What To Look For When Buying a Fishing Rod and Reel.

Looking for a new fishing rod and fishing reel? These are things you should be looking at before deciding on a fishing rod/reel combo. You should strive to pick a rod/reel that best suits your style of fishing. Some fishing rods are more versatile than others, while others are very specialized for a particular type of fishing.
Our vision at Hey Skipper is to be the best source of helpful information to anyone who wants to get into the world of fishing! Help support our channel by visiting us on our website and downloading our Ebooks!
More info about my fishing gear, fishing spots, and exclusive subscriber content + MORE! bit.ly/heyskipperhome
Hey Skipper Squidy Bits:
bit.ly/squidybits
FREE Hey Skipper Fishing Ebooks!
bit.ly/Skippertutorial
What Knots to Tie and When: bit.ly/knotsguide
Surf Fishing Crash Course: bit.ly/surffishingguide
Surf Fishing Gear Guide + Packable List: bit.ly/SurfGearGuide
Pier Fishing Crash Course: bit.ly/pierguide
Jetty Fishing Crash Course: bit.ly/jettyguide
JOIN THE SKIPPER SQUAD to stay up to date with us, receive exclusive fishing info, articles, product announcements, deals & MORE!
bit.ly/skippersquad
Follow us on
Tik Tok @HeySkipperOfficial
Instagram @HeySkipperOfficial
Send us stuff to our PO Box to be featured on our show
6030 Marshalee Drive #151, Elkridge, Md 21075, USA

[@TradeDaFuture]

The way he spazed out when the fish came off had me laughing so hard! 😂😂

[@protocl]

Every group needs a short Vietnamese guy.

[@iusoloman1527]

Lol. Little man was hilarious.

[@galaxyx3657]

Lol, yup

[@dukemaui91]

Du ma!! That’s what he wanted to say so bad

[@williamnguyen738]

That's me wtf?

[@goop2861]

@@williamnguyen738where u from?

[@bellwethertrucking3650]

Reeling and/or pulling from the side gives the fish the best opportunity to break free. If you watch, on probably 99% of youtube videos where people lose big fish, they're reeling and/or pulling with their rod horizontal. If you keep your rod tip pointed at the sky, you have a much better chance of landing it. Of course, a little bit of side action is sometimes needed to guide them, but overall perfectly vertical is ideal.

[@ecxt9376]

not true

[@ziplague]

dude, you have the most fun to watch fishing videos out there :D keep em coming.

[@onewiththestone]

It's time that we all give Mr. Mike the true credit he deserves... All thumbs up for Senko Mike!

[@averagepal572]

Because of you I use... Sharky 3 baitfeeder 5000 with uglystik gx2 for freshwater carp ect. Sharky 3 GOLD 4000 with Blackhawk 2 telescopic mh & h for on the move beach/pier fishing. Keep things light. Kastking perigree 2 mh with kastking speed demon 3000 for pike/lure fishing. ... even started making my own salty squid 😂

[@leevigarza4548]

Me and my wife just caught a 43in crayville jack down here in Texas using your tips. Thanks man . 2 weeks ago we didn’t know anything lol

[@theredbaron057]

I’m so thankful for your videos, they’ve been so helpful!

[@robvallee]

Shimano Twin Power 4000 on a St. Croix 7.6 med action is my all-around. I saved all year for this reel and it hasn't disappointed.

[@metrotek5]

nice.

[@musaadfelton3909]

Your brother/friend/cousin is hilarious. It must really be fun to be with him

[@afleetcommand]

Excellent Video AND interesting commentary. For me my current favorite "general" fresh water setup is a Lews TLC2000 on a Halo Starlite 6' 6" medium rod. I really like the reel and its faster 6.2: 1 gear ration and absolutely love the weight and action of that Halo rod. Best $50 bucks I ever spent on fishing gear. My other fresh water combo is a Ducket Dfgg70m-s 7ft Medium rod and Daiwa DG1500 reel. I have a bunch to choose from and when I use spinner baits, the Lew's gets the job every time, and everything else the slower Daiwa. In the summer I fish daily and the Lews / Halo is on its third season. I've tried others and bought others...but it still gets the job more often than not. For Brackish/Salt I have a Kast King Sharky 2 4000 series Baitfeeder on a 8ft Daiwa Rod...and a Shimano 4000 Symetry on a Daiwa 9ft "medium/heavy" rod. They are ok..looking for something better...both are on the block. Symetry has lasted..just don't like it.

[@alexanderfkovach2659]

Brendon, I absolutely love all your fishing videos! All very informative and helpful. Thanks, you have answered many questions that I had about surf and pier fishing. Big Al your SF Bay Area pal.

