best fishing rod and reel combo for beginners

Best Fishing Rod And Reels for Beginners

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If you are just getting started with fishing, you will want to get yourself the combo version of the best fishing rod and reel for beginners.

This will contain everything you require to get started and be designed for beginners, unlike many advanced fishing kits.

The best beginner fishing rod is the PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo, which has everything you require to begin to fish with lures, hooks, and even a bag.

For beginner fishermen, you want to have a slow action rod that is easy to control and has adequate flex.

Mated with a larger fishing reel, a smooth action of moving the rod back and forth is required for a successful launch.

READ ALSO  The Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100

Table of Contents

Best Beginner Fishing Rod

Beginner Fishing RodPreviewLines Included
PLUSINNO Starter KitYes
NetAngler Fly FishingYes
Sougayilang Combo KitNo
BlueFire Fishing Rod KitYes
Crystal River StarterNo

Having the best beginner fishing rod to start with helps you start your fishing experience far more easily.

Poor quality fishing rods will not help your progression in the fishing world and may even put you off continuing fishing.

There are so many different types of fishing. There’s freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing; there’s shore fishing and ice fishing; kayak fishing and paddleboard fishing.

There’s even something called “urban fishing“. The list is quite long and interesting.

But, you can imagine the equipment is also as diverse as the fishing itself. It’s hard to decide what equipment you do and do not need.

This, therefore, is one reason many beginners are choosing expensive starter kits, which is pointless as you may not even use half of the equipment included.

If you are just getting started with fishing, you do not want to jump straight into the deep end with a hard to use advanced fishing kit.

Below is a list of the best fishing rods for beginners that include everything you need to get started.

PLUSINNO Fishing Spin Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

best fishing rod and reel for beginners


One of the most popular beginner fishing rod and reel combos are by PLUSINNO.

It is a complete kit that has been designed specifically for those just getting started with a fishing rod, reel, line, lures, and even a carrier bag.

Other features of the PLUSINNO Fishing Spin Spinning Rod and Reel include:

  • Available in sizes ranging from 5.91 to 8.86 feet
  • Rod is made from high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass
  • EVA foregrip for extra comfort
  • Increased strength via power drive gears
  • Stainless steel hooded reel seat

This telescopic fishing rod also collapses, which makes it very portable for those that take it traveling.

Overall, it is the best fishing rod and reel combo you can buy and it offers excellent value for money when compared to alternatives.

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NetAngler Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

Premium beginner fishing rod and reel combo kit


if you are happy to spend the little bit extra, the NetAngler is a premium beginner fishing rod and reel combo kit.

It includes a fly fishing rod, reel with pre-installed fishing line, flies fishing tools, 16 fishing flies in a tackle box and a case.

Although you pay slightly more, it’s worthwhile as you get everything you will require.

Other features of the Net Angler Beginner Fishing Rod Kit include:

  • Lightweight and constructed of carbon fiber
  • High grade chromed stainless steel guide ring
  • CNC machined reel with pre-spooled line
  • Include a durable ABS storage bag and tackle box
  • Ergonomic grip for comfort
  • Anti-corrosion construction

Overall, it is an excellent starter kit that is of high quality in both the rod and reel.

Many kits designed for beginners often use poor quality materials within the construction to lower costs but not the Net Angler starter kit.

If you are willing to spend the extra, this fishing rod and reel combo kit will not disappoint.

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Sougayilang Fishing Rod And Reel Combo Kit

Fishing kit with an aluminum spool that is of high tensile strength.


The Sougayilang beginner fishing kit is very similar to the PLUSINNO alternative but it only includes the rod and reel.

However, it does come at a slightly cheaper cost and have additional sized rods that are suitable for small to large users.

Other features of the Sougayilang Beginner Fishing Kit includes:

  • Available in sizes ranging from 5.91 to 9.84 feet
  • Includes just the rod and reel
  • Collapse for easy transport and storage
  • Machined aluminum reel seat components
  • Completely resistant to corrosion
  • Rod is constructed of high-grade carbon fiber

The Sougayilang features a fully adjustable cast control with an aluminum spool that is of high tensile strength.

It also collapses to a very small size and as an example, the 6 feet 2 inches rod collapses to 1 foot 7 inches, which is great for storage.

