This is a do-it-all flipper rod, and anglers love it for one simple reason: you’ll catch a lot of fish using it. Its graphic, fiberglass construction, with one-piece stainless steel guides, means it’s tough as nails. And if The Big One breaks it (or if you manage to break it in half), a new one isn’t going to break your wallet.

The Japanese love bass fishing, and Shimano has been making a damn fine rod for many years. Shimano’s Solara is a good alternative to Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik. Its two-piece construction makes it easy to travel, and at twenty bucks, it’s a perfect rod for beginners.

Take the sturdiness, build quality and low price of the Ugly Stik GX2, then swap it out with a cork grip and more graphite for some extra feel. You have the Elite, which costs a bit more than the GX2, and proves the Ugly Stik’s market dominance.

Fenwick has been around since 1952; they were the first company to make an all-graphite rod. Their Aetos is an affordable fly rod option that outshines its competitors, with a fast action blank that’s great for learning to cast. The five-weight is perfect for a variety of species, from trout to bass, and it’s guaranteed for life.

When you’re ready for an upgrade, St. Croix offers some good options. Their rods are made in the USA and they have an excellent quality record. The Triumph is their best selling graphite rod and comes in a variety of sizes.

This all-purpose reel is available in eight sizes for everything from trout to sharks. Its handle and frame are infused with carbon fiber, for lighter weight and better strength, and Shimano’s proven smooth drag system.

Baitcasting rods are next level – they allow much more control over casting and hookups. Abu Garcia’s Revo is a nice piece of machinery for the angler looking to up their game – say, drop that next cast right at the edge of the lily pads, where a monster bass awaits.

In fly fishing, “big arbor” reels (literally, they’re just bigger) are all the rage these days. The Clearwater is a solid and affordable option. It has a reliable drag system, from a trusted name in fly fishing, and with plenty of room for extra support so the big ones don’t slip away.

Penn’s Battle II has carbon fiber drag washers to handle huge fish and an instant anti-reverse bearing to prevent tangles. And it’s not just packed with cutting-edge technology, it’s a work of art, with an all-metal body and orange detailing.

Like the Penn, it has a sealed carbon brake. But its magnesium rotor and body, plus ten bearings for silky smooth action, are a major improvement.