Fishing Rods
ByWhat baitcaster rod and reel combo is your pick? Do you do a right-handed or left-handed retrieve?
I don’t spend more than $100 for a rod/reel combo. To me, there’s not much difference between a $100 combo and a $150 combo in performance.
Bass Pro Shops
This one has good reviews, including one from a beginner – https://www.basspro.com/
This one also had good reviews – https://www.basspro.com/
But if you’re willing to spend more then this is the one to get – https://www.basspro.com/
Academy
Lew’s combos (they have a good reputation) that are worth looking at include:
https://www.academy.com/shop/
https://www.academy.com/shop/
https://www.academy.com/shop/
https://www.academy.com/shop/
For rods, I go by feel. I fake cast them in the store. If it feels like a broom handle or like a whip I put it back in the rack. Both Bass Pro Shops and Academy have sales on combos frequently. Academy sometimes runs all of their combos 25% off.
Probably 95% of right-handed guys go with a right-handed retrieve. However, some don’t like casting the rod with their right hand and then switching it to their left hand to hold it while the right-hand is retrieving the lure, as that takes a couple of seconds of precious fishing time to make that switch. To me, it feels awkward to retrieve with my left hand. However, that may just be because that’s the way I’ve always done it. Try them both and see what feels best for you.