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But sometimes it’s nice to take a break from other outdoor pursuits, to sit back and cast your line and watch the world go by. To help with this, we have listed some of the amazing fishing rods and reels on the market.
When looking to purchase a new fishing rod there are a few recommendations that you may wish to consider.
Obviously cost is a major consideration, but buying the cheapest is not always the best way to choose a rod, the quality, construction and components are important factors.
The area where the reel is attached is crucial to the comfort of using the rod, the reel seat will ensure a good firm hold that will eliminate any wobbling of the reel. Whatever rod you purchase needs to be able to hold the reel you use for hopefully many years.
Consideration should be given to the weight, the strength of the rod, the materials used to construct the rod and whether there is a protective coating to help prevent corrosion and rust. A rod with a light quick action will be suitable for smaller fish, while a rod with a more defined and slower action can be better for large fish.
Cajun Spinning and Casting
Cajun Rods have a new series of rods called the Alted Series and they are considered to be one of the best they have produced, while being extremely competitive price wise.
Cajun have increased the carbon fibers in this model by 15% compared to their Delta model, this results in more reactive hook sets. The Alteds are easy to handle with just the right amount of sensitivity.
The cork used in the handle is very soft ensuring you feel every little nibble on the bait. These rods are ideal for fishing many different species whilst using many different techniques, they are immensely versatile for any type of spinning or casting.
The Cajun Rods are considered to be of an extremely high quality manufactured by a small American Company.
Thomas & Thomas
Thomas & Thomas come highly recommended for the manufacture of high quality fishing rods, with the Exocett being one of the best products on offer.
The rod is beautifully crafted for lightweight precision, giving a great deal of satisfaction when saltwater fly fishing. This rod is produced in graphite with a multi-modulus design which won’t suffer from corrosion and is built for many years of use.
The Exocett comes with black REcoil snake guides and a four piece construction that makes it easy to transport.
The rod comes with an original owner lifetime warranty and is a solid saltwater performer.
G Loomis
G Loomis E6X Jig & Worm Casting and Spinning Rods are considerably impressive particularly for use in bass fishing. This rod is very versatile with just the right action for catching bass.
If the jig and worm configuration is not for you the E6X rod comes in a few different varieties with each one performing slightly differently. G Loomis uses different scrim positioning and taper adjustments to create specifications for different fish types.
The rod comes with a cork handle and these fast action rods from G Loomis function extremely well giving consistent results when fishing for bass.
Lamiglas SI series
These rods have a rigid strength and are considered to be the best rods for salmon and steelhead fishing.
The rods are extremely lightweight with a sensitive action, while being durable enough to withstand heavy pulling in most freshwater fishing situations. These sensitive rods allow you to feel what is happening under the water’s surface.
Each of the rods is designed with the best quality Fuji SK2 reel seat and they are proudly made in the USA.
These rods are suitable for mid-weight freshwater fishing but tough enough to tackle most waters when paired with a quality reel.
St Croix Premier
St Croix Premier Spinning Rods are an extremely popular choice of fishing rod specializing in fresh and saltwater rods.
This Premier casting rods collection comes with a very affordable price tag, while maintaining premium design qualities. The rods in this collection feature hardened aluminum oxide guides which are built to fend off corrosion and stand up to long term use.
The rods are produced with a natural cork handle and a Fuji reel seat. Each rod is protected with a Flexi-coat outer layer to protect from rust, and comes with a five year warranty.
Fishing Reels
There are many options when it comes to deciding on the right one for your needs.
A reel needs to be comfortable and enjoyable to use but also well designed and constructed from quality material such as stainless steel, carbon fiber or a marine-grade aluminum.
For spinning reels there are three primary size ranges:-
- 1000 – 3500 are small lightweight reels for targeting small fish
- 4000 – 5500 medium sized reels for larger fish
- 6000 – 9500 used for heavyweight boat or surf roads
And for fly reels it is all about the weight ratings:-
- 1wt – 3wt for small flies and small fish
- 4wt – used for medium sized fish
- 5wt – 6wt used for large freshwater fish
- 7wt – 8wt used for large freshwater fish in open water
- 9wt – 14wt this is for heavy line used for saltwater species
Teton Classic Reel
This is considered to be one of the most affordable fly reels. It is constructed in a machined aluminum and a thick material that is able to withstand corrosion. It is designed to be used in salt-water or fresh-water conditions and has a sealed drag system which should be maintenance free.
The epoxy coated Dymond wood retrieve handle gives the reel a stylish appearance and the fixed circle drag system runs smooth. The reel offers an excellent fishing experience and is built to last for many years.
Ross Reels Evolution
Ross Reels Evolution LTX is an amazing salt-water fly fishing reel. It has a frame and spool that are made from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy which makes them resistant to corrosion, even though they are being used in salty conditions.
The reel has a smooth drag system and features a stacked disc design making it durable enough to withstand the pull of some extremely big fish. The reel itself has very thin machined pieces giving it a lightweight feel.
It comes with an oiled bronze bushing that is smooth to operate and is available in a black or platinum colour finish.
Galvan Fly Reels
Brookie is one of the best lightweight fly reels on the market.
It has a click-ball tension system which is built into the reel and the tension can be easily adjusted, once adjusted it stays put. This ensures it is simple to fish at just the right level of tension for many different conditions, particularly for trout fishing on fast moving water.
The Brookie is constructed from a 6061 aluminum housing which is nearly completely waterproof. The reel is available in four different weight options for 0 to 5 weight lines, making it very versatile, lightweight and stylish.
Perfect for fishing in rivers or creeks all around the world.
Abel TR Fly Reel
Abel TR Fly Reel is one of the best trout fishing fly reels on offer today, a favourite for tackling midweight fish. This reel has precision machined parts crafted for many reliable performances.
The line is distributed evenly and smoothly when bringing it in quickly, very impressive! The reel is lightweight and comfortable for long term use and features a sealed drag system which needs minimal maintenance.
The quick action reel is ideal for trout fishing and fishing in any fast moving water.
Lamson
Lamson Liquid Fly Fishing Reel – thought to be the best all round freshwater fly reel. The reel is particularly well constructed with full radius compound curves and inside corners with very little radius at all.
The frame and spool is produced from pressure-cast aluminium. The reel offers high-end performance due to some very good decisions by Lamson, and is a very affordable reel.
It consists of a smooth conical drag system which is completely sealed ensuring it keeps running smoothly.
Depending on the reel model you choose it can accept between 100 and 250 yards of backing. This is considered an amazing fly fishing reel and highlights what cast building can offer.
IRT Spinning Reels
IRT Spinning Reels are one of the best spinning reels with impressive comfort and casting power.
These reels all have aluminum machined spools which are well known for their symmetrical line wraps ensuring a smooth casting, drag and line performance. Each of these reels has the patented Spin Power Grip that lessens common pressure points during reeling and ensures added comfort.
The reel operates smoothly with a total of 9 ball bearings in action at the same time during standard use, and are produced from machined aluminum to prevent corrosion.
The reel also features a reversible handle for left or right handed fishermen making them an all round fishing addition.
Hatch Outdoors
Hatch Outdoors 2 Plus Gen 2 Finatic is a versatile reel designed to accommodate lines from 2 weight to 4 weight.
It weighs just 3.2 ounces and has a reliable stacked disc drag system. The drag system features a mix of Rulon and stainless steel rings stacked up, which offer an adjustment range for just the right amount of pressure in different fishing conditions.
The reel is CNC machined in Vista California, and is protected with a type 2 anodized coating which stands up exceptionally well to moisture and dirt. The reel comes in four different colour finishes.
