20 Best Rod And Reel Combo For Saltwater Pier Fishing (2023 Updated)

Very nice surfcasting combo , reel mounted and ready with monofilament line . Stout medium heavy action and enough line and drag to land a sea monster!

Yesterday, January 21, 2022, I received my order of the Penn Pursuit IV Combo, rod and reel. I have several Penn and Okuma rods, but I have to say this this rod will be my favorite for fishing local lakes, ponds, and creeks.

For about $80, this combo is worth every cent. The reel, a Penn Pursuit IV 3000, is solidly built. The new handle is incredibly strong. The entire reel is the best bang you can get for fresh or inshore fishing.

As for Tackle Direct, this is a shop that focuses on appropriate shipping. The rod arrived in a heavy-duty tube that protects the rod while in transit. I have ordered rods from Amazon, and although the price is comparable, rods that I have purchased from Amazon are shipped in flimsy that invite disaster–broken rods.

As for the reel, it was well-packaged to protect it from damage. You won’t go wrong buying this great combo from Tackle Direct. Nelson Fort Worth, TX.

This rod and reel combo were not quite what unexpected since the description indicated a 2 piece rod (which is why I bought it from Walmart in the first place). Instead, I got a one piece 7’ rod, which is not too easy to transport.

However, it works very well and I enjoyed casting with it. I bought it as a first serious fishing rod for my grandson and is looking forward to bringing in the lunkers. Time will tell how this stands up to salt water,.

Bought this combo for my 8 year old son to replace his small beginning setup. Absolutely perfect for the price. The pursuit 3 reel performs the exact same as my fierce and battle reels, literally no difference except the colors and the lower price.

It’s about $50 for just the reel or for $70 you get the rod with the combo, it’s a no brainer. Get the rod just to have extra even if not needed. The rod is slightly stiffer then other medium fast action rods I have, but we fish a lot of structure like docks and bridges and it works great.

Spooled w 20lb braid. My son has been smashing snappers, sheepsheads, and small snook.

I purchased a combo of these in the 6000 size, and am totally impressed. My wife and I just started fishing again after raising our 5 children. we both enjoy the water so figured a small near shore charter out of Dana Warf would be fun, well were hooked and have been on a total of 15 now.

These combonation rod and reel combos have held up to the challenge of Calico bass, Spotted bass, yellow tails and everything off the California shoreline.

Daiwa BG reels are easily the best bang for the buck! This “combo” does not include the small washers to adjust spooling the line, or printed instructions with the reel, but that’s no problem really.

The rod action feels good, but the handle and reel seat are just O. K. All things considered, this may best the best value in a spinning combo available. 👍.

Leaving less than 5 stars for a Daiwa BG is just a crime committed by those who don’t understands what makes a great reel. You’re “reviewing” the item you purchased not the advertisements accuracy. I currently own over 30 rods/reels and this package is simply fantastic.

I encourage those thinking about buying this to research which rod/reel you’re buying and the specs. Of the reel. Daiwa offers combos in several sizes. Do that, and you’ll have a rod/reel that’ll last a lifetime if taken care of.

I just recently purchased this Diawa BG 4000 rod & reel combo from West Marine a week ago. This was my first time shopping at the store and I didn’t realize the vast amount of selection they had in their fishing section! Just for the Diawa BG’s, they had an entire aisle with most every size Diawa makes for this particular model.

I happened to find one of the only two that came with a bonus spool of 50lb Diawa J-Braid. While the 50lb line was a bit much (IMO) for my 4000 series reel, it was still a very nice addition for the same price as the other BG combos.

I was able to get out and fish for about 10 hours to break my new reel in over this past weekend. and let me tell you, this is by far the smoothest reel I’ve ever used (I just upgraded from the Quantum Boca 50).

I was so impressed, that I’m seriously considering switching out all of my other reels for Diawa BG reels. Even my fishing buddy was a bit jealous, as he said he was listening to me cast all night and barely even heard my Power Pro Super Slick 8 braid flying through the guides, much less any noise at all from my reel.

I’m pretty sure he might start switching out his Penn’s pretty soon.

Don’t expect Penn quality here and you’ll likely be happy. At this price point this is a great combo. for what it is worth. We got it as gift for a lady friend and she loves it. I doubt she will be hooking into any MONSTERS so this combo will do the trick I am sure of it.

Nice rod for chicks, wives who aint serious but just wonna be out in the sun. Lol it performs but its not the highest on quality but woukd recommend as a starter rod if not serious.

