To choose a rod and reel combo, one must still be choosy about the individual components. There are a variety of lengths available for fishing rods, and each fisher has their own preferred style (and perhaps, brand) of fishing rod.

However, one should not purchase a fishing rod and reel combo when the rod is right, but the reel is not. Fishers who prefer an open reel should not purchase the “perfect fishing rod” if it is partnered with a push button.

Another factor to consider is the quality of both the rod and the reel. For example, Uglystick sells a pink rod and reel combo geared towards women. While uglystick is an excellent brand of fishing pole, the reel is a cheap one and would need to be replaced. The idea is cute, but the quality is poor with this particular rod and reel combo.

Similarly, there is another woman focused fishing rod and reel combo that features a reel that flashes lights as you reel. This is another cute idea, but it is not useful towards fishing. A quality fishing rod and reel combo has only one important feature: catching fish.

When choosing a quality rod and reel combo one should remember the main objective is to catch fish. Pretty colors or neat features are all irrelevant and usually make a reel and rod combo more expensive than it is actually worth.

While purchasing a fishing reel and rod combo is friendlier on the wallet, it is also easy to buy something that is too cheap. Rod and reel combos under $30 are usually better for learning on, and not for a regular fisher. Though price can not determine the actual quality of a fishing rod and reel combo, the general price range to shop in would be the $40 to $80 range.