Our Top Picks:
Best Overall Fishing Rod for Beginners: Zebco Dock Demon Reel and Rod Combo
Easy to use, durable, and versatile—Zebco’s Dock Demon is the perfect starter kit for fishing success.
Best Budget Fishing Rod for Beginners: Daiwa D-Shock DSK Rod
Affordable without compromising quality. Get hooked on fishing, not on spending
Best Fly Fishing Rod for Beginners: Wild Water Standard Fly Fishing Combo Starter Kit
Everything you need to fly fish, all in one package. Start your fly fishing journey the right way.
Embarking on your fishing journey? The first step is choosing the right rod, but with a sea of options, it’s easy to feel like a fish out of water.
Don’t worry—we’ve reeled in the top 10 fishing rods perfect for beginners, breaking down everything you need to know to make the best catch. Read on to find your perfect fishing companion.
The 10 Best Fishing Rods For Beginners in 2023
Deluxe Fly fishing Rod Starter Set by Wild Water
- FLY ROD COMPONENTS: Weighing just 4.4 ounces, this well-crafted 9-foot fly fishing rod is made of durable and light IM8 matte black graphite. A high-quality reel seat with double lock rings, stainless steel stripper guide with silicon carbide rings and a laser-etched butt cap are also provided. For added grip and comfort, the rod is fitted with a 7 inch-long Western-style cork handle that comes with compressed cork and rubber trim rings.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Deluxe Fly fishing Rod and Reel Starter Set by Wild Water is catering to a niche, which not all are interested in. Fly fishing is when the angler uses artificial stimulations, imitating the natural food the fish usually eats with artificial flies and uses that to catch the fish. This deluxe kit is unique and offers the best value for your money.
Product Specs
- Action: Medium
- Material: IM8 graphite rod, stainless steel, aluminum
- Color: Matte black finish
- Length: 9 feet
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
- Handle Length: 11 inches 27.5 cm)
- Segments: 4
- Segment length: 28 inches
Why We Recommend This Product
This beginner’s fly fishing rod by Wild Water is one of a kind, slow action rod. It is extremely affordable, and comes in a combo set, making it a great purchase for people keen to learn fishing.
The fishing rod is of exceptional quality and sturdy, alongside the beautiful hard case that it comes in. The fly box is waterproof, floating, and can hold up to 372 flies.
This rod is of superior quality and has a high number of fantastic reviews from novice and amateur anglers, in terms of usability, transportation, and quality.
Pros
- It comes with a fly fishing reference guide for beginners
- It comes with a 32-inch hard case and 4-section rod bad with ties
- This comes with a customized fly box with standard flies for beginners
- Detailed western-style fly rod handle
- Rods can be changed from left to right hand retrieve; reels come in left hand retrieve
Cons
- The rod is heavier than most
Tip: This set is the best option for panfish, trout, and small bass; best suited for small to medium-sized streams and ponds.
Info alert: Wild Water offers fantastic and very prompt customer service, in case of any manufacturing defect in the product.
Fishing Rod (Demon) by Zebco
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fishing rod by Zebco is one of the best spin cast rods, made completely of fiberglass, which makes it lightweight and completely unbreakable. Not just that, it has a neat switch, which makes fishing a breeze offering casting for beginners, effortlessly. This has been consistently rated as one of the 10 best fishing rods for beginners for high performance.
Product Specs
- Action: Moderate
- Material: Fiberglass rod, all-metal gears, and stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2:6:1
- Length: 30 inches
- Product weight: 8 ounces
Why We Recommend This Product
Premium quality and affordability are the main factors that come into play with this set by Zebco. This is well suited for beginners and also for children, as it is lightweight and durable. The geared rod is a dream to use, with a push of the button, for effortless casting. The fiberglass rod ensures durability and comes with a dial-adjustable anti-drag control for the best fishing experience, for beginners and experienced anglers, alike.
Pros
- Solid Core Z glass, an unbreakable rod made from fiberglass
- The handle is best-suited for long hours fishing, made from EVA
- It comes with a pre-spooled six pounds line
- Comes with an anti-reverse mechanism for secure fishing
- Adjustable dial for controlling drag
Cons
- Not the sturdiest, but offers reliable fishing
Tip: This fishing rod is well suited for fishing for panfish, trout, walleye, and bass; for light to medium action.
Info alert: The rod can be used with a baitcasting reel as well, in place of the spin reels it comes with.
