Best Bass Fishing $100 Rod & Reel Combos
Fishing can be an expensive hobby with all the gear and tackle. Many people set themselves a budget to help them from over spending. A $100 budget for a rod & reel combo is a very common price point.
Unfortunately at this price point some manufactures cut corners to maximize profits. In this guide we will help walk you through some quality $50 rods and $50 reels to keep you as close to the $100 budget as possible. Although some of the combos that made our list retail for up to $150, if you wait for them to go on sale you can stay within that $100 budget.
The combos on this list are good enough for you to enjoy bass fishing and will last for years.
Spinning Combo #1 ($100)
Rod – Shimano Sellus ($50)
The Shimano Sellus rods offer a great balance of value and performance. They are made with high-quality graphite composite blanks, providing excellent responsiveness for light line fishing.
The rods also feature aluminum oxide guides for uninterrupted casting, as well as a custom-shaped EVA split grip and a Shimano reel seat. These rods provide everything an angler needs at an affordable price. The only drawback of this rod is it’s weight. Your arms will get tired of casting it all day long.
Favorite Models: 7’1″ Medium, 7’1″ Medium Heavy
Model | Taper | Line Wt. | Lure Wt. | Guides | Handle Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7’1″ Medium | Fast | 6-12lb | 1/4-3/4 oz | 7+Tip | 13-1/2″ |
7’1″ Medium Heavy | Fast | 8-14lb | 3/16-5/8 oz | 7+Tip | 13-1/2″ |
Reel – Shimano Nexave ($50)
The Shimano Nexave is a very smooth reel. It has 3 bearings (plus 1 rear bearing) which is the same as the higher end Sedona.
The Nexave is a well-designed and high-performing reel. It meets Shimano’s high standards for quality and features an advanced Propulsion Line Management System that allows for longer and more accurate casts by dispensing the line in a tighter coil with less friction.
It’s well balanced towards the handle which helps reduce fatigue and increasing comfort for the angler. This reel is suitable for both beginner and experienced anglers, and offers great value for its price.
Favorite Size: 2500
Model | Retrieve | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearing | Line Cap. (Test/Yd.) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEX2500HGFI | Right/Left | 6.2:1 | 8.8 | 3BB + 1RB | 6/200, 8/140 |
Spinning Combo #2 ($105)
Rod – Daiwa Aird X ($55)
The Daiwa Aird X is another quality budget rod. It’s a fairly lightweight rod that has decent sensitivity and power. It’s a little softer than you would expect for each power.
The Daiwa Aird X rods are designed for finesse and light line fishing applications. They offer good performance at an affordable price.
They have lightweight graphite blanks that provide excellent sensitivity and power. Their guides are lightweight and durable, and provide pretty good casting distance and accuracy.
The split grip EVA handles offer comfortable grip and balance, and each rod includes a hook keeper. These rods are a great value, offering both affordability and excellent performance.
Favorite Models: 7′ Medium, 7′ Medium Heavy
Model | Taper | Line Wt. | Lure Wt. | Guides | Handle Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7′ Medium | Fast | 6-15lb | 1/4-3/4 oz | 6+Tip | 14″ |
7′ Med Hvy | Fast | 8-17lb | 1/4-1 oz | 6+Tip | 14″ |
Reel – Daiwa Revros LT ($50)
The Daiwa Revros is a light weight and durable reel. It has 4 bearings (plus 1 rear bearing) which makes it fairly smooth. At the $50 price point it’s hard to beat.
The Daiwa Revros is a lightweight and durable reel that offers excellent performance at an affordable price. The reel has been redesigned with an upgraded bearing system. It’s switched to a composite housing and machined aluminum handle to minimize weight.
The Daiwa Revrosis a versatile and value-driven option for anglers who want craftsmanship of Daiwa products.