[@DvjLuna]

My favorite setup that I have is a 7 ft. Med. Light power, fast action St. Croix Legend Extreme paired up with Shimano Stradic Ci4 3000 size reel spooled up with 10 pound Power Pro Braided line. Cast a country mile with that rod and hooked up on some nice size bass with that and even got onto some great size snook with that same setup.

[@TheOpelkoenjas]

I got several combo's, like many among us, but my favorite rod of now is Rod: Japanese (!!!) Jatsui Black Eagle Seabass Elite 5-20gr (PE 0.6 - 1.2), 240cm, fast action. The tackleshop brought it with them when they visited Japan last year. :) Yay me. :) Mainline: Shimano Invisitec 30/100 Leader: usually none, except when shore or pier fishing at the beach. Then I'll attach a 50/100 fluorcarbon, otherwise the rocks, crabs and mussels will be ripping the mainline apart in no time Reel: depends on the waters I'm fishing on, but usually it's a 2500 or 3000 Arca. At the beach I'll use my 4000 one, due to the heavy waves we have here. Lures: anything goes on this rod, as long it's under 20gr. Cheers from Belgium!

[@Eldwyn]

Hey man do you still use that setup? I"m going to get a spin set just can't really decide what type would fit for me. I'm between a heavy fast 2.74 14 - 42 g rod and a medium heavy fast 2.40 7 - 28 g rod

[@vjabonador1067]

My main setup for inshore fishing is a 7-foot medium action rod, rated for 10-25 grams (3/8-7/8 oz for you Americans) and paired with a Shimano Sedona 2500, with 20-lb. braid and 30-lb. fluoro shock leader. This setup I use for lure fishing, especially with artificial shrimp like VUDU, etc. Perfect for Barramundi, Mangrove Jack and some Groupers/Rock Cod.

[@razahassan811]

Rod/reel combo with fishing kit as an emergency setup kzbin.infoUgkxntWMOZsO1Zfv-pdn_XuffEtNkTYAYu4Z recommend but started to use this every day. The rod is thick and seems durable. I keep it neatly tucked into a regular backpack all the time with my fishing gear, and can grab it anytime, put it on my back and go anywhere. I just read in another review that the rod length below the reel is adjustable as well, so I will try that too for even more portability. Probably the best setup I've ever owned. I lost the cap for the eyelets, but no big deal since I still have the black cloth sheath that came for the pole and I use that. Very portable and high quality.

[@Rygoat]

Love this one, such good vibes going on between you all. Sometimes I worry you guys might be pissing off your dad a bit with all your joking and then you see his smile

[@dianaaning619]

Lol

[@paulbrand1256]

This was awesome! And I love Louie bro he's hilarious!

[@cranford3281]

What is a good spinner combo for bass and catfish?

[@drbikashbaran108]

Important information with appropriate illustrations in simple words. So helpful !!!! Thank you so much. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@reesy22]

Shimano sustain and zodias are an awesome combo. I’m currently running a 3000 size reel and a 3-6kg version of the rod. I use it for big estuary species and it’s just feels so mint!!!

[@nikheelramdass1705]

Rod- Daiwa crossfire 7ft (light) Reel- shimano sedona 4000xg Line- 22 pound braided line I use this setup for inshore fishing and for casting, it can hold any inshore fish easily. Caught needlefish, barracuda and jack fish.

[@user-dg6ne6mz3r]

Thank you very much for your videos I want you to know that I find lots of good information from your video and learned a lot

[@alethiea13]

hi senko skipper... i been watching your videos for quite some time now and its really really good a newbie like me... God Bless

[@willwagner7212]

Thank you 🙏 this video helped me a lot!

[@jonathanmunoz2480]

“watchu talkin bout willis” 🤣 make more videos with him made my whole day 😂😂

[@redsoxwinagain2007]

Rod action and strength rating are different. The location bend is the action and the amount of bend is the strength rating. For most applications a moderate fast action rod in a medium or medium heavy is best.

[@rutgers16]

Great Channel man. Thanks for your knowledge

[@jasonuntisz7365]

I just picked up an Okuma trio bf 55, I'm pairing it with an Okuma SST-S-902MH ROD, can't wait to use it

[@rileydunn3695]

In Australia I use a 7 foot 6-12lb Samaki zing gen II, Paired up with a daiwa revros dx 2500 with 8lb braid and I use it for pretty much everything dusky flathead, sand whiting, yellowfin bream, and little gt’s, i also put on 4lb leader and catch bait fish with it too, I’ve literally used it off the rocks / beach ,ultralight deep sea , a little bit of freshwater, but I mainly use it for river/ estuary

[@isaacbrascoupe]

Pleasure to watch and learn!! We live in Western New York, and want to fish the coast more. What poundage are you using? And what is the leader poundage? You people are the best!!! Raise your own fishing partners!

