Fly reels used to play second fiddle to rods, at least in the fly-fishing world. Volumes have been written about the nuances of bamboo, fiberglass, and graphite fly rods. But the reel? “It’s just a ...

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.

But with a simple formula and basic understanding of how fly rods, reels, and lines function together, you’ll be able to pick the perfect set up. A 9-foot 5-weight is an ideal rod for trout fishing.

See It A good medium weight spinning setup is appropriate for most lake, river, and stream fishing. This Bass Pro Shops combo features a lightweight aluminum reel with a smooth multi-disc drag. The ...

Fly rods come with recommended reel sizes, the smaller the reel, the lighter the line weight. The reel is connected with a backing tied to the colorful fly line, which is most often designed to float.

Tenkara is a simple method of fly fishing that involves rod, line, tippet, and fly without the need for a fishing reel. Tenkara originated in Japan and features a range of portable rods that can ...

I wanted to know, first-hand, the difference between the Orvis Helios D and F. I tested both fly rods side by side in tough, real-world fly fishing conditions.

Fly rods and reels, line, leader and tippet are available in a dizzying array of choices. Rod prices range from less than $100 to more than $1,000. Reels equally span a wide price spectrum.