Favorite Size: 2000
Model | Retrieve | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearing | Line Cap. (Test/Yd.) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
REVLT2000 | Right/Left | 5.2:1 | 7.6 | 4BB + 1RB | 6/110 |
Baitcaster Combo #1 ($150)
Rod – Denali Ryker ($70)
The Denali Ryker rods offer great performance at an affordable price. These rods are made with a durable IM6 blank that provides excellent sensitivity and strength.
They have Duraloc guides for smooth line management and precision casting. The grip is comfortable and with the rod’s lighter weight allows you to fish all day without getting fatigue.
Overall, the Denali Ryker Series Casting Rods are a reliable and value-driven choice for anglers.
Favorite Models: 7′ Medium Heavy, 7′ Heavy
Model | Taper | Line Wt. | Lure Wt. | Guides | Handle Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7′ Med Hvy | Fast | 12-17lb | 3/8-1 oz | 8+Tip | 15″ |
7′ Heavy | Fast | 15-25lb | 1/2-1 oz | 8+Tip | 15″ |
Reel – Shimano Caius B ($80)
The Shimano Caius B is an updated version with upgraded brakes, and bearings. The bearings minimized spool friction which helped increase it’s casting distance. It’s a great budget baitcasting reel.
The Shimano Caius B has been updated and improved with new cosmetics and enhanced performance over it’s predecessor. It’s upgrades include a 6-pin braking system to prevent backlash and upgraded bearings to minimize spool friction for longer casting distance and accuracy.
The brass gearing provides smooth operation and the longer 90mm handle offers increased leverage. Overall, the Shimano Caius B Casting Reel is a great budget option for anglers.
Favorite Speed: 7.2:1
Model | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearing | Line Cap. (Test/Yd.) |
---|---|---|---|---|
CIS150HGB | 7.2:1 | 6.9 | 3BB + 1RB | 10/120, 12/110 |
Baitcaster Combo #2 ($120 – $130)
Rod – 13 Fishing Defy Black ($60 – $70)
The 13 Fishing Defy Black rods offer high-performance features at an affordable price. These rods are designed for specific techniques and feature tapers that provide excellent presentation and fish-fighting capabilities.
They are made with reactive graphite, which is both durable and sensitive, and feature a custom Evolve Seamless Reel Seat and a High Density Japanese EVA Split Grip Handle for improved balance and ergonomic grip.
The guides are lightweight and highly-polished to help increase casting distance and reduce friction. Overall, the 13 Fishing Defy Black Casting Rods are great for anglers looking for a reliable and sensitive budget rod.
Favorite Models: 6’7″ Medium, 7’1″ Medium Heavy, 7’5″ Heavy
Model | Taper | Line Wt. | Lure Wt. | Guides | Handle Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
6’7″ Medium | Fast | 10-17lb | 1/4-5/8 oz | 8+Tip | 13-3/4″ |
7’1″ Med Hvy | Fast | 12-20b | 3/8-1 oz | 9+Tip | 14-3/4″ |
7’5″ Heavy | Fast | 14-25lb | 3/8-1 1/2 oz | 9+Tip | 15-3/4″ |
Reel – 13 Fishing Origin R1 ($60)
The 13 Fishing Origin R1 casting reel is a powerful and affordable option for heavy-duty fishing. It has a maximum drag pressure of 18lbs, allowing you to easily reel in large fish.
The magnetic cast control system and 5 bearings ensures smooth and stable casting and retrieves. The advanced Arrowhead line guide system promotes accurate, long-distance casting.
Overall, the 13 Fishing Origin R1 Casting Reel is a highly capable and customizable casting reel at an unbeatable price.
Favorite Speed: 8.1:1
Model | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearing | Line Cap. (Test/Yd.) |
---|---|---|---|---|
OR1-8.1 | 8.1:1 | 7.9 | 5BB | 12/110 |
Baitcaster Combo #3 ($150)
Rod – Dobyns Colt ($80)
The Dobyns Colt casting rods offers great performance at an affordable price. These rods are made from high-modulus graphite blanks and come in a variety of models designed for specific fishing techniques
They are nicely balanced and feature high-end components such as Hi-density hypalon butts and Sea Guides.
