Let’s be honest, getting started in fishing can be a proper minefield. Rod or pole? Whip or waggler? Not to mention how to set them up. There’s a stack of gear out there and it’s easy to tie yourself in knots before you’ve even wet a line. But here’s the good news, it doesn’t have to be that complicated. These days, loads of brands offer beginner-friendly kits that take all the guesswork out of it, and get you started on your journey. Just turn up, put some bait on, and start catching, helping remove all the fuss, while not breaking the bank.
The smart move is to think about where you’re going and what you want to catch. Fancy just catching “a few bits” at a local commercial? A float rod setup is bang on, light, fun, and perfect for silvers or small carp. However, if your sights are set on something a bit more serious, say specimen carp, then you’ll want gear that can handle their power, like a stronger rod and a decent-sized reel.
Fishing doesn’t need to be intimidating. Pick the right venue, grab a setup that suits what you're after, and you’ll be off the mark in no time.
The best fishing starter kits at a glance
Below, we take a look at some of the best starter kits on the market, including some real bargains. With some you won't need to buy anything else as everything you need is included, whilst others may require you to buy a few extra items like a landing net, unhooking mat, a chair to sit on, and a fishing license if your over 13.
How we test the best fishing starter kits
These starter kits have been tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. The kits in this guide are the best in their category, and they will make it as easy as possible to get you onto the bank and catching fish!
Team members, Tony Grigorjevs and James Furness have been testing a variety of starter kits, on venues across the country for almost every species imaginable, so whatever your target, whether you want to catch big carp, tench on the float, bream on a feeder or barbel from big rivers, this guide has you covered!
Our decision process of what makes the best fishing starter kit takes into account various factors including price point, build quality, overall package and usability to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling, and catch you more fish!
The following list includes a mixture of our favourites. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.
Aimed at the ‘newbie’ or intermediate angler, each of these Shakespeare Challenge XT sets contain balanced tackle suitable for a variety of methods. You get a carbon rod, a reel spooled with line, and a small tackle box loaded with all the accessories you need for the style of fishing you’ve chosen.
If you are new to fishing, a Method feeder is one of the simplest ways to catch fish of all species, particularly carp and bream. The feeder helps hook the fish itself, so you can sit back and relax as the kit does all the work for you, and the more fish you catch, the quicker you will learn how to play them, cast in and prepare your hookaits.
This package includes a 12ft rod and reel, with everything you need to start method feeder fishing. The method is a simple and devastating tactic on commercial fisheries. This kit can handle decent sized carp and is the standard length of fishing rod used by the majority of anglers, so you can cast reasonable distances too. I found it to be lightweight and had plenty of power for casting in and controlling big carp, you also get two quiver tips, so if you have an accident and break one you can quickly setup again.
The line on the reel is nice and durable so you won't be snapped off easily by big fish, especially if you are playing them a bit harder than others might as you become used to fighting fish. The line is also good quality too so it won't tangle easily which can leave beginners in all sorts of messes.
The kit includes Method feeders and a mould, as well as some hook links to have you setup in seconds, all you need to add is a bag of groundbait (which usually comes with instructions on how to mix it) some hookbaits and a net!
Pros
- The perfect choice for starting method feeder fishing
- Great for larger lakes
Cons
- A bit big for smaller commercials
Best comprehensive pole starter kit
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
If you’re just getting into fishing and fancy having a proper go with a pole, the Guru 7000XS 7m Pole Combo can give you the perfect start, a ready-to-go setup that takes all the head-scratching out of starting your pole fishing journey.
This isn’t some floppy, clumsy stick you’ll outgrow in five minutes. The 7000XS is a genuinely capable bit of kit, light in the hand, solid on the strike, and responsive enough to give you proper control when a decent fish kicks back. At 7 metres, it’s bang on for commercials, canals, and short-range work on the lakes, where a bit of finesse still matters but you need backbone to handle bonus fish.
The pole comes fully elasticated with 14/16 Fluoro Orange Hollow, a forgiving setup that’s ideal for general use — whether it’s skimmers, roach, or stockie carp you’re after. And thanks to a 7mm PTFE side puller kit, complete with a Puller Bead and a pre-fitted connector, you're already one step ahead. Saving you from fiddling with bushes and elastic wondering if you've got it right.
Guru also supply two pre-tied rigs, a plummet, and a disgorger, so you're genuinely ready to fish the moment you arrive. Grab a pint of maggots and a day ticket, and you’re laughing. Well, once you’ve got your rod licence and a landing net, of course.
