The Greatest Catfish Rod and Reel Combos of 2024, Examined

Nothing in freshwater stresses a rod and reel like a hard-charging catfish. If these fish aren’t making your drag scream, odds are they’re pushing the pole’s spine to the restrict. Happily, many fashionable catfish combos are as much as the problem. These rods and reels are a superb option to get began with catfishing as a result of they take the guesswork out of the equation. With that in thoughts, listed here are among the greatest catfish rod and reel combos that I’ve examined.

How I Examined the Greatest Catfish Rod and Reel Combos

I’ve fished for catfish for years, so I already had a good suggestion of what route I might take with my picks. Nevertheless, I’ve additionally been swamped testing rods and reels this spring. It was simple so as to add some catfish rod and reel combos to the combo. I spent dozens of hours fishing, evaluating every combo’s drag programs, smoothness, and spine. Moreover, I famous how simple it was to spool every reel and the casting distance from every. I made certain to incorporate solely combos that I’ve personally examined on this listing. Further elements that have been thought of in making selections included:

• Value: Most catfishing situations don’t require tremendous costly gear. I didn’t wish to fill the listing completely with dear combos. So, I checked out quite a lot of worth factors. 
• Ergonomics: I’m a stickler concerning the consolation of the reel handles and the rod deal with. 
• Sturdiness: I careworn every rod to find out its spine and punctiliously inspected every for any manufacturing defects or weak factors. 

Greatest Catfish Combos: Evaluations and Suggestions 

Greatest Total: Zebco Massive Cat Spinning Combo

Key Options Rod

• Energy: Medium heavy
• Motion:  Average quick
• Size: 7 toes 
• Materials: Fiberglass

Key Options Reel

• Measurement: 60
• Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
• Max Drag: 16 Kilos
• Bearings: 1

Execs

• Tremendous rugged
• Yellow tip is straightforward to see at night time
• Greatest for large fish

Cons

• Heavy
• Reel just isn’t very clean

The Zebco Massive Cat is a wonderful stability of affordability and performance. The fiberglass building has a stiffer spine than the opposite rods I examined, so it’s going to deal with cats of virtually any measurement. I like the sturdiness of this setup, particularly the chrome steel guides. Zebco gave half the rod a high-visibility yellow shade, making it simpler to see when fishing at night time. I examined the smallest measurement of this rod. Nevertheless, Zebco additionally gives eight and nine-foot variants, together with a heavy energy for the biggest cats. 

The massive, measurement 60 reel will deal with some huge cats however solely has one bearing. Consequently, it’s not as clean as I normally like with my reels. Nevertheless, it’s a suitable trade-off because it’s not a reel with which I will likely be working a lure anyway. I purchased this catfish rod and reel combo for $55, and the value level is similar whatever the measurement. It is a nice possibility for anybody desirous to get into catfishing who isn’t sure what they’ll catch. If you happen to do get stunned by a 20-plus-pound fish, this rod will deal with it. 

Learn Subsequent: The best way to Catch Channel Catfish

Greatest Worth: Ugly Stik Catch Ugly Fish Spinning Combo

Key Options Rod

• Energy: Medium heavy
• Motion:  Average quick
• Size: 7 toes
• Materials: Graphite and Fiberglass

Key Options Reel

• Measurement: 50
• Gear Ratio: 4.9:1
• Max Drag: 16 Kilos
• Bearings: 1

Execs

• Ugly Stik energy
• Good sensitivity 
• Bonus deal with

Cons

• Reel is first rate, not nice

The primary worth of this combo is the graphite and fiberglass Ugly Stik GX2 rod. In my testing, it provided a pleasant compromise between sensitivity and sturdiness. I particularly just like the chrome steel guides, which really feel darn close to bulletproof. This rod has a spine, however not a lot that it dilutes the enjoyable of combating small — and medium-sized cats. It’s additionally only a nice-looking rod. Pure Fishing determined to pair this one with a measurement 50 Shakespeare reel. I do know Shakespeare doesn’t have the rosiest of reputations today. Nevertheless, I believe this reel is okay for this rod. It’s not nice, nevertheless it’s lots purposeful for the informal cat angler. One space Shakespeare’s reels normally shine is in casting distance, and this one delivered in my checks. I might bomb baits out a lot farther than the others on this listing. 