I gave it three stars because I’m staying neutral on it so far the lakes have not unthawed for the winter yet here in Michigan I will redo my review as soon as I’m able to use it. Otherwise it looks really nice.

I’ve been a Quantum & Shimano fisherman forever! NOT ANYMORE! From the moment i picked up this Battle II i knew it was the perfect fit! The rod has Amazing, smooth casting, super comfortable grip, light weight, & extremely well balanced! The Reel is on an entirely different level compared to what I was using! The Reel is so smooth and setup 100% perfectly! Super fast retrieving, smooth as glass, zero absolutely zero back spin, more durable than any closed face reel I’ve ever owned, and it’s very appealing to the eye! Once you have PENN equipment in your hands you will understand why they’re THE BEST! Enjoy!!.

I purchased the Battle II (two of them) 4 ago. They are my first line reels. I have one with mono and the other braided. I have been a freshwater fisherman my whole life until we bought a winter home in Naples Fl and now do both.

Last year durning Covid I went on Penn Site to buy the Battles “Sold out” I use the Spin Fisher in salt water now, for which I have just about all the Spin Fishers (My wife feels I have way to many roads and reels, figures).

I actually only buy Penn reels now (I actually have other models as well), to me they are the best quality and durable, to quantify that statement as all fisherman know is proper maintenance.

I bought my PENN battle 2 last June. For the price it’s great pier fishing gear. unfortunately the very first day towards the end of the day a monster decided to catch me. Yes he took my reel but I had a chip on tie cord attached to it.

The fish was so big it bent the spool shaft. It was really hard to reel. Then the big fish decided he had enough and took off and snapped the hook. 50lb test line held up. I ordered a new spool-shaft and few other parts and the reel works like new.

My battle 2 is going back for another try this June. PENN Reels are the best.

I purchased this combo from Academy on 7/24/2022. I went home and spooled the reel with 40 lb power pro. I took it out fishing on 7/26/2022. While on a school of Bonito I hooked into a 12 lb Jack Crevalle.

after fighting this fish for 30 minutes the fish came up to the boat. He still had one more run in him and when he saw the boat he made a b-line back to the depths. As he made his run the rod snapped 4 eyes down form the tip.

I was still able to land the fish but i was pretty disappointed in the lack of quality in this rod. I knew I was purchasing a budget combo, but I believed it could handle such a small fish. I am very disappointed that all I have now is a reel with no rod and I am unsure if I will trust the more expensive products that Penn offers.

I had 2 out of 4 of my main reels give out on me after years of use. I was hours from home on a 5 day fishing excursion. I went to the nearest outfitter and bought a 7” medium heavy/6000 fierce live liner combo.

Caught a 32 pounder on it right off the bat and it handled like a dream. The rod could stand a heavier tip but the reel takes things to a new level. Overall I think this was the best $130 bucks I’ve ever spent on fishing gear and this has become new favorite outfit.

I own over a hundred rods and reels that I use and this stands out above them all as a new favorite. You won’t be disappointed!!.

I bought the 7’6” rod and reel combo about 10 months ago as it seemed to be economical and it seemed to work great. That was until “it” happened. I was fishing from a pier and hooked up with a big bull red (I’d guess ~30-40 lbs) – got him all the way in and when he finally wore himself out, I went to lift him to the surface and the rod snapped clean in half.

Keep in mind I wasn’t pulling him in ridiculously hard or being super aggressive with it. Just letting him run when he wanted to run. I think the tension and pressure from the entire fight was too much for this rod as it had to have been stressed for it to snap like that.

The reel has been good to me so far although it feels somewhat cheaply made, but so far no issues with it.

Ordered the 10′ with 6000 reel after my wife attempt to surprise me with a rig from Amazon fell through. I went directly to Penn and ordered. The price pint was actually better for the size rod and reel and the shipping was fast.

The product arrived in good shape and seems to be of a high quality. It winds fast, smooth and quiet. I will be heading out to Oak Island this weekend to make my first surf casts. I will only change this review if there is something wrong this weekend.

Otherwise, very happy!.

This is my fifth Penn BTLIII4000701M Battle III Spinning Combo. The previous four have been very good quality and a decent value. This one however came with a grinding, knocking reel. I can’t figure out what the issue is.

When reeled the reel is not smooth but knocks. It seems internal but I can’t tell. Hard to describe the problem but it is not at all like all the four other 4000’s I own. Disappointed with the reel. Rod is fine and the action is fine.