Pros
- Pre elasticated with 14/16 elastic and puller kit
- Supplied with accessory pack
Cons
- Would be nice to see a spare top with a lighter elastic
Best commercial float starter kit
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
If you’re new to fishing and want something that’s genuinely ready to go, no fuss, no faffing, the Guru 10ft Float Rod and Reel Combo has you well and truly covered. This isn’t some cobbled-together starter pack either. It’s a proper, fishable setup straight out the bag, designed to get you learning fast and catching quicker.
The rod itself is a tidy two-piece float rod, 10ft in length, and beautifully balanced. Capable of casting floats up to 15g, it’ll handle just about everything you’ll likely to do as a beginner, from flicking out pellet wagglers for stockies on commercials to running a stick float down a gentle river. The 4000-size reel comes pre-loaded with 6lb line and features a smooth drag, so when bigger fish do turn up, you’re not left outgunned.
It also comes with a comprehensive accessory pack, float stops, wagglers, pre-tied rigs, and even a disgorger, with a combined RRP of over £20. In short, it’s everything you need apart from bait and a licence. It’s not just a rod and reel, it’s a full introduction to float fishing, delivered Guru-style: clean, clever, and built to catch.
Pros
- Capable rod and reel, loaded with line and can cast upto 15g
- Accessory bundle worth over £20
Cons
- Feel a 3000 size reel would have been better suited to the 10ft rod
Best commercial feeder starter kit
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
If you fancy dipping your toe into the world of feeder fishing but a little overwhelmed, working out what you need, the Guru 10ft Feeder Rod and Reel Combo makes the whole thing refreshingly easy. It’s a proper bit of kit too, not some flimsy starter rod, but a well-balanced, ready-to-go setup that gets you casting with confidence from the start.
The 10ft feeder rod comes in two pieces, with a pre-fitted 1.5oz quivertip and capable of casting up to 40g feeder, making it ideal for everything from small stillwaters to chucking method feeders across bigger commercial waters. It’s paired with a 4000-sized reel pre-loaded with 6lb line, smooth drag, strong, and perfectly matched to the rod.
And it’s not just the rod and reel. You get a full accessory pack too worth over £20 including method feeders, a mould, ready rigs, speed stops, speed stop needle and disgorger. Everything you need to start catching. For the price, for the quality, and for what’s included, it’s an absolute no-brainer for any new feeder angler.
Pros
- 10ft rod perfect for any commercial fishery feeder work
- Accessory bundle geared toward fishing the method worth over £20
Cons
- The supplied rigs could have had a variation of hair rigs for increased options
Best starter fishing whips
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
These new Guru A-Class whips are designed for quick and effective fishing, allowing young anglers, newcomers or people who simply don’t want to break the bank to catch some fish! They’re super-simple to set up too: just telescope the whip out before attaching the rig to the connector on the tip-end.
A top-quality rig is supplied ready-tied to the perfect length, so no faffing about there either, and they’re targeted towards a variety of fish species and sizes. Both whips are lightweight and strong, with forgiving actions.
Pros
- The ready rigs are the perfect length.
- Strong and little to go wrong.
Cons
- Could come with a few more accessories.
Aimed at the ‘newbie’ or intermediate angler, each of these Shakespeare Challenge XT sets contain balanced tackle suitable for a variety of methods. You get a pole and a small tackle box loaded with all the accessories you need for the style of fishing you’ve chosen.
To be fair to Shakespeare they have got it absolutely right with this kit, it is affordable, the tackle is good quality for the price and it includes everything you need to start pole fishing. The pole even comes with two top kits that are both elasticated and while they don't have rating, one is suitable for carp, the other is better for smaller fish so you have the best of both worlds.
You get a plummet a disgorger and two pole rigs, alright the pole rigs aren't the best you'll find, but they are more than capable of catching fish, and a few rigs won't set you back more than £10 if you wanted to buy some better ones in the future. I had no issue catching plenty of carp on our outing with the pole.
The pole itself is a little heavy at 8m, but you can still fish with it and hold it all day, although anything up to adding that last section is really easy to use, great for kids and beginners alike. It is strong too, so it won't break easily if you drop a section or you're a bit rough when handling it as you become accustomed to using it. The strength is great for helping land carp, tench and any other big fish you might hook!
All in all, I was impressed by the pole and the overall kit when I used it and I can't see why you wouldn't have many great days on the bank using it!
Pros
- Perfect kit to get into pole fishing
- Pole is strong so will be ideal for carp and silvers
Cons
- Is a little heavy at its full length, but still fishable
Best Starter Kit for Float Fishing
Aimed at the ‘newbie’ or intermediate angler, each of these Shakespeare Challenge XT sets contain balanced tackle suitable for a variety of methods. You get a carbon rod, a reel spooled with line, and a small tackle box loaded with all the accessories you need for the style of fishing you’ve chosen.