[@jayveelegaspi4299]

My favorite inshore setup ROD: Fenwick Eagle GT 9’6 Medium REEL: Shimano Nasci 3000

[@loujirizarry77]

Love the family affair. I really enjoy watching your videos. Keep them up!

[@ceferinonealega6342]

Nice vid bro, thanks for the advices

[@catherineb5066]

Thank you so very much! Great info! 😻💝🎣🐟🐡🦈 You explain it so well ! Very helpful!🌞

[@ajie5523]

I got two piece of Okuma 8 ft with Penn battle 2 5000 reel. Works great.

[@playa4lizife]

Great video! Even better info and tips! Thanks for the help and great awesome great awesome videos! Louie strikes again lol always going for the big fish. But will he get one in..... I'll stay tuned for the next one!

[@donjoe72]

I keep a 7' Star Stellar medium power, fast action/ Shimano CI4 4000 combo in my car. It can handle all types of lures between 1/4-3/4 oz., and that can be stretched some each way. I use artificial lures exclusively. I have both fresh and salt water licenses. I can pull this combination out and use it for just about any "target of opportunity" I might come across.. It's not always the perfect fit but it can always get the job done.

[@agustoacevedo9959]

Yo this video is awesome!!! that guy with the light blue Shirt Had me cracking up when he lost that fish 🐟 🤣 😂

[@brokeanglerinc2410]

Senko Senpai Skipper Thank you for the knowledge shared 👍

[@Crix4evaTnT]

Awesome tips and always bruh and Erin and fam

[@lupegonzales5120]

Dude, I am LOVING your videos! They are humorous as well as informative. Keep 'em coming :D

[@HeySkipper]

Hey, much appreciated for the shoutout! Thought I'd mention, I've got some top-notch beach fishing gear on my site, www.heyskipperfishing.com. You gotta check it out-it'll level up your fishing game in no time 😃

[@butchsorrida8787]

very informative ,skipper, what a funny guy louie is lol.

[@aaronarlington9328]

Great video, I enjoy your how to and tip videos. When I fish with lures,fresh or salt water, I like using a 7 foot Ugly Stick with a Pen 4500 size reel. They are not the most expensive rod and reel,but they are good for beginners. I also use a 8 foot rod,for bridge,shore,and pier fishing,with a Pen 7000 or 8000. I use a 10 foot pole for surf fishing.

[@Lov3message]

I think for the beginner , $140 for Penn 4500 spinning reel is expensive . They could spend just $80 for combo rod and reel ugly stick G2x which more affordable

[@clavididk1236]

Thanks for the Info homie 👍👌 I appreciate it 🤙

[@GetOutTheHouseGoFish]

Great info 👍 and a great time fishing 🎣

[@pedromarrero9572]

Just got a 7ft MH Ugly Stick Elite paired with a Penn Battle 2 3000. Can't wait to try this combo this weekend!!

[@jevaughnbryan6332]

How's the elite?

[@mooneysoutdoors3612]

My favorite is my penn battalion 10 ft surf rod with my penn spinfisher 5500 got it spooled up with 30 lb power pro. Also love my st croix mojo inshore 7,6 with my penn battle 2 4000 spooled up with 25 lb braid

[@bicali_pierfishing1567]

I just bought my first fishing 🎣 pole the shshakespeare tiger spinning rod combo in looking forward on buying more fishing pole combos 👍💯

[@WretchedOne666]

I have that same combo and just replaced it with a Daiwa Jupiter 6'6" MH spinning rod that i put my Quantum Optix 40 on to replace my Tiger combo. I have a feeling you will love that rod if you dont love it already. Mine performed flawlessly. Even though i ended up replacing the reel with a Shimano IX4000R Quickfire ll the rod itself is still great. You picked a good combo.

[@29floridaguy]

I have a Penn fierce 4000 combo rod set, a flats rod from Addictive Fishing 1st gen and 2nd gen. Then some Wal-Mart rods combo..

[@johnandrewservice8598]

Great advice Skipper. Onelove.

[@stevegiblin270]

You were having a good time with friends and family.

[@WretchedOne666]

I use a Daiwa Jupiter 6'6" MH rod with a Quantum Optix 40. There is now salt water where I live (I live in Michigan) but there are some monster fish in these lakes and this rod is perfect combo is perfect for me.

