The rod action also works with a rod’s power, which is how much force is required to bend a rod. If your target species is fast, go with a medium-action rod, which allows you to cast your bait further and handle different bait configurations. Fast action, which bends at the top, is solid for noticing small bites and combating aggressive fish, while slow action (bending at the bottom) is great for smaller, less aggressive prey. The rod action-the location where the rod bends when pressure is applied-should align with the type of fish you’re targeting. Then, as you gain experience and better understand your preferences in reel setup and you've honed in on your fish species and optimal fishing locations, you can look for a combo that'll complement those newly defined 'must-haves.' So beginners can take comfort in buying an intro-level combo that will help them get acquainted with the sport's nuances and help them understand what they like about fishing.

The way a rod performs mainly comes down to who's using it-if you're a beginning angler using a super-expensive combo, chances are that all high-end features like a more nuanced feel (which lets you detect the faintest of nibbles) might be lost on you.

Higher-end rod-and-reel combos also include proprietary tech to fend off line tangles and assure fluid reel action. But as the price of combos increases, you benefit from higher-end materials that can make the combo lighter, more durable, and more sensitive. You can get a solid combo for as low as $25, which gets you everything you need to start fishing except for the bait. What to Look for in a Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Price Rod Lengths: 5 and 6 feet | Rod Power: Light, medium | Reel Gear Ratio: 3.0:1 or 3.5:1 And if that price has you second-guessing, know that the rod includes a seven-year warranty. But you’ll really love all the proprietary tech-a use of graphite and fiberglass for strength and feel, one-piece stainless steel guides that eliminates insert pop-outs, and the straightforward tip design built for strength and sensitivity-that work in unison to make fishing easier and more enjoyable. The polished, durable stainless steel front cone’s metal gears work smoothly, and an anti-reverse feature makes it easy to cast and reel in your catch. The spincast reel is simple, with a single-button deploy that comes pre-spooled with a clear line. It may not be the least expensive combo, but the Ugly Stik GX2 Spincast will resonate with beginner anglers willing to spend a bit more to avoid some of the pitfalls common to lower-priced models. There are less expensive models available if you’re not ready to commit to the sport fully

Strike and reel