Freshwater Spinning Fishing Rod by Daiwa
- 1 Ball Bearing Reel with DIGIGEAR
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Freshwater Spinning Fishing Rod by Daiwa is a fantastic rod and reel combination, perfect for beginners. It performs exceptionally well for the price. This geared rod offers a comfortable grip and is suitable for ambidextrous use. The rod is extremely sensitive and is a great action rod, with medium-light action.
Product Specs
- Action: Moderate
- Material: Fiberglass rod, and stainless steel
- Length: 6 feet
- Line capacity: 6/135, 8/110, 10/90
- Product weight: 8 ounces
Why We Recommend This Product
This fabulous rod by Daiwa is only suitable for freshwater use. It is light and easy to use, with a single ball bearing reel, a twist buster line roller to keep away entanglements, and comes with Digigear drive System to enable smooth and easy fishing for keen beginners. The rod and reel combo set is moderately priced, making it an affordable option for beginners looking for reliable results.
Pros
- High sensitivity rod with medium-light action
- Affordable with great performance
- The rod has Digigear system for smooth casting
- Pre-spooled with monofilament line
Cons
- The gears could be better for the rod
Tip: This ambidextrous rod can be used with the right and the left hand.
Info alert: The set does not come with remade line or weight, which has to be bought separately.
Six-Foot D-Shock Freshwater Fishing and Spinning Set by Daiwa
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fishing rod by Daiwa is a fabulous rod and spinning reel combination, making it perfect for beginners. Reliable and affordable, this Daiwa rod and spinning reel set combo is convenient and works well for beginners and experienced anglers as well. The reel comes with two ball bearings, and with durable fiberglass blanks, making it a sound investment, considering its performance. This set is part of the Freshwater series from Daiwa and is considered to be one of the 10 best fishing rods for beginners available in the market.
Product Specs
- Action: Medium
- Material: Fiberglass rod, and stainless steel
- Length: 6 feet 6 inches
- Line capacity: 6/210, 8/170, 10/140
- Product weight: 8.8 ounces
Why We Recommend This Product
One of the best combo set of pre-mounted rod and a spinning reel. It comes with a single bearing reel and with the superior Digigear Drive system. It also ensures that there are no entanglements with the twist line buster roller to avoid the hassle. It comes with a movable crank for an easy to use the system.
Pros
- Durable fiberglass blanks
- Comfortable and natural cork grips
- The rod has Digigear system for smooth casting
- Abs machined spool made from aluminum
Cons
- The spool does not lock
- The line does not retrieve, even while reeling sometimes
Tip: This rod can be used with a braided line without trouble.
Info alert: The reel used for the combo set is Dsk25-BF66 by Daiwa.
Amphibian Spinning Fishing Rod by Shakespeare
- Tubular glass spinning rods offered in blue, orange and pink colors
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If, as a new angler, you are looking for comfortable and affordable gear to practice with then there is not a better option than using one of the Shakespeare series for the best fishing experience. As this is a company that has been diligently manufacturing top-notch fishing rods and reels, you can be sure that the Amphibian spinning fishing rod is exactly the right one for a beginner.
Product Specs
- Action: Medium
- Color: Blue, orange, and pink
- Material: Fiberglass rod, and stainless steel
- Length: 5 feet
- Product weight: 11. 2 ounces
Why We Recommend This Product
This spinning rod and reel combo are one of a kind, offering anglers the best opportunity while performing far above the expected level of efficiency. Although it a regular flip-back spinning wheel, the superior make and design enable you to catch small to medium multispecies fish in freshwater without hassle. Although it is for young people, it can be comfortably used by adults as well.
Pros
- Durable and very attractive
- Comfortable EVA split grips for long hours
- The rod is a 2-piece one with detachable reels for easy transportation
- Comes with a pre-spooled line of six pounds
Cons
- The reel is not as great as expected.
- Lines can tangle if not careful
Tip: This rod should not be used with test lines more or less than two to six pounds.
Info alert: The combo set comes with a three pounds line; it should not be used with a more than six pounds line as it is too much.
Graphite Fishing Rod by Zebco
- Includes the new for 2014 Zebco 33 Spincast Reel
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fishing rod by Zebco is exceptional in its performance and extremely durable which allows anglers to cast with a push button. It is fairly simple to use and is well suited to adults and children alike. It is great, considering the moderate price, as its performance in the freshwater is too good to be true. Lightweight and can easily cast in freshwater for the best catch with superior performance.
