Best Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo in 2023

by Tim Mueller

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When planning a deep sea fishing trip, it is important to choose the right equipment.

The best deep sea fishing rod and reel combo should be able to handle the powerful fish that live in deep waters, yet most of them don’t.

That’s why I decided to research and review lots of rod and reel combos and arrive to what I consider is the best list of rod and reel combos for deep sea fishing.


3 Best Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

These are the three best deep sea fishing rod and reel combos I’ve found after extensive research:

  1. Okuma Great Lakes Trolling Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  2. PENN Squall 30 Level Wind Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  3. PENN Warfare Star Drag Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

1. Okuma Great Lakes Trolling Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

Features

  • Rod Length: 7’6″ length medium rod
  • Reel: 45DXT Reel
Okuma CPDR-862M-30DXT Great Lakes Trolling Combo, 8'6" Length, 2 Piece Rod, Medium Action, 2BB Bearings,Black

As an angler, you know the importance of having a durable fishing rod. After all, you don’t want your line snapping in the middle of a big catch!

That’s why you’ll appreciate how this Okuma Great Lakes Trolling deep sea fishing rod and reel is made with a high-quality E-glass material that is designed to withstand heavy use.

Moreover, it has a pair of aluminum oxide guides that help maintain the line straight, making catching fish easy so you can finally land that big fish you’ve been dreaming of.

Its stainless steel hooded reel seats maintain the reel stable so it doesn’t wobble when using the rod. This is key to fish with ease and precision so you can enjoy not ever worrying about your reel again.

Last but not least, this deep sea fishing rod and reel combo has EVA foam grips which guarantee a comfortable grip and prevents hand fatigue so you can feel the excitement of catching fish without getting your hands tired.

Pros

  • Durable E-glass blank construction which guarantees durability
  • Double footed aluminum oxide guides that help keep the fishing line in place
  • Stainless steel hooded reel seats that maintain the reel stable
  • EVA foam grips for a comfortable fishing experience
  • Machine cut brass gearing for a reliable and smooth reeling
  • Corrosion resistant graphite spools

Cons

  • Line counter has to be reset often

2. PENN Squall 30 Level Wind Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

Features

  • Rod Length: 6.5 Feet (Medium Heavy)
  • Reel: Squall 30 LW
PENN Squall 30 Level Wind Fishing Rod and Trolling Reel Combo, 6.5 Feet

PENN is known in the fishing community for making reliable fishing gear, and this PENN Squall 30 Level Wind deep sea rod and reel combo is no exception.

For once, it comes with a frame made of graphite which means the rod is lightweight and sturdy, allowing you to catch fish for a longer time without putting your fishing gear in risk.

To allow you to fish without worrying about the reel getting corroded, it comes with a wear resistant bronze main gear and stainless pinion gear for a smooth fishing experience.

And, although the rod’s paint got scratched during shipping, this combo has other features to compensate, such as its:

  • HT 100 carbon fiber drag system which provides a strong drag for catching deep sea fish without sacrificing sensitivity or accuracy
  • 2 stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse bearing that allows you to enjoying fishing in the deep sea without getting the fishing line tangled

Pros

  • Graphite frame and side plates which guarantees durability and a lightweight rod
  • Bronze main gear and stainless pinion gear for a smooth fishing experience when catching big fish in deep water
  • HT 100 carbon fiber drag system allows you to reel in big fish without sacrificing smoothness
  • 2 stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse bearing
  • Made tubular glass blank construction for extra sensitivity while fishing

Cons

  • Paint got scratched during shipping

3. PENN Rival Levelwind Combo Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

Features

  • Rod Length: 6’6″ – Medium Heavy
  • Reel: PENN Warfare
PENN 6’6” Rival Level Wind Fishing Rod and Reel Conventional Combo, 6’6”, 1 Tubular Fiberglass Fishing Rod with 2 Reel, Durable, Break Resistant and Lightweight

This PENN Rival Levelwind rod and reel combo is especially great for deep sea fishing as it comes with its gears made of brass, so you can get one step closer to that big deep sea catch with a smooth reeling experience.

To allow for a stronger drag, this combo has the so-called “HT 100” carbon fiber drag system so you can reel in big catch with ease.

Even though it doesn’t have the best packaging, it does come with other important features such as its instant anti reverse which is responsible of preventing the reel’s handle from turning backwards.

Lastly, the rod is made with a tubular blank construction with a solid glass tip which guarantees extreme durability and wear resistance for deep sea fishing.

