The Best Introductory Rod, Reel, & Line For Using Saltwater Lures

This video was made to help anglers start out with the best beginner rod, reel, and line setup.

The setup shown is very light making it effortless to make a lot of casts without feeling tired.

And it offers great sensitivity so that the fisherman can feel the difference between a tap from small fish hitting the lure vs. the thump of a larger fish eating the lure to help with hookset effectiveness.

Learn more below!!

Best Beginner Rod, Reel, & Line [VIDEO]

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The Rod

Some believe your reel or lure is most important, but the truth is your choice of fishing rod has the most impact.

A fishing rod enables you to cast, have a feel for your lures, and effectively set the hook.

As far as rods under $100 go, the TFO Pro S Medium Power rod is your best bet for inshore saltwater fishing.

Medium Power creates an all-purpose setup capable of tackling any inshore scenario.

This rod works soft plastic lures with ease as well as topwater plugs common to inshore saltwater fishing.

The Reel

This is the second most important item you need to assemble an inshore fishing setup.

The rod you choose to use has greater importance because believe it or not, the reel is not as important as the rod choice!

With regards to reel choice, the Daiwa Fuego at right under $100 is the perfect choice for beginner anglers.

Daiwa Fuego is the lowest-priced reel that is equipped with Daiwa’s Magseal Technology to prevent saltwater intrusion.

Although not perfect, Magseal provides an excellent defense against saltwater contamination.

Furthermore, if you want to save an additional $30, you can drop down to the Daiwa Legalis.

It is roughly the same size and has similar features to the Fuego, with the subtraction of Magseal Technology.

The Line

Often overlooked, your line choice has immense impacts on your presentation, ability to cast where you want, and assist when fighting a fish.

You should be using braided line for inshore saltwater fishing of right around 10-lb test.

If you are fishing off a pier or an inlet for bigger fish around heavier structure, you of course need a stronger braided line.

10-lb braid is surprisingly strong, casts far, and allows you to feel every bump and touch against your line.

As far as line brands, PowerPro is reliable and easy to begin inshore saltwater fishing with.

Original PowerPro is a 4-strand braid that is easy for tying knots and strong when fighting big fish.

A step up from PowerPro is Daiwa 8 Grand line.

Daiwa J-Braid 8 Grand line is a bit stronger than PowerPro but has a tendency to cause more wind knots.

The Lure

If you are just getting into using artificial lures to target inshore game fish, all you need is the Slam Shady 2.0.

The Slam Shady 2.0 is a white-bodied paddletail lure with silver flecks sprinkled throughout.

You want to rig this on a Z-Man Trout Eye Jighead and just about anything that swims will want to eat this lure.

It is easy to use and easy to rig.

If you are fishing in super shallow water of just a few feet, you then want to rig the Slam Shady 2.0 on a weedless weighted hook.

The Owner Weighted Twistlock Hook in a 3/0 size is the perfect pairing.

As a reference, use the jighead combination for fishing upwards of 2 feet deep and a weighted hook for anything less.

Additionally, you can also utilize the keeper on the TFO rod to secure your lure setup.

You can even secure weedless lure setups on this keeper without removing the hook.

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Overall Setup

This overall setup is the best beginner rod, reel, and line for anyone beginning to learn inshore saltwater fishing.

Moreover, all of the items featured in this video are in stock in our online tackle shop right now!!!

And remember, Insider Members can get everything mentioned at 20% off!

Click Any Of The Links Below To Check Out The Products In Our Shop:

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james
2 years ago

Luke….could you compare the TFO/Daiwa with the Toad Fish combo?

stuart pickens
2 years ago

saw the otis thing coming. lmao.

Jeremy Dixon
2 years ago

When do you expect your stock levels to fill back up?

Luke Simonds
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeremy Dixon

We are in stock on all of the items mentioned in this lesson. Which products are you referring to that are out of stock?

Thomas Sparkman
2 years ago

OTIS!!! That is the perfect photo bomb (literally) I have ever seen. Good job buddy!

Luke Simonds
2 years ago

Haha! That sure was funny to see him in the background at the end of the video.

Charles Gurnea
2 years ago

I wish you would buy baitcasting rods not just spinning rods

Luke Simonds
2 years ago
Reply to  Charles Gurnea

Which baitcasting rod are you interested in?

Drew Wilson
2 years ago

Hey guys we use Okumas and luv them but I never here y’all mention them. For the money and the smoothness there incredible. Enjoy the club alot and have turned several friends onto it. Thanks and keep up the good work.

Luke Simonds
2 years ago
Reply to  Drew Wilson

I haven’t yet tried any Okuma reels. I’ve heard good things about them though.

David Hettenhouser
2 years ago

Thanks for the video on the rod and reel looks like a good set up . I may have to add this to my equipment.

Luke Simonds
2 years ago

Glad to see that you enjoyed this video!

John Parsons
2 years ago

What is the line capacity of 10# braid on the fuego 2500

Luke Simonds
2 years ago
Reply to  John Parsons

It’ll hold about 250 yards of 10 lb braid if it’s spooled 100% with braid. I use mono backing until there is an 1/4th of an inch gap. From that point, it’ll take about 150 yards of braid to get to 1/16th of an inch gap.

Richard Thompson
2 years ago

Nice video Luke , I received a Waterloo rod as a gift from a friend , I paired it with a Lews CI200. I’ve cast it from my dock in Michigan and I really like the feel of this rod. My other setup is a Star rod with a fuego , the rod is a bit heavier than the Waterloo , but it has serviced my needs now for about 10 years. The fuego seems to get smoother the more I use it. Have to say Otis played a starring role in this one

Luke Simonds
2 years ago

Thanks for sharing the helpful intel Richard! Yes, Otis went above and beyond on this video to make sure to get some laughs.

Joseph Orneallas
2 years ago

This was great. Moving back to FL soon and will be in need of a great start set-up. Looks like the dog in the background is a fan of the Slam-Shady as well. great Photo-Bom.

Luke Simonds
2 years ago

Haha! Yes, Otis went all out to make sure to get some laughs. Glad to see that you’ll be moving back to FL.

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