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Understanding the intricacies of spinning reels and rods doesn’t necessarily mean that your choice in the combination is easy. In fact, choosing the right spinning combo is just as important for your fishing and angling needs as choosing the correct parts individually.
Spinning reels differentiate themselves from their baitcasting counterparts in that spinning reels are designed with a fixed, open-faced spool positioned in line with the rod and mounted below the rod itself. The spool is stationary and a rotor/line guide revolves or spins around the fixed spool, lacing the line back onto the reel upon retrieval.
The implications of these differences results in vastly different options for combos. A combo is a matched rod and a reel set configured for a specific type of fishing, so you don't have to worry about the action of the rod (and whether it has the right flexibility) or the gear ratio of the reel (and whether it has enough mechanical advantage). Our combos are ready to use, and all you have to do is wind line onto the spool and add the terminal tackle of your choice. In fact, some combos come pre-wound for even quicker setup!
This guide is a simplified overview of some of the highlights of spinning rods and reels that can help you choose the right spinning combo for your needs. Spinning rod and reel combos are recognized for a number of benefits that include light line and live bait presentations, easy casting ability, and simplicity in operation.
With over 20,000 fishing items in our inventory, Outdoor Shopping has the most extensive lineup of fishing equipment online today! Shop our inventory of spinning combos at Outdoor Shopping.
Rod Selection
Spinning rods tend to come in two primary material compositions: graphite and fiberglass. Depending on the material makeup of your spinning rod, your rod can have a variety of different qualities:
Material | Guidelines |
Graphite | The ultimate material for flexibility, sensitivity, and fighting power.The best graphite rods tend to be costlier but will be heavier, stronger, and more sensitive. |
Fiberglass | Best for soft actions and toughness, fiberglass is best for throwing crankbaits or other applications where a medium to slow action is required. These tend to be more durable but less sensitive than graphite, making fiberglass rods more ideal for boat rods, larger fish, and heavier applications. |
Keep in mind that some of the best rods utilize layers of both graphite and fiberglass, capitalizing on the best qualities of both and allowing for more specific actions for certain rods. Composites of these two materials produce rods that are lightweight, powerful and sensitive, but not as much as a pure blend of either material alone.
Spinning combos are usually more flexible or whip-like than baitcasting tackle, and this limberness is one of the things that makes spinning combos excellent for casting light lures or bait much more so than a baitcaster.
While you’ll want to ensure that the rod specs listed here match the reel specs, the best part about choosing a pre-selected combo is that this is already done for you!
Reel Selection
Often referred to as the ‘housing’, the reel body of a spinning reel can be comprised of three main types of materials:
Material | Guidelines | Best for: |
Aluminum | Stronger, more durable, and heavier than graphite. |
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Graphite | Less durable and exhibits more flex, but is lighter and more corrosion-resistant. |
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Stainless Steel | Durable and heavy, stainless steel is built to withstand the elements (but carries a higher pricetag). They’re also available in lightweight models. |
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Spinning reels tend to have more moving parts than their baitcasting counterparts, so look for a solidly-constructed body with no loose pieces. Remember that reels can have different weights even when they’re in the same general sizing bracket, so keep that in mind when shopping, as less weight means less fatigue on your wrists.
Part of what allows spinning equipment cast light lures far is the design of the reel. The line is allowed to peel off the spool on a cast, unimpeded by either the nose cone of spincast reel or the friction of a turning baitcast reel’s spool.
In Combination
Remember that spinning combos work best with light lines, light lures, and open waters. Pre-selected spinning combos are the best route for those who are beginners and don’t particularly feel comfortable yet pairing a spinning rod and reel together. Or, anyone with a cost-restrictive budget will find that the cost of a spinning combo is smaller than purchasing individual rods and reels.
If you’re opting to create your own spinning combo rather than choosing from our line of pre-selected combos, then keep in mind the following:
Line Capacity: Spinning reels can handle line weights as low as 2-pound test and can cast very light lures when matched with the proper rod. Larger models designed for bigger fresh and saltwater species can handle the heaviest weights of line. All reel spools have a line capacity indication which is typically found on the spool.
Rod Capabilities: You will find the recommended line range and lure weight recommendations printed on the shaft of every rod, near the handle, along with the designated action. Match the line with your rod's capabilities and reel capacity with the targeted species.
Action: This describes the bendability of your rod, and rods with a slow or parabolic action curve all the way to the butt section when loaded with a cast or fighting a fish. This action is a good choice for casting soft or live baits and serves as an excellent shock absorber for light lines.
Action | Guidelines | Best for: |
Fast | A fast-action rod will bend in the top ⅓ or less of the blank |
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Medium | Provides a little more casting distance than fast-action rods and still provide adequate hooksetting power. |
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Slow | These will sometimes start to bend in the lower third of the rod. |
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At the end of the day…
Spinning combos are not typically suited for heavier lines, catches with more fight in them, or casting in heavy cover. In fact, spinning combos are typically reserved for:
Open Water/Light Cover
Light Lines
Light or Live Lures
Small Catches
Spinning tackle is aimed at smaller fish and less cover and comprises typically smaller - or even live - lures. The right spinning combo will allow even a novice fisherman the ability to cast with ease.
With over 20,000 fishing items in our inventory, Outdoor Shopping has the most extensive lineup of fishing equipment online today! Shop our inventory of spinning combos at Outdoor Shopping.
