Beginner Rods and Reels

Choosing the right rod and reel is essential to having an enjoyable time fishing. If you are looking for rods and reels for a small child, usually under the age of 10, I would recommend getting something cheap and reliable like a Zebco Spin Caster. These are very easy to use, affordable, and can handle small fish that children enjoy catching.

Here are some links to good spin casters you can buy: 

1. Zebco 33 Spincast Reel

2. Zebco Slingshot Spincast Reel  

3. Zebco 202 Spincast Combo 

As a beginner, it can be challenging to grasp the differences between various rods and reels on the market. To avoid confusion, many fishing brands offer combos, which include a rod pre-fitted with a reel and line. I highly recommend purchasing one of these as a beginner because it simplifies the process, eliminating the need to buy multiple pieces of equipment.

Here are some good combos I would recommend:

1. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

2. Lew's American Hero WeGo 2 Speed Spin Combo

3. Lew's Xfinity XJ 6' Medium Action Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

If you insist on buying a reel and rod separately, I would recommend getting a good spinning rod. When choosing a rod, consider features such as the rod's action and length. While these terms may seem advanced for a beginner, if you're looking for a universal rod suitable for catching various fish, aim for a rod with medium or medium-light action and a length between 5'6" to 6 feet. Keep in mind that cheaper doesn't always mean better, but there are reputable brands like Lew's that offer affordable and durable rod options.

Here are some rods I would recommend:

1. Lew's Laser SG1 Casting Rods

2. Lew's Laser HS 6'6" Medium Action Spinning Rod

3. Berkley Lightning Rod Spinning Rod  

As a beginner, you should be perfectly fine buying a combo (a rod that comes included with a reel). Sometimes, though, the best rods don't have reels equipped with them. If you are looking to buy a reel, it's better to go into your local Cabela's or Dick's to get a feel for all of the reels they have. All spinning reels have different feels and materials while ultimately achieving the same experience.

Here are some good reels I would recommend:

1. Lew's Mach II Metal Spin 200 6.2:1 Spin Reel

2. Shimano Sedona FI Spinning Reel

3. Lew's American Hero 200 6.2:1 Spinning Reel   

Header photo by Wynand van Poortvliet on Unsplash