Included with this combo was a bonus field of catfish deal with. Usually, these sorts of kits are crammed with junk. Nevertheless, this package is first rate. I applaud Pure Fishing for together with Berkley Fusion19 circle hooks, as they’re top-notch. The assortment of sinkers and break up photographs is sparse however sufficient to get somebody began on cats. I’d choose up some extras earlier than heading out, simply in case. I didn’t catch something on the PowerBait catfish chunks, however I do know others have had good luck with them. Total, this catfish rod and reel combo and package have good worth for anybody simply beginning with catfish. 

Learn Subsequent: Hotdogs are the Greatest Bait for Summer season Channel Catfish

Greatest Premium: Shimano Spheros SW

Key Options Rod

• Energy: Medium heavy
• Motion:  Average quick
• Size: 7 toes
• Materials: Graphite Composite

Key Options Reel

• Measurement: 5000
• Gear Ratio: 6.0:1
• Max Drag: 20 Kilos
• Bearings: 4+1

Execs

• Very clean
• Nice handles
• Rugged building 

Cons

I’m going a bit outdoors the field with this choose. Anybody accustomed to Shimano will acknowledge that it is a saltwater combo. Nevertheless, whereas testing it for an additional article, I spotted it will be a superb catfish combo. Something that may deal with inshore species is lots able to dealing with freshwater cats. A lot of the worth right here is within the reel itself. The physique is probably the most rugged of all of the catfish rod and reel combos I examined. I really like the big, ergonomic reel deal with. It’s simple to carry when cranking a big fish out of the depths. The Spheros additionally has a clean drag sealed from water. It is going to sluggish these hard-charging cats considerably. Sensitivity and energy are good with the graphite composite rod. This rod has somewhat extra flex than I anticipated, making the struggle extra enjoyable. I just like the ergonomics of the cork handles, too. 

From a price perspective, the reel accounts for $130 to $150 of the full worth, relying on the dimensions chosen. Some anglers would possibly wish to substitute the rod later, however I believe it’s one of many better-matched combos of those I examined. It is a sensible choice for anybody wanting versatility because it’s additionally constructed for the salt. 

Greatest for Eater-Sized Catfish: Penn Fierce IV LE

Key Options Rod

• Energy: Medium mild
• Motion:  Quick
• Size: 7 toes 
• Materials: Graphite composite

Key Options Reel

• Measurement: 3000
• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Max Drag: 15 kilos
• Bearings: 5

Execs

• Offered ergonomics
• Nice handles
• Rugged building 

Cons

Anglers focusing on eating-size cats within the two-to-five-pound vary don’t want an especially heavy outfit. The Fierce IV LE is one other saltwater rod focused principally for inshore anglers. I examined the 3000-size reel, which is ideal right here. I beloved the best way this one casts and retrieves. It has a clean carbon fiber drag, too. The reel has a metallic physique that may face up to the additional abuse of catfishing. One other good function is the big deal with, which is straightforward to grip if a bigger cat will get on the road. My solely actual grievance is that the metallic building makes this reel barely heavier than I’d like. I discovered myself getting drained sooner utilizing it. 

Nevertheless, this rod is best paired with this reel than the others I examined. The rod’s spine gained’t horse fish in, and it’ll make the angler work for it. The sensitivity is nice for a graphite composite setup. Penn’s chrome steel guides are stable. I used to be capable of launch some lengthy casts with this one. This isn’t the most cost effective setup, nevertheless it’s probably the most full ready-made spinning combo I’ve examined recently. 

Catfish Rods and Reels Not Offered as Combos

Shopping for a catfish rod and reel combo is the quickest and easiest method to save cash when getting began. Nevertheless, most skilled anglers like to purchase the rod and reel individually. With that in thoughts, I examined one other rod and reel that I assumed paired completely.  

