Affordable fishing rod – Buying Guide, Reviews and Comparison
If you want to find the best fishing gear, but you don’t have some time to go through the buying tips and reviews prepared by our research team, this short paragraph should tell you everything you need to know about the best cheap fishing rods in 2024. After analyzing a lot of feedback coming from both amateur and professional fishermen and women, we have concluded that the Shimano FXS 2 is the best as it is affordable, comes in a wide array of sizes, actions, and power ratings, and has been highly spoken of by many anglers. In spite of the fact that this is one of the best fishing rods under 50, it does the job exactly how it’s supposed to and is also a rather durable choice. If the Shimano FXS 2 is unavailable, you should consider the Daiwa Mini System Minispin as it is a reliable alternative in terms of performance and quality.
Comparison table
Shimano is one of the most well-known brands in the industry of manufacturing top-notch rods, and this unit is likely to be a great cheap fishing rod for the money. It’s a two-piece option that features a sturdy aeroglass blank construction and guides made of aluminum oxide, which renders them resistant to corrosion. The graphite reel seat is compatible with most reels being sold nowadays.
Some of the people who’ve bought this Shimano unit say that the pole is a bit heavier than they expected.
Since it is so inexpensive, the FXS appears to offer more than enough value for the price as it’s an excellent choice for light saltwater and freshwater fishing.
This fishing combo comes in a hard case that is ample enough to store your tackle as well. It is compact enough to be ready to travel anywhere. Featuring a smooth, ball bearing drive the ultralight reel ensures a great fishing experience by also having a multi-disc drag and Gyrospin balancing. Another neat thing is that the reel comes with twist reduction, great against tangled line. The rod is ultra-light and long enough to ensure a good fishing experience.
Some users advise against using it for far casts as they might be unsuccessful.
Lightweight and affordable rod and reel combo that is protected by a hard case.
This Sougayilang model has the features of a dependable pole that’s easy to store or carry in your car. Featuring the same high-quality construction as high-end options, this unit has been made of carbon fiber and E-glass composite so that it’s both sensitive and powerful enough to raise up to par. Since the reel seat is made of CNC machined aluminum, it is corrosion-proof.
Setting up the pole seems to be a bit of a nuisance based on the owner feedback we’ve found in this respect.
The Sougayilang is a lightweight and easy to use telescopic unit that does the trick in a broad array of situations. It has garnered the appreciation of many anglers.
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Also To Consider
5 Best Affordable Fishing Rods (Reviews) in 2024
The best products in this category are showcased below. From what we have gathered, these are the good cheap fishing rods available for sale on the current market. They’re well-made, convenient, and easy to use, and above all, they won’t ruin your budget. If you still have not made up your mind on a reasonably priced pole, you should check them out.
1. Shimano FXS 2 Piece Spinning Rod
The FXS 2-Piece unit appears to be the best budget fishing pole that you might stumble upon while analyzing your choices nowadays. It’s easy to transport, as it can be broken down and even stored in the trunk of your car if you really have no idea when a fishing occasion might arise.
Thanks to its durable aeroglass blank construction and reinforced aluminum oxide guides, it’s easy to see that even if it’s budget-friendly, this rod doesn’t sacrifice anything in terms of quality. Also, the graphite reel seat, as well as the EVA foam handle surely makes it worth considering.
One of the greatest advantages offered by the poles in this series is that they are made to be sensitive. What this means is that you’ll be able to feel when the fish bites in a timely manner, which will give you the opportunity to act accordingly and use your reflexes to score a catch. Also, it’s important to note that the reel seat has been constructed in such a way so that it’s perfectly compatible with most reels available for sale these days.
Higher power and line ratings belong to longer models, but many anglers seem to prefer the 5’6” ultralight version as it can assist them in catching a lot of bass and panfish.
Pros
Versatile and simple to use, this excellent fishing rod is an excellent pick for both beginners and skilled anglers.
When fishing on small ponds or big lakes, at the seashore, on both salt and freshwater, this excellent rod will deliver a unique fishing experience.
Affordability is another strong point that cannot be quickly passed over since its excellent pricing makes it one of the best choices for a first-time buyer.
Using a highly durable Aeroglass blank frame, this fishing rod is made to last while giving its user a good level of control.
You will always sense when the fish bites, so you’ll have enough time to pull it out of the water and score another win.
Cons
Despite its lightweight and durable frame, there are some situations when a stronger frame may be required, especially when hooking a larger catch or fishing in fast mountain waters.