[@chayzarate154]

I just bought a 6’6 Daiwa Laguna light fast rod with a Daiwa Laguna LT 4000c reel

[@GWShark1]

For baitcasting my reels are LEWS speed spools. Like them a lot, take a beat, cast good and easy to clean oil. Paired with abu garcia vendetta MH 7' fast or less Hank parker MH 7'. That one I got in the clearance section of Walmart by $21.00. My son has a Piscifun phantom paired with an Ugly stick 6' medium. I tried it last week, that reel is a beauty and paired with that rod is a killer. For spinning I have pflugger presidents for fresh water or quantum for salt water, paired with several brands and lengths. Lews, uglygl sticks, abu garcia or even a cat buster from bass pro.

[@3alphaRomeo]

This was the funniest episode ever! Lol was about to cry!!!

[@lonedobie1]

Fly rod with a spinning reel for trout,bobber or one or two small spilt shots great to cast a fly or small jug or lure !!

[@rebelfishing9616]

Great instructional video, Thanks

[@tracybradshaw1362]

Fun video! So can't wait to get out and fish on vacation!

[@HeySkipper]

Where are you going on vacation Tracy? Hope to hear about all the fish you catch!

[@waddupcuh]

Favourite combo: shimano fx s-80mhb2 with a shimano sienna 4000 reel

[@edgarrenteria1985]

When fishing can u say "im keeping this one"! And then do a cooking show?

[@joeyparsons6654]

The vibes in this video are amazing

[@JavierPadron]

Bruh i love your family... Yall are great fishing together

[@nickdesert7304]

=) love it how you get streat to the point and then get to the fun stuff later and it makes me want to wach the video!!!

[@kayakfishingpuntacana9816]

I saw your video in my Hometown Punta Cana! 🎣👍

[@Zjudoransj]

I got a 60-70$-ish setup I use: - albatros trend 200 light jerkbait 15-50gr - Abu Garcia blue max baitcasting reel - spiderwire braided (don’t know which one) - spro iris flash jerk (go to glider/ jerkbait) - I use it for catching pike here in Holland

[@joseoriol5426]

Does the baitcaster make a lot of birdsnest?

[@legefy]

I've inherited a bunch of rods so I had to pick out one or two and pass on the rest. I'm glad I kept the plastic ones over the little fancy wooden ones.

[@TheFishingMommy]

I might have an addiction. I’ve got 4 combos... Lightweight/Finesse Setup: Pflueger President Spinning Reel 20X Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 7’ Medium Light Crankbait or Inshore Saltwater Setup: Penn Fierce II 4000 Ugly Stik Tiger Elite 7’ Heavy OR Penn Fierce Combo rod (MH, extra fast) 
Frogging or Nearshore Setup: Daiwa BG 5000 St Croix Mojo Bass Spinning Rod 7’1” MH F Pier or Surf Setup: Daiwa BG 5000 Ugly Stik Bigwater 10’ MH

[@shaulgovea6699]

I love you videos… thanks for sharing.

[@Gypsyboy932]

Thanks Brendan and Erin + Family!

[@HeySkipper]

Thank you for watching, bob! 😁

[@adamy6485]

I went to the ocean view pier in Norfolk Saturday evening and I was using a Berkeley Big Game 7’ medium heavy rod with a marathon guardian 6000 reel. It rod is a little stiff but I liked the setup pretty good for fishing the bottom off a saltwater pier. I’ll eventually get into some higher end stuff. Just using what I can afford for now.

[@adamy6485]

For reference the setup price breaks down to be $22 for the rod and $40 for the reel

[@FLIPTRONIX]

I have a Phenix Black Diamond 706 With a Tatula Type R for Halibut/Striper/Sturgeon. Also a Shimano Trevala with a Avet Raptor for sturgeon and Rockfishing deepsea. 60lb Powerpro with 150lb test swivels.

[@maryallen5919]

You guys are fun to watch 😊

[@Jiban_Katha]

Nice information and nice family thank you

[@theunknownpov1399]

My best rod and reel for beginners are: Brand- Daiwa Rod- Daiwa 702 MFS Reel: Crossfire 3000 Line- Monoline- 6-10 LBS Line- Braided Line 6-15 LBS

[@Rasheed58able]

Great Info from great pro .

[@thomasbrustad5596]

Fun video to watch!!

[@hollandhollywood329]

I like the Penn Fierce ll 8' rod and reel combo.

