Casting for hours without having anything to show for it can be disheartening if you are a beginner angler.
The best way to overcome it is by landing that first catch, and second, and so on. Yet, for this to happen, you need reliable equipment.
In other words, you must get the best beginner fishing rod.
Back in the day, there weren’t too many beginner options in terms of rod type or line and hook setup.
Now, there is an endless combination of parts you could try.
We are here to help you navigate the tedious selection process by giving you a rundown of the top choices for new anglers.
Best Beginner Fishing Rod Reviews
1. Plusinno Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Plusinno caters to the needs of anglers still at the beginner level. It has different types of fishing rods, tackles, and lures, as well as rod and reel combos.
This particular fishing kit is one of Plusinno’s most popular offerings.
It is designed to make pan fish, trout, and other types of fish easier to catch, even for fishing newbies.
Review
This set from Plusinno is a great rod and reel combo for beginners.
It has all the key features you need to be more successful, whether you are freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing.
- Complete Combo for Beginners
If you are new to the sport and don’t have any fly fishing gear yet, you should seriously consider buying this set.
It has everything you need to go on a fishing trip and get your first catch.
Each package comes with one high-quality rod, a fishing reel with a pre-installed line, a tackle box, and flies.
These items are stored in a lightweight rod case with a zippered pouch. So, all you have to do is pick the bag up and start your fishing adventures.
- Optimum Performance
This fly fishing rod features a graphite body that is both durable and flexible.
It has stainless steel guides that reduce friction and keep the fishing line from getting damaged.
This feature also allows you to cast your fly farther to present your bait to more fish and increase your chances of catching one.
The arbor reel is anchored by an adjustable aluminum reel seat that provides a stable foundation.
It helps eliminate problems with loose swings, which can affect your accuracy when fishing.
- High-quality Reel
This fishing kit comes with an arbor reel that boasts a durable aluminum construction. It can take a few hits, which is a good thing since it is a rod for beginners.
The gear ratio is 1:1, which is not impressive but good enough for a beginner fly fishing rod and reel combo.
Moreover, it uses a one-way-only roller bearing system and a disc drag design, ensuring you get a smooth performance when fishing.
- Easy to Transport
Another thing to like about this rod and reel combo is that it is easy to carry around.
All 20 flies are safely stored inside the waterproof fly box, and the rod is housed in its own sturdy case.
Everything you need fits inside a zippered pouch, which is very convenient.
Pros:
- Complete beginner fly fishing combo
- Highly durable but flexible rod
- High-quality reel included
- Easy to transport set
Con:
- Not optimized for other types of fishing
2. QudraKast Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
QudraKast supplies various fishing equipment for kids and adults alike. It has an extensive selection of rod and reel combos, and this set is its premium offering.
As a complete fishing kit, it has everything you need to make your first fishing trip productive.
Review
The QudraKast fishing kit is a favorite among beginner anglers looking for the perfect balance between cost and performance.
- Lightweight and Sensitive
If you are new to the sport of fishing, you probably are still in the process of building your skill and strength as an angler.
That is why QudraKast went to great lengths to make this rod as lightweight and sensitive as possible.
It has a graphite blank made from a mixture of high-density carbon fiber and fiberglass.
This combination of materials gives the rod unrivaled strength without sacrificing its flexibility.
- Highly Portable Telescopic Fishing Rod
Most beginner anglers are still looking for the best fishing spots, whether they are after freshwater fish or saltwater fish.
If you are like them, you would want your fishing equipment to be as portable as possible. This is where the QudraKast fishing kit comes in.
It has a telescopic fishing rod you can collapse to around a fifth of its full length.
You won’t have any problems loading it in the trunk of your car or packing it in your bag. So, anytime a fishing opportunity comes up, you will be ready.
- Innovative Design
Another thing that sets the QudraKast fishing rod apart from other models is its innovative design.
It is built using X-wrapping technology, where carbon tape is diagonally wrapped around the graphite blank.
The winding pattern forms an X, which enhances the overall strength of the rod.
It also makes the rod highly resistant to twisting. As a result, you get more control and power when casting or fighting larger fish.
On top of this, each component is precision-machined for optimum performance. This feature is also crucial to the rod’s telescopic design.
Since the parts fit perfectly with one another, you can extend or collapse the rod quickly and smoothly.
In turn, this makes for a hassle-free experience whenever you go saltwater fishing or freshwater fishing.
Pros:
- Very easy to transport
- Easy to handle for beginners
- Durable and resistant to twisting
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Sub-par quality of fishing line
- Accessories have no case
3. Gonex Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Gonex caters to the needs of people who spend much time outdoors and love camping, hiking, or fishing.
It has a wide range of fishing products that include waders, tackle boxes, and different types of fishing rods.
This telescopic rod is its entry-level offering designed for young people.
If you want to get your kids excited about fishing and make the activity a family affair, this rod and reel combo is for you.
Review
The Gonex Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a popular set among beginner anglers who got hooked on the activity early.
It is one of the best fishing kits in its price range thanks to the following features:
- Complete Fishing Kit
Most states require kids to have a fishing license, so this is probably one of the first things you must take care of.
The next thing you should do is get them this fishing set from Gonex.
