Updated 2/13/2024
One of my favorite aspects of fishing is its accessibility. New anglers can pick up an affordable setup and be out on the water fishing in no time. Having the best beginner fishing rods for the job is key for success. It’s important to bring a rod with features tailored for bass when bass fishing, a surf rod for surf fishing, etc.
I’ve done the hours of rod research and testing on weight, strength, durability, and material quality so you don’t have to. Check out my top recommendations for the best beginner fishing rods for all types of fishing to have the right rods for the job.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Our Top Picks
We’ve tailored a list of the top beginner fishing rods for multiple styles of fishing. While many desirable features in beginner fishing rods are common to various types of fishing, there are some important differences to be aware of! Check out our top choices:
- Best Beginner Bass Baitcasting Rod: St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting
- Best Beginner Bass Spinning Combo: Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Combo
- Best Beginner Bass Baitcaster Combo: Lew’s Mach Smash Baitcasting Combo
- Best Beginner Ultralight: KastKing Perigee II
- Best Beginner Walleye Rod: Ugly Stik Elite Spinning
- Best Beginner Pike Rod: Ugly Stik Elite Casting Rod
- Best Beginner Saltwater Rod: Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod
- Best Beginner Saltwater Combo: Penn Battle III Spinning Combo
- Best Beginner Inshore Rod: Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod
- Best Beginner Offshore Rod: Penn Rampage Boat Conventional Rod
- Best Beginner Surf Spinning Rod: Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
- Best Beginner Surf Conventional Rod: Penn Squadron III Surf Conventional Rod
- Best Beginner Trolling Rod: Fiblink Trolling Rod with Ring Guides
The Best Beginner Fishing Rods
Whether you’re a novice angler or a grizzled expert, we have you covered. Check out my recommendations for overall best beginner fishing rods for categories like bass fishing, pike fishing, inshore fishing, and more! You don’t need to take out a second mortgage to afford decent quality fishing gear.
1. St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting
- Length: 6’8″ to 7’11”
- Rod Material: SCIII Carbon
- Guides: Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with Aluminum Oxide Rings
- Grip: Split premium cork grip
- Warranty: 5 Year
Pros:
- Great variety in available length, power, and action
- Premium rod at manageable price
- Excellent Warranty
Our choice for best beginner bass baitcasting fishing rod is the St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod. We have found this rod line to be the perfect balance of quality components, versatility, and price point. The Mojo Bass rods are workhorses of the bass fishing world and offer the perfect range of lengths, powers, and actions to also target bass.
What sold us on this rod for the top bass baitcaster choice is how much value you get for the price. Other rods may be slightly lighter or more sensitive, but generally their price point will be significantly higher. We’re suckers for a great deal and the Mojo bass is a great deal.
The Mojo Bass Casting comes in a great spread of lengths, powers, and actions. The best choice for a first beginner bass fishing rod is the 7’1″ medium power fast action variant.
This rod line was updated in 2016. The rod blank is St. Croix’s proprietary SC III graphite fiber which is lightweight, durable, and sensitive with a higher strain rate than fibers commonly used by other rod manufacturers. It also includes St. Croix’s innovative IPC tooling technology that effectively eliminates transition points in the rod. The Mojo Bass rod line is on the lighter end of available bass rods with superior sensitivity without sacrificing strength.
For other great rod options, check out our article on the best bass baitcasting rods. For reels to pair with this rod, check out our article on the best baitcasting reels.
2. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod and Reel Combo
- Rod Length: 5′ to 7′
- Power: Ultra-light or Medium
- Rod Handle: Cork
- Reel Size: 25 to 35
- Ball Bearings: 4+1
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- Sturdy and reliable
Our choice for best bass fishing rod and reel combo for beginners is the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod and Reel Combo. The Ugly Stik Elite line is a step up from the Ugly Stik GX2 line and includes a cork handle, a smoother reel, and a rod blank with 35% more graphite which makes the Elite slightly lighter.
The Ugly Stik Elite Combo in 7′ medium power is a perfect spinning combo for beginner bass anglers. The cork handle and slightly lighter weight makes the Elite combo a pleasure to fish with using nearly all bass fishing techniques.
We think the Ugly Stik Elite is at a great price point where you get decent quality gear for a reasonable price. Don’t think twice about grabbing this combo for your foray into bass fishing.
