Choosing your first fishing rod can be overwhelming. With countless options available, it's essential to select a rod that suits your fishing style and therefore the best fishing rod for you will vary to the next angler. This guide is designed to help you understand the basics of rod selection and introduce you to several popular options.
Whether you're eager to catch carp, explore rivers for barbel, or enjoy the finesse of waggler fishing, we'll break down the key features to look for and recommend the best fishing rods to kickstart your angling adventure.
Best beginner fishing rods at a glance
• Best Short Feeder rod for beginners: Daiwa Matchman 9ft Feeder - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Heavy Feeder rod for beginners: Guru A-Class 13ft Heavy Feeder Rod - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Match rod for beginners: Daiwa Ninja-X 13ft Float Rod - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Pellet Waggler rod for beginners: Daiwa Matchman Pellet Waggler Rod - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
Fishing can be as specialised as you want it to be. As a beginner, the excitement often comes from catching a variety of species until you find the one you enjoy the most. One of the other great things about fishing is that it can be as affordable or as expensive as you choose. Whether you're using a £20 rod or a £2000 setup, you can have an excellent day on the bank. Here's a guide to the best beginner fishing rods..
Best short feeder rod for beginners
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The exceptional Daiwa Matchman 9ft Feeder rod offers the perfect balance of sensitivity and power. Its light, responsive action excels with smaller hooks and feeders when targeting roach and skimmers. Yet, don’t be fooled by its delicate feel – the parabolic bend effortlessly handles F1s and even larger carp.
Unbelievable value for money, this rod outperforms many pricier options. Experience the thrill of precision casting and super playing action in one remarkable package.
Read our full Daiwa Matchman 9ft Mini Method review.
Pros
- Lovely fish playing action
- Perfect for commercials
Cons
- Will struggle to cast ad larger feeder any distance
Best Pellet Waggler Rod For Beginners
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The Daiwa Matchman Pellet Waggler rod raises the bar in overall performance while still offering incredible value for money in today’s crowded market.
Available in 10, 11, 12, and 13ft lengths, the 10ft version is perfect for smaller commercials and for anglers seeking both finesse and class. Meanwhile, the 13ft model offers greater versatility, easily targeting fish at longer distances
Pros
- Versatile range with four lengths to choose from to suit
- Through action will result in less lost fish, perfect if you are learning how to play them correctly
Cons
- Does lack a bit of power for really large carp
Best medium feeder rod for beginners
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Delivering outstanding value without compromising on quality, the Nytro NTR 11ft Commercial Carp Feeder rod is truly superb. The through-action carbon composite blank provides an ideal balance of sensitivity and power, making it adaptable to various fishing conditions.
High-quality black anodised guides, a comfortable split cork and EVA handle, and a secure screw-down reel seat enhance your fishing experience. The included 1oz and 2oz carbon quivers add versatility for different fishing situations.
Subtly branded with the Nytro logo, this rod is a stylish addition to your arsenal. It's perfect for all commercial water feeder tactics and highly effective for mid-range fishing on natural waters
Pros
- Superb rod that is suited to most feeder fishing situations
- High quality build
Cons
- Will under-perform at really long ranges
Best Match Rod For Beginners
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Perfect if you want to fish a variety of venues, the Daiwa Ninja-X 13ft Float rod is designed to excel on both commercial and natural waters. Built on premium carbon blanks, this rod offers a blend of power and sensitivity. Offered in a traditional 3 pieces, the Ninja-X 13ft float rod that is capable and comfortable to use.
Whether you're targeting big fish on a commercial lake or pursuing subtle bites on a quiet river, the Ninja-X 13ft float rod has you covered.
Pros
- Premium quality
- Long length assists with lighter lines and floats
Cons
- The three-piece blank may not suit everyone
Best Heavy Feeder Rod For Beginners
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Built for the challenge, the Guru A-Class 13ft Distance Feeder rod excels at conquering powerful fish and delivering large feeders with precision. Its robust design and exceptional casting capabilities make it a versatile tool for both lakes and rivers.
Cast confidently up to 100 meters with a Hybrid feeder, allowing you to explore new fishing grounds and target fish at long range. Whether you're battling strong currents or targeting big carp in open water, this rod delivers the performance you demand
READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE A-CLASS 13FT DISTANCE ROD
Pros
- Powerful casting tool, 100m+
- Perfect for using on rivers and stillwaters
Cons
- The rod is powerful and maybe too much for complete novices
Best Carp Fishing Rod for beginners
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The Sonik HeroX Carp rod is the ideal choice to kickstart your angling journey. These rods are designed to be easy to use without sacrificing performance. They're lightweight and perfectly balanced, making them comfortable for hours on the bank.