Bought this for lake fishing, mainly going for common carp, rainbow trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, etc. Can handle heavier line and heavier lures, which I like. I appreciate the heavier action. Recommend the one piece as it feels notably sturdy.

5000 reel size is maybe a bit much for me, I would’ve went with the 4000 if I had to do it over. Other than that, thing is really solid. Love it.

I bought this set up for an off-shore trip with my church since I don’t really care for rental gear available at the ward. Picked up the combo (on sale) for under $35. Lined it with 30-on braid and fished all day with it.

This set up was great for bottom fishing with a 5-oz weight and double hook set up and had no issues reeling fish in from 300-400 feet down. We switched up in the afternoon for calico and rock bass and this rod was great for that too.

The 8-foot rod length was excellent for casting soft plastics and live bait out beyond the sea weed and bringing it through for hard hits from the calicos. The reel is smooth and has a good return ratio, rod is sensitive enough to feel the bites of small sand dabs but stiff enough to handle the bigger fish too! Great set up for someone who is looking for a multi-use saltwater combo!.

Nothing fancy but works for big catfish. Does the job just fine and the price is right so I bought two. One for me and one for my wife. Only drawback is the drag “clicker” isn’t very loud. Hassle free ordering and quick delivery too.

Thank you Blain’s!.

We got 4 for fishing Alabama inshore, and we used them for the week. The rod is great, powerful enough to land 20+ lb fish, yet sensitive enough for little fish. One of the 4 reels broke the 2nd day.

The is no “reverse stop” switch like most reels, and mine just started reversing. Given the price I can’t be too upset about it.

Bought this product and used it multiple times targeting kingfish untill I bought a Shimano Tyrnos. This was when I realised that the rod that comes with this combo is actually of high quality with a line rating to a maximum of 15 kg.

the reel on the otherhand is also extremely smooth and light but its maximum drag is rated to around 15lb. This difference worked out really well for me because I paired the rod with my new Tyrnos 30 wide and bought a 10 kilo boat rod for the reel.

The rod has performed exceptionally when paired with the tyrnos and the reel has also been great for lighter work that the tyrnos is a little big for. My only issue is that the reel had a serious problem with the drag causing the line to come out easily and the pop and go hard and repeat.

After removing the screw that stops the handle screw from turning and tightening that bolt the drag has been great. 100% would reccomend combo especially if you are planning on seperating the rod and reel!.

Bought this and have been using it for a few months now. Still very happy with my purchase. Personally I use it for catfishing rather then saltwater. Using 50lb braid it works great. Only problem I’ve had is being new to baitcaster reels is it took me a while to learn casting.

Cant get slot of distance but hardly any birdnests now. Another thing I really love is penn including a whole diagram of how to disassemble the reel. Just in case I need repairs in the future. Pole is absolutely tough as nails.

Got snagged on a tree in the water one day and my 50lb line actually snapped before the pole even started giving. All in all great product and well worth the price.

This combo arrived just in time for some trolling for Spanish Mackerel. It performed well. I am a level wind fan. I put 20lb mono on it as we occasionally pick up some larger king mackerel and pulled #1 planers or 4 oz trolling sinkers.

Star drag was smooth. No complaints. I picked up the Rival 20 as well and caught a nice king on its first pull.

Okay, it’s a Penn set up. Yeah. it’s awesome, and I need to change my tactics because of the rod. I’m a Florida native that lives in Wisconsin. I travel for work and make back to my old stomping grounds 6 + times a year.

I bring this with me and all my friends and family have either purchased or will be soon. I have the 10’ rod and the Fierce 6000 reel. Seriously you can’t go wrong. I fish from shore and also about 80-85 miles off shore.

To my,, and I’m mean this. not to Penn. hint hint. should be paying me to say this. but , yeah. if you only have one. this combo is it. I use this for everything. I even broke down and bought my wife one so we can have quality time together.

and yep. sigh. she rocks it. Bottom line. Buy 1,2. 3. be a man. or not, I don’t care. really. I don’t. to me. it’s pretty awesome. Okay. Penn. send me another one!!! I gave you an awesome review. on something I truly believe in! You have my address.

I’m a regular!!! Cheers!!.

I bought the Model: FRCII6000701MH version of the rod and reel. I’ve taken it out inshore fishing here in Clearwater, Fl a few times. It’s held up quite well against some monster sized Gaftop SailCats and a few Crevalle Jacks.

