Tackle Week 2026: The best rods, reels & lines for tackling Canadian waters (at any budget)

For a look at more of the year’s best new fishing gear, also see our round-up of 2026’s best new lures; electronics, apparel & accessories and fly-fishing gear.

Best Value Spinning Combo

TACT X SPINNING COMBO

It’s hard not to like a tough, well-balanced, highly versatile spinning combo for under $150. This six-foot, six-inch rod is built on a precision Japanese graphite blank, complete with premium handle grips and stainless-steel guides with zirconia inserts. And the 2500-size reel has a composite frame, aluminum spool and six-disc drag system. There’s no universal combo for Canadian waters, but this comes close.

Learn more: www.rapala.ca/13fishing

Best High-Performance Reel

CURADO 150M

Shimano’s Curado line of upper-tier, tournament-ready reels has built a reputation for reliability and longevity. The standout feature of the new 150M is the updated, ultra-thin MGL III Spool, designed to reduce inertia for increased casting distance and accuracy, especially with lighter lures. It also has SVS Infinity braking for on-the-fly adjustments. At just 6½ ounces, it’s the smallest, lightest reel in the Curado family.

Learn more: fish.shimano.com

Best Value Baitcaster

ACCEL RX

Lew’s has a rep for high‑performance gear at an accessible price, which is only reinforced by the Accel RX and its MSRP of US$109.99. It boasts an innovative, friction-free magnetic braking system, a lightweight graphite frame and side covers, and precision-cut brass gears for a smooth, consistent retrieve. The Accel RX is available in 7.5:1 and 6.8:1 retrieve ratios, for both left- and right-handers.

Learn more: www.lews.com