A lot of attention is paid to boats and lures in the fishing world, but it is the fishing rod and reel that do the real brunt of the work. Rods nowadays are made of space-age materials which means they can last a lifetime, can take a beating and handle a larger variety of fish. The best fishing rods for beginners are not just high-tech; they’re affordable too, and built for anglers, by anglers. Here are some of the best fishing rods and reels to buy.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2
A do-it-all beater rod, anglers love the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 for one simple reason: they can catch a lot of fish using it. The fibreglass graphic construction, with a single stainless steel guide, means that it is as tough as an iron nail. Even if it breaks or somehow snaps in half, a new one is not that expensive.
Shimano Solara Fishing Rod
The Japanese people love fishing, and Shimano has made a pretty fine rod for many years. Shimano’s Solara rod is an excellent alternative to Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik. The two-piece construction helps while travelling, and at twenty bucks, it is the perfect beginner’s rod.
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 6’6”
The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod has the toughness of the Ugly Stik GX2, low price and build quality, but with a cork handle and more graphite for extra comfort. It costs just a bit more than the GX2 and proves the Ugly Stik’s dominance in the market.
Fenwick Aetos Fly Fishing Rod
Being around since 1952, Fenwick was the first company to make a rod entirely out of graphite. The Aetos is affordable with a fly rod option that outperforms the competition. It has a fast-action blank which is excellent to learn casting on. It is perfect for a variety of species, everything from trout to bass, and has a lifetime warranty.
Croix TRS70MF Triumph Graphite Rod
The St. Croix offers some good options if you are looking to upgrade your rod. The rods are made in the US and have an excellent track record of undiminishing quality. The Triumph is the company’s top-selling graphite rod, and it comes in a variety of sizes.
Shimano Stradic CI4 2500FB HG
A do-it-all reel, it comes in eight sizes to catch everything from sharks to trout. The frame and handle are infused with carbon fibre for better strength and lighter weight, and Shimano’s buttery smooth drag system.
Abu Garcia Revo SX
Baitcasting rods are on another level. They allow much more control over casts and hookups. The Revo by Abu Garcia is a beautiful piece of machinery for the fisherman who is looking to up their game like dropping a cast right to the edge of the lily pads, where a large bass might be waiting.