Check out our article on the best bass rod and reel combos for other great options!
3. Lew’s Mach Smash Baitcasting Rod and Reel Combo
- Rod Length: 6’10”
- Power: Medium-heavy
- Rod Handle: Split Rubber & EVA Foam
- Reel Size: One size low-profile
- Ball Bearings: 7+1
Pros:
- Great value for the price
Our choice for best bass fishing baitcasting rod and reel combo is the Lew’s Mach Smash Baitcasting Rod and Reel Combo. This combo is ICAST 2019’s best of show Baitcast Combo award winner. It is a great value proposition for a baitcasting combo.
The rod features an IM6 graphite blank which is lightweight and sensitive. It has stainless steel guides and inserts. The grip is a split grip with a no-slip rubber top portion and an EVA foam butt.
The reel is on the faster side for baitcasting reels with a 7.5:1 gear ratio. It fits up to 110 yards of 50 lb braid which is more than enough capacity for all types of bass fishing.
The combo comes in left and right handed versions of one size; 6’10” medium-heavy power. The Mach Smash line of reels and rods are also sold separately and come in a few different variants.
We picked this baitcasting combo as our best combo for the money because you get a solid quality rod and reel for a great price. This setup should last any bass angler a long time.
4. KastKing Perigee II
- Length: 4’6″ to 7’6″
- Rod Material: Carbon Fiber
- Guides: Fuji O-Ring
- Grip: Split EVA Foam
- Warranty: Lifetime manufacturing defects only for handling fee. Lifetime accidental damage for 1/2 rod price plus handling fee.
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Decent selection of lengths
Don’t let the low price fool you. KastKing’s Perigee II fishing rod line provides surprising quality at a budget price which makes it our choice for best beginner ultralight fishing rod.
We recommend the 5’6″ and 6′ ultralight power spinning versions of KastKing Perigee II as awesome budget ultralight fishing rods.
This rod is a breath of fresh air in the budget fishing space. A full carbon fiber blank keeps weight low and sensitivity high.
Check out our article on the best ultralight rods for other great options.
5. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning
- Length: 4’6″ to 7’6″
- Rod Material: Composite
- Guides: One-Piece Stainless Steel
- Grip: Cork Grip
- Warranty: 7 Year Manufacturing Warranty
Pros:
- Heavy Duty
- Budget entry point to walleye fishing
Our recommendation for the best beginner walleye rod is the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning rod. Ugly Stik rods are known for being heavy duty, robust, and mostly budget friendly which is great for a first foray into walleye fishing. Get a 6’6″ or 7′ medium power option as a starter, all-around rod.
This rod is a great choice for beginners or budget conscious anglers wanting to add a sturdy rod to their arsenal.
This rod is heavier than most on the list due to the composite construction. We like the cork grip for comfort and how robust the construction is for this rod. This rod is great for beginners to make mistakes with before purchasing a higher end rod.
For other great options check out our article on the best walleye rods.
6. Ugly Stik Elite Baitcasting Rod
- Length: 6’6″ to 7′
- Rod Material: Graphite & Fiberglass Composite
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Grip: Full Cork
- Warranty: 7 Year Manufacturing Warranty
Pros:
- Super Sturdy
- Full Cork Grip
- Budget Friendly
Our top choice for the best beginner baitcasting rod for pike is the Ugly Stik Elite Baitcasting Rod. Ugly Stik rods are known for being robust and fairly priced.
The 7′ Ugly Stik Elite Baitcasting rod in medium power is a perfect rod for beginner pike anglers because of its competitive price and sturdy build quality. Anglers shouldn’t be afraid to grab this rod and test its limits.
The composite build means this rod is slightly heavier than most other modern rods. It will also feel slightly less sensitive. That said, many pike fishing techniques like crankbaits and spinnerbaits don’t require maximum sensitivity. This rod is a great choice for both beginners and budget conscious pike anglers looking to add a rod to the collection.
Check out our article on the best pike rods for upgrade options!
7. Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod
- Length: 6’6″ to 15′
- Power: Medium to Heavy
- Rod Material: Ugly Tech (combo graphite & fiberglass)
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Handle: EVA Foam
- Warranty: 7 Year manufacturing only
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Wide size range makes it a great budget option as a shorter inshore rod or longer surf rod
Our choice for the best beginner saltwater fishing rod is the Ugly Stik Bigwater Fishing Rod. Budget pricing doesn’t mean budget performance. This rod is nearly indestructible and comes in a range of sizes and powers perfect for nearly all types of saltwater fishing.