Love this combo, thinking of getting me the 8000 series to add to my arsenal or a the Penn Rival Levelwind. Currently have a Penn 330Gti on a Tuna Stick spooled with 65 lb test Mono and a 6′ long 100 lb Flourocarbon leader in a fish finder set up for Grouper, the Fierce II is rigged with 25 lb TRilene Big Game Mono with a light weight flourocarbon leader in a fish finder rigging as well.

I have other rods and reels but these are my two Penn’s for now. I’ve always loved Penn and always regretted letting them go when needing money. Not this time around!!! Highly recommend these Reels!.

Quite honestly it is probably the only combo that I am happy I purchased over the years. This isn’t mocking Penn, but I am a typical mix match guy to make my own setup using Penn equipment. I purchase the 7ft Fierce II combo with the Fierce 4000 as it looked as a really quality setup.

Don’t let the inexpensive price fool you. Great bang for the buck. Surf casting in light to moderate conditions for fluke, bass and blues? Does the job great. Back Bay fishing, yep. Off shore fishing for small game.

does that too. Great action, smooth and dependable reel. Hands down my best purchase this season. I actually put my favorite 30+ year old Penn 550ss and Fenwick Pacific Stick on the back burner this year for this little gem.

I received this as a birthday gift. I immediately used it that same day and it was perfect! It felt really good in my hands and I could feel so much from the other end

I bought this combo and first time out on the water I hooked a 5lb Smallmouth. It’s very smooth reeling it in and handled big fish vey well. probably my favorite spinning rod and reel I own now.

Very smooth and responsive. Overall great value. Love this combo!

I bought this combo last Christmas for my grandson. He was very pleased with it until the rod tip broke off. Got back with Favorite Fishing to inquire about warranty. After sending pictures and all the documentation they needed, they asked for the rod back and for me to pay for return shipping.

I declined since I could buy a comparable rod for what I would have in box and shipping. Great warranty. It is good they stand behind their products. Ha!.

Excellent rod and reel. Love the feel of the catch and the smoothness of the reel. The rod is light and has great backbone. I bought two combos and couldn’t be happier. I can see many hours of enjoyment ahead.

Works great for the coast and even catfish in freshwater.

This has to be one of the smoothest casting and reeling combos that I’ve ever purchased. Unbelievable sensitivity and easily able to cast with accuracy. I’d highly recommend it to any angler.

My son bought this with his Christmas money in December. He has used it twice and yesterday the tip broke about 6″ down from the end. After looking at the rod where it broke, it is hollow and the walls of the rod are paper thin.

This is an overpriced, poorly made rod that should last a very long time for that amount of money. Not break on the 2nd trip!! I will be returning this combo and will NOT be purchasing any more ProFISHiency products!! Stick with name brand products who have been time tested!!.

Unfortunately the tip broke on the first fishing trip. Nice little combo. Unfortunately not high quality.

I am now on my second Penn Spinfisher VI combo. I had to return the first one because the reel spool would not go down far enough to allow line to load properly. It was a physical limitation of some sort, and there were no shims to remove to fix the issue as there is on other reels.

I ended up with a strong taper towards the top, which means I could not load the specified amount of line, and this could cause with lots of wind knots and reduced cast distances. I returned it. The one I have now is much better; however, it still has a slight taper towards the top.

I even bought a device to load the line and respooled it. Still, it has a slight taper but so far that has not been causing any problems. Be aware, too, that the combo comes with no box for the reel; therefore, you get no instructions, not warranty information, etc.

Not a big deal, however. On the positive side, the reel works great! It is quite smooth and so far, I’ve had no issues. The rod is also really strong and has had to undergo some pretty strong fights with some fish, underwater hazards ,or even being hung up in a tree, once but it still works as it should.

I worry about the stainless steel eyelets with my braided line, but only time will tell. Overall, I highly recommend this combo but just beware of the reel spool travel distance as you wind it to make sure you can load the line properly onto it.

I have purchased a few of these because they are great. The reels are basically where the value is. Your getting a descent rod for an additional 20-30 dollars. I wish they used alconite guide rings but again the rod isn’t the value it’s the reel.

This combo is fun to fish with. Only good things to say about these combos. Haven’t had any issues what so ever. I definitely recommend these if you want a solid combo without having to buy separately.

The Spin-fisher Six Live Liner reels are the new goto reels. They function like a classic spinning reel and also like a lever drag conventional. While fishing with either live or dead baits, we always need a drop back or time for the fish to take the bait.

The Live Liner feature does this for you. It also works well for kite fishing too (which is normally hard for a spinning reel). The 6500 seems to be the best spooled with 40 lb spiderwire braid.