8 Best Beginner Rod & Reel Combo
Carla Arbuckle
When fishing, many fishers know that having a rod and reel is essential for catching the type of fish you desire. However, if you’re a beginner, you may want to consider having a rod and reel combo. These combos come pre-assembled, and it’s convenient for beginner fishers who might not know how to match the rod and reel best together yet.
The benefit of having a rod and reel combo is that you know the specifications will mesh perfectly together. If you buy them separately, you’ll need to consider many factors, such as whether or not the flexibility of the rod will be compatible with the gear ratio of the reel. For an experienced fisher, you may want to try your own combo set, but why deviate from what works? Save yourself time and find a combo set so you can begin fishing immediately! When purchasing a combo set, you’ll also save yourself money as combos are much cheaper than buying them separately. If you buy online, it likely comes less expensive than at your local fish shop.
In this article, we’ll showcase the very best fishing rod, and reel combos out there for beginner’s so you can get a head start when it comes to improving your skills as a fisherman.
8 Best Beginner Rod & Reel Combo
1. Bluefire Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod Kit with Spinning Reel, Line, Lure, Hooks and Carrier Bag, Fishing Gear Set for Beginner Adults Kids Saltwater Freshwater
2. Sougayilang Fishing Rod Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole with Spinning Reel for Travel Saltwater Freshwater Fishing
3. TOPFORT Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo, 4 Piece Lightweight Ultra-Portable Graphite Fly Rod 5/6 Complete Starter Package with Carrier Bag
4. FISHOAKY Fishing Rod kit, Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole and Reel Combo with Line Lures Tackle Hooks Reel Carrier Bag for Adults Travel Saltwater Freshwater
5. Lanaak Kids Fishing Pole and Tackle Box - with Net, Travel Bag, Reel and Beginner’s Guide - Rod and Reel Kit for Boys, Girls, or Youth
6. ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Pole, Portable Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Kit - with Spincast Fishing Reel Tackle Box for Boys, Girls, Youth
7. Wild Water Fly Fishing 7 Foot, 4-Piece, 3/4 Weight Fly Rod Complete Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Starter Package
8. Kids Fishing Pole,Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combos with Spincast Fishing Reel and String with Fishing Line
Bluefire Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod Kit with Spinning Reel, Line, Lure, Hooks and Carrier Bag, Fishing Gear Set for Beginner Adults Kids Saltwater Freshwater
The Bluefire Fishing Rod and Reel combos are an excellent for beginning and intermediate fisherman looking to improve their skills. The full kit includes a fishing rod, fishing reel, fishing line, fishing lures, fishing hooks, and a carrier bag. The fishing rod is made of high-density carbon fiber that is exceptionally lightweight yet incredibly durable and sturdy. The line is made for convenience and portability. The spinning fishing reels have high speed and smooth retrieve rate to increase the chances of landing large types of fish. The ration of the reels is 5.2:1. The combo comes with guide rings that are anti-corrosion and rust-resistant to protect your rod and reel from damage. The carrier bag is convenient for travel on your fishing trips. The bag is made of high-quality nylon with a large capacity to load more tools that you’ll need to carry. This is ideal for freshwater and saltwater conditions. It’s also made to catch fresh bass, trout, and salmon.
Pros
- Very sturdy telescopic rod
- Great for inshore fishing, pond, boat fishing in both fresh and saltwater
- Able to handle heavy fish
- Soft and convenient bag for travel
- Beginner friendly - all in one kit
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a lot of fishing line
Our Take
If you’re a beginner, then this is an all in one kit that will help you get started on your journey of fishing. If you’re experienced, we believe the quality is still good enough for you to use effectively in going big fish hunting. The telescoping rods make it extremely convenient to fish even on the move. Also, though the line is lightweight, it’s surprisingly sturdy and can handle the weight of a heavy fish. We believe the quality of the rod has to do with this. The line is quite long and can cast afar. For a fair price, you get everything you need, and the value is amazing.