With HeroX, you'll discover the thrill of casting out and landing your first carp. Its forgiving action absorbs those unexpected pulls, helping you land more fish. Plus, it's tough enough to handle bigger carp when you're ready to step up your game.
So, whether you're fishing a small pond or a larger lake, HEROX is the perfect companion to make your early fishing experiences unforgettable.
Pros
- Ideal for starting your carp fishing journey
- Light and responsive
Cons
- Basic aesthetic, if looks matter the rod may not be for you
Best Tench & Bream rod for beginners
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If you're looking for an adaptable rod, it would be hard to find a better example than the Daiwa Black Widow Twin Top 12ft Specialist. This rod is an excellent choice if you haven't settled on a particular species or venue, allowing you to fish effectively wherever you go.
It comes with a hollow tip section suited for both float and leger tactics, as well as a quiver section with a full carbon 2oz rated quivertip.
The quality full carbon blank is equipped with EVA grips, a cork mid-handle, stainless steel guides with aluminium oxide rings, a DPS reel seat, and an attractive matte low-glare finish
Pros
- Dual use rod, suited to both feeder and float fishing
- Great for targeting a range of venues and species
Cons
- Hollow tip section may be a little too powerful for more sensitive float fishing
Best Barbel rod for beginners (2023 National Angling Awards winner)
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Engineered for longevity, Korum Barbel rods are equipped with robust SIC guides to prevent line damage and anti-frap rings to eliminate tangles and tip breakage, which is great if you're new to angling. The secure, screw-in reel seat maintains stability during intense battles whilst the high-visibility white tips ensure clear bite detection in challenging light conditions.
Not only do they perform well, they look the part too, with modern styling making them appear way more expensive than they actually are. The 11ft, 1.75lb test curve model is suited to smaller rivers and casting weights up to 5oz, while the longer 12ft option makes the perfect all-rounder.
There’s also a 2lb test curve 12ft model, capable of tackling floodwater with heavier feeders of up to 6oz, while the 2.5lb model is capable of handling the biggest rivers the UK has to offer.
Pros
- Comprehensive range of rods
- White tip aids bite detection
Cons
- A 1.5lb model would complete the range
What to look for in a beginner fishing rod
Choosing your first fishing rod can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. As a beginner, focus on finding a rod that's comfortable to handle and suitable for the type of fish you want to catch. Look for a
Choose a rod made from durable materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass, as these are less likely to break if you're a bit heavy-handed as a beginner.
If you enjoy taking in nature and prefer a more laid-back approach to angling, a feeder rod is an ideal choice. It allows you to keep both hands free while the rod rests, waiting for a bite. On the other hand, if you prefer a more proactive approach, float fishing might be more suited to you, as it requires more focus and a hands-on technique.
Consider the rod's action, which determines how it bends when a fish bites. A medium-action rod is often a good starting point, offering a balance of sensitivity and power. Ultimately, the best rod for you is one that inspires you to spend more time enjoying the outdoors
Glossary
Blank: The hollow carbon fibre tube that forms the main body of the rod. Attached to the blank are the guides and handle.
Action: How the rod bends when pressure is applied.
Through-action: The entire rod bends when pressure is applied.
Tip-action: Primarily the tip of the rod bends.
Carbon fibre: A strong and lightweight material used in to construct the rod.
Modulus: A measure of the stiffness of the carbon fibre.
Guides: Rings attached to the rod through which the fishing line passes.
SIC guides: Guides made from silicon carbide, known for their durability and resistance to abrasion.
Anti-frap rings: Guides designed to prevent the fishing line from wrapping around the rod tip.
Reel seat: The part of the rod where the reel attaches.
Cork handle: A traditional handle material for fishing rods.
EVA handle: A synthetic material often used for rod handles, known for its durability and grip.
Casting weight: The recommended weight of feeder or lead that can be used with the rod.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a feeder rod and a waggler rod?
A feeder rod is designed to cast a feeder filled with bait, while a waggler rod is used with a float to present bait on the surface or at depth.
What does the casting weight on a rod mean?
The casting weight indicates the recommended weight of the feeder or lead to be used with the rod, but it's best to use as a guide and use a slightly lighter weight than is recommended to maximise performance.
What is the best rod for a beginner?
A medium-action feeder or waggler rod is often a good choice for beginners as it offers versatility to target multitude of different species and tactics.
How do I care for my fishing rod?
To maintain your rod, keep it clean, guides free of any debris, rinse it with fresh water if necessary, and store it in a rod case when not in use. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures.
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.