Under $90 Best All Around Rod And Reel Combo For Inshore Saltwater or Freshwater Fishing

[@sterlingheartfarm7419]

Just bought my husband the penn pursuit IV 4000 with the GX2 M/H 7’ single piece and myself the ladies gx2 6’6 medium, 2 piece with the same pursuit IV reel because of your videos! Excited to try it out this weekend!! Thank you!

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

You got a sister? 😂❤😂

[@pgal6904]

I bought a mh ugly stick and a 6000 Penn battle 111 because of you! VERY HAPPY

[@armandorjusino]

JC showing off the Salty Scales and the deadly combo as I call it. That Pusuit III line up is the only one I have in every single size. When paired with a no frills no thrills rod like the Ugly Stik GX2 it turns into a fish catching machine. Just picked up a Bigwater series 7 foot 2 piece with a 4000 in Pembrooke and it was under 110 so consider that too, thank you for the upload.

[@thebattousai]

Hey rad, I just wanted to say thank you for the review and information of this amazing combo I bought my gx2 after looking at your video about it and today I finally have my penn pursuit 3 reel. My dream combo man, thanks a lot for the inspiration and just know I watch all your videos and you’re living the life man. LIFE IS FUN, LIVE IT !

[@patton-f8t]

gonna have to pick up one of these reels for my ugly stick gx2 7 foot medium heavy!!! gotta love california striped bass fishing!!!

[@reelingwithmarco]

The funniest thing ever just happened, I was just about to buy the penn persuit 3 and ugly stik gx2 for a saltwater and freshwater combo, and the. I saw this video!! Great minds think alike my brother.

[@Kevinw4040]

Amazon should be cutting you a commission check lol. I have 2 Penn persuits I bought few years ago because your reccomendations and how you slay so many with them lol. thumbs up...

[@boofyboofy9359]

I fully agree....my arsenal consists of Ugly Stiks and Pursuit III's.......You're spot on!

[@yajtramer6913]

I just bought a penn pursuit 4 4000 I love it I also have a penn pursuit 3 6000 I love it also

[@ccol009]

It’s nice to see someone recommended the “Berkley Big Game Power Series” fishing rods. They are probably THE BEST AND MOST VALUABLE ROD for $25.00, they are made of fiberglass so they are GREAT for Flexibility and crankbait fishing. The Berkley Big Game Power Series rods are Top 3 on this list in terms of long term reliability, long term durability, flexibility with some backbone to bring in larger fish. The Berkley Big Game Power Series rods are SO VERSATILE! They are 2 piece BUT they have an EXCELLENT uniform bend in the fiberglass rod material. The Berkley Big Game Power Series rod (spinning) was my very 1st fishing rod I got when I was 12 at Walmart (I’m over 30 now) and I caught my first “Big Fish” when I was 12 on it. I caught a 36 inch Tiger Musky right on the side of the dock at the bottom fishing with a lime green with black dots and a silver backing spoon lure. The Berkley Big Game Power Series fiberglass rod absorbed all of the stress and fight from the fish! It makes it really easy on your body because the fiberglass rod absorbs the fight so nicely. I have 2 Berkley Big Game Power Series rods and 1 of them I have had for about 12 years now. And it still catches big fish like the first day I got it. I am a BIG FAN of fiberglass rods. Because they last longer, due to their flexibility, reliability and durability. They have a little extra weight but I will take that over a snapped or broken rod just from “regular use.” My style of fishing is casting REAL hard from shore because I don’t have a boat. So I have to SLING my lures as far as I can, AND I NEED A ROD THAT IS FLEXIBLE TO DO THAT AND NOT SNAP. I CANNOT USE A ROD THAT IS BRITTLE, I NEED FLEXIBILITY IN A ROD TO DO THIS. And in the past I have snapped 3 rods because of my style of fishing. And they all snapped IN THE SAME SPOT… THE TIP! So I began asking”Why is that?” Then I did research and it all made COMPLETE sense and I had “The data to prove it.” Graphite is brittle, Fiberglass is flexible. And ALL 3 of my previous rods I snapped at the tip were made with… Graphite! And I would wonder why after they snapped I would look over at “Old and Faithful” (My Berkley Big Game Power Series rod) and wonder why that one does not snap when I load up the rod before a hard cast and SLING my lure out there… and it was because it was made of Fiberglass and I did alot of reading and Fiberglass is heavier but it is also MORE FLEXIBLE AND DURABLE BECAUSE OF THE FIBERGLASS MATERIAL. AND… FIBERGLASS HAS BEEN USED IN FISHING SINCE THE 1970’s! So there ya go! “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Clearly if Fiberglass rods have been in use since the 1970’s that means… IT WORKS… and for a good reason. And fiberglass gives you better feel and action when crankbait fishing and fiberglass rods will improve your hook up ratio because there is flex and bend in the rod and the fiberglass material when it bends from a fish will actually sink the hook in deeper due to the material and bend it has. September 2022 I caught a 41 inch Spotted Musky on a 7 foot (2 piece) Berkley Fusion Rod Combo (I swapped the reel and put a PENN Fierce III 5000 on the Berkley Fusion rod with 300 yards of 30lb Sufix 832 Advanced Superline with a light 12 inch Eagle Claw black steel leader). That Berkley Fusion Rod that I caught that 41 inch Spotted Musky on IS MADE OF FIBERGLASS. Has a great bend in that rod even for a 2 piece. Read my review on Berkley’s website in the Berkley Big Game Power Series rod section you’ll see the photos of that 41 inch Spotted Musky I caught. And I have some other nice size fish I caught. Another thing I like about the Berkley Fusion rod is that it has Aluminum Oxide Guide Inserts ALL THE WAY TO THE TIP. The only thing I don’t like about the Berkley Big Game Power Series rods are that they don’t have an Aluminum Oxide or Titanium Oxide Guide insert tip… it’s stainless steel which may cause slight line grooves from braid line over time. But other than that the Berkley Big Game Power Series rods are AN EXCELLENT VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY. The Berkley Fusion Rods are a great value for the money too!

