3 Best Deep Sea Spinning Rod and Reel Combos

Hey there my fellow fishing enthusiasts and welcome to my post discussing my 3 best deep sea spinning rod and reel combos to get amongst the ocean monsters this year. Whether you are a novice or highly experienced in offshore fishing, nothing is more satisfying than reeling in that massive catch into your boat.

And of course this is much more enjoyable with a reliable offshore rod and reel combo in action, So if you are in the market for some good deep sea fishing equipment, I have had a look around and found some decent options below.

Let’s check them out…

I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:

	Deep Sea Rod And Reel Combo	Price	Get it
	PENN Battle Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo	$$	CURRENT PRICE
	PENN Spinfisher VI Boat Spinning Rod and Reel Combo	$$	CURRENT PRICE
	EatMyTackle Bluefish Predator Saltwater Spinning Rod and Reel Combo	$$	CURRENT PRICE

Ok, so this is probably explaining the obvious, but a fishing combo is a rod and reel sold as a matched set. In most cases, the rod and reel are from the same manufacturer or matched by the retailer due to compatibility. Whichever the case however, the idea behind purchasing a combo is that they are matched in terms of balance in size and also usually a bit cheaper.

Now, as you have probably guessed, when it comes to purchasing a new rod and reel combo there are things to consider for both the rod and the reel. In my experience, I would always place greater scrutiny on the reel over the rod however you should still consider size and weight there too.

Let’s then check out some of the factors to consider in a reel and then the rod…

Reel

1. Line capacity
2. Drag system
3. Gear ratio
4. Braided-line compatibility
5. Other considerations

Rod

1. Material
2. Length
3. Power
4. Action
5. Additions

Considerations for the reel include:

Line capacity

The reel’s line capacity is the maximum length of line that the spool can hold without getting overloaded. Because the diameter of the fishing line increases with its strength, generally the stronger it is, the more space takes up more space on the spool.

Braided fishing line of course assists with this however large catches can take a real lot of line as they ‘run’. Hence, you will need to consider the size of the fish you intend to catch when choosing a reel and match the line capacity accordingly.

Drag system

This feature helps in reducing the friction once a fish takes your lure. The drag’s purpose is to limit how much force can be applied to the line before the spool slips and lets out more lines. This avoids line breakage giving it a little more strength as well as protecting your reel at the same time.

Granted it is almost impossible to purchase a spinning reel that doesn’t have a drag system included these days however you should always check the manufacturer’s strength limitations to ensure it can handle the type of fish you will be chasing.

Most work via the movement of internal aluminium plates that ‘give’ under pressure however some are also made from carbon fiber for greater strength and smoothness as well.

Gear ratio

Another critical aspect of a good spinning fishing reel is its gear ratio. The gear ratio indicates how many times the rotor revolves for one handle rotation. With a 6.2:1 gear ratio, the line will wrap around the spool 6.2 times for every handle rotation.

When it comes to deep sea fishing, you will find that the larger reels tend to sit around the 4.2 – 5.0 mark which is good as you can play with the drag without the line coming in too fast which can place extra strain on the line and gear.

Braided line compatibility

Because of its strength, casting distance and sensitivity, braided fishing line is a popular choice for most offshore fishing situations. On the other hand, a braided line is known to either slide around on spools when reeling in or ‘bite’ into itself when casting.

To counter this most reels are lined with a mono backing to keep the braid tight however some also offer a rubber grip material where the line makes contact with the spool to help mitigate the effect. Instead of slipping around, the line will catch on the rubber material and provide you with leverage to pull some of that line back.

Of course you could also try a line spooler as well…

Other considerations

Other considerations include:

• Ball bearings – Ball bearings in a reel work in the same manner as a car wheel in that they provide extra smoothness as the handles etc. are turned. When it comes to a reel, the greater the number of ball bearings you can get for the price, the better. And if the reel will be used for ocean or surf fishing, anti-rust or shielded bearings are also highly recommended.
• Anti-reverse – This feature prevents the handle from turning backward allowing the line to be reeled in but not released. Some spinning reels have an anti-reverse feature that lets the angler spin the reel back to let the line out while keeping the bail closed.
• Corrosion-resistance – Best saltwater fishing reels are designed using corrosion-resistant materials, such as anodized aluminum or carbon. Furthermore, excellent saltwater fishing reels typically have sealed components to keep saltwater out of the gears allowing them to remain smooth, precise, and fully functional.
• Handle – Most are plastic or EVA but make sure it fits comfortably in your hand (more expensive models are carbon fiber).

