Fishing Gear Reviews & Buying Guides
By Ian FrengUpdated November 12, 2026
I’ve been freshwater fishing for 13 years, mostly for trout in California, and I’ve fished the ocean for halibut in Alaska and salmon in Washington. These guides compare fishing rods, reels, line, lures and tools for trout streams, lakes and the coast, with simple advice on what to buy first and what’s worth upgrading.
Where to start
- Trout fishing: best trout lures, best trout fishing line, ultralight fishing rods.
- Rods, reels and combos: best fishing rods, spinning reels, baitcaster reels, rod and reel combos.
- Line and lures: fishing line, braided line, fishing lures.
- Fly fishing and wading: fly rods, waders, polarized fishing sunglasses.
- Travel and hike-in lakes: telescopic fishing rods, fishing backpacks.
- Tools and storage: tackle boxes, fishing pliers, fillet knives.
- Saltwater and boats: surf fishing rods, fish finders.
All fishing gear guides
Best Baitcaster Reels
The best baitcaster reels for bass and heavier lures, from beginner-friendly reels to smooth Daiwa and Shimano models.
Best Fish Finders
The best fish finders for small boats, kayaks and shore anglers, including castable sonar you can throw from the bank.
Best Surf Fishing Rods
The best surf fishing rods for casting long distances from beaches, jetties and piers.
Best Telescopic Fishing Rods
The best telescopic and travel fishing rods for backpacking, road trips and keeping a rod in the car.
Best Fly Rods
The best fly rods and complete outfits for trout, from beginner combos to premium rods.
Best Fillet Knives
The best fillet knives for cleaning trout, salmon, walleye and saltwater fish.
Best Fishing Pliers
The best fishing pliers for removing hooks, cutting braid and crimping, from budget aluminum pliers to premium multi-tools.
Best Fishing Sunglasses
The best polarized fishing sunglasses for cutting glare and spotting fish, from budget picks to premium glass lenses.
Best Fishing Waders
The best fishing waders for trout streams, rivers and cold water, from budget breathables to premium stockingfoot waders.
Best Fishing Backpacks
The best fishing backpacks and sling packs for carrying tackle, trays and rods to the water.
Best Tackle Boxes
The best tackle boxes and tackle bags for keeping lures, hooks and terminal tackle organized.
Best Fishing Lures
The best fishing lures for bass and other freshwater fish, from soft plastics and crankbaits to topwater classics.
Best Braided Fishing Line
The best braided fishing line for bass, saltwater and long casts, from budget 4-carrier braid to smooth 8-carrier lines.
Best Fishing Line
The best fishing line for freshwater and saltwater anglers, from easy monofilament to invisible fluorocarbon and strong braid.
Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
The best fishing rod and reel combos for beginners, families and anglers who want a matched setup out of the box.
Best Fishing Rods
The best fishing rods for freshwater anglers, from nearly unbreakable all-rounders to sensitive graphite spinning rods.
Best Spinning Reels
The best spinning reels for freshwater and light saltwater fishing, from smooth trout reels to tough all-metal reels.
Best Ultralight Fishing Rods
The best ultralight fishing rods for trout, panfish and small streams, from tough budget picks to premium graphite.
Best Trout Fishing Line
The best trout fishing line for ultralight spinning setups, from easy-casting mono to low-visibility fluorocarbon.
Best Trout Lures
The best trout lures for streams, rivers and lakes, from classic inline spinners to spoons and dough bait.