[@dennisdugger7975]

Just picked up a Penn Pursuit IV 3000 and 6000 and was given a GX2 Ugly Stik 6'6" with a broken tip. Bought a new tip and stuck it on. Like new. Great info for us old but finally returning fisher folks.

[@turboboy0]

just picked up a 10' penn pursuit4 rod and pursuit4 8000 reel combo for just under $93 total. just filled the spool with 300yds of dark green daiwa j-braid x4 50lb. cant wait to catch some catfish with it. i also picked up a penn pursuit4 4000 and put it on a zebco dock demon 2.5' rod with 20lb mono. also a fun catfishing rod.

[@MarkyBoyle]

Some of the best fishing vids on youtube right here. Thanks for all the info!

[@tas7997]

I haven't tried the Penn reel, but I think I'm sold. I do use the Ugly Stik.

[@BornAgain777-m5t]

JC you definitely deserve a lot more subscribers, you really do !! Keep smiling and laughing 🤣 !!!!

[@hedge7743]

Ive got the combo with a 7' rod (Im 6'2") and its my go to for the beach. Throws 15 lb braid a mile. Thanks Brother!

[@MisterCee41510]

Just bought a PP4 this morning from marine west, after already purchasing a 6000 PP4 reel at your recommendation. For $99 the PP rod reel combo is a steal. The 8000 reel alone is close to $99. Cant wait to get to the the pier and go crab snare fishing.

[@rzrxn16]

👍🏽Excellent video👍🏽 I love product reviews on high value gear and tips 🎣

[@internitum2468]

I just got a penn pursuit iv and ugly stik elite this week -- it is my first fishing setup so I hope I can catch some monster fish with it 🎣

[@Madocthevindicator]

I'm a gearhead with over 30 rods and reels. For some reason, I always grab my cheapest rods, Ugly Stik GX2. Can't break them, and I got all of them on clearance for 20.00 each. I use the 6'6" conventional rods on my kayak on the salt.I have St. Croix rods that I stopped using.

[@jakewkayakfishing8457]

I have always loved Penn reels for the same reason, I can take them apart and put them back together blindfolded. Parts are readily available as well.

