Last updated on August 18th, 2023
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Are you a beginner angler looking for the best fishing rod of 2023? It can be overwhelming to find the right one that suits your needs, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Our guide will take a look at multiple top-of-the-line rods. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the best beginner fishing rod for yourself so you can start catching those big ones.
Table of Contents:
- How to Choose the Right Fishing Rod for Beginners
- Review of the Best Fishing Rods for Beginners 2023
- 5 Tips for Beginner Fishermen
- Conclusion
- FAQs
How to Choose the Right Fishing Rod for Beginners
Choosing the right fishing rod can be a daunting task for any beginner angler. There are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect rod, such as your needs, type of fish you plan on catching, and environment in which you’ll be fishing. Here are some tips to help you choose the best rod for your needs.
Consider Your Needs
Before purchasing a fishing rod, think about what kind of fish you plan on catching and where you will be doing most of your fishing – rivers or lakes? This will help determine what type of rod is best suited for your needs.
Types of Fishing Rods
Spinning rods and casting rods are two common types used by anglers today. Spinning rods have reels attached at the bottom while casting rods have them attached at the top. The type that works best for you depends on personal preference and skill level so it’s important to test out both before making a purchase decision.
Materials Used in Fishing Rods
Graphite and fiberglass are two popular materials used in construction when it comes to fishing rods. Graphite offers more flexibility but less strength while fiberglass provides more strength but less flexibility depending on what kind of fish species one plans on targeting with their setup. It’s important to research each material before deciding which one is right for you.
When choosing a new fishing rod, there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration such as length, action (fast or slow), power (light or heavy) and grip size if using spinning reels versus baitcasting reels since they require different sized handles due to their design differences. All of these things should factor into making an informed decision when buying a new set up.
Once all these considerations have been made, it is time to start testing out different models from various brands until one finds something that fits their style perfectly. Comfort should also be taken into account – make sure whatever model chosen feels comfortable in hand as this will be the main tool used during long days spent out on the water.
Choosing a good fishing rod for beginner is an important decision that can help you get the most out of your time spent on the water. Knowing what to look for in a rod, as well as understanding different types and materials, will give you a better chance of success.
Key Takeaway: When selecting beginner fishing rods, it’s important to consider your needs (type of fish, environment), type of rod (spinning or casting), material used (graphite or fiberglass) and other factors such as length, action, power and grip size. Comfort should also be taken into account when making the final decision.
Review of the Best Fishing Rods for Beginners 2023
Disclaimer: All products in this article were independently researched and reviewed by our team of experienced anglers. Learn more about our review process here. We use so-called affiliate links in this article. This means that if you click on one of the links provided in this article and end up making a purchase, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we’ve tested and believe in.
Best Overall: Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod
Why we chose it:
The Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod is a great choice for beginner anglers looking to get into the sport. It features a lightweight graphite construction, comfortable EVA foam handles, and stainless steel guides that are perfect for casting and retrieving your lures. Plus, it comes with a 7-year warranty so you can be sure of its quality. In my eyes that’s a feature you normally don’t get in this price range.
Features:
The Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod comes in multiple lengths options. Depending on the species you want to target you should choose a shorter and lighter rod or a longer and heavier one to fight bigger species. You can also choose between 1pc and 2pcs rods. As a rule of thumb we’ve found 1 pc rod to offer slightly superior casting whereas 2pcs rods are much easier to transport.
Castability:
In our review I found the Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod surprisingly cartable for a good beginner fishing rod in this price range. From my experience it’s always a good idea to go with a renowned manufacturer sind their years of experience most often trickle down into their entry level products. The result for you: great value for money. The Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod is a great fishing rod for beginners since its reel seat holds a spinning reel tightly where it belongs and its casting action is very forgiving – which is definitely a plus when you’re just getting into the sport.
Spec Options:
If you’re a fan of the Ugly Stick, you can either just go for a rod itself, or if you’re unsure about which real to pick for this beginner fishing rod, make sure to check out the Ugly Stick Rod and Reel Combo. This set comes perfectly balanced and – besides the rod – offers a high quality spinning reel that enables you to get out on the water right away.