Considerations for the rod include:

Material

Choose a fishing stick made of ideal materials for your fishing needs. Most rods are made of one of three materials:

• Fiberglass – Very strong and durable with very little maintenance required (rinse off after fishing is generally all that is needed). Also, very cost-effective with many good options available that don’t cost the earth – although these types of rods appear to be less available these days due to the introduction of carbon fiber technology.
• Graphite – Graphite rods are generally more rigid with higher power ratings (see below) however tend to have greater sensitivity than their fiberglass cousins. Their composition also means that a little more cleaning is required over time to avoid them becoming brittle and snapping. These are good for shorter rods too as they can handle bigger fish without the ‘give’ that longer rods have.
• Carbon Fibre – This is a newer compound in fishing rods being more rigid than the fiberglass/ composite rods but also lighter – which is great for heavy offshore fishing. These types are becoming more and more popular for all levels of experience due to their toughness and versatility.

Length

Jigging rods are typically short, measuring 5′, 5’6″, and 6′ in length. Such length makes them easy to work with during jigs. The best jigging rods carry a lot of power into a shorter package, making them incredibly strong and reliable.

Some modern jigging rods are longer and have greater strength, lightness, and flexibility. These are adaptable and can be used for other fishing techniques besides jigging as well.

Power

Choose a rod with the appropriate power for your needs. The amount of force or weight required to bend a rod is called its power. It is typically defined as:

1. Ultralight – really bendy – even whippy
2. Light
3. Medium light
4. Medium
5. Medium heavy
6. Heavy – hardly any bend

If you are after a large yellowfin tuna or blacktip shark etc, heavy jigging rods are what you need as they will not bend too much to snap. On the other hand, if your target is to catch faster moving fish such as snapper or bonefish, you should use something in the medium-light to medium power range to allow you to work with the fish as you bring it in.

Action

A rod’s action is affected by its construction material and method. When you apply pressure to the fishing rod’s tip, the action describes where the rod bends and how quickly it returns to its neutral position. This feature can be slow, medium, fast, or a combination of the three.

This applies whether you are casting or have a fish on the end of the line with settings as follows”

• An extra-fast action rod bends only at the tip.
• A fast-action bends in the upper 1/3 to 1/4 of the rod.
• A rod with a moderately fast action bends over the lover by one-third.
• A medium/moderate action rod bends over the last half.
• A slow action bends all the way to the rod’s handle.

For offshore fishing, I would recommend a moderate to fast action so that the rod will bend over the water and allow you to feel when it is fighting and/or running.

Additions

1. Bent butt – Using a bent butt fishing rod relieves strain on your body and allows you to concentrate on reeling in your catch.
2. Reel seat – This fishing rod component secures the reel to the rod, typically with locking metal rings or sliding bands. Inside diameters of reel seats are always larger than those of the fishing rod blanks on which they will be installed.
3. Rod handles – Cork and EVA foam are the two primary materials used in fishing rod handles (also called Duplon). Cork handles are lighter than foam handles and retain residual heat in cooler temperatures. On a cold day, this means they are warmer to the touch. EVA foam handles are generally less expensive than cork handles, but they are also far more durable. Unlike a cork handle, a foam handle does not dent or chip when mistreated.

I do a lot of offshore fishing and often ‘jig’ on the reef bottom with a heavy soft plastic lure or paternoster rig with heavy reef sinkers and fish fillet baits. We fish in anywhere between 15 to 100 metres (49 – 328ft) with the potential for some rather large catches.

I recently purchased a Penn Ocean Assassin paired with a Penn Spinfisher VI 9500 spinning reel. It is 5’7″ made of “SLS” carbon graphite with heavy power and fast action. It handles the 80LB braid and up to 20oz sinkers and baits without any issues at all.

It is also surprisingly sensitive for its power setting and length as well. Oh, and when the reel is not attached it weighs almost nothing.