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2. Daiwa 942062-SSI Minispin System Travel Kit
If you are serious about fishing, then you might need something to help you find your next great catch. This product comes from a company with a reputable name in fishing, and it lives to its standards. Those that are used to backpacking will love this tackle since it doesn’t take much space, being also a great choice for young fishermen.
It is an affordable system that doesn’t weigh down on your wallet or yourself since it is also incredibly lightweight. The rod and reel combo comes in a hard case the will fully protect your system, and it will provide plenty of space in order to store the rest of your fishing gear.
This system comes with a reel that features a smooth ball-bearing drive, multi-disc drag, 5.1 to 1 retrieve and GyroSpin balancing. Twist Buster technology will reduce the potential of line twisting. The reel is accompanied by a matching 4.5-foot rod which can be easily assembled, being that is made from five interlockable pieces.
In conclusion, this ultralight reel and rod combo is ideally designed for anglers that find themselves on the road because it is portable and easy to store in your luggage, backpacks or you can just keep it under your car seat.
Pros
This ultralight fishing rod is perfect for backpacking since it takes up as little space as possible, which makes it ideal for those without too much space at their disposal.
Its comfortable hard casing keeps the rod and all your additional fishing equipment in one place, making it easy to carry around whether you are on foot or bike.
Easy to store everywhere in your car or on your bike due to its extremely compact size, it fits with ease under a car seat or any other cramped space.
It comes with a quality reel system using the GyroSpin technology that can help to prevent line tangling and breaking, so it’s a perfect choice for beginners that often reel to fast and lose the line.
Cons
Since its main design focus is on portability and being lightweight, the Daiwa 942062-SSI Minispin may prove to be a bit too light for larger and stronger fish.
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3. Sougayilang Spinning Telescopic Fishing Travel Portable
Even though this manufacturer is less known when compared to big brands such as Shimano, Abu Garcia, or Fiblink, it has won the hearts of anglers all over the world because it produces high-quality units that are worth every penny.
Generally, this pole should cost in the lines of hundreds of dollars, but it can often be found for less than fifty depending on the seasonal sales organized by various retailers. What makes this rod so special and why did we include it in our selection? For one, it’s made of high-density carbon fiber to which E-glass composite has been added in order to increase the sensitivity and power of the product.
Since the reel seat has been constructed out of CNC machined aluminum, it has a high chance of withstanding the test of time without ever risking to become the victim of corrosion. The stainless steel guides have been equipped with ceramic inserts, which means that they’re a great fit for braided and mono and have been found to perform just as well in freshwater and saltwater alike.
While the entire pole is rated for saltwater, this doesn’t mean that you’re restricted to using it only in the ocean as we’ve noticed that many anglers use it in streams and lakes nearby their homes.
Pros
Using a telescopic frame that can be easily adjustable for users of any size, this highly versatile fishing rod can serve both adults and kids alike.
The advanced high-quality carbon fiber and fiberglass construction gives it the perfect balance between durability and flexibility and makes it ideal for all types of reel casting and fishing styles.
With its excellent quality adjustable reel, you can be sure that your line stays in perfect alignment and at desired tension all the time.
Included in the kit are all the necessary accessories, lures, lines, hooks needed to start fishing right away, a perfect choice for a beginner or as a gift for an amateur.
Durable and easy to use, this is by far one of the best portable fishing kits money can buy today.
Cons
Like other compact fishing rods, it may prove to be a bit too lightweight for bigger fish that may require stronger and more expensive rods.
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4. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod
If you are looking for a lightweight fishing rod that performs well in the field, you will find the Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod to be right up your alley. Don’t get fooled by the minimalist design of this model, as it is quite strong. The number one reason for the lightweight, yet durable construction, is the superior quality of the graphite and fiberglass used for making.
You will notice some interesting features that make his fishing rod stand out from the crowd. The Clear Tip feature, for instance, provides the rod with more strength and sensitivity so that you always know when the fish bite.
The carrier of a tradition, since it’s not the first made by this company, this rod will offer you great convenience and performance. The Ugly Tuff guides made from stainless steel are built to last, and you won’t have to worry about rust and corrosion any time soon.
Pros
Strength and convenience meet in this Ugly Stik model, made from graphite and fiberglass for prolonged durability and lightweight design.
You will be pleased with the Ugly Tuff design of the guides that ensure smooth gliding for your line when you cast or retrieve it.