[@KYRealEstech]

Wish I’d seen this sooner. After hours of searching and analyzing I picked this exact setup. Think I may have ML but ugly stick/pursuit combo is perfect

[@rykerwilkins1505]

I really appreciate the info! Both are on their way, I have no experience what so ever with fishing and I’m really interested. I’ll let you know how I like the setup! Keep up the hard work love the videos

[@fives645]

Literally my two favorite brands ! So good 🤙

[@kenanmammadov7281]

wow! I got my first ever fishing combo like 5 years ago and it was a 6'6 medium action gx2 with an Okuma 4000 series reel. somehow it looks like I chose the best combo without knowing it.

[@gabrielarellano4356]

You got it,JC. Mine are all Penn reels too. They are tank.They won't let you down.

[@johnnybarbosa2606]

I just made the purchase based on your review. Going to go fishing this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.

[@timhelton624]

Pursuit an fierce combo is about all I use now for inshore to offshore there cheap get the job done an hold up very good

[@shannonedens7854]

I have Penn Pursuit IV in 2500, 4000, and 7000. They’re my go to cheap reals.

[@timpeacoe]

Great video JC have both of them pin pursuit 4000 and the ugly stick great rod and real combo God-bless

[@jackdude2626]

YES, you got it J.C. ive been using an ugly stik gx2 with a pursuit 4000 since b4 i started watching you haha , great videos keep it up ......

[@thebattousai]

Personally i feel like the 4000 size is a little heavy for me. Should gone with the 3000 or 2500 atleast cuz after like 100 casts, your wrist is done for the day

[@Bullybredkennels2022]

Awesome thanks for the link. I have the penn purist 3000 but I also have penn fierce 4000 with a berkley thunder similar to your ugly stick. Love the penn reels plan on getting a slammer soon

[@anthonystokes9794]

I have two Penn Pursuit III 2500's, I think they are just as good as some of my $100-$200 reels.

[@Briarpatchblades]

Anthony I have 4 Pursuit III 2500's. Two are on Ugly Stick 7ft Medium Intercoastal rods, and two on 7'6 Ugly Stik Medium Inshore Select. They are used for Redfish, Speckle Trout, and Flounder in the SE Louisiana marsh. They are spooled with 12 lb. Berkley Big Game mono in Coastal Brown. Nothing high tech or expensive, but my wife and I put fish in the boat!!

[@bicalijd_pierfishing9652]

I have these ugly stick GX 2 spinning rod and the Penn Pursuit III 500 for my ugly stick GX 2 medium havey spinning rod for Pier fishing 🎣👍🏼

[@scottprice8994]

That is a good all-around rod and reel. People spend a thousand dollars on a rod and reel when they do not need to. You can catch most fish in the ocean with that rig with 30-pound braid.

[@seanfrancis4658]

Bought a 5000 today thanks to your video. Head to the ocean soon.

[@HardHeadMilitary]

I picked up a lews mach 1 for $60 for myself and an abu garcia for my wife a pro x for $50. I hope i made a good choice lol. Thank you for the video

[@cowboysnation1594]

I’m doing inshore jet ski fishing what size reel you recommend?

[@juliocorrea2552]

Purchasing this set up now, thanks for the info

[@1966neal]

I just bought a Penn Fierce IV 5000 with a medium heavy Rod, would this be a good combo for fishing the Pier, targeting Bonito, Mackerel and Halibut?

[@TheRealGort]

Can I fish off the beach and in local ponds and rivers and stuff like that?

[@Fishing2.05]

I’ve caught some good spotails on that reel. Good quality.

[@thebattousai]

Yeah bro, that’s my dream combo. The gx2 with penn pursuit 3 reel

[@kennyw.8644]

Thoroughly enjoyed this presentation. Aha, I'm an inch taller than you and prefer one piece 6 foot US gx2s. My reel preference is the Ambassadeur line but love the gx2 rods. Great for northern pike, cats and carp and the occasionally bass. Tight Lines, Radman!

[@hookedonthebay3890]

Are they all 2pcs? I'm sorry man but I could never fish anything other that a 1 piece. The chain breaks at the weakest link.

