If you’re looking for a rod and reel that turns heads and gets the job done the ProFISHiency Retro Combo is an absolute standout. With its eye-catching vintage design and surprisingly smooth performance this combo proves that you don’t have to sacrifice function for style. I recently added it to my lineup for a few inshore trips around Charleston. Read more for a full product review and see what I caught.

First Impression

The first thing you notice is the bold camo finish. A unique look that blends outdoor grit with retro flair. The Retro Combo isn’t just another plain rod and reel it stands out while still feeling rugged and ready for action. The foam handle gives off that old-school vibe and the overall build feels balanced and comfortable in the hand. 

Worth noting: the Retro Combo is specifically designed for freshwater use. Which is ideal for bass, crappie, and other lake and pond species. That said being I brought it along for some light saltwater duty just to see how it would perform in Charleston’s tidal creeks (with a thorough rinse afterward, of course).

On The Water

Despite being marketed for freshwater use I was curious to see how the Retro Combo would hold up in light saltwater conditions. I took it out for a spin in the tidal creeks in and around Charleston. I targeted the typical sheepshead near dock pilings, speckled trout on topwater at first light, and redfish cruising mudflats on the outgoing tide.

The medium-light rod had a soft responsive tip that made it easy to detect the subtle tap of a sheepshead nibbling around structure. It handled small jig heads and live shrimp well casting accurately and with minimal effort. When I hooked into a decent redfish on cut mullet I expected the fight to be a bit much for the combo but the backbone held up impressively. The reel drag was smooth throughout giving me just enough control without locking up or slipping.

What stood out most was how comfortable and balanced the combo felt during longer sessions.  It's clear this rod and reel were designed with fun and functionality in mind even if they weren’t built for salt.

Who It’s For

This combo is perfect for:

• Beginners who want something fun, functional, and affordable.

• Casual anglers looking for a dependable backup rod.

• Bass or crappie anglers who fish local ponds and lakes.

• Anyone who appreciates good design and the camo look.

• People who want to get younger anglers excited about fishing.

It’s not going to replace your high-end setups for tournament fishing but it makes for an awesome grab-and-go combo that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

Final Cast

The Profishiency Retro Combo is a reminder that fishing is supposed to be fun. Whether you’re tossing it in the back of the truck for a quick session or handing it to someone new to the sport it holds up on performance and adds a whole lot of personality to your gear collection.

Fish caught (saltwater test):

• Sheepshead (dock pilings)

• Speckled trout (early morning topwater)

• Redfish (cut mullet on the flats)

Designed for freshwater but versatile enough for light inshore use with care this is a rod and reel you’ll actually enjoy using.

Where to Buy:

• Bass Pro Shops

• ProFISHiency Official Website