Designed with budget-conscious anglers in mind, the Dobyns Colt Series Casting Rods offer the same level of quality as more expensive Dobyns rods at a more reasonable price point.
Overall, these rods provide everything you need for to enjoy your time on the water.
Favorite Models: 734, 703, 705 Cranking
Model | Taper | Line Wt. | Lure Wt. | Guides | Handle Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7′ Med Hvy 703 | Fast | 10-17lb | 1/4-3/4 oz | 9+Tip | 14-1/2″ |
7′ Med Hvy Cranking 705 | Fast | 8-17b | 1/4-3/4 oz | 9+Tip | 14-1/2″ |
7’3″ Heavy 734 | Fast | 10-20lb | 1/4-1 oz | 9+Tip | 15″ |
Reel – 13 Fishing Origin F1 ($70)
The 13 Fishing Origin F1 casting reel has a sleek, low fastback body shape that fits comfortably in your hand. It has a 20lb of drag and and anti reverse to give you the power to easily land your catch.
The rods have Arrowhead line guides and 7 bearings giving it a smooth line release, allowing for long casting distances. Overall, the 13 Fishing Origin F1 Casting Reel is an excellent choice at it’s price point
Favorite Speed: 8.1:1
Model | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearing | Line Cap. (Test/Yd.) |
---|---|---|---|---|
OF1-8.1 | 8.1:1 | 8.1 | 7BB | 12/110 |
Baitcaster Combo #4 ($149 – $155)
Rod – 13 Fishing Fate Black ($79 – $85)
The 13 Fishing Fate Black casting rods have been redesigned for even better performance than the original. The new version has improved the overall feel and sensitivity.
They are made with lightweight high modulus graphite, which makes them very nimble and responsive. The rods also feature smaller guides with Alconite inserts to reduce weight and improve balance.
The Evolve Soft Touch Carbon Ported Reel Seat allows you to feel even the subtlest of fish movements, transferring the energy directly to your palm. The rods have a hook keeper for convenient lure storage when not in use. Overall, the 13 Fishing Fate Black Casting Rods offer unbeatable performance at a great price.
The 6’7″ Medium model is one of the best popper rods at any price point.
Favorite Models: 6’7″ Medium, 7’1″ Medium Heavy, 7’4″ Heavy
Model | Taper | Line Wt. | Lure Wt. | Guides | Handle Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
6’7″ Medium | Fast | 10-17lb | 1/4-5/8 oz | 8+Tip | 12-1/2″ |
7’1″ Med Hvy | Extra Fast | 8-14b | 3/8-1 oz | 9+Tip | 14-1/4″ |
7’4″ Heavy | Extra Fast | 14-25lb | 3/8-1 1/2 oz | 9+Tip | 14-3/4″ |
Reel – 13 Fishing Origin F1 ($70)
The 13 Fishing Origin F1 Casting Reel has a sleek, low fastback body shape that fits comfortably in your hand. It has a 20lb of drag and and anti reverse to give you the power to easily land your catch.
The rods have Arrowhead line guides and 7 bearings giving it a smooth line release, allowing for long casting distances. Overall, the 13 Fishing Origin F1 Casting Reel is an excellent choice at it’s price point
Favorite Speed: 8.1:1
Model | Gear Ratio | Weight | Bearing | Line Cap. (Test/Yd.) |
---|---|---|---|---|
OF1-8.1 | 8.1:1 | 8.1 | 7BB | 12/110 |
Budget Line Spinning Reels
- Fluorocarbon – Sunline Super FC
- Braid – Power Pro Spectra
Budget Line for Casting Reels
- Fluorocarbon – Seaguar Basix
- Braid – Sufix 832