Product Specs
- Action: Medium Light
- Color: Black and silver
- Material: Graphite rod with EVA handle grip
- Length: 5 feet 6 inches
- Product weight: 1.4 pounds
Why We Recommend This Product
This Zebco product is made from high-quality graphite rod with cork and EVA handles for comfortable use for long hours of fishing. It is a medium-light rod, with fantastic performance, and is streamlined for convenient transportation. It is also the perfect size for children learning how to fish; the child will perform well with five minutes of adult supervision.
Pros
- The combo set comes along with 100-yards of ten pounds Cajun line
- The set comes with a loaded tackle wallet for convenience
- The rod is a two-piece rod for easy transportation
- Comes with a newer variant of the Zebco Spincast Reel 2014 for enhanced performance
Cons
- The monofilament line is not the best
- Line get entangled almost every time
Tip: This fabulous combo set comes with a QuickSet anti-reverse reel for convenience and ease during casting.
Info alert: Made for the ambidextrous use, this product is comfortable in both, left and right hand.
Battle II Reel and Rod Set by Penn
- Full metal body and sideplates
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fishing rod by Penn is one of the best choices for saltwater fishing. It is durable and streamlined to be used extensively for fishing, years after year, without trouble. The kit comes with a complete metal body with an extremely durable spinning reel and Superline spool and a five-plus one ball bearing system for superior performance.
Product Specs
- Action: Heavy
- Material: All-metal body and sideplates with aluminum oxide guides
- Length: 10 feet
- Gear Ratio: 5:6:1
- Lure capacity: 2 to 6 ounces
- Product weight: 1 pound
Why We Recommend This Product
The rod and reel combo is one of the best choices for saltwater fishing. It is heavy and meant for heavy action. This 8000 capacity and 10-foot rod is meant for extra-large fish such as the tuna and shark. It comes with an all-metal body and side plates, alongside anodized and machined spool. The carbon fiber drag washers are meant for turbulent water and the product work exceptionally well, considering its price.
Pros
- An instant anti-reverse pullback to eliminate backlash for comfortable reeling
- Equipped with carbon fiber drag washers providing maximum drag for high currents
- Braided lines can be used without the requirement of a monofilament backing
- Extremely durable aluminum bail wire
Cons
- Not a comfortable fulcrum point for the heavy fishing
- Drag is too light for the rod
Tip: This extremely well-made product is rated or 475 yards of 50 pounds braided line; it can be reduced to 40 pounds, depending on the diameter of the braided line.
Info alert: There is no warranty on the rod and has to be repaired by the manufacturer with a service fee.
GX2 Fishing Rod by Ugly Stik
- UGLY STIK 6’6” GX2 SPINNING FISHING ROD AND REEL SPINNING COMBO: The next-gen Ugly Stik, featuring better balance and improved components. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world. Right/Left handle position.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fishing rod and reel set by Ugly Stik is a medium-heavy spinning combo set, which is well suited for experienced and beginners alike. This lightweight, durable, and ultra-sensitive combination is ideal for all anglers and with its superior tip design, it is easily one of the best beginner fishing rods in the market. It is moderately priced and offers a comfortable and successful fishing experience for the day.
Product Specs
- Action: Medium-heavy combo
- Material: Graphite and fiberglass
- Length: 6 feet 6 inches
- Segments: 2
- Gear Ratio: 5:2:1
- Fish Size: 6 to 15 pounds
- Product weight: 1 pound
Why We Recommend This Product
This Ugly Stik medium-heavy spinning combo is one of the top 10 best fishing rods for beginners. It is durable and sturdy and performs well for an exceptional fishing experience. This is meant for heavy catch weighing between six to 15 pounds. The clear tip design ensures that it is a strong rod and reel combo, which is also very responsive. This combination is suitable for anglers of all skill levels.
Pros
- Well-suited for anglers of varying skill sets
- Anti-reverse bearings are streamlined for smooth and easy fishing
- Light and comfortable EVA handles and grip for long hours of fishing
- Equipped with an anodized aluminum spool with a bail wire
Cons
- The reel is not as sturdy and prone to breaking
Tip: The rod comes with a seven-year warranty and the reel has one year warranty.
Info alert: This can be used for saltwater and freshwater use for heavy fish, but rinse the equipment with clean water and thoroughly dry before storing.
Pursuit II Fishing Reel and Rod Sets by Penn
- Line, 4BB + 1RB, 5.2: 1, alum spool, 235/6, 160/8, 130/10, 7'
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pursuit II Fishing Reel and Rod Set by Penn offers great value for money. This is a great combo to buy for saltwater as well as freshwater use. This combo set has been crafted well, offering a durable product that is great for heavy-duty extensive use. This rod and reel combo set is a good investment for beginners and regular anglers.