This rod is plenty sturdy. It’s heavier and less sensitive than most other similar class rods. The stainless steel inserts will succumb to saltwater corrosion quicker than pricier alternatives. The foam handle is functional and feels fine (although we personally prefer cork!).
We love that this rod comes in a huge range of sizes and it has a better warranty than many of the pricier rods available. This is a great saltwater option for both inshore or surf fishing. For inshore, get one around 7′. For surf fishing we recommend 10-12′.
This is an excellent budget option that can catch fish just as well as higher-end rods. Don’t think twice about adding an Ugly Stik Bigwater to your fishing arsenal.
Check out our article on the best saltwater fishing rods for other great options at higher price points in case you’re looking to upgrade!
8. Penn Battle III Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
- Rod Length: 6’6″ to 10′
- Power: Light to Heavy
- Rod Handle: Cork
- Reel Size: 1000 to 8000
- Ball Bearings: 5+1
Pros:
- Wide range of available rod and reel sizes and powers for various applications
- Great value for the price
Our choice for best beginner saltwater fishing rod & reel combo for the money is the Penn Battle III Spinning Rod and Reel Combo which we feel is that perfect mix of premium quality with a manageable price tag. Heck, the Penn Battle III reel is our favorite spinning reel so it’s no surprise if you slap it on a decent rod we’ll think highly of it!
The reel was the 2020 ICAST Online Best of Category Winner – Saltwater Reel, includes a 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system, Penn’s HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers, and a full metal aluminum body and side plate. It is high quality designed for durability and performance and Penn really outdid themselves with the attention to detail.
The 4000 sized Penn Battle III on a 7′ medium power rod is a perfect rod and reel setup for a saltwater inshore angler looking for the best bang for their buck spinning combo.
While we generally expect a rod & reel combo to skimp in quality on one of the components, we were pleasantly surprised with this pairing by Penn. This combo is great value for the price.
Check out our article on the best saltwater rod and reel combos for other excellent options.
9. Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod
- Length: 7′ to 8′
- Power: Light to Extra-Heavy
- Rod Material: SLC2 Carbon
- Guides: Fuji Alconite
- Handle: Premium Cork or Rubber Shrink Tube
- Warranty: 1 Year manufacturing defects only
Pros:
- Highly versatile for multiple inshore fishing applications
- Premium rod features for reasonable price
Our choice for best beginner inshore rod is the Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod. This rod captures a great balance of value, price accessibility, and quality features. It’s an all around workhorse inshore fishing rod that is perfect for almost anything the ocean can throw at it.
We picked the Penn Battalion II Inshore rod as our best inshore choice because of it’s versatility and competitive price point. You can successfully catch fish with this rod in every saltwater application, not just inshore fishing. You can use it for snapper on offshore structure, redfish and trout in back marshes, surf fishing for bull reds, and anything in-between. This type of rod is not the best choice for all inshore fishing applications, but it CAN work for most everything.
For surf fishing that requires long casting distances or offshore fishing for huge species, think about getting a specialized rod for those applications. Otherwise, the Battalion II has you covered.
The SLC2 Carbon rod blank and Fuji Alconite guide material construction are considered mid-tier materials that should last plenty long with proper care. The full cork handle feels great for prolonged inshore fishing trips. We do wish Penn offered a better warranty (like St. Croix), but it’s hard to complain at this price point.
Check out our article on the best inshore rods for great upgrade options.
10. Penn Rampage Boat Conventional Rod
- Length: 6′ to 7’6″
- Power: Medium-Heavy to Heavy
- Rod Material: Fiberglass
- Guides: Stainless Steel Frames with Aluminum Oxide Inserts
- Warranty: 1 Year manufacturing defects only
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Super Strong
Our choice for the best beginner offshore saltwater fishing rod is the Penn Rampage Conventional Boat Rod. We like the Penn Rampage because it is a no-frills, super sturdy, workhorse rod that can handle the demands of fighting huge fish offshore.
The rod blank is extremely strong, albeit heavy, tubular fiberglass which is perfect for offshore fishing. The reel seat is graphite whereas many higher-end offshore rods may have a stronger aluminum reel seat. It has a rubber gimbal on select models to reduce the worries of scratching up your boat gunnel while fighting a massive offshore fish.