For a beginner, this fishing rod and reel combo kit are great for starting but you will have to purchase additional lines, lures and tackle boxes.

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BlueFire Fishing Rod Kit

If you are looking for a kit for someone new to the sport of fishing, the BlueFire will get that person started on the right path. 

This is the perfect way to give angling a try and experience the fun. You will get a telescopic travel carbon fishing rod and a spinning left/right fishing reel.

With the BlueFire Fishing Rod Kit, you will get:

  • One fishing rod
  • One fishing reel
  • Fishing line
  • Fishing lures
  • Fishing hooks
  • A carrying bag

The fishing rod is made of high-density carbon fiber, which makes it lightweight, sturdy and durable. Because the rod is telescopic, it is easy to carry and store.

The spinning fishing reel features a 5.2:1 high speed and smooth retrieval rate. Solidly build with high performance that will serve both a beginner and a more experienced angler. 

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Crystal River C/CTFK1 Fishing Rod/Reel Combo

Fishing Rod/Reel Combo kit perfect for learning purposes.


The cheapest fishing rod and reel combo kit for beginners is the Crystal River Combo Kit, which includes the basics to get started.

It includes a 3 piece fly fishing rod, reel, line, tapered leader and two flies.

Features of the Crystal River Fly Fishing Combo Kit include:

  • 8-foot 3-inch length
  • Eva foam grip for comfort
  • Graphite reel seat with stainless steel hoods
  • Right-handed setup
  • Requires backing line

For learning to fly fish, the Crystal River provides you with a fish rod that has a good flexing motion and a reel (with the line) made from plastic.

There may be concerns about this reel because its not a metal or high-quality build but its perfect for learning purposes without breaking the bank.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUtyOT4Hn7E

Beginner Fishing Rod Buying Guide

Unlike many other hobbies, fishing will require you to have numerous pieces of equipment to get started.

Most people will understand that you will require a fishing rod but components such as a reel, line, and others will also be required.

You could borrow a friend or family’s equipment but this may not be designed for beginners.

As a beginner, you want to have a slow action rod that is easy to control and has adequate flex.

To help you make an informed buying guide, we have produced the below-buying guide regarding beginner fishing rods.

What Do You Need To Go Fishing?

In short, there are only four essential things that you require and then you can happily go fishing.

Many sales workers will try and sell you a whole range of products but as a beginner, you will want to keep costs down.

Below are the four components that you will require to go fishing.

  1. Fishing rod and reel
  2. Line
  3. Bait
  4. Pliers

If you are in a clear stream or river, you may want to bring a clear fishing line and if you are catching heavy fish, you will need a stronger line.

Depending upon the type of fishing and the weather, you may want to invest in some rain gear for fishing as you may get wet.

Some states will require a fishing license before you start fishing, therefore before you begin fishing, check that you can fish in the area.

Length of the Rod

The length may confuse many people that are new to the fishing world. However, you will want to choose the suitable fishing rod length for your requirements.

For example, a fly fishing rod is designed to belong, therefore if that is your planned type of fishing, you will want a longer rod.

For your standard fishing with short lures, you will want to choose a shorter rod.

Materials Used in the Construction

When comparing the premium fishing rods to the more affordable alternatives, you will notice that the material used in the construction differs.

Most manufacturers are beginning to use carbon fiber and fiberglass as an alternative to the cheaper graphite.

The benefit of the upgraded constructions means that they are more durable and less likely to break.

Graphite alternatives do have their benefits because they are lighter and much stiffer, which means they are more sensitive.

Baitcasting reels that are for advanced anglers.

Fishing Reel

The reel that you use to go fishing will make a huge difference. The three main types include a spin-cast,  baitcasting reel, which will not be found on most beginner fishing rods, and the spinning reel.

Most beginner fishing rods will either use a spin cast or spinning fishing reel.

Baitcasting reels are for advanced anglers due to the fact the spool turns from within the cast.

Once you have mastered using the spin-cast or spinning, you can always upgrade the reel to use a baitcasting type if you wish.

Conclusion

A common salesman tactic is to force fishing beginners to buy the most expensive gear but this is simply bad practice.

As a beginner, you should be looking for the bare basics to get to grips with things and then move to a more advanced rod and reel as you gain experience.

All of our recommendations within this article are suitable for beginners and a range of budgets.

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