This package includes a 12ft match rod and reel, everything you need to start float fishing. This is the perfect kit to catch silvers and the odd carp on the float. The rod is light and well balanced with the reel. It will do a decent job on commercials, larger stillwaters and rivers.
Pros
- The rod is very light and easy to hold.
- Plenty of backbone for playing carp and sensitive enough for silverfish.
Cons
- Not the best rod for really big carp in snaggy swims.
Best starter kit for barbel fishing
Aimed at the ‘newbie’ or intermediate angler, each of these Shakespeare Challenge XT sets contain balanced tackle suitable for a variety of methods. You get a carbon rod, a reel spooled with line, and a small tackle box loaded with all the accessories you need for the style of fishing you’ve chosen.
This package includes a 12ft barbel rod and reel, everything you need to start barbel fishing. The rod has plenty of power, meaning it can be used for stalking carp off the surface too.
Pros
- A good length and won't restrict casting with heavier weights or feeders.
- Rod has lots of power and can also be used for carp.
Cons
- A bit too powerful for smaller rivers.
An ideal starter kit for beginners the JRC Defender Rod and Reel Combo. This combo is just what you need. It’s built to deliver strength and versatility right from the start.
The rod is made with a 24T carbon blank construction, making it both lightweight and powerful, perfect for durability and playing performance. Plus, the lightweight LTS guides help with smooth line flow causing less friction, which means you’ll get better distance with every cast. You can choose from 10ft 3lb or 12ft 3lb or 3.25lb test curves, giving you the right mix of power and flexibility for all your fishing.
The 10,000-size reel has a graphite body and rotor, so it’s strong yet easy to handle. The free spool system adds versatility for different fishing situations, making it great for targeting carp. It even comes pre-loaded with 0.35mm mono and supplied in a rod sleeve.
Pros
- Freespool reel function
- Pre loaded with line
- Available in 10ft and 12ft options
Cons
- Pre loaded mono may not be suitable.
What to look for in a starter kit
Starter kits, by their very nature, are usually built with a specific job in mind, be it match style float fishing, or feeder fishing, or tackling a river or specimen carp fishing. So, the trick is making sure you’re picking one that suits the kind of fishing you want to do. Turn up at a big carp water with a dainty float rod and you’ll soon find yourself outgunned. Likewise, rock up to a silver’s lake with a broom handle carp rod and you’ll take all the fun out of the fight.
The key here isn’t to overthink it, just match the tool to the task. You’re not locking yourself into one style of fishing forever. Gear can always be added, tweaked, improved. In fact, half the fun of angling is trying your hand at different methods, chasing different species, and learning what suits you. Whether it’s tiny roach on a stick float or a ten-pounder tearing off on a method feeder, it’s all fishing. And it’s all brilliant.
Glossary
Whip: A telescopic fishing rod that doesn’t require a reel to use.
Reel: A fishing reel is a hand-cranked object used in angling to wind and store fishing line, typically mounted onto a fishing rod.
Feeder rod: A rod with a sensitive tip section (quiver tip), which allows you to see bites when using a leger rig. These rods tend to be a bit more powerful to help cast heavier end tackle.
Float rod: A rod that is used for float fishing, it is generally light and well balanced with a fast line pick up so you can strike into bites.
Legering: The use of a weight/bomb/lead to get the bait to the bottom but no float is used on the rig.
Hooklength: A piece of line, generally around 15cm in length that has a hook tied onto it. It is recommended to have the breaking strain less than the mainline so this breaks first.
Feeder: A plastic or metal item that can have groundbait moulded into or onto it. It is used to get bait down to the bottom and attract fish to the area.
Test curve: Usually measured in pounds, it's the weight that needs to be applied to the end of the rod to make it bend over 90 degrees. The greater the test curve, the more powerful the rod.
Landing net: A net used to safely net and lift large fish from the water, they come in various shapes and sizes depending on the size of fish you’re targeting.
FAQ starter fishing kits
What do I need as a starter kit for fishing?
A good starter kit for fishing will include a rod/pole hooks, line, weight, basically everything you need to go fishing except some bait!
What is a good rod for beginners?
A good starter rod for fishing is something around 3m long made from fibreglass or carbon as these materials are strong and lightweight. This is ideal for carp, and other coarse fish and you just need to choose between a flat fishing rod or a feeder rod depending on what you are fishing for.
Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times.