The Penn Rampage is a great offshore saltwater rod under $100.
11. Fiblink Surf Spinning Rod
- Length: 10 – 15 feet
- Rod Material: Carbon Fiber
- Guides: Stainless Steel w/ceramic inserts
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros:
- Budget friendly
Surf fishing doesn’t need to break the bank! The Fiblink Surf Spinning Rod is our choice for the best beginner surf spinning fishing rod and is a great option for the budget conscious angler. You don’t need expensive gear to catch fish!
Like many budget fishing pole options, this rod is heavier and less sensitive than more expensive rods. That said, you could purchase four Fiblink Surf rods for the same price as a higher end surf rod!
We recommend thoroughly rinsing the guides with freshwater after any outing to prolong the life of the stainless steel.
We were pleasantly surprised that even a budget rod includes a warranty period (albeit 1 year). It’s better than nothing, but the 3 or 5 year warranty periods of the mid to high tier surf rod lines are notably better.
The Fiblink is a great entry point saltwater surf fishing rod for an affordable price well under $100. Check out our article on the best surf fishing rods for upgrade options!
12. Penn Squadron III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod
- Length: 10 – 12 feet
- Rod Material: Graphite Composite
- Guides: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 1 Year manufacturing defects only
Pros:
- Budget friendly conventional rod
Our choice for the best conventional surf casting rod for beginners is the Penn Squadron III Surf Conventional Rod. This rod is a great choice for anglers that prefer surf fishing with conventional reels. The Squadron III is budget friendly, sturdy, and comes the ten to twelve foot size selection is perfect for surf fishing applications.
Conventional setups are popular for surf fishing because of the comparatively large line capacity and ease of casting. For surf anglers targeting huge fish like massive sharks or bull reds, think about getting a conventional setup if only for the ability to fit plenty of large diameter line on the reel. We think the 12′ Penn Squadron III Surf rod in heavy power is a great budget friendly option for surf anglers wanting to target massive fish.
For great conventional reels to pair with conventional surf rods, check out our article on the best conventional reels.
13. Fiblink Trolling Rod with Ring Guides
- Length: 6′ to 7’6″
- Rod Material: Blend of fiberglass & carbon
- Guides: Stainless Steel Ring Guides
- Grip: EVA Foam
- Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturing Defects
Pros:
- Great price point for saltwater trolling rod
Our choice for best beginner saltwater trolling rod under is the Fiblink Trolling Rod with Ring Guides. This is a heavy power trolling option focusing on larger fish featuring a 30-50 lb line rating on the smaller version and a massive 80-120 lb line rating on the heaviest version.
The Fiblink Trolling Rod is a great option for trolling anglers looking for a sturdy rod at a reasonable price point. This is the version with ring guides whereas some anglers prefer roller guides for heavy trolling. It has a sturdy aluminum alloy wheel seat for a robust connection between the reel and the rod.
Check out our article on the best trolling rods for great upgrade options.
Best Beginner Rods Comparison Table
Check out this handy table comparing some of the key features of the rods on our list.
