Best Pocket Fishing Rod

Pocket fishing rods – Buying Guide, Reviews, and Comparison

 

If the best pocket fishing rod reviews haven’t done much with regard to telling you which model is worthy of your consideration, we’re here to help. This paragraph should let you know all the info you should give some thought to. Based on the feedback that we have analyzed from amateur and professional anglers alike, it looks like the unit you need to bear in mind is the Yonghzi Pocket. This rod is a winner when it comes to portability as it’s compact and lightweight enough to be carried with ease. You can conveniently leave it in your trunk so that it’s ready to go whenever a fishing occasion arises. Since it has been constructed out of a mix of fiberglass and carbon fiber, this pole meets the expectations of users in terms of sensitivity and resilience. If the Yonghzi Pocket is unavailable, you can consider the second best choice, the Sougayilang Black Hawk.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Pocket Fishing Rods (Reviews) in 2023

 

If your search for the best small fishing rod hasn’t been successful, perhaps you should take the time to look at the units we have selected based on the reviews they have gathered. These poles are said to be convenient and versatile and above all, small enough to satisfy your needs.

 

 

1. Yonghzi Fishing Rod Pocket Fishing Pole

 

Even though this choice is one of the budget-friendly alternatives we have managed to track down, it comes with features that will inevitably impress you. On the one hand, the pole is made out of a mix of fiberglass and carbon fiber, which means that you will be able to benefit from an enhanced resilience and sensitivity, at the same time.

Besides, it is worth noting that this convenient pocket rod comes with a hooded reel seat made out of stainless steel, as well as guides constructed out of the same material. The inserts are ceramic, so that’s another clue that you could use in determining the quality of the rod.

Because it is quite rugged yet lightweight, this choice can be used both in freshwater and saltwater. Don’t forget to give a good rinse to your reel once you’ve done some boat or ocean fishing in order to prolong its life.

Pros

This series is available in a wide range of sizes, which is to say that it can satisfy the needs of most anglers, as long as they pick the right dimension for the type of fishing they engage in.

Given that the rod has been made out of a mix of carbon fiber and fiberglass, it is both sensitive and durable enough for it to meet your expectations.

You can use the pole both in freshwater and saltwater as it boasts a stainless steel hooded reel seat.

Most of the anglers who have chosen this alternative say that it is extremely versatile and doesn’t take up too much space in one’s truck. You can even use it for kayaking if that’s the type of fishing you are interested in.

Cons

Some anglers seem to be bothered by the fact that the handle has a smaller diameter than that of other rods.

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2. Sougayilang Graphite Carbon Fiber Portable Fishing Rod

 

Sougayilang is quite a well-known name in the industry of manufacturing top-notch gear and equipment designed for serious fishing. As such, it was only to be expected that this rod would be unable to disappoint its users. Since it was constructed of a mix of E-glass and carbon fiber, the pole is both rugged and responsive enough for you to feel the fish biting the bait.

The series is available in a variety of sizes, so be sure to select the one that best suits your angling conditions and the species you are trying to catch. The longest one can apparently cast a mile, despite being quite light.

From what we have gathered by going through the ratings collected by this product, it’s solid and convenient. It’ll likely be a friend you’ll enjoy the company of when you need it the most. You can also use it for kayak fishing.

Pros

If what you have been searching for is a portable rod that’s long enough for you to engage in some serious boat fishing, the Sougayilang alternative might just be the right solution to your problems.

The E-Glass and carbon fiber composite that this unit has been made out of renders it sturdy and sensitive enough for you to make the most of your fishing trip.

The reel seat is constructed out of corrosion-resistant CNC machined aluminum, which means that you won’t have to worry about the durability of this product.

Most of the fishers who were kind enough to provide some feedback in regards to this model say that it’s a high-quality telescopic choice that is well worth the investment.

Cons

Several anglers have reported that they would have liked it if the tip came with an addition ring as it had made the action considerably smoother.

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3. CloudWhisper Portable Pocket Fishing Rods

 

This series is composed of rods that are dependable and versatile. Even though the manufacturing brands claims that they should only be used in freshwater, we couldn’t help noticing that there have been fishers who have reported that they’ve used the Sougayilang rod in saltwater, as well, and with excellent results.

The compact design of the telescopic pole enables you to transport it with ease and store it either in the trunk of your car or even your glove compartment if you choose a smaller size. Having been constructed out of a mix of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and stainless steel, this pole can be a friend in need.

