There’s something so relaxing about fishing. Whether you’ve never been inside a bait and tackle shop or you feel like you can reel and cast with your eyes closed, looking for new rods and poles is a good idea for this year’s stock-up.
Before embarking on another fun fishing season, we recommend checking out what type of gear you’re working with and replacing whatever is necessary. That’s why New York Post Shopping interviewed two expert fishing pros to share their tried-and-true tips, including what to look for in different poles for all types of fishing.
“The best fishing pole for you is based on your level of experience,” Dave Chanda, president and CEO of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation for seven years — and formerly at NJ Fish & Wildlife for 37 years, serving as head of the agency for the latter 11 years — told the New York Post. “If you’re new to the sport of fishing, then you’re going to want to acquire equipment that matches where you’d like to go fishing. If you’re fishing in a stream or a small lake, you’re probably going to be catching small fish, so you’ll want to match a fishing rod and reel to the type of fish you’re going after, too.”
While fishing is generally an expensive sport, it doesn’t have to be! Fishing rods can easily cost you upwards of $300, but you can find some great ones for less than $50, depending on the type of sport fishing you’ll be doing.
“You get what you pay for, so you don’t want a $5.99 rod,” Chanda tips off. “A good rod for beginners may cost $25 to $30 which isn’t that bad. You can’t even go to the movies much without buying popcorn for just about that price. I would look to get a nice little spinning combo, especially if you’re just getting started.”
Whether you’re a veteran fisherman or just starting out, we’ve got you coveted with the 8 best fishing rods and poles of 2023. To help guide your shopping experience even further, Chanda and John Chambers, public affairs manager at the American Sportfishing Association, reeled in their expertise in our in-depth FAQ section following our top picks.
1. Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos, $53, original price: $80
Reviews: 4,000+
Not only does this set come with a quality rod but it also features a carry case filled with fishing accessories like colorful lures, hooks, fishing line and more. Not only is it an Amazon best-seller but this style of rod is recommended by our experts who appreciate the two-in-one deal (a rod and reel combo, that is).
2. Zebco 202 Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, $22, original price: $25
Reviews: 3,800+
The Zebco 202 is another great pick with nearly 4,000 reviews. It comes with a spin-cast reel and a handful of lures. Even better, it’s pre-spooled with a 10-pound line for streamlined fishing.
3. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod, $36, original price: $83
Reviews: 3,400+
If you have plenty of lures, consider the Ugly Stik Gx2 Spinning Fishing Rod that you can grab for less than $50 right now. Its quality stainless steel design coupled with a clear tip (for strength and sensitivity) makes it a worthwhile purchase.
4. PLUSINNO Fishing Pole Fishing Rod and Reel Combos, $48
Reviews: 3,000+
This PLUSINNO combo is the ultimate kit for all levels. It’s an all-in-one fishing rod (great for fresh and saltwater) with fishing line and a tackle box that includes a selection of crank-baits, float bobbers, jig heads, soft lures, swivels and sinkers suited to a range of different fishing situations.
5. Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod 2-Piece Set, $60, original price: $73
Reviews: 1,900+
If you’re just starting your collection, take advantage of this two-for-one set. This two-piece Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod set delivers the extraordinary toughness of solid carbon fiber construction and precisely tuned action for boat fishing.
6. Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod, $40
Reviews: 1,700+
If you’re just starting out and want a good all-around rod, this Piscifun is a great option since it comes in a variety of weights. The Medium Heavy and Medium bait-casting rods are ideal for beginners.
7. BlueFire Fishing Rod Kit, $39
Reviews: 2,500
If you’re working with little storage, consider this BlueFire pick, as it comes with a telescopic fishing rod — ideal for small spaces. The full kit includes the rod, reel, line, lures, hooks and a carrier bag.
8. Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Fishing Rod, $130
Reviews: 160+
For those who want to spend a little more, go for the Dobyns Fury Series rod with more than 160 positive Amazon reviews. We love the look of it, too.
An FAQ on Fishing Rods & Poles
Ahead, our team of fishing pros gave us the 411 on what different rods and poles exist on the market, what’s best for beginners and advanced fishers alike and what to know before heading to your local dock or stream.
What to look for in a quality fishing rod and pole, according to experts
Anglers, both new and returning, want to make sure they purchase the right fishing pole or rod for whatever they are looking to catch.
“For example, if you are interested in catching a smaller fish, like bluegill, you’ll want a lighter-weight rod,” Chambers tells The Post. “If you’re looking to catch a larger gamefish such as a tuna, anglers will need to make sure they have a heavy duty rod that’s suitable for saltwater. Additionally, anglers want to make sure they are purchasing either a saltwater or freshwater rod, depending on the type of water they plan to be in.”
