Best Beginner Fishing Rods – 2021 Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated January 7, 2022

Fish, a healthy and tasty food. But when you have caught the fish yourself, it takes the experience of having it to a whole new level. Fishing is a leisure past-time hobby for some and a profession for others. Whatever your circumstances, the first thing you must have for fishing is obviously a fishing rod.

A fishing rod is basically a long, flexible rod fitted with a reel of strong string or line that ends in a hook. The hook serves to hold the bait, either live or artificial, to entice the fish. Earlier, a simple tree branch measuring about a yard or so was used for fishing. With the passage of time, bigger and better ideas have evolved that tree branch into a proper fishing gear equipped with many advanced features.

Nowadays, we have a huge variety of fishing rods available at our disposal. Choosing one for yourself can be a tough decision when you are only a beginner at this sport. To assist you, we have selected the best beginner fishing rods available on the market and reviewed them so you can determine which one may suit you better. Read on to find out. 

Comparison of the Best Beginner Fishing Rods

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • A very sleek rod unlike its name
  • Materials: Aluminum
  • Rod Length: 6 ft
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  • Best for the money
  • Materials: Fiberglass
  • Rod Length: 6ft 6 in
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  • Has an uplocking graphite reel seat
  • Materials: Graphite, Composite
  • Rod Length: 7 ft
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  • Features increased durability and smoother drag
  • Materials: Aluminum, Graphite, Metal
  • Rod Length: 9 ft
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Perks of Getting a New Fishing Rod

The tradition of passing down fishing rods from one generation to another has been around for awhile. If you do have such a fishing rod, we strongly recommend that you buy a new one for yourself. Don’t get us wrong. It’s just that being a beginner, you will benefit more from getting a brand new one. Also, it’s not wise to invest in preloved fishing gear. Why are we stubborn about this? Here are some of the major perks of getting a new beginner fishing rod. 

Condition

A used fishing rod is bound to suffer from wear and tear. Being an absolute beginner, you may not know how to tweak it to its full potential. Instead of encouraging you on, it starts lagging you behind. This way, you might lose your confidence and interest in fishing altogether. That’s why you should get a new fishing rod for yourself, one that is compatible with beginner usage. 

Superiority

Admit it, the tools we have access to now are a lot better than those that were produced almost a decade ago. Your inherited rod may have been the best then. But now, with all the mechanical and technological advancements, you may do better with a new model. The same applies to buying a used fishing rod. To save some money, you may end up frustrating yourself. It is advised to buy a new one because the fishing gear produced today is far more superior in performance than its predecessors. 

Application

Different fishing rods are directed for different applications. Some are good for inshore fishing, while others are directed for in-water fishing. Being a beginner, you won’t know the difference between both. You cannot fish very effectively onshore with an in-water fishing rod and vice versa. It is better to get a new fishing rod that is specifically directed to use for the type of fishing you will be doing.

How to Choose Your First Fishing Rod

Choosing the right beginner fishing rod is very important. It determines how successful you are in catching fish by allowing you to cast your bait out at a target spot without scaring away the fish. It also increases the chances of your bait getting more bites. Getting a wrong rod has adverse effects on your performance. It not only stops you from casting the bait properly but also reduces the distance. Below we have discussed some of the main things you should pay attention to before getting yourself a new beginner fishing rod. 

Length

Fishing rods are available in varying lengths, from the shortest measuring at 4 feet to the longest at 14 feet long. What you should know is that longer lengths cast at long distances and shorter length rods cast at short distances. So when you are choosing the fishing rod for yourself, remember to choose one that is more appropriate for the distance you are planning to cast it at. 

Handle

Fishing rod handles are crafted from cork, foam, or a combination of both. You can select one that you are more comfortable at holding. Its length also varies from one fishing rod to another. You can cast further with a long handle using both hands. Short handled rods are suitable for single-handed usage and precise casting. You should get the rod that you are more comfortable at handling. 

Action

Yet another thing to consider when you are choosing a beginner fishing rod for yourself is the amount of action it has. Action here is defined as the flexibility the rod possesses. Action-wise, you get ultra-light, medium, medium-heavy, and heavy models. Lighter action is more sensitive, so it is better suited to fish for smaller fish. Heavy action rods are better at catching larger fish. Choose a rod that matches in action with the species you intend to catch.

Key Terms to Know

To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.

  • Materials: The materials the rod and reel are made of.
     
  • Rod Length: The length of the rod.
     
