Best Rod & Reel Spinning Combo under $100

figarow on 28/07/2025 - 19:05
Last edited 29/07/2025 - 14:14

Wanting to get into some fishing, haven't done any for a few years and don't have much gear apart from some kids kmart rods and tackle. Looking to buy a budget medium action all purpose combo for shore jigging off the rocks, estuary boat and occasional beach fishing. Ideally something multipurpose with sensitive tip. Only want to spend $100. Any suggestions?

Saw these examples at BCF which seem okay with decent reviews (albeit a bit light for all purpose?)…

Daiwa D-Shock Spinning Combo 7ft 3-5kg (2 Piece) $71.99 Too light? Wonder how it would handle a salmon or small tuna?
Shimano Sienna Viper Spinning Combo 7ft 2 Piece 4-8kg $99.99 Seems the better of the two but maybe it is also too light?

Edit…. Cheers all ended up with the Sienna.

Sports & Outdoors Fishing Rod

Comments

  • onetwothreefour on 28/07/2025 - 19:34

    What's the best way to get into fishing?

    My son really wants to go but I haven't been since I was a kid and my dad took me and I found it very boring so don't have a big interest to go again but it will keep my boy happy.

    • figarow on 28/07/2025 - 19:43
      +1

      Best way to start is a couple of kmart rods, pack of hooks and sinkers, some bait and get down to the local pier, jetty, wharf. Much easier for the little guy and less stress when starting out for both of you. Also having amenities close by is a plus.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 28/07/2025 - 19:40
    +1

    The sienna kit been the recommended kit for 100 clams here for as long as I can rmb. I kind of remember it closer to $89 though back in the day

    • Gunnar on 28/07/2025 - 19:59
      +1

      Did you use this when you landed General Sherman?

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 28/07/2025 - 20:01
        +1

        OK, fish. You're probably wondering why I'm still here. Catching you will make me the most famous fisherman there is. Right there with… that… the, uh… that bald guy on the cable fishing show.

  • Protractor on 28/07/2025 - 19:44
    +1

    Honestly, you will get really good quality second hand combo if you do some research and shop around.
    Or buy a quality 2nd hand rod and buy a new compatible (but versatile) reel.

  • Youman534 on 28/07/2025 - 19:46

    That Shimano Sienna Viper 4-8kg is a solid combo for the price. I own one and it's perfect for targeting small to medium salmon off the beaches in light surf.

    For a single setup on that budget, it's a good compromise. It will be ideal for the estuary work, capable in light surf, but you'll find it underpowered for serious shore jigging or casting distance from an ocean beach.

  • tommmys on 28/07/2025 - 19:48
    +1

    I have a bunch of sienna combos and they are great.
    I would go for 2-5kg combo (4-8kg I a lot in fishing terms).
    Fill the spool with some light 8-15lb line, mono or braid is ok. It depends on what sort of fish you want to catch, eastury fishing (bream,whiting, flattys etc) closer to 8-10lb
    More reef and bigger fish (snapper, tusks, Jewies, kingys, salmon, tailor etc) closer to 12-15lb.

    Have fun and remember, fishing is the most expensive way to get a free dinner

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 28/07/2025 - 20:02

      The real cost was my sanity as my kids asked me for the millionth time for the iPad and why is there no fish

  • AndyC1 on 28/07/2025 - 20:14
    +1

    Gumtree would get better bang for your bucks.

    Make sure the rod spine is correct and if the sale person has no idea then find it yourself. Most cheap rods have a bad spine. You will need a good spine with Tuna and other bigger fish.

    • Protractor on 28/07/2025 - 20:32
      +1

      This is why Australian politicians make piss-poor fishing rods.

      • AndyC1 on 28/07/2025 - 21:19
        +1

        They would make great rods because as soon as you pressure them they turn away and keep talking crap.

  • brendanm on 28/07/2025 - 21:18

    Sienna combo is always great for the price. I've got a Sienna that's many years old, has been jetski fishing (covered in salt spray), boat fishing, kayak fishing and shore based. Still going with not much care.

  • Hardlyworkin on 29/07/2025 - 07:35

    Hard to go wrong with Shimano, even the base level stuff. Basic rule of thumb is the brand then how many ball bearings the reel has.

    Just make sure to look after it, give all the gear a rinse in fresh water after every use.i bought a lot of quality gear 20 years or so ago and it still works like new. Fishing gear hasn't changed that much in that time.

    Also, never buy cheap line, even for the kids. It tangles and breaks easier.

  • ramshead on 29/07/2025 - 09:01

    Best to start with something that's not expensive. Reason is if you don't have the right bait doesn't matter what your gear is worth, fish won't be interested (disclaimer - if they're running hot you can catch them with a bit of string).
    Fresh beach worms are a go to bait and if you can get someone to show you how to catch them, you will generally have some success. Some good utube videos show how it's done.

  • figarow on 29/07/2025 - 14:13

    Cheers for all the great advice 👍

    Got the Shimano Sienna Viper Spinning Combo 7ft 2 Piece 4-8kg $99.99
    I was torn between the 9ft and 7ft models, obviously 9ft is better for the beach, it is stiffer and thinner. The 7ft just seemed like better build quality, both had same 4000 reels. The 7ft was way thicker and the tip more 'wobbly'. The butt had a nice rounded end and It just seemed better overall.

    Not sure what difference it makes but the 7 footer has twisting in the rod make-up, which gives the impression of strength. Not as good for the beach or for longer casts bit overall i think it has more multi-purpose applications, like in the boat and easier jigging i would think. The lighter verion if the 7 footer had a very nice responsive tip and was a great feeling rod but just seemed too light for that eventual big hook-up.

    • Protractor on 29/07/2025 - 14:20

      Just buy a second hand beach rod the size / type you want later on , if the foray into fishing working for you & your son. Keep your eye on the usual market places for bargains, in the mean time.

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