As with other Sougayilang products, one of the common concerns expressed by owners is that the handle is a tad too narrow, which is to say that its small diameter might not be an advantage for fishers with bigger hands.

Pros

Convenience is at the root of this alternative as you can store and carry it with ease and take it everywhere your angling adventures might take you.

As the pole has been constructed out of a mix of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and stainless steel, it’s safe to say that it will enable you to enjoy its services for a more than decent amount of time.

The guides are made out of stainless steel while the inserts have been constructed out of ceramic.

Despite being primarily designed for freshwater, there have been anglers who have used this product in saltwater and have experienced no issue up until now. As such, it seems to be quite versatile.

Cons

The handle seems a tad too short and small in diameter, which might bother fishermen and women whose hands aren’t exactly tiny.

The tip might come off, so use it with some caution and make sure to avoid losing it in case it does. You can use super glue to put it back on.

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4. Lixada Pen Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Set

 

The Lixada combo set comes fully equipped with a pen fishing rod, a spinning fishing reel, 98 feet of clear fishing line and a box that contains fishing accessories, namely two fishing floats, two soft lures, two rubber tubes, and two jig hooks. This way you get all the accessories you need to start fishing with a single purchase.

The fishing rod is no bigger than a pen and it is extendable, making it perfect for those situations where carrying full-sized gear is not possible. Once closed, the rod has a size of only 20.5cm (8.1” inches). There are three sizes available for the rod itself: 1m, 1.4m, and 1.5m.

The fishing reel is made of durable materials that will make catching even larger fish feel effortless. Furthermore, it features an ergonomic handle knob that is very easy to operate and it comes with additional features such an instant anti-reverse and an interchangeable handle that will allow left-handed anglers to use the product comfortably. 

Pros

The small size of this unit combined with its lightweight construction makes it perfect to carry in your pocket, backpack, or glove box so that you can always be ready to take it on the water.

There are three colors that you can choose for the rod and reel: silver, blue, and black.

You get a comprehensive combo that includes all the gear and accessories you need to start fishing without having to waste additional time searching for lures, baits, line, and hooks.

It is one of the most affordable choices currently available on the market, and judging by the customer reviews, Lixada made little compromise to achieve this low price.

The combo set is highly versatile and it can be used for fishing from a boat, dam, on the shore, or on ice. 

Cons

While not a problem per se, it is important to note that apart from the rod and reel, the color of the accessories is randomized.

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5. Sougayilang Mini Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel

 

This is another combo set that includes a long list of accessories together with the rod and reel. It is a great purchase for beginners who do not want to trouble themselves with the difficult task of purchasing all the lures, hooks, and line, not to mention all the other required accessories.

The list of accessories you’ll get in the package includes 10 pieces of fishing lures, 5 pieces of fishing hooks, 5 pieces of fishing worms, 328 feet of fishing line, 1 frog lure, 1 minnow lure, 15 miscellaneous accessories, and a box to help you keep them all organized.

The rod itself is made from high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass which gives it perfect elasticity while retaining its durability. The reel is very light, powerful, and smooth since it is made of high-quality aluminum. You get fully adjustable cast control which will let you cast the line with outstanding accuracy. (check out or 4-pc fishing rods article)

Pros

It is a wonderful gift for novice anglers, be they kids or adults, since with one affordable purchase they can get all the gear and accessories needed to start fishing.

The rod itself may be small, but once it extends the carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass will give it perfect elasticity to allow it to handle the pull of even the big fish.

The golden guide rings are made of piano porcelain which makes them sturdy and beautiful to the eye.

The reel has 13+1 ball bearings plus a one-way clutch which gives it smooth operation.

Another advantage that the reel offers is the addition of a waterproof system that allows it to withstand saltwater corrosion. 

Cons

We found a few reports coming from customers who said that the tip of the rod lacks sensitivity which means that it won’t be a great choice for lure fishing.

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6. Lixada Pen Fishing Rod Reel Combo

 

With the Combo Premium kit, you get a reel and rod built from some of the best materials available and with excellent craftsmanship all while managing to preserve the low price point that pocket fishing rods are known for. The rod is made of steel fiber and it is solid and strong enough to fight big fish.

Furthermore, there is also an aluminum alloy shell on the cord which can fight corrosion so that you can use it even for saltwater fishing, not to mention that it helps make it lighter. The rod weighs only 2.8 ounces and has a collapsible size of only 8 inches. The full size is of 1.4 meters.

The reel comes with spooled fishing line and it is made from an aluminum alloy that helps confer it the same corrosion resistance and lightweight construction weighing just 6.3 ounces. The 2+1 ball bearing with a copper axis allow for smooth and easy operation. 