Pros

  • Lightweight graphite frame and side plates
  • Brass main and pinion gears that help smoothing the reeling experience
  • HT 100 carbon fiber drag system for a strong drag
  • Instant anti reverse prevents the handle from turning backwards, making it easier to use
  • Fluid cranking with 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings
  • Responsive tubular blank construction with solid glass tip
  • Stainless steel guides to keep the lines in place

Cons

  • Not the best packaging


Comparison Table

ProductRod LengthReel
1. Okuma Great Lakes Trolling Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
PENN 6’6” Rival Level Wind Fishing Rod and Reel Conventional Combo, 6’6”, 1 Tubular Fiberglass Fishing Rod with 2 Reel, Durable, Break Resistant and Lightweight
7’6″ length medium rod45DXT Reel
2. PENN Squall 30 Level Wind Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
PENN Squall 30 Level Wind Fishing Rod and Trolling Reel Combo, 6.5 Feet
6.5 Feet (Medium Heavy)Squall 30 LW
3. PENN Rival Levelwind Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
PENN 6’6” Rival Level Wind Fishing Rod and Reel Conventional Combo, 6’6”, 1 Tubular Fiberglass Fishing Rod with 2 Reel, Durable, Break Resistant and Lightweight
6’6″ – Medium HeavyPENN Rival Levelwind

Must Have Features of The Best Deep Sea Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

These are the features I believe all rod and reel combos for deep sea fishing must have:

Materials

When it comes to deep sea fishing, the type of rod you use can make a big difference.

Graphite and composite rods are both excellent choices for this type of fishing, as they are strong and durable enough to handle the heavyweights and large fish that are common in deep waters.

Graphite rods are typically lighter and more sensitive than composite rods, making them ideal for detecting bites.

Composite rods, on the other hand, are usually more durable and have more power, making them better suited for fighting large fish.

Length and Heaviness of Rod

When it comes to deep sea fishing, the best rod length is generally considered to be 6-7 inches.

The reasoning behind this is that a 6′ to 7′ pole provides the perfect balance of power and maneuverability.

The deeper the water, the heavier the rod you’ll need to fish effectively.

That’s because the weight of the bait or lure needs to be great enough to reach the bottom, and the fish need to be able to feel the line.

In that context, I believe a medium-heavy fishing rod is the best choice for deep sea fishing.

Why?

Well, a medium-heavy rod is versatile and can be used in a variety of depths. It’s also durable, which is important when battling big fish.

In addition, it provides good sensitivity, so you can feel even the slightest nibble.

Rod Ergonomics

To avoid fatigue and frustration, it’s very important to choose the right fishing rod.

A good grip is essential for deep sea fishing because you never know when you’ll hook a big one. It also gives you more control over your rod, meaning you’re less likely to drop it overboard when a fish puts up a fight.

I’d also say the rod should have an ergonomic handle as it provides comfort and prevents fatigue, even when you’re reeling in a fish for hours on end.

Durability of Rod and Reel

There are many reasons why it is important to have a durable reel and rod for deep sea fishing.

First, the ocean is a very harsh environment, with high winds and waves that can easily damage equipment. Thus, you’ll need a reel and rod that’s able to survive these conditions.

Second, salt water is very corrosive, and it can quickly ruin even the most expensive fishing gear, which is why I believe both your rod and reels must have some kind of corrosion resistance.

Third, when you are fishing in deep water, you are often fighting against strong currents and fish that are much larger than those found in shallow waters. Therefore, you’ll need a top-quality reel that won’t fail on you when you’re fighting to reel in your big catch.

Easy Maintenance

When you are out in the middle of the ocean, the last thing you want to deal with is a jammed reel or a snapped rod. Not only is it frustrating, but it can also ruin your whole day.

That is why it is important to have a reel and rod that can stand up to the elements and that is easy to maintain. That way, if something does happen, you can quickly fix it and get back to enjoying your day.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most frequent questions regarding rod and reel combos for deep sea fishing.

What is needed for deep sea fishing?

Deep sea fishing is a challenging activity that requires carefully planning and preparation.

This is why I tought it could be nice to tell you what exactly is needed for deep sea fishing:

  • A medium heavy rod that is 6 to 7 foot long
  • Spinning reel with a high line capacity
  • Braided line
  • Live baits (it depends on what you’re trying to catch)

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Hi, I’m Tim Mueller, a fisherman from Michigan. During all my life I loved fishing and everything that surround this activity. After many months of thinking about it, I’ve decided to create this website to provide the best advice for fishers all around the world.