It comes with everything needed to get started, including a telescopic fiberglass rod, a spinning reel, a fishing line, and a tackle box.
The box has an assortment of fishing lures, jig heads, fishing beads, grubs, and more.
It also comes with a travel bag designed with two mesh compartments inside. One is for the rod, while the other is for the tackle box.
It is the perfect gift for kids and even adults with the skill level of a fishing newbie.
- Premium Materials
While this product is meant for kids and beginners, it is still designed to withstand even the toughest fishing conditions.
The fiberglass rod is not only nice to look at, but it can also hold its own when fighting fish.
You will find that the EVA handle is easy to grip and comfortable to hold for long periods.
This feature will make it easier for beginner anglers to develop their patience and fish comfortably for hours.
What’s more, the guides are made from a combination of stainless steel and ceramic, making them both tough and smooth.
So, you won’t have to worry about them being pulled off or heating up too much from rubbing with the fishing line.
- High-quality Spinning Reel
This Gonex fishing kit comes with a spinning reel built to minimize the tangling of the line.
The line is already pre-installed, so you can set it up quickly right out of the box. It has a gear ratio of 2.6:1, which is quite good for a beginner rod.
You can also set the drag to a maximum of 14.33 pounds, which helps prevent the line from breaking once the fish bites.
Pros:
- Complete fishing set
- Can withstand tough fishing conditions
- High-quality spinning reel included
- Very easy to handle
Con:
- Not really ideal for adults
4. Zebco Splash Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Even if you are new to the world of recreational fishing, there is a good chance you have heard of the name Zebco.
It was founded way back in 1929 but started out making electric time bombs for oil drilling.
However, in 1947, a watchmaker came to the company with an idea for what would become the first spinning reel.
This partnership would reshape the landscape for sport fishing.
Zebco ditched making bombs and switched to fishing equipment. Today, the company has an extensive selection of reels, rods, and fishing lines.
The Splash rod and reel combo is its entry-level offering, designed for beginner anglers and kids.
If you are looking for a high-quality rod to get you started on the sport, you should seriously consider this kit.
Review
The Zebco Splash Rod and Reel Combo offers a healthy balance between cost and performance.
It has a number of crucial features you will be surprised to see in a fishing rod at this price point.
- Kid- and Beginner-friendly Design
One of the biggest draws of this fishing rod is that it is very easy to use. That is why kids and beginner anglers love it so much.
It comes with a simple two-piece design and highly durable fiberglass construction. The reel also features a push-button mechanism for letting the line out.
You can set it up quickly and start reeling in largemouth basses, trouts, and other species of fish.
Plus, the EVA handle feels comfortable to the touch but is built to withstand rough handling.
- Optimum Performance
While the Zebco Splash is optimized for beginners, there is no doubt it is designed by experts.
It offers moderate action and medium power and can hold up to 14 pounds of line weight and 3/4 ounce of lure weight.
The size 30 spincasting reel has a gear ratio of 3.4:1, which makes it easier to retrieve your fishing line and cast again.
You can adjust the drag using a dial knob and set up the retrieve to be used with either the left or the right hand.
All these simple details come together to make your life easier when you go fishing.
- Highly Durable
The fiberglass rod is highly durable and can withstand extreme conditions.
As for the reel, it is protected by a stainless steel front cover that is highly resistant to corrosion.
Also, the pick-up pin is made from stainless steel, preventing the formation of grooves over time that might cut the line.
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Highly durable
- Comfortable to handle
- Backed by the Zebco brand
Con:
- Not ideal for big fish
5. AlwaysGo Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
There isn’t much information available about AlwaysGo, so you might find it a bit surprising that its rod and reel combo is as popular as it is.
That said, once you get to see what it has to offer, you will quickly realize why.
Review
The AlwaysGo Rod and Reel Combo is a hit among online buyers thanks to the following features:
- Complete Fishing Kit
Like some of today’s top fishing sets, this product from AlwaysGo comes with all the necessary items for fishing.
Each package includes one fishing rod, a spinning reel, and a variety of rubber baits, minnow lures, spare hooks, and more.
It also includes a carrier bag and a tackle box where you can put everything you need for your fishing trip.
If you are new to the sport and do not have any fishing equipment yet, this set has you covered.
- Lightweight and Portable
Even if this rod and reel combo contains everything you need to go fishing, it is still very light and easy to carry around.
The whole bag weighs only 1.1 pounds, meaning it is as light as a loaf of sandwiches. What’s more, the rod is telescopic, and you can collapse it to a fraction of its full length.
You won’t have any problem finding a space for it in the trunk of your car or even your backpack.
- Easy To Use
Another thing to like about this fishing set is that it is very easy to use.
It features a double-lock mechanism that allows you to set up the rod quickly and effortlessly.
Once you have assembled it, you can use it to go lure fishing for bass, trout, and other types of fish.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Compact and portable
- Includes all fishing necessities
- Great value for money
Con:
- Not ideal for big fish
Which Is the Best Beginner Fishing Rod?
You could pick any of these fishing rods and not regret it, but we highly recommend the one from Plusinno.
It is lightweight and portable but tough enough to help you reel in the big one. Also, it is easy to use, even if you do not have much experience fishing.
If you want the most value for your money, this rod and reel combo is for you.