Pros

With a total weight of only 9.8 ounces, this rod and reel combo is perfect for people who are looking for a portable option that can fit in their pocket or backpack.

This is a highly versatile choice, not only because of its strength that makes it capable of catching even big fish but also because of its corrosion-resistance that allows it to handle both freshwater and saltwater. (here you can find the best models for catching walleye)

You can customize the color of the rod and choose between green, purple, gold, silver, blue, black, as the six optional colors.

The reel comes with spooled fishing line on it out of the box which will save beginners from the trouble of spooling a reel by themselves.

The combo kit is very affordable, making it a perfect choice for amateur anglers who can’t yet justify spending more for their fishing gear. 

Cons

It’s unfortunate that the kit does not come with additional accessories.

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7. Boy Scouts of America Telescopic Fishing Rod Combo

 

The pocket combo includes a 30-inch light action fiberglass telescopic rod, a micro spincast reel, 1/16-ounce spinnerbait, and a practice casting plug. It is a multipurpose product that can be used for both saltwater and freshwater fishing applications thanks to the use of corrosion-resistant materials on both the telescopic rod and the spincast reel.

As is expected from a portable choice, the rod and reel combo is very lightweight and the fiberglass construction gives it increased flexibility and durability. This enables it to act as a suitable gear choice for catching big fish.

The rod can be extended up to 30 inches and once retracted it measures 18 inches which will allow you to store it anywhere without it taking too much space. It also comes with Steinhauser’s own patented tangle-free technology that will eliminate any obstructions between the line and the exterior of the rod to prevent the line from tangling. 

Pros

The manufacturer mentions that this option is designed for all anglers regardless of skill level, and a quick look at the customer reviews has shown us that it is also a great choice for kids to use.

It is very compact which makes it perfect for backpacking, hiking, camping, and traveling or other situations where you can’t afford to get your full-size fishing gear.

The adjustable EVA handle will ensure you get a comfortable, firm, and non-slip grip of the rod.

The tangle-free technology is amateur-friendly and will let you focus on catching fish instead of spending hours adjusting the gear.

The super-tough fiberglass construction makes the fishing rod hard, durable, and capable of handling saltwater and freshwater fishing applications. 

Cons

One customer has mentioned that the reel arrived disassembled with no assembly instructions provided in the package.

It is not as compact as some of the other options that have a similar price.

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8. Eagle Claw Pack-It Telescopic

 

The Eagle Claw alternative measures 17 inches once collapsed and it can reach a length of 5 feet and 6 inches when extended. That should give you more than enough rach to handle most fishing situations. The fishing rod is outfitted with a graphite reel seat that allows for longer and more accurate casting.

It has a total of five sections with four ceramic guides that help deliver accurate line placement every time you cast the rod. Speaking of the rod, it can handle lure weights from ⅛ to ½ ounces. The five sections have a yellow color which provides easy visibility to the rod even in low-light conditions to make it easier to spot those sensitive fish bites.

The customer reviews mention that the unit is perfect for use with a spinning reel, which unfortunately does not come in the package. Even so, getting a compatible reel should not be a problem since the unit is compatible with most models you can find on the market.

Pros

The Eagle Claw spinning rod is field-tested to ensure that it can compete with the top-rated models on the market, and judging by the customer feedback, there’s nothing that a potential buyer should worry about in this regard.

It has a durable fiberglass construction that helps it provide long-lasting performance, and it is light enough for worry-free transport.

The ceramic guides prevent the line from coming in direct contact with the rod, which eliminates friction and ensures that the line won’t break.

It is an affordable choice perfect for anglers who want to get a dependable option on a budget.

The solid construction and the use of high-quality materials enable the rod to handle the elements, including snow, mud, and rain. 

Cons

There are a few customers who reported that their rod did not offer the durability they expected, but fortunately, the one-year warranty covers that aspect and the customer service is exemplary.

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9. Aile Rabbit Mini Portable Fishing Rod with Reel

 

The Rabbit Mini Portable from Aile is a combo kit that includes a fishing rod with reel and it is a perfect choice for people looking for a versatile and compact option that can be used when traveling since it won’t take a lot of storage space. The rod is made from high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass which confers it excellent durability and sturdiness.

There are three sizes available but they all share the same compact design that will allow the angler to transport the product in a backpack and even a glove box. The sizes range from 1.0m to 1.8m, but no matter the size, the fishing rod and reel offer the same smooth and efficient retrieval no matter the type of fish that you are landing.