[@chinadave2854]

Lol I picked the $9.99 combo at Wal-Mart put 20lb test on it. And fished it for 3 years and it's still going trout bass. Perch calico Bonita no problems

[@ghostdevill]

I fish on Siluro Glanis (Waller a.k.a. Wells Catfish). I use as rod a BlackCat Freestyle 3.00m. 400gram with a Finn Nor Offshore 9500 as combo! The reel can take 00/65 85kg 330m. braided fishing line. To take on big big fish!

[@wishiknew1974]

*This rod is very convenient. It collapses to under 2 feet long, making storage super easy. Extended it's about 6 feet tall and gets even longer when you extend the handle. It also comes with a cloth sleeve to store your rod in. The reel is very nice. The design is pleasing to the eyes and is very smooth. It's clearly marked to tell you how much line it can hold depending on the diameter of your line. Definitely something I can keep in my Jeep for the last minute fishing trips.*

[@stad20111]

My Surf set up is an Okuma celilo 9ft med/heavy up to 2oz lure rating with an okuma rox40 reel. 20lb braid to a 15lb mono high low rig. Was only $80 for everything

[@Rygoat]

I've not fished since I was a little kid, the family would take a trip to Albany or another beach-side location and we would fish. It's tempting to try to get into it, seems like something I can get away with doing solo and not feeling like a complete weirdo

[@danc7097]

“Y u do dat mang” KILL ME hahahahaha so funny

[@bernardonokohwemu1428]

Hey Skipper, Your videos inspire me a lot adding fuel to my admiration of angling. I have always loved fishing with hooks from childhood but did not have the opportunity to fully engage in it until adulthood. My passion for it still burns and I intend to enjoy that activity in my retirement. I have a lot to practice and learn about it and all those accessories like artificial lures. Kindly tell me: What is that triangular white/red appendage floating between the hook and the rod tip called?

[@Voscilate]

Man y’all seem fun to fish with I hope one day maybe I can see you out there to fish with you guys.

[@nioniarditosfishing9036]

My favourite rod for my kayak is carson andorra boat party 120 and linea affe vigor mustang 40fd i use it for vertical fishing for sea bream white sea bream and more

[@CARLOSManuel-cy4lh]

yo u need to be more like the short dude on the blue shirt or having more on ur vid 😂 this man can be famous 😂😂😂

[@thetruthii5001]

You're my favorite youtuber fishing guy. You didn't talk that much about the reels at all.

[@tyfishing3318]

Penn squadron 2, 11ft... with a penn spinfisher v 5000. I cast 40 to 80g lures on this setup.

[@longrider42]

Daiwa RegalPlus, 3500BRI loaded with Ande tournament grade 10 pound test, on a Cabela's 9 foot long Salmon/Steelhead rod, which they no longer carry. Its good for pretty much anything I might hook onto, in the lakes I fish, here in Wyoming. I don't know what the action is, but it works. and I can cast a bait out pretty far. Oh the rod will handle up to a 1.5 ounce weight/lure. Line weight, 10 too 20 pound. Been using it for years.

[@luiscarrion2891]

What's your ideal inshore mangrove fishing rod and reel combo? Also your videos are the truth!!

[@aidanaf151]

My favourite combo is my Daiwa TD sol with 20lb braid and a samurai runoff 16-25lb 6' (I use it for snapper, Kingfish and bonito) Im from Australia btw

[@Haqeeqat-e-Iman]

thanks for the video

[@EnFyr]

When fishing inn small creeks or innland seas. I'd go for a 7ft rod with a 3000ra reel. It usually does the job.

[@blakeb4399]

Been loving my Rainer i7 fly rod I think it's a fast 6wt just getting into it tho my favorite spinning rod is my salmon rod ugly stick med fast noodle rod with a fluger president 4000 have used the reel for salmon and ocean doesn't give up!

[@Swizzle9708]

Wow this video is perfect

[@coolwhip4470]

I got the penn battle II 5000 combo haven’t used it yet bc I just got it yesterday but I got 15 lb mono on it with a 25 lb flouro leader and it reels really smooth

[@franciscoblanco71]

Phenix black diamond surf with a 6500 diawa bg magsealed

[@marcusreid6639]

Dude I love your videos, they are very helpful. I’m just getting into fishing. I see you have a lot of videos in Jacksonville, Fl. I’m a hour away from Jacksonville, besides the beach where are some good spots for fishing in the area?

[@JoshJ1563]

Phenix Black Diamond and a accurate sr 20 with a 50 pound braid and 40 pound top shot

[@FloridaPanhandleFishing2003]

My small setup is a penn pursuit 3 4000 and my surf set up is a penn spinfisher 5 10500 I use it for shark and big bull reds

[@bomiwonabi]

You gotta swing it like this.....shut up man! Lmao Louie is hilarious