two 6 foot and 6 inches models available the only different is that one is two piece making it easy to transport. The longer model is a 7 foot Medium Heavy model.
Reel Features:
- Gear Ratio: 6.4:1
- Ball Bearings: 6
- Magtrax Braking System
- Line Capacity Yards / lbs: Braid 140/30 Mono 145/12
- Rocket Clutch
- Max Drag: 18 lbs
- Weight: 7.3 ounces
Rod Features:
- Available in 3 different models Left Handed Medium 6’6″, Right Handed Medium 6’6″ and Medium Heavy 7′
The next on our list of the best baitcaster combo is the Abu Garcia Silver Max Rod & Reel Combo. This model has a graphite frame and side plates with aluminum spool and handle. This design makes it extremely lightweight and easy to handle. It weighs 7.3 ounces.
One of the unique features on the Silver Max series is the Rocket Clutch. What the rocket clutch does is that it allows to engage the reel with one hand. Normally after you put the reel in free spin mode to engage the reel you need to start the retrieval. However, with the rocket clutch you can simply engage the reel by clicking a button close to the star. All can be done with one hand.
It has a gear ratio of 6.4:1 with 5+1 ball bearing system. Like the Black Max it has the standard Abu Garcia Magtrax braking system.
Can’t decided between these first two combos? You may enjoy reading a previous post here: Black Max vs Silver Max
Reel Features:
- Gear Ratio: 7.5:1
- Ball Bearings: 9+1 shielded
- Line Capacity Yards / lbs: 110/12
- Oversized handle
- Max Drag 20lbs
Rod Features:
- IM8 graphite blank
- 7 Foot Medium Heavy
- Microwave guides
Just recently Lews has also decided to enter the race for the best baitcaster combo with its new Lew’s Mach Crush Combo.
First, let’s take a closer look at the reel itself. Made with a durable and yet lightweight graphite frame and sideplates gives you the assurance that it was built to last. However, just as important as it being built to last is what is under the hood so to speak. It is equipped with 10 shielded ball bearings, meaning that yes, you can take it saltwater fishing.
Another great feature is the large amount of drag. It is equipped with 20 pounds of drag. That is huge! You will have no problem pulling a large bass out from cover. It has a faster gear ratio of 7.5:1. Thus making it the perfect fishing reel for fast-moving baits such as, burning spinnerbaits or crankbaits across the water.
Lastly, let’s talk about comfort. One thing that I personally like to look for in a reel is a small profile and yet big handles. That is exactly what this model has to offer. If you have fished with Lew’s reels before you will notice that this one is little bit smaller than previous models and fits quite nicely in your hand. One of my favorite features are the oversized handles. I like to have long handles because they allow me to really bear down on the reel especially when I know there is a toad on the other end.
Now that we have talked about the reel, let’s talk about the rod. The rod is made with IM8 graphite and it is equipped with micro guides. I think this setup is great for when fishing with treble hook baits such as a jerkbait or crankbait. The micro guides and 7 foot length allow you to throw it a mile and the action is more forgiving especially when fishing with treble hook lures.
Learn more about this baitcaster combo in the following video:
Reel Features:
- Gear Ratio: 6.4:1, 7.1:1
- Ball Bearings: 7+1
- Magnetic Control System
- Line Capacity Yards / lbs: Mono 120/12
- Max Drag 15lbs
Rod Features:
- The 6.4:1 gear ratio is available in two different sizes 6 feet 2 inches or 7 feet
- The 7.1:1 gear ratio is available in 6 foot 10 inches
Another great baitcaster combo to hit the market by Lews is the Lews Laser MG Baitcasting Combo.
This series features a durable reel made out of super light graphite with an aluminum spool. It has 7+1 balls bearings. It is important to note that these ball bearings are double shielded meaning that they are protected from harsh environment such as saltwater fishing.
What I like most about this series in particular is that the combo is available in a number of different rod/reel combinations. For example, you basically have 3 options, a 6’2″ rod with a 6.4:1 gear ratio, a 7 foot rod with a 6.4:1 gear ratio, or a 6’10” rod with a 7.1:1 gear ratio reel. I really like that Lews did this because it gives us as anglers options. For most of us searching for a good baitcaster combo we are looking for a rod and reel that we can use for a variety of different fishing techniques. So, the fact that we have options really allows us to choose which one will work best for us.
So, which one should I choose?I think a good all around option would be the 6.4:1 gear ratio with the 7 footer. The rod is a good length for just about any type of fishing and the gear ratio isn’t slow, but isn’t lightning fast. I would choose this combo if you do a lot of crankbait, jerkbait, swimbait or even topwater fishing.
Another combination that I like is the 6’10” with the 7.1:1 gear ratio. With a reel that is a little faster it really opens it up to being used in other techniques when you need to lure to move along quite fast. I would choose this combination if you do a lot of fishing with topwater, crankbaits, spinnerbaits or even the whopper plopper.
As far as the quality of rod, I am satisfied with the rod that comes with this reel. It is made with a IM6 graphite making it both sensitive and lightweight.
Take a closer look at this rod and reel combo in the following video:
Now it’s your turn, What do you think is the best baitcaster combo? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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