Sougayilang Fishing Rod Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole with Spinning Reel for Travel Saltwater Freshwater Fishing
The Sougayilang fishing rod reel combo is a high quality and durable set made to fish in all scenarios. The combo includes one fishing rod and one fishing reel. This package does not include any lures or lines. The rod is made of high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass, which also ensures that the pole is durable. The closed length design of the telescopic fishing rod makes it portable and convenient to store or travel. The reel can be interchangeably used with your left or right hand, depending on your dominant hand. It includes at 13+1 stainless steel ball bearings, a gear ratio of 5.5:1, and comes with an instant lock anti-reverse system. The carrier case protects the rod and reel perfectly with extra padding to support and hard case. The combo comes in 4 different variations to choose from, such as 1.8M/5.91 ft, 2.1M/6.89 ft, 2.4M/7.87 ft, 2.7M/8.86 ft.
Pros
- Easy setup with instructions
- Collapsible pole for you to store and travel with
- Very flexible
Cons
- Possibility of snapping during the reel
Our Take
We believe this is an excellent combo with fantastic quality. We enjoy the overall flexibility of the rod and reel. The rod pole is easy to store and travel since you can fold and collapse the pole to put into a bag or case. We were able to catch a ton of mackerel along the pier. We do see that there could be potential reel problems. I suggest purchasing additional fishing lines just in case, so you’re prepared. None the less, it’s still worth experimenting with. The product itself comes with 110 yards of fishing line, which is enough to start with. To use this rod, you need to extend fully. They do come with lures if you choose the last variation. But it’s only three lures. My advice is to get more lures and lines along with the rod and reel combo it comes with. Overall just be gentle with the reel but also have a backup! The rod and line combo is still excellent and can be used to catch all types of common fish.
TOPFORT Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo, 4 Piece Lightweight Ultra-Portable Graphite Fly Rod 5/6 Complete Starter Package with Carrier Bag
Topfort fly fishing rod and reel combo is an ultra-lightweight portable kit that is great for catching fish in all scenarios. The combo is designed to catch trout, small bass, crappies, and bluegill. It can also catch fly fish species such as trout, grayling, salmon, and other predatory fish. The package includes a four-piece fly fishing rod with a free rod tip, pre-spooled fly reel (size ⅚ at 100 ft), 12 fly flies inside a tackle box included, line nipper tool, forceps, zinger along with a carry bag. The fly pole is extremely durable because of the stainless steel stripper guide to reduce friction and heat. The grip comes with a compressed cork trim rings to improve the accuracy when casting the line and avoid fatigue. The fly reel has a gear ratio of 1:1 and can be used with both left and right hands. The fly line is made of aluminum construction and spool. The weight of the line is ⅚, external dia: 2-9/10” with a net weight of 5.2 ounces. It’s also preloaded of 20 lbs and 98 feet backing, weight forward of 6 weight floating 100 feet fly line. Lastly, it comes with a travel bag and a fly rod. The fly rod is made of carbon fiber.
Pros
- Inexpensive beginner-friendly kit
- Lightweight but also strong
- Comes with an extra tip for backup
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Could have more lures included
Our Take
If you’re a beginner looking for an inexpensive kit to start with, you’ve found your match here. The Topfort fly fishing combo kit comes with everything you need to learn and improve your skills in fishing stationary or on the move. The rod is approximating 8 inches long and comes with four sections as well as an extra tip for backup in case it breaks. The tackle box has a little bit of everything, including several flies, mini-split shot weights, strike indicators, and extra leaders.
The kit also comes with forceps, line cutter, and retractable clip to connect your forceps to your vest, making it easy to carry. We believe that this is an all in one kit so you can try a little bit of everything. Once you find what you are good at and what weaknesses you are, then you can buy specific equipment or lures geared for that.