| Rod Name | Length | Rod Material | Guides | Grip | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting | 6’8″ to 7’11” | SCIII Carbon | Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with Aluminum Oxide Rings | Split premium cork grip | 5 Year |
| Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Combo | 5′ to 7′ | Graphite (35% more than GX2) | Stainless Steel | Cork | N/A |
| Lew’s Mach Smash Baitcasting Combo | 6’10” | IM6 Graphite | Stainless Steel | Split Rubber & EVA Foam | N/A |
| KastKing Perigee II | 4’6″ to 7’6″ | Carbon Fiber | Fuji O-Ring | Split EVA Foam | Lifetime (with conditions) |
| Ugly Stik Elite Spinning | 4’6″ to 7’6″ | Composite | One-Piece Stainless Steel | Cork Grip | 7 Year Manufacturing Warranty |
| Ugly Stik Elite Baitcasting Rod | 6’6″ to 7′ | Graphite & Fiberglass Composite | Stainless Steel | Full Cork | 7 Year Manufacturing Warranty |
| Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod | 6’6″ to 15′ | Ugly Tech (combo graphite & fiberglass) | Stainless Steel | EVA Foam | 7 Year manufacturing only |
| Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod | 7′ to 8′ | SLC2 Carbon | Fuji Alconite | Premium Cork or Rubber Shrink Tube | 1 Year manufacturing defects only |
| Penn Rampage Boat Conventional Rod | 6′ to 7’6″ | Fiberglass | Stainless Steel Frames with Aluminum Oxide Inserts | EVA Foam | 1 Year manufacturing defects only |
| Fiblink Surf Spinning Rod | 10 – 15 feet | Carbon Fiber | Stainless Steel w/ceramic inserts | EVA Foam | 1 Year |
| Penn Squadron III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod | 10 – 12 feet | Graphite Composite | Stainless steel | EVA Foam | 1 Year manufacturing defects only |
| Fiblink Trolling Rod with Ring Guides | 6′ to 7’6″ | Blend of fiberglass & carbon | Stainless Steel Ring Guides | EVA Foam | 1 Year Manufacturing Defects |
Conclusion
The best beginner fishing rods may not have high-end features but there are many solidly constructed, reliable rod options out there. We really like the Ugly Stik Bigwater Fishing Rod as our overall favorite beginner saltwater choice because it comes in a great spread of lengths and powers while being a reliable rod choice to catch saltwater fish. We also like quality combos like the Penn Battle III Spinning Rod and Reel Combo for beginners because it’s a decent quality setup that is ready to fish right out of the box.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and catch some fish!
Check out our articles for great reels to pair with these rods:
- Best Baitcasting Reels
- Best Spinning Reels for Bass
- Best Walleye Reels
- Best Saltwater Reels
- Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
- Best Inshore Reels
- Best Conventional Reels
- Best Trolling Reels
Check out our related rod articles:
- Best Bass Baitcasting Rods
- Best Bass Spinning Rods
- Best Inshore Rods
- Best Saltwater Fishing Rods
- Best Saltwater Rod & Reel Combos
- Best Surf Fishing Rods
- Best Surf Fishing Rod & Reel Combos
- Best Trolling Rods
How to Choose The Best Beginner Fishing Rod For You
Choosing the best beginner rod should account for factors like rod power, action, materials, and portability. Additionally, anglers should consider what fishing technique they intend to use the rod for while prioritizing affordability and reliability.
For even more reading, check out our article on how to choose any fishing rod.
Length
Beginner anglers should pick rod length based on what type of fish they are after and what kind of fishing they intend to do. Generally, longer rods can cast further, and shorter rods are easier to maneuver and are sturdier. Most anglers fishing should pick a rod around 7 feet long. This is a great length to be able to cast relatively far but still have the accuracy to pinpoint cast to a specific spot. For surf fishing, longer rods allow for greater casting distance so something between 10 and 12 feet is a great option. Offshore boat fishing generally doesn’t require long casting distances so rods between 6’6″ and 7’6″ work well.
Power
Rod power is the fishing industry’s terminology for rod stiffness. Rod powers range from ultralight to heavy. Medium power is a great all around choice for most beginners.
For freshwater fishing, light or medium-light is great for panfish and walleye. Medium power is great for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and pike.
Saltwater species are generally larger and stronger fighters than many freshwater species, so we recommend rods from medium to heavy for saltwater. If targeting huge species like bull reds or sharks, size up to a heavy rod. If targeting reds, speckled trout, or striped bass sized fish, medium power is perfect.
Action
Rod action refers to how far down the rod will bend when pressure is applied to the tip. Rod actions range from extra-fast (bends near tip) to slow (nearly the whole rod bends).
The faster the action, the more sensitive the rod will feel. The slower the action, the more casting distance you can get (the rod will feel like it whips more when you cast).
Beginner rods with fast actions are ideal. They provide a balance of accurate casting and sensitivity. Fast or extra-fast tips are great for working topwater baits. Moderate actions are better for working crankbaits. Fast actions are great all-around options. Check out our article on fishing rod actions for even more information.
Portability
Another key factor to picking the best inshore fishing rod is portability.
Seven foot long rods fit in most vehicles and boat rod holders. Much longer and you may run into problems. Make sure you check if your rod can fit in your vehicle before you make a purchase!
Think about purchasing multi-piece ‘travel’ versions of rods and/or look into travel cases to help protect your rod during transport. There’s nothing worse than accidentally breaking a guide or the rod tip on the way to the boat launch or beach.