Key Takeaway: The Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod is an ideal choice for beginners, offering lightweight graphite construction, comfortable EVA foam handles and stainless steel guides – all at an affordable price and with a 7-year warranty.
PROS:
- Great value for money
- Excellent warranty
- Lightweight rod
- Durable EVA foam handle
CONS:
- Cork handle option would be a plus for traditionalists
- Clear tip design needs some getting used to in the beginning
Best Saltwater Beginner Fishing Rod: Berkley Big Game Fishing Rod
Why we chose it:
The Berkley Big Game Fishing Rod is a high-quality, ergonomically designed rod that is perfect for those who want to take their fishing game to the next level. It features corrosion-resistant finish and is backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure of its quality and durability.
Features:
The Berkley Big Game has an advanced design that allows it to handle tough conditions with ease. I particularly like its extra long butt section which provides added leverage when casting or fighting fish. The reel seat is made from aluminum and the guides are made from stainless steel for maximum strength and reliability. Additionally, this rod comes with a comfortable EVA foam grip that makes it easy to hold even in wet conditions.
Castability:
Compared to the Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod, the Berkley Big Game is – as the name suggests – a rod for heavier fishing. This rod is the right choice if you’re looking to target big largemouth bass or striped bass. I found it surprising to find a corrosion resistant rod in this price range – a definite plus in terms of variability. Just like the Ugly Stick, the Berkley is meant to be fishing with a spinning reel.
Key Takeaway: The Berkley Big Game Fishing Rod is an ideal choice for any angler looking for a reliable yet affordable fishing rod, with features such as: corrosion-resistant finish, extra long butt section, aluminum alloy reel seat and stainless steel guides. It also has a comfortable EVA foam grip and comes with a lifetime warranty.
PROS:
- Lifetime warranty
- Corrosion resistant
- Comfortable grip
CONS:
- This is a heavier rod which means you might get tired after a long day of casting
- Reel seat is not quite as snug as the one on the Ugly Stick
Best Beginner Fishing Rod and Reel Combo: KastKing Crixus
Why we chose it:
The KastKing Crixus Beginner Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a great choice for beginner anglers looking to get the most out of their fishing experience. This combo includes both a spinning reel and casting rod, making it ideal for freshwater or saltwater trips. It also features corrosion-resistant components, an ergonomic design, and durable construction that will last you many years of use.
Features:
The KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo comes with two pieces – a medium power graphite composite blank rod with stainless steel guides, as well as a 5+1 bearing drive spinning reel with aluminum spool. Both pieces are designed to be lightweight yet strong enough to handle your catch without breaking down over time. Additionally, this combo has anti-corrosion properties so you can take it on any type of fishing trip without worrying about rusting or damage from the elements. I like the fact that you can pick from a wide variety of rod lengths depending on the species you want to catch.
Castability:
The KastKing Crixus Beginner Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a very lightweight rod that I found great for bass fishing. Its short handle design allows for the detection of the slightest take and an easy hook set. Make sure to read our guide on “The Best Ultralight Spinning Rods” if you are looking to get into this kind of fishing.
Key Takeaway: The KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is an excellent choice for beginner anglers, offering corrosion resistance, lightweight materials, ergonomic design and affordability. It’s suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments.
PROS:
- Highly versatile combo
- Very lightweight rod and reel
- Saltwater ready
- Great bite detection
CONS:
- Short butt section of the handle can make fighting big fish a bit more difficult
- A cork grip option would be a nice addition to this beginner fishing rod and reel combo
Best Fly Rod and Reel Combo: Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit
Why we chose it:
The Orvis Encounter Outfit is a great choice for beginner fly fishers. It’s an all-in-one package that includes the rod, reel, line and backing. The rod itself is made from high quality graphite and has a medium fast action with smooth power transition throughout the cast. This makes it perfect for beginners who are just learning to cast or those looking to upgrade their gear without breaking the bank.
Features:
The Orvis Encounter Outfit comes in two different sizes – 6wt and 8wt – so you can choose one that fits your needs best. It also features an aluminum reel seat which adds durability while keeping weight down, as well as stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts for better casting performance. Additionally, it comes preloaded with RIO Mainstream floating line and backing so you’re ready to go right out of the box!