Ugly Stik Catfish Carbon Spinning Rod and Pflueger President 40

Key Options Rod

• Energy: Medium heavy
• Motion:  Quick
• Size: 7 toes 6 inches
• Materials: Graphite

Key Options Reel

• Measurement: 40
• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
• Max Drag: 14 kilos
• Bearings: 10

Execs

• Extraordinarily delicate rod
• Tremendous clean reel
• Glorious ergonomics

Cons

• Colours don’t match
• Costly

The graphite clean of the Ugly Stik Carbon Catfish does a superb job of indicating lighter bites. I really like the ergonomics of this deal with. The highest half has a rubberized texture that I discovered extremely simple to grip. This rod additionally has that legendary Ugly Stik toughness and sturdiness. The spine is superb for bigger fish with out making the struggle too simple. Whereas the rod is nice, the reel may be even higher. The Plueger President is a extremely underrated reel in fishing circles, and I’m actually all the time stunned it’s no more standard. It has ten bearings, which makes it extremely satisfying and clean to retrieve. This reel completely enhances the Ugly Stik. 

I like this mix a lot that it was exhausting to seek out something flawed with it moreover the colour schemes clashing. Though I doubt anybody’s fishing buddies will snort after they see how this outfit performs within the area. Shopping for these two collectively will set anglers again about $160, however I believe it’s price it for the unimaginable efficiency. 

The best way to Select a Catfish Rod and Reel Combo

Many seasoned catfish anglers select their outfits primarily based totally on the dimensions and subspecies of the focused fish. It will differ relying on the area of the nation. I’ve solely acquired flatheads and channel cats to focus on right here in Michigan. It is unnecessary for me to run a rod and reel meant for 100-pound blue cats. 

One other key factor to know is that the majority combos are disparate between the reel and the rod. One is normally higher high quality than the opposite. If that’s recognized entering into, it’s not an enormous deal. I want shopping for combos, even when I swap the rod or reel later. Which means I’ve an affordable backup rod or reel if one thing goes flawed with the principle one. 

Line

Many combos come pre-spooled with a line already. Whereas I examined a few of these combos with the included line, I didn’t make that a significant factor as a result of there is no such thing as a method of realizing how lengthy a combo has sat on the shelf with that line. 

It’s simple for a line to degrade or construct up reminiscence over time. That’s why I all the time substitute the road with a brand new catfish rod and reel combo. Doing so will help anglers keep away from the damaged coronary heart of a misplaced fish and the complications of coping with tangles. 

Rod Energy 

Medium-heavy is arguably the preferred rod energy for many catfishing situations as a result of circle hooks are often used for catfish and so they do a terrific job turning the hook into the fish’s mouth. Additionally they can throw the most typical weight baits used for cat fishing. 

Nevertheless, a medium rod is okay for anglers focusing on eating-size cats within the 2- to 10-pound vary. Heavier powers are very important when focusing on large cats over 50 kilos or extra. 

Reel Sizes

Most anglers use a 30 to 50-size reel for catfish. Some anglers want a measurement 60. That measurement is best when anticipating cats over 60 kilos. Whereas the bigger reels will make combating large cats simpler, there’s a tradeoff. Going with an even bigger rod and reel makes it too simple to horse within the smaller fish. A part of the enjoyable of fishing for catfish is the struggle, so it’s not all the time essential to go big. I’ve caught many channel cats within the two-to-ten-pound vary on bass fishing setups. These cats weren’t giants, however they felt prefer it with that gear.  

Gear Ratios

Happily, a quick gear ratio isn’t tremendous essential for catfishing. A slower ratio is normally preferable for cranking on huge cats. The rod’s spine will do a lot of the combating. Whereas these fish will typically take a man-made lure, most anglers don’t goal them that method. Thus, a quick retrieval isn’t vital. There are exceptions for conditions round heavy construction, however most catfish combos have a ratio between 4.9:1 and 6.1:1. 

FAQs

Closing Ideas on Catfish Rod and Reel Combos 

Selecting up among the finest catfish rod and reel combos is a stable option to begin focusing on these hard-fighting fish. Whereas most anglers consider catfish rods as specialised gear, there may be actual versatility right here. These combos can even work for non-traditional fishing targets like gar and carp. The Zebco Massive Cat spinning combo was a straightforward alternative for having the perfect spine for catfish of practically any measurement. We additionally love the reasonably priced worth level, which is far simpler to swallow on this financial system.