Salty101 Recommended Fishing Gear [Top Gear, Top Results]

Huge redfish caught from pier in Florida. — Dennis with yet another big REDFISH. Ask him how important gear is! @singleplayersplitscreen

On this page we narrow down the search for the best Florida fishing gear in many categories. For us, having the best gear we can afford is so important. It often means the difference between a succesful outing, a successful trip, or even a successful year. It can be hard to spend more money than you though was necessary, but the return on your investment will be HAPPINESS. Really, that’s what it comes down to. Buy what you can afford, but make it good. Choose something from this list and you have a much better chance of success and happiness while fishing our amazing waterways.

Check out our Amazon FISHING GEAR STORE here.

Best All-Purpose Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel (Fish under 20 lbs.)

Under $40 – We couldn’t find any decent rod/reel combo for this price. Sorry, we won’t recommend junk.
Under $80 – Mitchell Combo 1 | Quantum Combo 1
Under $100 – UGLY STIK Combo
The Best All-around Rod/Reel – This PENN Reel + This 6.5 foot Carbon UGLY STIK Rod

Best All-Around Spinning Reel (Fish under 20 lbs.)

Under $50 – Penn Reel 1 | Abu Garcia Reel 1 – Reel 2
Under $130 – Penn Reel 1 | Abu Garcia Reel 1
The Best All-around Reel – THIS PENN is the best spinning reel I’ve used.

Best All-Around Baitcasting Reel and Rod (Fish under 20 lbs.)

Under $40 –
Under $80 –
Under $130 – Abu Garcia Combo 1
The Best All-around Reel –

Best All-Around Baitcasting Reel (Fish under 20 lbs.)

Under $70 – PENN Reel 1
Under $170 – PENN Reel 1
The Best All-around Reel – PENN Reel 1

Best Heavy-Duty Spinning Reel (Fish over 20 lbs.)

Under $100 – PENN Reel 1
Under $180 – PENN Reel 1 (CLASH!)
The Best All-around Reel – This PENN Reel

Best Heavy-Duty Baitcasting Reel (Fish over 20 lbs.)

Under $130 – PENN Reel 1 (Battle)
Under $220 – PENN Reel 1 (SQUAL)
The Best All-around Reel – PENN Reel 1

Best Braided Fishing Line

8 lb to 65 lb Test – PPRO LINE
10 lb to 25 lb Test – SWIRE LINE
The ultimate CLEAR Braided line – SWIRE TRANSLUCENT LINE | Berkley Vanish LINE
Read more HERE about the best braided fishing lines.

Best Hooks (Chemically sharpened and Ultra Sharp)

Gamakatsu – I’ve been using these hooks since they first started making them. Or rather, the first day I saw them at the Walmart!
Mustad – In truth, I didn’t use these for years because I was so happy with Gamakatsu. Then I couldn’t find my main hooks and tried them. Amazing and very strong hooks as well.
Owner – My third choice for hooks, but that means they are still very strong and quality controlled to a high degree. Love them.