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The Best Budget Spinning Rod and Reel Combo
I own a TON of fishing gear, from high-end St. Croix rods to Bass Pro generic equipment. And the thing I have discovered is that fish just don’t care about the price tag of my gear. But if I can make an enticing presentation and get on the fish, I will have success no matter the cost of the equipment.
As I reflect on the year, my budget spinning rod and reel combo outperformed all of my other setups. In fact, I caught my personal best Crappie and Walleye this year using this combo. These are two very different fish. I caught the Crappie casting a Beetle Spinner along the reeds of an Indiana neighborhood pond and I caught the Walleye vertical jigging a crawler in Northern Minnesota.
The best budget spinning rod and reel is none other than the Shimano Sedona 2500 paired with the Ugly Stik GX2.
Check Price of Sedona 2500 at Bass Pro
Check Price of Ugly Stik 7', Fast Action, Medium Power
What I love about this setup is that it is versatile and effective in nearly every freshwater application. With this budget rod and reel I target Bass (both Smallmouth and Largemouth), Northern Pike, Crappie, Panfish, and Walleye.
Let’s take a look at the details of this combo.
The Reel: Shimano Sedona 2500
Check Price of Sedona 2500 at Bass Pro
This is a solid reel that I have been using for several years. It’s smooth and reliable. The Sedona 2500 is the perfect size for almost any freshwater angling. As I mentioned earlier, I caught a 27-inch walleye using the Sedona. Keep in mind the reel is several years old, but it managed the fight beautifully. The drag was smooth, and I was able to land the fish by myself.
The most important spinning reel characteristics are weight, drag, recovery per turn (gear ratio), smoothness, durability, line capacity, comfort, saltwater sealing, and style. The table below summarizes the Shimano Sedona 2500 performance characteristics.
| Reel Characteristic | Sedona 2500 |
| Weight | 8.5 oz |
| Recovery Per Turn | 36 in |
| Smoothness | Great |
| Durability | Good |
| Line Capacity | 8 lb / 140 yd |
| Comfort | Good |
| Saltwater Sealing | No |
| Style | Good |
| Max Drag | 20 lb |
I like how the Sedona has a chamfered edge on the spool to let you know when to stop stringing line onto it. This helps prevent tangles and over-spooling your line.
When I was camping on my BWCA fishing trip, it rained hard on all of my gear. Despite the environment, the Sedona remained smooth and had a quality retrieve the next day. The Sedona performs well on all of the functional characteristics that matter in a reel. I would recommend this reel and would consider buying it again.
The Rod: Ugly Stik GX2
Check Price of Ugly Stik 7', Fast Action, Medium Power
I have three kids, and I take them fishing in a Jon boat frequently. There really isn’t great rod protection in my boat. As hard as I try, my kids “accidentally” step on and break my poles far too often. This really is frustrating when it’s a high-budget rod. But when it’s an Ugly Stik, I’m grateful it wasn’t one of my St. Croix rods! Because of this, I bought a few GX2’s.
The rod is well built and durable. I love the 2-piece Medium Power, Fast Action, 7’ GX2 paired with the Sedona 2500. The rod is sensitive enough for me to feel those subtle Walleye bites but has enough backbone to fight a Northern Pike.
Who is this Combo Perfect for?
- Fishing enthusiast looking for a low-cost, quality, and versatile spinning setup
- Beginners who want a quality entry rod and reel
- Casual anglers who fish a few weekends a month
- Parents buying for kids or teens
- Experienced anglers who want a dependable backup rod
- Dads whose kids step and break fishing poles (aka me)
What This Combo Is Not
- Not tournament-grade
- It is versatile and can catch all species of fish, but is a master of none
- Not the most sensitive rod on earth
- It is not something you are going to fall in love with
But:
It’s reliable, affordable, and flat-out catches fish.
Spend Less, Fish More
Being an angler is not about owning the most expensive equipment; it’s about catching fish. Far too many of us spend too much money on gear and not enough time out on the water. This versatile low-cost rod and reel combo is the perfect setup for you to target nearly any freshwater fish. This setup helped me catch a trophy Walleye and Crappie, and I guarantee it will help you make your own memories of a lifetime. So grab yourself this combo, and get out on the water!
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Shimano Sedona vs. Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Shimano Sedona a good reel for beginners?
Yes. The Sedona is one of the best beginner spinning reels because it’s smooth, reliable, and forgiving. New anglers benefit from the consistent drag and easy line management, while experienced anglers appreciate that it performs well without needing constant maintenance.
What size Shimano Sedona should I buy?
The Sedona 2500 is the most versatile size for freshwater fishing. It works well for:
- Crappie and panfish
- Walleye
- Bass (largemouth and smallmouth)
- Light northern pike fishing
If you want one reel to do almost everything, the 2500 is the sweet spot.
Is the Ugly Stik GX2 sensitive enough for crappie and walleye?
It’s sensitive enough, but not elite-level sensitive. You’ll still feel subtle walleye bites and light crappie taps, especially with lighter line and jigs. Where it really shines is durability—you trade a little sensitivity for peace of mind.
Should I choose the 6’6” or 7’ Ugly Stik GX2?
Both are great—here’s how to choose:
- 6’6”: Better for kids, dock fishing, tight spaces, and boat control
- 7’: Better casting distance, slip bobbers, shore fishing, and versatility
If you fish a variety of situations, the 7’ Medium Fast is the most flexible option.
What line works best with this combo?
This setup works well with:
- 6–8 lb mono for beginners
- 10 lb braid + fluorocarbon leader for better sensitivity and hooksets
Both options pair nicely with the Sedona 2500 and the GX2.
Can this combo handle big fish?
Yes—within reason. I personally landed a 27-inch walleye on this setup without issues. The drag on the Sedona is smooth, and the GX2 has enough backbone to fight larger fish like walleye and northern pike.
Is this combo good for kids?
Absolutely. The Ugly Stik GX2 is one of the best rods for kids and teens because it’s extremely hard to break. Pairing it with the Sedona gives them a reel they won’t immediately outgrow.
Is this the best budget spinning combo on the market?
“Best” is subjective—but for reliability, versatility, and price, it’s one of the safest recommendations you can make. There are flashier combos, but very few that consistently perform across so many species and situations at this price point.
Would I still recommend this if you already own high-end gear?
Yes. I own premium rods—and I still reach for this setup. It’s a perfect backup, travel rod, kid-friendly option, or no-stress combo you don’t have to baby.
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