Product Specs
- Action: Medium Light combo
- Material: Graphite and aluminum
- Length: 7 feet
- Fluid cracked gear
- Product weight: 1.3 pounds
Why We Recommend This Product
This amazing rod and reel combo are light and sturdy, offering saltwater anglers an advantage, with smooth and efficient fishing. It comes with an anti-corrosive body and constructed with graphite, making it easy to carry and lightweight. The product also has smooth shielded stainless steel ball bearings with line capacity rings for easy handling.
Pros
- Lightweight and ultra-sensitive
- Equipped with Techno Balanced rotor for easy and hassle-free reversing
- Anti-corrosive body for use in saltwater and freshwater alike.
- Offers ample drag without compromising the smoothness
Cons
- Rod is not as durable and prone to breaking
Tip: The pole replacement is expensive and requires a replacement fee.
Info alert: This rod is best suited for inshore, boat, and surf fishing and it can also be used in freshwater.
Ultralight Fishing Rod and Reel by Ugly Stik
- Line, 4BB + 1RB, 5.2: 1, alum spool, 235/6, 160/8, 130/10, 7'
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fishing rod and reel by Ugly Stik is an ultra-light rod and reel combo for light action. This combo has been streamlined for the optimum balance, comfortable fishing while maintaining the durability of the product. This combo set is attractive and works well for all anglers, whether beginners or not.
Product Specs
- Action: Light combo
- Length: 4 feet 8 inches
- Product weight: 7.2 ounces
Why We Recommend This Product
This is one great product for beginners as, it is compact, lightweight, easy to transport, and offers a durable solution for first-timers. It is also extremely affordable, which makes the perfect setting to practice without the fear of soiling the gear, although that is highly unlikely to happen.
Pros
- Metal gears for extra smoothness
- Equipped with a pre-spooled 6 points line of styrene
Cons
- The line is not the best quality
Tip: This reel and rod set is suitable for right hand only.
Info alert: This rod and reel combo is suitable for freshwater and saltwater use.
Things to consider when buying a fishing rod for beginners
The type of fish
As a beginner, you must have some idea about the kind of fish and the locations you may wish to use the rod for. All rods are not suitable for saltwater; likewise, all freshwater rod and reel combo sets are not suitable for saltwater.
Also, heavy to medium fishing means that the rod type will be different, such as medium action or ultralight, depending on your requirements.
Length
The length of the rod can be short, for shorter distances or longer, for longer range casting. Also, anglers opting for heavier fish sometimes prefer shorter rods, as they do not bend or stretch as much as the longer ones. Most saltwater rods will be longer, for casting further.
Composition
Most rod and reel combos will be primarily be made from graphite, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. Choosing the right one will depend on the type of fishing you are interested in. Graphite offers a lighter option, and fiberglass is extremely flexible and almost unbreakable. This makes them a sound investment. Graphite is extremely light and sensitive, meaning that it is best suited for light to medium action only.
Power
The power of the rod describes the load capacity. For instance, for heavier fish, the power of the rod will be heavy, so that it does not bend and stretch extensively, which may make it difficult to keep the catch and lose it instead. Medium power rods are suitable for not very large or small fish, and light can only handle small fish.
Action
The term action is refereeing to the point of the rod, where it bends while getting the catch. Therefore, for instance, a fast action rod will have a bending point towards the tip of the pole; whereas, the slow action rod will bend closer to the handle of the rod. Medium action rods will be somewhere in between.
Handle/Grip
The handle or grip completely depends on personal preference. Most handles are made from cork or EVA grip to enable fishing for long hours comfortably without a problem. The choice is yours; whichever feels nicer and more comfortable should be chosen.
Our Verdict
The Deluxe Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Starter Set by Wild Water is one of the top-rated products for new fly fishers. It offers a comprehensive range of items and comes with a customized fly box, with essential rods and reels combinations for the best fishing experience. It has all that is required for you to fish comfortably and enjoying the experience thoroughly.
We recommend the Battle II Reel and Rod Set by Penn if you want to fish with a spinning rod.
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Hello Kristian Ole,
your articles are very detailed and informative. Especially the “Buying Guide for the Top 10 Best Fishing Rods for Beginners” section is very well written .Fishing is my passion. Seeing your post helps me a lot thanks.
Hi Roz,
Happy to hear that you like it.