The Shimano4000 Series GraphiteMedium Spin Combo is the ideal entry-level combo that's easy to use, fit for a wide range of fishing conditions, and quite cheap considering the quality.
This graphite rod allows you to fish with either bait, soft plastics and/or hard body lures for just about any fish species you'll find in estuaries and in shallow offshore areas. Being a medium spin it's suited for fish like big flathead, snapper, other reef fish, salmon, small tuna etc. At 7ft long you'll be able to get a nice long cast out of the rod without it being awkwardly long on a boat which is quite handy especially if you're planning on fishing from both the shore and out of a boat. The rod is graphite too, which is much more responsive and sensitive then fibreglass rods,making it work well with soft plastics and hard body lures. It's a 2 piece rod that packs away nice and neatly, it's super light and very easy to handle.
The Shimano FX 4000FC Reel that comes in the combo is perfect for the job. Again, super easy to use and still quite good quality even though it's one of the cheaper models. The reel comes pre-spooled with 8kg Platypus monofilament line ready to go so there's no need to fuss around with that, however itstill has an aluminium spool so you can use either braid or monofilament line just fine.
Rod specs:
- Model:Shimano 4000 Series 702 4-7kg 2pce Rod
- Length: 7'0
- Line Weight: 4-7kg
- Material: Graphite
- Butt Material: Cork
Reel specs:
- Model: ShimanoFX 4000FC Reel
- Bearings: 2 1
- Max Drag: 9kg
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Braid Capacity: 0.30mm/180yd
- Weight: 340g