---
title: "Tackle Test 2017: Super Rod and Reel Combos"
description: "Here are our top picks for species-specific tackle combos that are great performance and great value."
date: "2017-03-22"
modified: "2017-03-22"
authors:
  - name: "Todd Kuhn"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/todd-kuhn/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/tackle-test-2017-super-rod-and-reel-combos/"
categories:
  - "Fishing Gear"
  - "Fishing Reels"
  - "Fishing Rods"
  - "Gear"
---

# Tackle Test 2017: Super Rod and Reel Combos

![Super rod and reel combos.](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/HC7RHGOQ23XUSTIQRF557PME6E.jpg>)
*Five top rod and reel combos. Nathaniel Welch*

Here are our top picks for species-specific tackle combos that are great performance and great value.

## TROUT

**ROD:** ST. CROIX TRIUMPH TRAVEL SPINNING ROD TRS56ULF4

**REEL:** SHIMANO NASCI 1000

The four-piece Triumph rod, with its travel case, is compact—great for packing in and out of remote trout haunts. Pair it with Shimano’s NASCI1000 and you have a formidable team, up to any trout task, including throwing the lightest inline spinners.

*(Rod: $120; reel: $100)*

## PANFISH

\*\*ROD: \*\*BASS PRO SHOPS CRAPPIE MAXX CMA1066MLS

**REEL:** BASS PRO SHOPS CRAPPIE MAXX CMA 1000

The BPS Crappie Maxx combo is a lightweight pair that proved perfectly matched for going head-to-head with big slabs. The 6-foot rod has enough tip to cast light baits and sufficient butt to drag large crappies out of thick brush.

\*(Combo: $40) \*

## WALLEYES

**ROD:** G. LOOMIS E6X 782-2 WUR 6'6"

**REEL:** SHIMANO STRADIC C14+ 2500 HG

This Loomis two-piece rod offers a supple tip for detecting timid strikes, while the Stradic reel manages line as well as any spinner on the market. Its smooth drag swiftly tamed hard-charging fish. The combo made our wish list despite the sticker price.

*(Rod: $190; reel: $230)*

## MUSKIES

**ROD:** LEW'S ISD3 SUPER DUTY 3 7'11"

**REEL:** LEW's SUPER DUTY SPEED SPOOL

This top-flight pairing seems eager to take on the meanest of muskies. In our test, the 7-foot 11-inch rod easily threw hefty baits, while the Super Duty Speed Spool’s massive drag proved more than capable of breaking big fish.

*(Rod: $180; reel: $200)*

## CATFISH

**ROD:** ZEBCO BIG CAT XT BCKTS 802B 8'

**REEL:** ZEBCO BIG CAT XT

If your game is chasing monster blue and flathead cats, then consider the Zebco Big Cat combo. Together, the stout 8-foot rod and 60-series reel are beefy enough to handle large lines, big baits, and super-sized catfish.

*(Combo: $70)*