If you are just getting into the sport of fishing, we first want to start by welcoming you aboard the ship. If there is one thing you will not be catching fish without, it is a fishing rod. Fishing with the right rod from the very start will save you a whole lot of headache as well as result in a lot more fish. The best fishing rods for beginners have a few characteristics that make them easier to use.
There are so many makes, models, and brands on the fishing market that it can be hard to narrow down your options to just one or two when you are selecting your first one. There’s one main thing you need to understand. Every rod catches fish and the fish never see it. Even so, some may work better for you personally for one reason or another. They exist because people have different requirements.
All of the variations are to make it easier for the fisherman to fish. We do not claim to make an exhaustive list of every good beginner fishing rod on the market. Instead, we have done the hard work for you and narrowed down the choices down to a few options. The fishing rods on this list will let you fish efficiently regardless of who you are or where you are going to be going.
Because of this, we recommend them as the first choices. It is up to you to try them out and see which one lets you fish the easiest. Here’s a list that reviews some of the greatest fishing rods for beginners. You should give them a try on your next fishing trip.
1. Ugly GX2 Spinning Combo – Why Its Our Favorite Beginner Rod
Our favorite beginner fishing rod by far is the Ugly Stik GX2 spinning combo. The reason we suggest this for our top spot is for many reasons. To begin with, the Ugly Stik GX2 is arguably the most durable fishing rod on the face of the Earth. We are not even kidding either. I don’t know about you but I can be rough on my equipment, especially on my fishing gear. If you don’t like looking at my worn-out sneakers, you should see my fishing equipment. One of the biggest problems I have had throughout life is purchasing a rod and breaking it somehow.
It never fails. If something is breakable, I will eventually break it. I don’t know why but it happens. With this in mind, this is almost impossible with the Ugly Stik GX2. This spectacular fishing rod has the beginning angler in mind with its durability. This is a rod that will never break. Should I say never? I am not certain. Even so, we have tried to break it and failed at every attempt. This should give you the confidence that you need if you ever hook into a giant bass or monster catfish. You can trust that you won’t snap your rod trying to bring it in.
Next, the GX2 is a spinning rod. Using baitcasting rods is too hard for the new angler. The mechanics of the spinning rod are simple. A reel with a wire arm. That’s it. Spinning rods are much easier to use and understand the mechanics of. Spinning rods will also let you fish everything that you have in your tackle box. They can cast big and small lures far distances and there is no fine-tuning required. Last, it comes with a line already on it and this removes the problem of learning how to spool a spinning rod yourself first. In addition, all of this is included for a very modest price tag.
Get Your Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo On Amazon
2. PENN Battle 3 Combo – For Catching Bigger Fish At The Start
It is the most popular spinning combo in the world and for good reason. The PENN Battle 3 fits all of the criteria for a very versatile beginner rod. The reason it has sold so well the world over is because of how smooth it operates. This model is the predecessor of a previous model that needed more improvements. The PENN Battle 3 features a body that is completely metal for durability. It also features a machined and anodized superline spool that you can tie braid on without backing. This means no more having to have mono on hand for later.
It is one of the most effective spinning combos ever machined. The rod has 5 + 1 bearings for a very smooth drag function. It is offered as a slightly heavier combo that will handle most of the big fish that you would ever hook into. It is great for saltwater fishing, catfishing, carp fishing, you name it. The reason it doesn’t make the top spot is that it is usually for slightly bigger fish like catfish and carp. Aside from this, this fishing rod is a little expensive. Regardless, it is a terrific combo that does a great job with durability and versatility. It also checks all of the boxes.
The rod is excellent and the reel is probably even more excellent. It is made with very high-quality solid steel parts. It is also lightweight and you can cast it a country mile. There is also a nice and smooth cork handle which softens the handle for a comfortable grip.
Get Your Penn Battle 3 Spinning Combo On Amazon
3. Plusino Ultralight Telescopic Spinning Combo – For Travel
Sometimes, you have limited space to work with. You cannot fit a normal size fishing rod inside of your car or anywhere else. In that case, it is better to get a travel combo. Even better, the Bass Pro Shops Quick Draw telescopic spinning combo has everything a beginning angler would want in a spinning rod but an all-in-one compact package. It already comes with a reel and it works for most sizes of freshwater fish. You can use it to catch small panfish like bluegill or crappie but it works equally well for the big boys such as bass and catfish.
The rod collapses like a telescope. The rod itself is a one-piece rod that works well for storage and transport. Equipped with incredibly comfortable EVA foam handles, it is easy on the hands and it’s also very light.
Get Your Plusino Ultralight Spinning Combo On Amazon
4. Zebco Folds Of Honor Baitcasting Combo – Easy And Reliable
There is not a fishing rod in existence today that represents a new fisherman better than a spincaster. It’s where I got started fishing. Regarding spincasters, nobody on the face of the Earth does it better than Zebco. The classic, closed-face, push-button, casting rod is very easy to use and you can do most fishing with it. Because of this, this new Zebco 33 is a perfect choice for your first time. Especially if you were looking for a versatile rod and reel that can do almost everything. The reel has a quick 4.1:1 gear ratio that pulls the line in quickly which will help you fish more efficiently.
This will work especially well for fishing with kids too. All you have to do is press a button and then reel it in. It is a 2-piece, 6′ medium-action fiberglass rod that comfortably holds the reel in place. Although you will not get the same amount of sensitivity in a fiberglass rod as you would in a graphite rod, you will get an extra backbone and a rod that is easier to handle.
On top of that, you get brand reliability and a great price tag too. This is an incredible way to begin if you’re on a budget because it is not very expensive. It will work well for live bait fishing as well as lure fishing.
Get Your Zebco Folds Of Honor Spinning Combo On Amazon
Now Go Fishing!
Well, here is our list. If you’re just starting to get into the sport of fishing, the best fishing rods for beginners will help you catch fish. Now you know which rods we recommend and why. With that said, we’re interested in hearing how the process is going for you. Drop a reply in a comment below to tell us how the sport is starting to look for you. We want to know!