ICAST 2020: New Rod-and-Reel Combos

Rod-and-reel combos have always been an economical way to gear up for fishing season. While the saying “you get what you pay for” has certainly applied to combos over the years, manufacturers now offer anglers even more bang for their buck, and the crop of combos coming later this year and into 2021 proves that out.

Daiwa | Compact Travel Kit

This combo for anglers on the go matches a Daiwa Crossfire 2500 reel to a telescoping rod that features the company’s V-Joint technology, which “eliminates flat spots where the connection points are on multipiece rods.” The rod comes with your choice of a cork or EVA handle. $149.99; daiwa.com

Eagle Claw | EC2.5 Baitcast Combo

The newest addition to Eagle Claw’s EC2.5 family of combos is this baitcasting rig, which marries a 6-foot 6-inch medium-heavy fast-action rod with full cork grip and a 6.4:1-ratio reel. The EC2.5 Baitcast Combo will be available in Fall 2020. $89.99; eagleclaw.com

Lew’s | Mach Crush Combo

Lew’s has “reimagined” its popular Mach Crush combos for 2021 and will offer three baitcasting pairings and two spinning combos. Baitcast combos include both a right- and left-hand 7-foot version and a 7-foot 3-inch offering (right-hand only). The 7-footers are rated as medium-heavy fast-action, while the longer rod is heavy-power fast-action. The casting reel found on all three rods boasts 9+1 bearings and a 7.5:1 retrieve ratio. Spinning combos come in 6-foot 9-inch and 7-foot lengths. The shorter rod is mated to a size-20 reel while the longer rod features a size-30 reel. Both reels feature 10+1 bearings, a 6.2:1 ratio and reversible retrieve. $179.99–$199.99; lews.com

Okuma | Avenger Combos

Okuma’s economical Avenger spinning reels will be offered in 8 different combos for 2021. The pairings are rated for everything from light freshwater to inshore duties. All rods feature the company’s UFR (Ultimate Flex Reinforcement) technology that’s designed to maximize both toughness and sensitivity. okumafishing.com

Abu Garcia | Virtual Combo

Introduced at the 2019 ICAST show, Abu Garcia’s Virtual Rod pairs with the Anglr mobile app via Bluetooth and allows anglers to digitally log their catches with the push of a button in the rod’s butt. Now, the company will offer the rod—both spinning and baitcasting versions—with an aesthetically matched Abu Garcia reel. The Virtual Combo won the Rod-and-Reel Combo category in the online ICAST New Product Showcase and is expected to be available in October. $169.99–$189.99; abugarcia.com

Okuma | Convector Combos

The Convector Low Profile Line Counter reel introduced in 2020 will now be available in several combos. A 7-foot 6-inch light-action rod will be available with the choice of the existing 354D- or the new 163D-size Convector Low Profile Line Counter, while 7-foot 10-inch and 8-foot 6-inch rods will come with the 354D-size reel. okumafishing.com

Quantum | Accurist Combos

Quantum broadens its popular Accurist line of combos with four new additions for 2021: an all-purpose baitcaster (7-foot, medium-heavy power, fast action); a cranking baitcaster, pictured (7-foot, medium power, moderate action); two all-purpose spinning combos (7-foot, medium power, moderate action; 7-foot 2-inch, medium-heavy power, extra-fast action); and a bottom-rigging spinning combo (7-foot, medium-heavy power, fast action). Reels on the baitcast combos feature one-piece aluminum frames, micro-adjust ACS 3.0 cast controls and the company’s Zero Friction pinion design. Spinning reels boast a R.E.D. aluminum unibody design, a ceramic carbon drag system and a NiTi indestructible titanium bail. quantumfishing.com

Shimano | Symetre Spinning Combos

The Symetre combo family includes 14 pairings designed to perform in a wide range of applications, from freshwater to inshore. Rods range in length from 5 feet 6 inches to 7 feet 6 inches and feature stainless steel guide frames with aluminum oxide inserts, making them ideal for fishing with braided line. Reels feature a lightweight graphite body, Shimano’s Propulsion Line Management System, 3+1 bearings and retrieve ratios from 5.0:1 to 6.2:1. $99.99; fish.shimano.com

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SteelShad | Premium Rod & Reel Fishing Kit

This Vermont-based company known best for its blade baits has introduced a combo that includes a 2-piece, 6-foot 6-inch medium-fast rod with cork handle; a 3000-series spinning reel; a spool of 10-pound-test Kimura mono; a 3/8-ounce SteelShad Original Fishing Lure; and even a microfiber towel with belt clip. What more do you need? steelshad.com

Zebco | Roam Telescopic Combos

These telescopic pairings (there’s both a spinning and a spincast version) collapse from 6 feet in length to just 18.5 inches. The rods are fiberglass and feature ComfortGrip handles, while the reels boast all-metal gearing and come loaded with Zebco Cajun line (10-pound-test on the spincaster and 8-pound on the spinner). zebec.com