  • Rod Power: Power refers to how much force it takes to bend the rod. These fall under the designations of ultra light/med-light/light/medium/med-heavy/heavy/etc.

  • Rod Action: What actions the rod comes in. This refers to where the rod flexes and includes slow/moderate/moderately-fast/fast/extra fast/ etc.  

Review of the Best Beginner Fishing Rods

There is a huge variety of fishing rods available on the market, with no clear instructions as to who will benefit from using which one. It is usually a one-size-fits-all situation where beginners are hauled with the same stick as experts. Choosing one for yourself as a beginner becomes a daunting task in such a situation. 

But worry not. Below we have listed some of the best fishing rods that are quite suitable for beginner usage. You can go through the guide and choose the one that meets your requirements the most to begin your journey in the world of fishing. 

Best Overall:
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2

Ugly Stik USSP602M30CB Shakespeare USSP602M/30CBO GX2 Spinning Fishing Reel and Rod Combo, 30 Size Reel - 6' - Medium - 2pc

PROS

  • Sturdy but lighter in weight
  • Easy to handle with EVA grips
  • It is a very well balanced model
  • Features a sensitive fiberglass tip
  • An extremely affordable fishing rod 

CONS

  • Reel is not very water-friendly 
  • Not suitable for finesse fishing
  • Casting performance could be better

What Recent Buyers Report 

People who recently bought this fishing rod are satisfied with its look and performance. Lightweight and easy to handle, it has caught public attention as soon as it hit the shelves. People are raving about its quality and performance. It is labeled as the cheaper version of more regal fishing rods. 

 Why it Stands Out to Us 

This product stands out to us because of its durability and sturdiness. A high-quality fishing rod crafted with a fiberglass tip and high modulus graphite, it features both sensitivity and strength combined. Unlike its name, it has a very smooth and sleek appearance that is sure to make you gawk at it. We highly recommend this product as a great beginner fishing rod for you.

 Who Will Use This Most 

People who are looking for a more affordable version of expensive fishing rods will certainly be interested in using this product. Its sturdiness contributes towards a longer life, so people who are looking for a high-quality long-lasting fishing rod will use this the most. It is also a great product for beginners, as they will also benefit from using this product.

Bottom Line 

If you are a beginner looking to buy a quality fishing rod, then this is the right product for you. With its durable make and ease of use, it is surely going to win your heart with its performance. Combine that with an affordable price tag, and you have the perfect product at your fingertips to enter the world of fishing. 

Product Specs

Materials:

Aluminum

Rod Length:

6 ft

Rod Power:

Medium

Rod Action:

Light

Best for the Money:
SHIMANO Solora

Shimano Solora 2 Piece Spinning Rod (6-Feet 6-Inch, Medium)

PROS

  • Cork handles offer a firm grip
  • Quite sensitive to soft fish bites
  • Works well for saltwater fishing
  • Easy to navigate through rough waters 
  • Suitable for catching both smaller and bigger fish 

CONS

  • It is a bit heavy and thick
  • Beginners might struggle to control it
  • Replacing broken rod tips is not an option

What Recent Buyers Report 

Recent buyers have reported it as a great fishing rod. With its reinforced design, it is regarded as one of the strongest pieces of fishing gear available on the market. It has certainly managed to grab attention with its lower price tag. People are going on and on about it. The only thing that people don’t like about it is its lack of replacement for broken tips. Other than that, it has managed to satisfy its buyers. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This product stands out as the best beginner fishing rod for the money it retails for. A piece of strong and sturdy equipment with an aero glass rod and reinforced aluminum grips, this rod is sure to serve you for a long time. It is sensitive to the softest fish bites and strong enough to catch some bigger ones. You will most certainly benefit from using this as your beginner fishing rod. 

Who Will Use This Most 

People who are looking for a pocket-friendly beginner fishing rod are more likely to use it. Parents who want to train their kids in fishing but are afraid to spend a large amount on their fishing gear will also benefit from using this product. People who are looking for a fishing rod that is an all-rounder in its performance will also find great uses for this fishing rod. 

Bottom Line 

This is the perfect fishing rod for you as a beginner. It is priced at a lower cost but provides all the benefits of a more expensive one. An all-round performer that can handle both small and big fish and works well in both fresh and seawater conditions. You should consider this one product as a strong candidate for your choice of a beginner fishing rod. 