Castability:
I found the Orvis Encounter Outfit to have surprisingly good casting capacities when trying it for this review. To be honest, it feels much more like an intermediate fly rod than a beginner’s one. Paired with the Encounter fly reel, you’re sure to have a great setup if you decide to stick with fly fishing. The biggest asset of this fly rod combo is the fact that it also comes with a line and leader, which means all you have to do is tie on a fly and you’re ready to catch your first fish.
Key Takeaway: Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading from older equipment the Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit will serve all your needs perfectly without breaking your wallet either way!
PROS:
- Value for money is hard to beat
- Premium casting performance
- Everything in this set is well balanced
CONS:
- A few more weight options would be great
- A few flies to go with the set would be the icing on the cake
Best for Travelling: Kingswell Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Why we chose it:
The Kingswell Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a great choice for beginners looking to get into the sport of fishing. This combo comes with a telescoping rod, reel, line, lures, and other accessories that make it easy to get started. The most important feature of this combo is the fact that the rod in this set is telescopic. I was surprised about the small size that the Kingswell Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo packs into. Hence it’s my favorite beginner fishing rod and reel for travelling.
Features:
The rod is made from durable fiberglass material that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. It also features an ergonomic handle for comfortable gripping while casting or retrieving your catch. The Fishing Rod and Reel Combo comes in three different sizes ranging from 6.8ft to 7.9ft. There also an option that includes a carrying bag which makes transport a lot easier, hence I would definitely recommend to go for that one. The reel has five ball bearings for smooth operation when casting or retrieving your catch as well as adjustable drag settings so you can adjust it according to the size of fish you’re targeting.
Castability:
The rod in the Kingswell Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a telescopic rod which means it’s great for travels but its action is not quite on the level of the KastKing Crixus or the Berkley Big Game Fishing Rod. But despite its built it still provides a solid performance. During our test I was surprised about the punch it delivers.
Key Takeaway: Overall, the KINGSWELL Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo offers great value by providing quality components at an affordable price point making it perfect choice for beginner anglers looking to get into recreational fishing without breaking budget.
PROS:
- High portability
- Quality reel included
- Lightweight rod
- Alignment dots make assembly easy
CONS:
- Casting performance is not at the highest level
- The foam handle could use an upgrade to provide a little more grip when wet
Best Beginner Fishing Rod for Kids: Oddspro Kids Fishing Pole
Why we chose it:
The Oddspro Kids Fishing Pole is a great choice for kids who are just getting into fishing. It’s lightweight and easy to use, making it perfect for young anglers. The rod is made of durable fiberglass and comes with an adjustable reel seat so that you can adjust the length as your child grows. The handle is comfortable and ergonomic, giving your little one plenty of control over their catch.
Features
This kid-friendly fishing pole has several features that make it stand out from other rods on the market. It includes a telescopic design which allows you to adjust the length of the rod depending on how tall your child is or where they’re fishing from (boat, shoreline etc). Additionally, the Oddspro Kids Fishing Pole also comes with an anti-reverse system which helps prevent line tangles while casting or retrieving lures. Finally, this model also has a built-in bait holder so that you don’t have to worry about carrying extra tackle boxes around when going out on trips with your family! I found this a great little fishing set when trying it out.
Cons: Not suitable for larger species such as bass or walleye due to its smaller size; Can be difficult for younger children (under 5) to operate due to its weightlength ratio; Price point may be too high for some budgets.
PROS:
- Lightweight design makes it easy for kids to use
- Telescopic design allows you to adjust the length of the rod
- Anti-reverse system prevents line tangles
- Durable EVA foam handle
CONS:
- Not suitable for larger species such as bass or walleye due to its smaller size
- Can be difficult for younger children (under 5) to operate due to its weight-length ratio
5 Tips for Beginner Fishermen
Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it can be intimidating for beginners. Here are five tips to help make your fishing experience more enjoyable.
Start Small
It’s best to start small when you’re just getting started with fishing. Ultralight spinning reels or fly rods are perfect for beginner fishermen because they require less skill and strength than heavier tackle. Plus, you don’t have to worry about breaking expensive equipment if something goes wrong.