Handle Material
Rod handle feel is an important factor to consider when picking an inshore fishing rod. Common handle types are rubber shrink tube, cork tape, or neoprene. Rubber shrink is usually considered a more budget option, whereas cork or neoprene feels better to grip and handle.
Rod Guide Material
Rod guide material is important because lower quality materials are heavier and will rust quicker and could potentially fail. This can be partially avoided by rinsing rod guides with freshwater after every trip.
The highest end rods have titanium or silicone carbide (SiC) rod guides whereas middle end or budget rods will have some variation of aluminum oxide or stainless steel.
Higher end rod guides are made with lighter materials with lower friction that will either rust slower or not at all. Less expensive rod guides are heavier and will succumb to the elements more quickly.
For additional information on rod guide considerations, check out our article that explains fishing rod guides in detail.
Rod Material
Rod blank material affects rod strength and how the fishing rod deforms during casting or reeling in a fish. Common rod materials are graphite, fiberglass, and composite. Check out our deep dive on rod blanks for more information.
Graphite
Graphite rods have incredible sensitivity in lightweight packages. They are great for detecting subtle fish strikes. Graphite rod disadvantages are that the rods can be a little weaker than the other options and more susceptible to breakage, especially around nicks or scratches.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is strong, durable and flexible but weighs more than graphite. They are less sensitive than the other types of rod materials.
Composite
Composite rod materials are a mix of graphite and fiberglass that seek to have the light weight and sensitivity of graphite rods with the strength of fiberglass rods.
Reel Seat
Reel seats are the component where the fishing reel is secured onto the fishing rod by tightening a locking nut. The basic parts of a reel seat are the body, hood, locking nut, and barrel threads. Common reel seat materials are either graphite or aluminum which are both lightweight, corrosion resistant materials. Reel seats are sized to match the power of the rod. For example, a reel seat on an ultralight fishing rod won’t fit a massive 10000 size spinning reel.
Most freshwater applications utilize fully graphite reel seats due to graphite’s light weight. For heavier duty saltwater applications, reel seats are commonly upgraded to machine-grade aluminum for increased strength. For targeting the largest fish on the planet, the complete rod butt and reel seat can be aluminum for maximum strength.
Affordability
Price point should be an important consideration for beginner anglers. We strongly recommend beginners get budget rods to start out that are robust and reliable. This affords the opportunity to make mistakes and test out equipment without risk of breaking highly sensitive and potentially expensive equipment. Beginners can definitely pick up high quality rods for less than $100 for most categories.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining your fishing rod ensures its longevity and performance. After each use, rinse it with fresh water to remove dirt and debris, especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater. Dry it thoroughly before storage to prevent rust and corrosion. Occasionally check for any signs of wear or damage. Store your rod vertically or horizontally on a rack, avoiding extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Explore our ultimate guide on fishing rod maintenance and care for comprehensive insights into maintaining your beginner fishing rod, avoiding common causes of damage, and mastering preventative strategies to ensure your gear remains in prime condition.
Beginner Fishing Rod Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rod is best for beginners?
The best all around rod for beginners is a 7 foot, medium power rod. This rod is a perfect mix of strength and sensitivity to catch most fish species. It is versatile and is effective for nearly all fishing techniques. Beginners tend to have limited equipment available so it’s important their gear can handle different fishing methods.
What is the best length beginner fishing rod?
The best all around rod length for beginners is 7 feet long. This length rod can accurately make long casts while still having enough backbone to reel in larger fish species. Seven foot long rods feel good in-hand and have great ergonomics for most people.
How many yards of line do you need for a beginner fishing rod?
Beginners want 150 to 200 yards of line on their rod and reel. You want plenty of line to make long casts. Also, large fish may pull a bunch of line if they make a run for it. Swapping from mono to braid can help with this because braid has a smaller diameter meaning you can fit more on the reel spool.
Is mono or braid better for beginners?
Braided fishing line is preferable for beginners. Braided line has significantly smaller diameter for the same strength line when compared to mono. This can be key while fishing, because wind and waves will constantly be pulling at your line. The smaller diameter means less effect from the elements.
Written By: Andrew Juran
Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience fishing across the United States. He has caught hundreds fish using various techniques and mentored many in the art of fishing. An advocate for sustainable fishing, Andrew is an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization committed to marine conservation.
For frequent fishing tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and real-time catches, connect with Andrew on Instagram