Product Specs

Materials:

Fiberglass

Rod Length:

6 ft 6 in

Rod Power:

Medium

Rod Action:

Fast

3. Berkley Cherrywood

Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning , 7' - Medium - 1pc

PROS

  • It is a lightweight model
  • Comfortable to hold and cast
  • Full cork handles offer a firm grip
  • Has a great customer care service 
  • Medium action spinning fishing rod

CONS

  • Not suitable for saltwater usage 
  • Lacks a proper backbone support
  • Susceptible to breakage when mishandled 

What Recent Buyers Report 

People who recently bought this, report it to be a good choice for beginners. Sensitive and strong, this range of products have managed to satisfy its buyers with its moderate action and ease of usage. Moreover, people are impressed by the great customer care service that this is backed up with. It’s a wonderful product with wonderful people willing to guide you in any way possible. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This product stands out to us for its user-friendliness. It is lightweight and easy to operate. It features full cork handles that offer a firm grip. It is suitable for both single and both hand usage with a full handle, making it comfortable to hold. It is backed up by great customer service, so if you do buy one of these, you don’t have to worry about being stuck as these people are surely here to help. It really is one of the best beginner fishing rods you could ever get. 

Who Will Use This Most  

This range of fishing rods is one of the most sensitive pieces of fishing gear out there. It’s a perfect match for people who are planning to start fishing. People who are looking for rods with moderate action are also better off using this. Anglers who like casting further with both hands will also find great uses for it. People who like comfortable and lightweight fishing rods will certainly use this the most. 

Bottom Line 

Berkley Cherrywood has produced an awesome range of fishing rods. With its varying lengths, it is one range of products that fulfills what it promises. Comfortable to hold and easy to use, it is definitely a perfect fishing rod for beginners to practice and fine-tune their fishing skills. However, it is fragile, so you are better off using it for its directed purposes. Go beyond, and it will snap. 

Product Specs

Materials:

Graphite, Composite

Rod Length:

7 ft

Rod Power:

Medium

Rod Action:

Fast

4. PENN Battle II

PENN Battle II Combo

PROS

  • Features an instant anti-reverse action
  • Rubber lining stops the line from slipping
  • Metallic body maintains precise alignment 
  • Reel is easier to handle with soft-touch knob 
  • Offers better support for handling heavy loads

CONS

  • It is a bit heavy 
  • Drags tend to get stuck
  • Packaging leaves a lot to be desired 

What recent buyers report?

People who recently bought this product were impressed by its performance. It is reportedly one of the best inshore fishing gears. It works fine in salted water and is perfect for catching both small and big fish. People have found it as one of the toughest gear and agree that it offers a great performance for its value. 

Why it Stands Out to us? 

This product stands out to us for its versatility. It is fabulous at catching anything from trout to barracuda. It is a durable rod with a smooth dragging mechanism that does not let the fish escape. Rubber lined line does not slip, and its anti-reverse action instantly stops the fish from going away. The full metal body keeps it perfectly aligned, making sure you have better chances when using this product.

Who Will Use This Most  

People who regularly fish in salty inshore water will benefit from using this product. It is quite versatile, so people who want one fishing rod that is suitable for more fish species and different conditions are more likely to use it the most. Beginners who want to invest in a quality fishing rod for themselves will also use this the most. 

Bottom Line

If you are interested in buying a high-quality all-rounder fishing gear, then this is the right choice for you. Sturdy, reliable, and easy to use, this is a perfect fishing rod to meet the demands of beginner use. Its non-slip reel and anti-reverse action effectively stop the catch from escaping once the bait is taken. We highly recommend this equipment for you because it is everything a new fisher can ask for. 

Product Specs

Materials:

Aluminum, Graphite, Metal

Rod Length:

9 ft

Rod Power:

Medium Heavy

Rod Action:

Medium Fast

5. Crystal River Fly Fishing Combo Kit

Crystal River Fly Fishing Combo Kit

PROS

  • Convenient and comfortable to use
  • Suitable for single-handed operation
  • Perfectly capable of making accurate casts
  • Reel possesses smooth performance capabilities
  • Features a shorter design with durable construction 

CONS

  • Not suitable for left handers
  • Needs to be set up from scratch
  • Drags on the reel wear out quickly

What Recent Buyers Report 

Recent buyers report this as the best fly fishing gear for beginners. It has managed to impress people with its ease of operation. Although some were frustrated with its complicated and time-consuming setup, the results it produced were enough to change their minds. A great product at a great price, it is most certainly a product people will buy again. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This fishing combo stands out as the best overall. Designed for fly fishing, this fishing rod is very easy and comfortable to use, even with one hand. It is short with a sturdy make, perfect for catching small to medium-sized fish. It is a complete kit that comes with everything you need to start fly fishing. It is great for beginner fishing usage.