More, it’s important not to overthink your fishing gear (a tidbit we learned after speaking with the pros). You can go all out or have a simple fishing day — whatever floats your boat.
“Fishing can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make the gear, so I always recommend to people just starting out that it’s probably not best to catch a marlin — start out trying to catch panfish or trout from a stream,” Chanda explains. “In that case, you’ll want to match a six-foot fishing rod with a reel of your choice. If you’re a beginner, most people like what they’re called ‘spinning outfits,’ and push-button reels, where all you have to do is push the button when you cast and the reel comes out. It’s a very simple, user-friendly equipment.”
As people get a little more experienced with their equipment, they may want to pick up an open-faced spinning reel where you have to open a bale so the line will come off of it. “For beginners, I recommend heading to your local pond where you’ll [likely] find sunfish, and those are awesome to start trying to catch,” Chanda adds. “That six-foot rod with your reel would be great for those.”
What’s the best fishing rod? Experts share recommendations for beginners and advanced fisherman
When gearing up to go fishing, it’s important to ask yourself, ‘what’ the best fishing rod for me?‘ Not all models are created equal, so our experts break down the different types.
“Spinning rods are probably the most popular rod that’s out there,” Chanda notes. “It’s typically a fiberglass pole that has eyelets that the line will run through and it’s an easy way to cast live bait and catch fish. But, if you’re going to a local pond, you can also use an old cane pole with a line and a bobber and drop it into the water. If you’re by the dock, you’re likely going to catch a sunfish.”
If you’re just starting out, according to Chanda, you should look for a spinner rod. “A lot of manufacturers make it easy on people in that they make the fishing rod and reel in what they call a combo, so you don’t have to find a fishing pole and a reel and try to match it up,” he says. “They’ve got it ready to go for you.”
Aside from spinning rods — the most popular on the market, per our pros — you can also find bait-casting fishing rods, telescoping fishing rods and fly-fishing rods.
“Additionally, there are tons of other types of poles that exist for specific types of fish and ways to fish, such as surf fishing rods, trolling rods, crappie rods, cane fishing poles, saltwater jigging rods and much more!” Chambers lists.
What is fly fishing?
So, what exactly is fly fishing? Unlike the spinning rod outfit, it’s rather different.
“With fly fishing, [you can buy] floating line which would keep your fly above the water, along with a sinking line that would cast your line on the bottom of the current of wherever you’re fishing,” Chanda explains. “The casting techniques are different on a fly rod versus a spinning rod. Typically, a six-foot spinning rod would be a good length for a novice who’s just starting out — you can catch most fish, everything from panfish to large-mouth bass.”
Fly fishing rods are going to be a bit longer, too, about seven- to nine-feet in length, which helps you cast that line out further on the water. “If you get really good, you can catch just about any fish, as seen on fishing magazine covers,” Chanda adds.
How do you use a fishing pole?
“To use a pole, you’ll need to make sure you activate them by pressing a button or lever on the casting gear, or by flipping the bail on the reel,” Chambers explains. “The bail is the metal half-ring that is folded near the top of a spinning rod setup. Once the pole is activated, simply cast with your choice of tackle and sit back, relax and wait for a hungry fish to take the bait!”
Of course, practice makes perfect, and you may want to test out your rod at home before heading to your water bank of choice.
“If you can find open space — your backyard, your field — practice casting with your fishing rod before you go out,” Chanda recommends. “They actually make these plastic weights that you can tie onto the end of your line so you’re not casting a hook (to avoid it getting caught in a tree and snagging your line).”
Aside from a pole, what else do you need for fishing?
At a minimum, anglers will need to make sure they purchase fishing lines and tackle, whether it be lures or little critters such as worms, and hooks and weights that will help you reach the fish at the bottom of the water.
“In addition to those purchases, it doesn’t hurt to also be on the lookout for a net to haul in fish from the water, a fish finder device that will scan the water if you are on a boat or kayak, a cooler if you’re looking to bring the fish home with you and a good pair of sunglasses and sunscreen!” Chambers advises.
Before heading out, you may also need to purchase a fishing license.
“Most states require a fishing license but not everybody may have to buy one,” Chanda says. “Regulations differ depending on your state or region, so I encourage people to check those regulations. Most states don’t require those aged 16 and younger to buy one and some exempt veterans and senior citizens. Check the license requirements before going out.”
What is a fishing license?
“When people buy a fishing license, they pay for the conservation of the fishing resources in the state they’re fishing in,” Chanda explains. “All of that money goes to a state agency that manages the waterways, add clean water and add clean fish in there.”
Check with your state or country office before trekking your fishing pole with you to ensure you’re meeting your area’s guidelines.
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