[@kenaaronbabbit9987]

You can shrink wrap the handles of the gx2 and it looks dope

[@jrod5113]

I just got the Penn Pursuit 4 combo with a hard travel case at academy for only 79.99. The box said 99.99 but on checkout it was only 79.99 for some reason. The hard Penn case alone it worth $30 alone.

[@ShadowRaven-4766]

One of best saltwater reels to get in my opinion for rods u use , id get the shimano spheros and shimano saragossa for shimano and shimano ci4+

[@steveokoren4059]

JC another great video, wow and you have over 650 videos. I have watched them all. I own several ugly stick rods. If the rod tip breaks, WALMART takes them back. As far as reels go, I like the PENN Spinfisher Vl. Sealed bearings caught my eyes. 👍

[@vengeancegaming7959]

Love your videos JC!

[@tas7997]

Nice! Exactly what I'm looking for! Very cool! Thanks!

[@blake_229]

My fishing rods were stolen this past year. Having to replace my equipment. Going to go with your recommendation.

[@RadReelingFishing]

The new Penn Pursuit 4 is awesome. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2K1gql_et6Aj5o

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Great video merry Christmas jc

[@trampster7306]

Nice one JC! Penn & Shakespeare both produce some good gear - I love my Surfblaster II for the big beaches here in the UK. As I've mentioned before, it's a shame we can't get the same prices, deals, and warranties here that you get in the USA. Stay safe & well! 👍👍

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@edbranch3239]

Great video JC!

[@tylerjonesfishing]

Knowing you are a penn guy, and nothing against that they still make some good products, the weight on their reels is just not for me, have considered the clash though. I think you should give the Fenwick HMG rods a shot, part of pure fishing and I’ve heard nothing but positive remarks on them. Coming from a Shimano guy.

[@tyleri.163]

Own two medium Gx2 rods with 4000 Penn Fierce. One is dedicated lure and the other for live bait setups. Also just got medium-heavy Gx2 with 6000 Penn Fierce 3 for my snook/bridge fishing. Bulletproof setups.

[@jeffreybabino1411]

Hay jc how are you yes these combos are great

[@RichardLondon-x8l]

Great video! What type of line do you recommend?

[@jecs2123]

Thanks. New viewer and subscriber!

[@Hendr5]

Halo JC. Thank you for the great video and information about this reel and rod. Im in South Africa, and there are a few retailers for the ugly stik gx 2 here, but they are either 3 or 2 piece which just makes me feel unsure about it still being stronger and resistant than other similar rods because of the fitment. Amazon dont ship the one piece as per your link to my location. What are your thoughts around the 2, 3 piece? And another product here more affordable tham the Penn persuit 4000 is the Daiwa Jupiter z 6000- Could you also share your opinion on this product ? Thank you 😀🐠

[@RadReelingFishing]

My Gx2 rods are 2 piece and are great for fishing.

[@Martymartt]

Would you suggest the 6000 or 8000 for around heavy structure? What pole would you pair it with?

[@rafaelgutierrez1110]

What type of line do you use for this combo? As well as what’s your go-to lure for this combo?

[@RadReelingFishing]

15 lb braid. The most versatile is a paddle tail kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4m6gZ6aiKZqi5Y

[@davidleekalbjr.3035]

PENN & Shakespeare, own!

[@fishingwithsauce]

I love the pursuit 3's great and inexpensive 👍👍🎣

[@boomer.yellowrosetv]

I'm watching rad reeling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Hi jc I have this combo it's great

[@budtaz11]

Have you try catch chinook salmon????

[@williamdieffenbach3264]

What Penn rod and reel combo would you recommend for carp fishing in the US: 1) assuming the largest carp in your area are 30lbs at the extreme, 0.001% of fish are 30lbs. 2) Furthest cast distance you would need is 60 yards, 3) using a method leader fishing method?

[@RadReelingFishing]

you're gonna have to refer to the carp fishing experts, I catch big fish on my combination in this video all the time. Casting 60 yards depends on the pound test line that your casting and also the length of the rod, the size of the real effects that as well.