FISHOAKY Fishing Rod kit, Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole and Reel Combo with Line Lures Tackle Hooks Reel Carrier Bag for Adults Travel Saltwater Freshwater
The Fishoaky Fishing Rod Pole Kit is a universal kit made for novices. The package includes a 1x carbon fiber fishing rod, 1x spinning fishing reel, 1x fishing line, and 1x fishing bag with other various fishing lure baits and fishing hooks. The telescopic fishing rod is made with high-density carbon fiber and very lightweight. The fish pole reel combo is very lightweight and portable. The fishing rod is made for anti-seawater corrosion with steel hooded reel seats. The reel seat locks onto your reel. The fishing reel has a 5.2:1 gear ratio. And the metal handle is right and left hand interchangeable. The kit comes with a fishing lure tackle box with 2 ABS artificial baits, five rubber octopus shape baits, four rubber fluorescent baits, one fishing lure box, two fishing hooks, and other fishing lures. The fishing line given is 328 feet long. The fishing bag included is made of 600D oxford material with a single layer that contains two zipper pockets.
Pros
- Kit fits well for travel
- Inexpensive and great value
- Beginner-friendly
- Excellent selection of bait
- Durable and flexible line
Cons
- Assembly can be a little confusing
Our Take
The Fishoaky Fishing Rod Pole Kit is the perfect kit you need for any level of fisherman. The product comes in 5 different variations where you can purchase the fishing rod only, fishing reel only, 5.90 feet fishing rod set, 6.89 fishing rod set, and the 7.88 fishing rod set. We love the variety that this pack comes with. Starting with the bait, it has several fishing baits, octopus shape bait, fluorescent bait, fishing hooks, fishing line connectors, and more. Everything you need comes in this package.
Portability and convenience is a big deal for me, and this fishoaky kit has a zippered case that is extra padded to ensure that your pieces don’t break or get damaged during travel. What I also like is that the fishing line is super long. Most kits only come with a line of 328 feet. Even if the line snaps, which usually doesn’t because of its durable fiber material. You still have lots of lines to use from. Lastly, the rod pole is also collapsible, so I can just toss it in my bag with ease. Overall, there’s not much wrong with this; it’ll work for fishermen of all levels.
Lanaak Kids Fishing Pole and Tackle Box - with Net, Travel Bag, Reel and Beginner’s Guide - Rod and Reel Kit for Boys, Girls, or Youth
The Lanaak kids fishing pole is an excellent starting kit for young kids looking to get started with fishing. The fishing kit includes a 65-inch telescopic fishing rod, spincast reel, tackle box stocked with gear, minnow net, beginner guide manual and carry case. The tackle box holds two floating bobbers, ten hooks, ten split sinkers, ten swivels, two jig heads, six plastic worms, and one crank lure. The shipping weight is 1.8 pounds.
Pros
- Great for young children ages 4-12
- Wide selection to choose from in tackle box
- The bag is padded to protect kit
Cons
- Hooks could be smaller to catch smaller fish
- Weights are too light, can’t sink fast
Our Take
If you want to teach your children to fish, this kit is an excellent starting point. This kit arrives in a little zippered pouch, and then the rod expands to a full-sized fishing setup. The overall sizing could be smaller to fit kids, such as the hooks. But kids can grow into it as well. The rod pole can collapse into a smaller pole for easier carry. I enjoyed the little diagram that it comes with. As a parent, you can walk them through the diagrams so they can learn the set up of hooking the fishing line and setting using the baits. Overall you’ll enjoy it because it’ll provide memorable experiences and bonding time with your kids.
ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Pole, Portable Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Kit - with Spincast Fishing Reel Tackle Box for Boys, Girls, Youth
The ODDSPRO kids fishing pole is an excellent kit for kids looking for their first-ever fishing kit to learn how to fish. There are three different variations, including black, blue, and pink colors. You’ll also choose between 2 different sizes, such as 1.2M (3.94 feet) or the 1.5M (4.92 ft). The rod has a soft EVA handle, extremely lightweight, sturdy, and convenient for children to hold.
