South Bend Ready2Fish Combo: Affordable Fishing Fun for Beginners

Looking to get started fishing without breaking the bank? The South Bend Ready2Fish combo is the perfect solution. This comprehensive kit provides everything a beginner needs for a fun and successful fishing experience, all for under $20! Inside you'll find a durable two-piece rod, a reliable reel pre-spooled with 10-pound line, a selection of hooks and weights suitable for various fish and techniques, and even a handy tackle box for storage. No more scouring stores for individual pieces—this kit offers immediate, out-of-the-box fishing fun.Its compact design makes it ideal for travel and portability, perfect for spontaneous fishing trips or keeping in the car for unexpected opportunities. While not designed for professional anglers, the South Bend Ready2Fish combo delivers exceptional value and convenience for casual fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're a complete novice or simply need a backup setup, this affordable kit offers surprising quality and functionality, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of fishing without the hefty price tag.

Pros And Cons

South Bend Ready to Fish All Species Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  • Under $20
  • Includes basic tackle (hooks, weights, bobbers)
  • Convenient for travel or last-minute fishing trips
  • Pre-spooled with line
  • Two-piece rod for easy transport
  • Anti-backspin and reversible handle
  • Line may break easily, requiring frequent retying
  • Low-quality bobbers
  • Small hooks suitable mainly for panfish
  • Tackle box is small

Read more: 5 Best Electric Fishing Reels of 2024

Unboxing the South Bend Ready2Fish Kit

The South Bend Ready2Fish kit promises a complete fishing experience right out of the box. For under $20, it includes a rod, reel, line, hooks, weights, and even a small tackle box. This makes it an incredibly budget-friendly option for new anglers or anyone looking for a portable backup setup.

Close-up shot of the South Bend Ready2Fish packaging.
Close-up shot of the South Bend Ready2Fish packaging.

The packaging itself is simple but functional. It clearly indicates that the kit is designed for all species of fish, making it a versatile choice for various fishing environments.

The small tackle box included in the kit.
The small tackle box included in the kit.

The included tackle box is a surprisingly handy addition, allowing for easy storage and transport of essential gear. The fact that the kit is pre-spooled with 10-pound line saves a significant amount of time and effort.

The small tackle box being opened to showcase its contents
The small tackle box being opened to showcase its contents

Rod and Reel: Simple, Yet Functional

The rod is a two-piece design, making it easy to transport and store. While not the highest quality, it's surprisingly durable for its price point and should handle casual fishing trips without issue. The length is approximately 5.5 feet, ideal for smaller bodies of water and various fishing styles.

The two-piece rod in detail.
The two-piece rod in detail.

The reel is basic but functional, featuring an anti-backspin mechanism and a reversible handle. While not loaded with high-end features, it reliably handles the line and casts without significant issues.

Close-up of the reel showing the handle and design features.
Close-up of the reel showing the handle and design features.

The line capacity is adequate for most common fishing situations. The pre-spooled 10-pound line is a convenient feature, allowing immediate use without the need for any setup.

The line spool specifications on the packaging.
The line spool specifications on the packaging.

Tackle Included: Small but Sufficient

The kit includes a selection of hooks, suitable for various bait types and fish sizes. Smaller hooks are provided for panfish like crappie and bluegill, while larger hooks are included for potentially bigger catches.

Assortment of small to medium sized hooks.
Assortment of small to medium sized hooks.

Small weights (bullet weights) are also provided, facilitating various casting techniques and depths. While the quality of these might not match more expensive options, they are sufficient for casual fishing.

The small bullet weights
The small bullet weights

The inclusion of bobbers allows for surface fishing, a common technique for targeting certain species. While the bobbers included in the kit aren't the highest quality, they're functional for basic fishing needs.

Selection of bobbers included in the kit.
Selection of bobbers included in the kit.

Overall Assessment: A Great Value Option

The South Bend Ready2Fish kit is an exceptional value for its price. It's a practical, complete setup for beginners, travelers, or anyone who needs a portable fishing solution. While the individual components aren't top-of-the-line, their functionality is undeniable.

The final price of the kit, highlighting its affordability.
The final price of the kit, highlighting its affordability.

Its low price point makes it accessible to a wide range of anglers, and the inclusion of a small tackle box adds to its practicality. For under $20, this kit will likely satisfy the needs of most casual anglers.

A concluding shot emphasizing the value for money.
A concluding shot emphasizing the value for money.

Overall, the South Bend Ready2Fish combo gets a thumbs up for its affordability and convenience, making it a strong recommendation for those on a budget or seeking a simple and readily available fishing setup. It's not ideal for serious or dedicated anglers but certainly a good option for casual fishing trips