[@fishingthemidsouth]

How would you compare the Penn Pursuit to the Ozark Trail Saltwater reel? How similar in size are those two in the 4000 series?

[@RadReelingFishing]

I'd personally go with the quality brand name on this one. I really put the Ozark Trail reel to the test and it performed well, but with Penn you can get replacement parts very easy and fast if you need them. Also the Penn Pursuit reels are super easy to work on.

[@cadenmastroianni1709]

Can you catch a decent size striper with this

[@RadReelingFishing]

If he's in open water

[@cadenmastroianni1709]

@@RadReelingFishing so it wouldn’t work fishing off a dock?

[@notnekfishing954]

Love my GX2

[@aloneishalldieful]

Is your rod 1pc or 2pc/ which is better? Also would would be the difference if I go for M.heavy instead of just medium? I’m loving your videos and I’m about to buy this combo. I’m new to fishing and don’t know what I’ll be fishing. Mostly salt water. Keep up the good work. Loving the videos you have been a great help.

[@RadReelingFishing]

Mine is a two piece.

[@ericbenjamin6101]

question How many rod & reel do you have?

[@pianoman288]

What's your go-to line weight with this combo?.

[@RadReelingFishing]

I have one spooled with 15 braid and another spooled with 20

[@srkeene2009]

I just bought this combo but with the 7 ft. medium GX2 rod. I wanted the extra length for casting on lakes, primarily for largemouth bass, etc. I also am going to use this combo for inshore fishing. Do you think the Penn Pursuit IV 4000 will pair well with an Ugly Stik Bigwater rod, 7 ft medium? I have one and want to use that rod for casting crab traps and fishing around piers or rocks when I'm in Oregon. Thank you for all your videos!

[@RadReelingFishing]

I use Penn 6000 size reels with my Big Water rod, 4000 will work, but is a little small for that rod. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6emY4yLmMqCe6s

[@srkeene2009]

Thanks for answering. I guess I'll have to buy another Penn Pursuit reel and move closer to the shore than Colorado. Again, I love the videos!

[@plazmabroken3501]

You put the casting rod in the Amazon link 😢 now I have to return it and get the spinning rod

[@BriggsEDM]

Hey JC! Just got myself a GX2. What type of line, hook and bait should I pair it with? I believe I've got pike and walleye around me mostly but I'd rather have a setup that is an allrounder. Plan to get a Pursuit when it goes on sale. Please let me know, thanks.

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for watching. I'm a saltwater fisherman. I generally use 15 to 20 lb braid with my 4000 spinning reels.

[@BriggsEDM]

you run a leader? Planning on buying the Gibbs-Delta Trout Kit.@@RadReelingFishing

[@RadReelingFishing]

Yes. @@BriggsEDM

[@brianzulauf2974]

I use this combo its pretty much a salt water ultra light

[@RadReelingFishing]

It gets the job done for inshore fishing.

[@Carolinafishingclub20]

Do you think there is much of a difference between the 4000 and 3000 series Penn Pursuits from experience? I was thinking about pairing an Ugly Stick with a Penn Fierce but at that point I would be over budget for a loner or extra spare rod.

[@RadReelingFishing]

I did wear out the gears on a 3000 after catching a huge Snook, several more and a huge jack with it. Here's the video of the big Snook I caught with the 3000. I've never worn out the gears on any of my 4000 pursuits and I've caught some huge Snook with them. 3000 reel big Snook: kzbin.info/www/bejne/faDPgHmbi8ySgqs 4000 reel big Snook: kzbin.info/www/bejne/labNZGCYZsp0gcU

[@Carolinafishingclub20]

@@RadReelingFishing Those were some massive fish! I am surprised these small reels even held up to the fights! It seems like I will be going with the 4000 series then from your advice, but for the price that Walmart is currently offering the IV’s on clearance online I may just get two of them to fuel the fishing reel collecting addiction.

[@shawntandy4326]

thank for the info brother

[@jenryollivierre7086]

I dont like reel seat for the ugly stik gx2. Otherwise its a great rod, tough as anything you will find.