Learn the Basics of Casting
Learning how to cast correctly is essential for any angler, so practice casting in an open area before heading out on the water. Make sure you understand how far back your rod should go and which direction your line should travel when releasing the bait into the water.
Choose the Right Lures for Your Target Fish
Different types of fish prefer different lures, so do some research beforehand on what type of bait will work best for your target species. If possible, try testing out different lures in shallow waters before going deeper into larger bodies of water.
Be Patient and Have Fun
Fishing takes patience—sometimes it can take hours before you get a bite. Don’t let this discourage you; instead use this time as an opportunity to appreciate nature or catch up with friends who may be joining you on your trip. Remember that fishing isn’t all about catching fish; it’s also about having fun.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more time spent practicing casting techniques or tying knots correctly will pay off in the long run when trying to land bigger catches down the road. Take advantage of every opportunity available whether its watching tutorials online or asking experienced anglers questions at local shops or lakeside docks – practice makes perfect.
With these tips in mind, soon enough you will be able to reel in plenty of catches.
Key Takeaway: Fishing is an enjoyable activity, but it can be intimidating for beginners. To make the experience more enjoyable, start small with ultralight spinning reels or fly rods, learn how to cast correctly, choose the right lures for your target fish, practice patience and have fun while fishing, and practice techniques to perfect your skills.
Conclusion on the Best Beginner Fishing Rods
Choosing the best beginner fishing rod can be a daunting task, but with our comprehensive guide and reviews of the Ugly Stik GX2, Berkley Big Game and KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo you are sure to find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your current setup, these rods will give you an enjoyable experience that is sure to make you feel like a pro. With five tips for beginner fishermen in mind, there’s no doubt that any of these options would make great choices when it comes to finding the best beginner fishing rod.
Are you looking to start fishing but don’t know where to begin? Look no further! We’ve got all the resources and advice that you need in order to get started. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing a beginner rod, learning how to use different tackle, lures and techniques for bass or recreational fishing – so there’s something for everyone here. Get ready to hit the water with confidence – take your first step towards becoming an expert angler today!
FAQs in Relation to Best Beginner Fishing Rods
What type of fishing rod is best for beginners?
For beginners, a medium-light to medium power rod is best. This type of rod will provide enough power for casting and retrieving lures while still being light enough to be comfortable when fishing all day. It also allows the user to learn proper technique without having too much weight or stiffness in the rod that could cause fatigue. Additionally, this type of rod can handle most types of fish found in freshwater lakes and rivers, making it an ideal choice for beginner anglers.
What is the best rod and reel for beginners?
For beginner anglers, a good rod and reel combination to start with is a medium-light action spinning combo. This setup will provide enough power for most fishing situations while still being lightweight and easy to use. The reel should have an adjustable drag system so you can adjust the tension as needed, while the rod should be between 6’6″ and 7′ in length with fast or extra-fast action. With this combination, beginners can easily cast lures of all sizes and handle light line without worrying about overpowering their gear.
What is a good inexpensive fishing rod?
Finding a good, inexpensive fishing rod can be tricky. But there are some great options available that won’t break the bank. The Ugly Stik GX2 is one of the most popular rods on the market and it’s very affordable. It offers excellent strength and sensitivity for anglers of all levels and its lightweight design makes it easy to handle. Another great option is the KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod, which has a 24-ton carbon fiber construction for increased durability without sacrificing performance or feel. Both of these rods offer quality components at an unbeatable price point, making them perfect choices for budget-conscious anglers looking to get out on the water without breaking their wallet.
What size fishing rod for beginner?
Choosing the right size fishing rod for a beginner depends on what type of fish they plan to catch and where they will be fishing. Generally, a medium-light or light action rod with 6 to 8 feet in length is ideal for most freshwater species such as bass, trout, and panfish. This size allows anglers to cast further while still having enough power to handle larger fish. For saltwater applications, a heavier rod between 7 and 9 feet in length may be necessary depending on the target species. Ultimately, it’s important that beginners select rods that match their skill level and intended use so they can enjoy their time out on the water.
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