So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:

1. PENN Battle Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

The first item is a high-quality reel that is reasonably priced and will last you for years if properly cared for. It is incredibly smooth in both casting and retrieval and is perfectly balanced with a 7ft graphite composite rod. See its specifications below:

Reel

• Model: Penn Battle III 6000
• Bearings: 5 + 1 fully sealed stainless steel
• Ratio: 6.2:1
• Composition: Full Metal body and side plate with precision CNC machined internal components and soft EVA handle
• Drag: Front of spool – HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers – up to 25lb
• Weight: 12 oz (352g)
• Line specs:
  • Mono (yds/lb) – 8/270, 10/220, 12/165
  • Braid (yds/lb) – 15/360, 20/260, 30/185

Other inclusions:

• Stainless ball bearing
• CNC gear technology

Rod

• Brand: Penn
• Composition: Tubular graphite composite
• Length: 7′
• Power: Medium heavy
• Action: fast
• Line weight capabilities: 12 – 25lb mono, 20 – 40lb braid

Other inclusions:

• Non-corrosive aluminum alloy reel seat
• Rod Butt Gimbal
• EVA handle and fore grip

Why have I chosen it?

I know I talked about the Spinfisher IV above however I also take a Battle III 4000 size with me out on the boat lined with 40lb braid. It is a great reel and if the rod listed here is anything like the Penn Ocean Assassin I also have then you are on a winner here. It is low in maintenance and withstands the rigors of saltwater perfectly. If you are in the market for something that will not let you down then you could do a lot worse than this one.

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2. PENN Spinfisher VI Boat Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

I have chosen this next option for obvious reasons as it includes the very reel that I use for most of my own deep sea angling exploits. It is best suited for all large ocean catches and in addition to the powerful HT-100 drag system, has an IPX5 rating wherein seals are strategically applied to keep water out. See its specifications below:

Reel

• Model:Penn Spinfisher VI spinning fishing reel (7500 or 8500)
• Bearings: 5 + 1 fully sealed stainless steel
• Ratio: 4.7:1
• Composition: Full Metal body and side plate with precision CNC machined internal components and soft EVA handle
• Drag: Front of spool – HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers – up to 35lb
• Weight: 12 oz (352g)
• Line specs:
  • Mono (yds/lb) – up to 30/250
  • Braid (yds/lb) – up to 50/440

Other inclusions:

• Stainless ball bearing
• CNC gear technology

Rod

• Brand: Penn
• Composition: Tubular graphite composite
• Length: 7′
• Power: heavy
• Action: fast
• Line weight capabilities: 20 – 40lb braid

Other inclusions:

• Non-corrosive carbon alloy reel seat
• EVA handle and fore grip

Why have I chosen this?

As with the first option above, this reel contains an IPX5 waterproof seal that will shield it from any salt, sand, or debris – things that are definitely evident whilst out on a boat. When fighting a larger fish, the Penn Spinfisher VI line capacity rings allow you to see how much line is left on your spool at a glance.

Admittedly it is a little heavier than some others and not a great option for casting but for deep sea fishing, I have not been disappointed with this one.

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3. EatMyTackle Bluefish Predator Saltwater Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

If you are looking for a rod and reel that offers maximum sensitivity and feel, this next product suits you. For strength and sensitivity, this spinning rod is made of carbon fiber with seven ceramic lined guides and a tip guide for increased casting distance. Added to this is a 7000 sized reel with a string 44lb drag and a decent 4.9:1 gear ration. See its specifications below:

Reel

• Model: Eat My Tackle RTA7000
• Bearings: Fully sealed stainless steel (number not stated)
• Ratio: 4.9:1
• Composition: Full aluminium and Carbon body and soft EVA handle
• Drag: Front of spool – up to 44lb
• Weight: Not stated
• Line specs:
  • Braid (yds/lb) – 360/65, 300/80

Other inclusions:

• Corrosion proof build
• Precision stainless steel gearing

Rod

• Brand: Eat My Tackle
• Composition: Carbon Fibre
• Length: 7′
• Power: Medium heavy
• Action: fast
• Line weight capabilities: 12 – 15lb mono

Other inclusions:

• Double cork handle
• Composite reel seat
• Spiral wrapped construction to resist twisting

Why have I chosen this?

This rod and reel combo resists twisting under heavy loads thanks to its spiral-wrapped construction with capacities and capabilities to manage anything that can be caught out in the ocean. The chip cork handle brings superb comfort when fighting big game fish and keeps the rod from slipping when wet. A great option for beginners and experts alike

And there they are, my 3 best offshore rod and reel combos for all fishing needs and experience levels. I hope it is been helpful and always, please let me know if your experiences with them.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul