Below, we’ve narrowed down the best fishing rod and reel combos we’ve tested over the years from top brands like Penn, Lew’s, and Pflueger, whether you’re into fly fishing or chasing catfish.

The modern spinning rod and reel combo offers a convenience that’s hard to beat. Manufacturers like Shimano, Penn, and Abu Garcia have taken the guesswork out of pairing rods and reels ...

(We suggest pairing this rod with a Penn Fierce IV reel.) It strikes the right balance between stiffness and give. The Sensalite A was stiff enough with fast enough action to land tiny, light ...