THE ANGLER’S GUIDE TO THE BEST FISHING RODS Daiwa D-Shock rod and reel combo: $29.99 This budget-friendly rod and reel is lightweight and easy to use. (Amazon) ...

We tested the best fishing rod and reel combos for freshwater and saltwater, including setups for both beginner and experienced anglers from Penn, Daiwa, and more.

Understand why investing more in the fishing rod, not the reel, gives fishermen better casting control, better sensitivity, and helps them catch more fish.

We review the best baitcaster combos for fresh and saltwater that range from high-performance to high-value rods and reels.

From a frog and punch strategy to catch more slop fish, the best way to pair a rod and reel without overpaying, and must-have topwater bass baits.