Who Will Use This Most 

People who have only just started fishing will benefit from using this product. Fishers who love fly fishing are also more likely to use it. It is suitable to be used by children as well, so parents who are interested in helping their kids learn the art of fishing will surely use this the most. 

Bottom Line

This is most certainly the best beginner fishing rod. It is regarded as the best fly fishing combo by anyone who used it. It is so good and easy to use that parents are using it to teach their kids how to fish. Like them, you can also benefit from buying this product as your first fishing rod. The skills you learn from maneuvering it will benefit you in the long run. 

Product Specs

Materials:

Graphite

Rod Length:

8 ft

Aspects To Consider Before Buying

Being a beginner at anything can be frustrating when you don’t have proper guidance. You can't head out blindly. You need some prior knowledge and understanding before pursuing anything. The same rules apply for fishing. You may have a lot of passion for it, but if you don’t know its basics, you cannot succeed. 

A fishing rod is your indispensable tool in fishing. Above, we have listed the things you should look for when choosing the right fishing rod. But there are some other aspects you must consider before heading out to buy one for yourself.

Ease of Operation

Being a beginner, you need to have a rod that is easy to operate. Buying a rod that is difficult to use is more likely to become a hurdle in your way. You need a rod that is easy to bait, cast, and once the bait is taken, rollback. This will not only improve your chances of making a catch, but it will also make your experience a fun one.

Quality Build

Investing in a quality fishing rod is very important too. Rods that are crafted from high-quality material can withstand any amount of tension it is put through. It does not wear or tear easily. A low quality one, on the other hand, can break into pieces with some extra force on it. An ideal fishing rod is crafted from a combination of high-quality materials and is suitable to use in varying locations and conditions. 

Type of Fishing

Fishing is very versatile. There is boat fishing, fishing from a bank or a pier, surf fishing, or even a combination of some. Fishing rods are designed to address the different needs of all these different types of fishing. The best beginner fishing rod for you is the one that suits the type of fishing you will be doing. Investing in a heavy rod will be futile if you don’t plan to use it offshore. Carefully consider your application before buying one for yourself.

Conclusion

Getting a new, high-quality beginner fishing rod is important when you are a beginner in the world of fishing. Choosing one is an important task because it determines the outcome of your experience. Getting a high-quality one that is not suitable for your intended application or getting a wrong combination of action and power both have adverse effects. The result is a smaller number of fish you end up with. We recommend investing in a high-quality fishing rod that is easy to operate, compatible with your coordination skills, and suitable for the application and the species you want to catch in terms of action and power. We have also listed the best beginner fishing rod to assist you in your search for a perfect fishing rod. Choose one, and you will certainly reap the benefits of making the right choice. 

People Also Ask

When shopping for fishing rods, people come across a lot of different models, each boasting of its extraordinary prowess at fishing. The different sizes and features are bound to raise some questions in your mind. We have addressed some of the frequently wondered questions and answered them for you below. 

How Big of a Fishing Rod Do I Need?

The length of fishing rods usually ranges from 4 feet to 14 feet. Choosing the right length depends upon your fishing application and the type of fish species you plan on catching. Longer rods cast farther than shorter rods. Determining the correct size for your fishing rod is solely dependent on how you intend to use it. 

Are Telescopic Fishing Rods Good? 

Telescopic fishing rods are collapsible fishing rods that can fold into themselves. They are portable devices measuring around 18 to 26 inches when retracted. Because of the compact size, they can easily fit anywhere from under the seats inside the car trunk. They are good because you can easily fold a 12 foot fishing rod to a mere 2 feet. They are designed to be lightweight, so carrying them around is very easy. You can easily travel with them by tossing one inside your luggage or keep one with you as a carry-on. All in all, they are certainly a win-win choice. 

Does a Longer Rod Cast Further?

Yes, a longer rod does cast further. The length of a fishing rod is directly proportional to its casting distance. The longer the rod, the further it casts. The shorter the rod, the closer it casts. Action and power are also responsible for determining the distance of the cast. A longer rod with more action and power is more likely to cast further than a shorter rod with less power and action.



My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at admin@biggamelogic.com. Read more about Big Game Logic.