Excellent balance is what makes this rod a solid contender for models that cost a pretty penny compared to it.
Its Clear Tip design makes sure that your rod is as strong as you want and adds sensitivity.
Some eye-catching cosmetic elements make it an improvement over its predecessors.
Cons
The butt section on smaller sizes is a bit short, which may prove inconvenient for someone with larger hands.
You may also notice a lack of sensitivity if you compare it to other rods in the same action category; however, you would be hard-pressed to find as many affordable as this one.
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5. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
There are many things to like about this spinning rod from Ugly Stik. This company is known for making cheap fishing equipment without sacrificing quality and performance. The Elite model reviewed here is no exception to the rule. With a line rating of 8 to 17 pounds, you will be able to catch the trophy fish you are after without a glitch.
It is essential to know that you can count on your spinning rod when you go fishing. In this case, the Ugly Tech design ensures dependable durability, as the rod is both lightweight and sturdy. That happens because of the use of graphite as the main material for this rod.
Furthermore, the Ugly Tuff guides made from stainless steel add more durability, and you will notice that your line glides through them without any problems. The handle is made from cork and is lightweight, something you can surely appreciate when you are out on a long fishing trip.
Pros
You can use this rod for catching all kinds of fish, as it is capable of handling 8 to 17-pound line without a problem.
The graphite employed in the construction of this rod is why the rod feels reasonably lightweight and sensitive.
This model comes equipped with the well-known Ugly Tuff guides made from stainless steel for increased durability and reliability.
Users will find this model comfortable to use, due to the lightweight cork handle that makes casting your line an effortless process.
Cons
Compared to other rods, even some from the same company, this one tends to be tip heavy, an aspect you will need to get used to so that you can take full advantage of its benefits.
Be aware that the reel seat is not designed to accommodate large reels (5000 and above), although the rod can handle a 17-pound line.
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Buying guide
What makes a good cheap fishing pole? To help you make the right decision, we have created a simple and comprehensive guide that is packed with all the factors you ought to take into account to get the best product for your needs. Always look at your preferences and expectations and correlate them with the features of the pole you’re trying to purchase. Ask around and get as informed as possible, and take some time to check out some of the best cheap fishing rod reviews, while you’re at it. Here’s everything you need to know about budget-friendly rods.
Type
Convenience and ease of use largely relate to the design of the pole you’ll be spending your money on. In this case, you should try to realize whether you’d rather use a one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, four-piece, or telescopic unit. If you aren’t sure why this factor is important, think of it this way: a full-size rod that cannot be broken down into multiple pieces is way harder to transport than a 2-piece alternative. This situation is especially true if you plan to get a long pole. Sedan drivers are likely to avoid full-size options, but people who own trucks have a lot of room to store these kinds of poles.
Action
This is an important attribute that might be difficult to understand especially for beginners who don’t have enough experience with different tapers. To make matters easier, the simplest way of defining the action of a rod is to understand how much it will bend from the tip to the butt. Actions range from extra fast to slow. The rod taper needs to be correlated with the type of lure you will be using. In case you’re feeling a bit puzzled as to which action you might need, all you have to do is check out some ratings or talk to a store attendant. In some situations, fast action is preferred when handling heavy fish, although the bait might need to be light. Extra fast action rods are usually the most expensive models you’ll come across so they might be off-limits for someone who’s on a tight budget.
As for the lures that you’ll be using, you ought to know that slow action works for crankbaits, rattle baits, as well as jerk baits, whereas medium action does the trick for bottom baits. A fast action rod can be utilized with great results in heavy cover; it will prove its worth with topwaters, soft sticks, spinnerbaits, as well as jerk baits.
Power
The power rating of the pole refers to how stiff it will be on the whole. What is the weight of the species you’re trying to target? Large fish might call for stiffer poles whereas smaller ones can be caught with the help of a flexible one. Extra heavy rods are the top choices of anglers who fish in the sea because they’re less flexible, sometimes even shorter, and can handle the weight of a heavy catch. By contrast, light power units speak to the needs of individuals fishing in streams, lakes, and rivers where panfish and small bait fish are the main targets.
Material
It goes without saying that, even if you’re trying to get the best cheap fishing pole, you still want one that can last for a good deal of time. Nobody likes buying a rod that breaks down on the first fishing trip. These days, poles can be made of two materials: fiberglass and graphite. While graphite is sensitive and strong and also reasonably lightweight, it can cost a pretty penny. It might be the best choice in terms of sensitivity, but fiberglass is also a reasonable alternative especially if you’re looking for a light to medium action. In fact, fiberglass options are the ones that can offer you the parabolic bend that’s required to handle small-sized fish.