In terms of customer experience, we are glad to report that buyers had only positive things to say, with most of them praising the fast response of the combo kit and the excellent customer service. (another cool model for your to consider)

Pros

The high-quality pinion gear and drive offer improved reliability and allow the reel to provide lower friction and less warpage under load for a smoother and more efficient retrieval.

The lightweight design of both the rod and the reel will reduce fatigue, making this a great option for anglers who like to spend hours and hours on the water.

The EVA foam handle on the rod is very comfortable to use for extended periods and it is very durable in the long run.

The reel and the EVA foam are painted blue which will surely guarantee that the product will grab the attention of everyone on the boat.

The hand retrieves can be adjusted to be either right or left-handed. 

Cons

There is not much to complain about this model, but it is worth noting that some customers have found it to be a bit too expensive for what it offers.

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10. Pen Fishing Pole Mini Pocket Fishing Rod and Reel Combos

 

The Travel Fishing Set from HappyOutdoor is the perfect choice for anglers who want to get a quick purchase that comes with all the accessories required to start fishing right away. Apart from the rod itself, customers will also get a fishing reel, fishing line, a set of soft lures, a 7-in-1 safety whistle, and a rubber tube to protect the rod when traveling.

The rod is pen-sized (8.1 inches in length), so small that you can keep it in your pocket, briefcase, glove box, backpack, or any other storage space that you may have at your disposal. It is also lightweight so that you can use it for hours on end without fatigue becoming an issue.

Flexibility is another key feature of this rod since it can handle even the bigger fish effortlessly. In terms of the reel performance, buyers have found that it has a very smooth action and performs fine in a wide variety of fishing applications. 

Pros

The safety whistle you get in the package is a multipurpose device that is composed of a thermometer, a small storage space, a mirror, a compass, a LED light, and magnifying glasses.

The rod and reel are compact but also very durable meaning that even if you accidentally drop them on a rough surface, the damage should be minimal.

The rod is very simple to cast and customers have attested to its multipurpose design that allows it to handle a multitude of fishing applications.

The high-profile design of the rod makes it stand out among the other telescopic rods on the market.

It comes with a wealth of additional accessories such as a set of soft lures, fishing line, 7 in 1 safety whistle and a protective rubber tube. 

Cons

The extended length of 39 inches makes the rod a bit too small, and you may encounter certain conditions where it won’t be up to the task.

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Buying guide

 

Nothing beats the convenience provided by the best compact fishing rod, especially if you hardly know when a fishing opportunity can arise. If you’re always on the run and would like some gear to go along with your active lifestyle, you’re probably focused on choosing a pole that’s both durable and small enough to meet your requirements.

Given the variety of alternatives available for sale these days, we’ve thought we might give you a hand with selecting the right model for your preferences. That’s how we have come up with a comprehensive buyer’s guide that can hopefully assist you in making the right choice.

Choosing the perfect design

There are roughly two ways of going about things when shopping for such equipment. You can either pick a pen fishing rod whose name already suggests that it’s on the smaller side, or you can opt for the second alternative, meaning that you will decide on a small telescopic rod.

In certain respects, telescopic rods are far more reliable and sturdier than their pen counterparts, and that’s because they are made out of materials that can withstand the test of time. Plus, they can be used to target multiple species, which is an advantage nobody can deny.

That’s why defining the whole idea of a pocket fishing rod is a bit difficult. The perfect product depends on your specific needs. If you have nothing against keeping a somewhat larger telescopic rod in your car, this one might be a good idea for you in terms of portability. If you really do intend to get a pole that can be kept in your pocket, what you’re in need of is a pen rod.

 

Construction quality

While telescopic rods can be made of combinations of graphite, carbon fiber, and fiberglass, pen fishing poles are rarely constructed out of the first two materials. This is usually due to the fact that pen fishing rods are preferred by beginners, and so they have to be rugged enough to put up with the abuse and mistakes of a novice.

Most telescopic rods are made from graphite and fiberglass, for example, because in this way, the user gets the sensitivity coming from the first material and the stiffness of the second.

 

Reel considerations

Something other that needs to be added in this regard is that pocket rods rarely come with their own reels. Many spinning telescopic rods are, in fact, combos, and so they eliminate the need for the prospective buyer to search for a compatible reel.

In terms of the places you will be able to fish with the best small fishing rod, it also depends on its design. Pen rods can be used for freshwater fishing while their telescopic counterparts can be used in fresh and saltwater alike.