Pros
- Works for both left and right handed individuals
- Foam grips, easy to hold
- Tacklebox comes with a wide selection of hooks, lures, grubs and more
- Carry case for portability
Cons
- Reel could be strong for durability
Our Take
For a child, catching their first fish with their parents is something they’ll remember forever. And when you give them a special high-quality fishing kit, they’ll be delighted. Overall this combo kit blew us away! The rod comes with extremely nice foam grips so your child won’t slip and drop their rods. The reel sets lockdown and holds really tightly. The line guides are made durably, and rock locks in place. I know every child gets excited about the bait they’ll use. It comes with little hooks, lures, and grubs. Also, its made to catch all sorts of fish such as trout, bluegill, croppy, salmon, bass, and others.
Wild Water Fly Fishing 7 Foot, 4-Piece, 3/4 Weight Fly Rod Complete Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Starter Package
The Wild Water Fly Fishing rod is the complete package for starters. The fly rod has a ¾ weight, with a three-piece slow action. The rod is also made of machined aluminum reel seat with double lock rings and a butt cap of 7 inches long. The grip is well made of western-style cork handle. It comes with a rod case of 26.25 inches, a reel pouch, and a side storage pouch with zipper. The case will hold the rod, reel, fly box, and many other accessories. The fly reel is 75mm diameter spool and made of aluminum and is also adjustable. The fly box is waterproof, and dimensions are 5.25” x 3.5” x 1.25” with custom foam for extra protection and hold 372 flies. The box includes nine flies, 14 winged black ants, gold ribbed hare’s ear, 14 parachute adams, spare leader, tapered monofilament leader.
Pros
- Best suited for small streams, ponds
- Able to catch trout, panfish, small bass
- Easy storage and portability
- Slow action, a mid flex for optimal performance
Cons
- Casting can be difficult because line is light
Our Take
If you're a beginner, you have everything you need right here in this starter fishing kit. My first impression of this kit is its overall quality and selection. The carrying case is lovely and fits the rod and reel snugly so it won't be banging around as your travel; otherwise, that would damage your fishing equipment easily. The rod is light as a feather but very well balanced. It feels like an extension of your forearm. Not only that, but it handles very well; it's easy to control the loading of the rod with the supplied line, which has made learning to cast pretty easy. In short order, I was able to cast quite accurately with this setup. Lastly, there's an easy to understand step by step reference guide to help you with your installation and tips for catching your first fish!
Kids Fishing Pole,Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combos with Spincast Fishing Reel and String with Fishing Line
This kid's fishing pole comes with a telescopic fishing rod and reels to make your children's fishing experience amazing. There are four variations, including the black, blue, black handle with spin cast reel and blue handle spin cast reel. The entire package comes with a telescopic fishing rod, spin cast reel fishing line, and fishing tackle. These rods are lightweight, soft, and flexible. The sizes available to choose from are 3.9 feet or 4.9 feet. The rods are made specifically for children, ideally ages 3-10. Inside the tackle box, there are soft lures, swivel connectors, bobber stoppers, beads, bullet weight sinkers, bobbers, hard lure, jig heads, and swivels.
Pros
- Lightweight, easy to use
- Made for children
- Smooth reel return
- Easy to travel
Cons
- No instructions to set up lures/swivels/weights contained inside
- Doesn’t include hooks
Our Take
The Plussino Kids Fishing Pole combo is a great, practical fishing solution for an affordable price. You get everything you need in one small, easy to carry package. The setup is quite simple and is lightweight, so kids won't struggle to reel in the fish. The handle got a soft non-slip EVA handle, so if you're on a boat, your kid won't likely drop it in the water.
Even though this is marketed as a "kids" pole, you can take it with me on backpacking trips as it collapses to such a small size, it would be easy to throw in my bag. If you're looking to take your children out to fishing for the first time, this is by far a great piece of equipment to make memories with your family.