[@kyleendres22]

Would you recommend a 6’6 rod a 4000 reel for pier fishing? Going to the outer banks soon and plan on doing a lot of pier fishing

[@RadReelingFishing]

if you want to buy a rod that has a lot of different applications this is a good combination. If you're fishing for some type of a specific fish, especially if it's big, you might need to get a specialized set up.

[@Ray-cv6dx]

Hey JC, just curious with the GX2 rods and using braided line. Do you see any grooves to the eyes of the rods from using braid line?

[@RadReelingFishing]

No issues with groves in the guides.

[@tylermorong9875]

Love your videos JC

[@RadReelingFishing]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@denniskoroll3412]

I have two Penn Pursuit III 5000 reels. I would like to pair one with an 8' rod for surf fishing and one with a 6'6" or 7' rod for shore and jetty fishing. I also have a Pursuit III 3000 reel that I use with an older 6' Ugly Stick that works well for smaller fish. I want to pair the 5000 reels with something stronger that can handle bigger fish. Will the 5000 reel work with the Ugly Stick 6'6" rod that you use? What 8' rod would you recommend with the 5000 reel for surf fishing?

[@RadReelingFishing]

The 5000 will work with the GX2, but will be a little over size. For surf rods check out this video; kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJKucmRonbd9paM

[@denniskoroll3412]

@@RadReelingFishing JC thank you for your quick reply. I will be moving to SW Florida this spring and trying to get up to speed on saltwater inshore fishing. Been watching a bunch of your videos. I've learned a ton so far. Looking forward to putting it to use!

[@RadReelingFishing]

@@denniskoroll3412 Thanks for watching and commenting. I'm glad you are learning a few things.

[@thedudefishing9609]

@@RadReelingFishing Will the GX2 Medium Heavy 6’6 rod work with a 4000 Pen Pursuit 4? I couldn’t find a medium power GX2 that was 6’6 and one piece. Instead I found one that was two pieces.

[@RadReelingFishing]

@@thedudefishing9609Yes that will be a great combination.

[@chriseisele9969]

JC thanks btw what part of Florida you at

[@RadReelingFishing]

SW Florida

[@jordanleak5638]

What brand/color of 15-20 pound braid do you prefer?

[@RadReelingFishing]

Yellow amzn.to/3rDPgJk

[@wecanfightwef]

😁 I agree. Ugly stick.

[@pingcocobo6269]

I just purchased the Pursuit 4 in 2500 and 4000 series only sets up I need. Do you run 15# across the board on all your 4000? Did you mean MH heavy rod in vid or just M?

[@RadReelingFishing]

I do use fifteen pound on all my 4000 reels and the rod is medium.

[@BTL3.0]

What length rod would you recommend for a penn fierce ii 6000?

[@pablogonzalez3463]

If it's for pier fishing, 6.6. If its for surf, 10' - 12' should be right.

[@moblack5883]

Penn is releasing a new model of the Pursuit any day now.

[@RadReelingFishing]

I'm ready to try one out for sure.

[@jonperkins7433]

Thanks Bro!!

[@vin3705]

Hey for the rod is it a medium or medium heavy ?

[@RadReelingFishing]

medium

[@aymanarmoush5698]

JC why do you recommend medium not medium heavy?

[@kenaaronbabbit9987]

Bc he said all around

[@pintofmiller]

Add 10.00 and get the ugly stik elite. Just my opinion.

[@TheSpidersoftheworld]

What brand braid line you use .

[@RadReelingFishing]

I like to use 15 to 20 lb braid with a 4000

[@Sylvanas72]

I broke 3 ugly sticks last year. never again. they used to be tough.

[@RadReelingFishing]

all of mine are tough. did you mistreat them?

[@hookedonthebay3890]

While I agree this might be the best 2 piece spinning rod, I think 1 piece rods are superior. Brother you know you don't want to take any chances when that 40" snook is smoking you!

[@joeybags7411]

2 piece fits in my work truck without my boss noticing 😀

[@Gibson-md9yi]

Is this better than the bigwater

[@RadReelingFishing]

I think the Big Water rods are for targeting very big fish.