Unavailable products
Goture Portable
Most online marketplaces sell this pole for less than thirty-five dollars, which is a bargain that’s rather hard to say no to. Not just the price of the Goture Portable is impressive, but also the way it has been built.
This is a telescopic rod, so it can’t be compared to other alternatives we’ve seen because it’s extremely versatile, easy to use, and can be stored conveniently. Seeing how this pole has been built out of 98% carbon fiber, it’s easy to see that it can prove its worth under most fishing circumstances. This technology makes it possible for the rod to be extremely sensitive so that you’re able to feel the fish.
Besides, it’s worth noting that the Goture Portable is considerably more lightweight compared to many graphite or fiberglass alternatives, which means that it can raise up to par and meet the expectations of people whose physical attributes don’t allow them to carry or lift heavy things.
Having been equipped with ceramic guide rings, this unit makes it impossible for your line to break when you’re trying to battle the fish you’re trying to catch. What’s more, the non-slip handle is another feature you ought to give some thought to as it can help you get a good grip on the situation.
Troutboy Black Warrior Portable Telescopic Fishing Rod
The Ranger series is composed of telescopic rods that are completely collapsible and can allow you to store and transport them with ease. In some respects, a Ranger rod somewhat resembles the formerly mentioned Sougayilang Black Hawk as it features a carbon matrix and E-glass construction that have a favorable impact on the overall sensitivity provided by the product, as well as its capabilities because we’ve seen that these KastKing poles can lift up to ten pounds.
Since most of the parts in this type of rod are corrosion-resistant, you won’t have to worry about anything when angling in freshwater and saltwater alike. Plus, you can always take your pole with you even in your backpack, if that’s what’s on your mind.
Available sizes and lengths range from 5’10” to 8’10”, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your requirements. When it comes to assessing the user feedback garnered by the KastKing Ranger, we were pleasantly surprised as most anglers say that the unit can be disassembled and assembled with ease, without ruining any other parts or hitting the guides. This is a common issue that people using telescopic poles have to deal with.
Pros
Made from a durable high-density carbon fiber and fiberglass alloy, this superb telescopic rod can work with larger catches that usually are reserved to fixed rods.
Its specially designed flexible frame allows for a high level of control and sensitivity, making it perfect for freshwater, trout or bass fishing.
As it is light, compact, and easy to deploy, you will never have to worry about finding a place to store it inside your car, on your bike or in your backpack.
The ceramic and stainless steel corrosion-resistant loops and reel grip allow you to use the rod in any weather, for both freshwater and saltwater environments.
It is available in various sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your fishing style.
Cons
Heavier fish may pose a problem and may even bend the rod to some extent; it may also require a bit of attention when reeling in.
Fiblink Sea Bass Fishing Rod 2-Piece Portable
If portability is key to what you’re trying to achieve but you can’t be bothered with setting up a telescopic rod each time you’re about to utilize it, perhaps you ought to have a look at the specs of the Fiblink Sea Bass 2. It’s versatile and easy to use and can fit in the trunk of your vehicle, and the neat thing about is that it’s reliable and will serve you anytime.
Having been made out of carbon fiber, this model seems to have been designed to meet the expectations of people interested in inshore and saltwater fishing. The guides on this pole are both strong and lightweight, and as per usual, the frames are made of stainless steel, and the inserts are made of ceramic. You can finally say goodbye to line friction if you choose this affordable option.
While this is a somewhat longer alternative compared to others we’ve seen, what with it being available in 9’ and 10’ sizes, it’s surely worth considering if you’re keen on getting a medium heavy power pole. Due to its length, the rod is lightweight enough to be usable. In addition, the handle is made of high-quality cork and will allow you to benefit from a Gecko-like grip.
Pros
While telescopic and retractable fishing poles may be a bit more compact, when it comes to durability and sturdiness, this two-piece rod offers a far better choice.
A stable full carbon-fiber construction adds to its structural resistance while allowing for superior flexibility and a high level of control.
Its chrome-plated stainless steel rod loops give your line smooth travel while offering a high level of protection against corrosion and wear in the long run.
Robust and high-quality EVA handles are best known for their excellent grip qualities and precise handling, a great asset when dealing with fast and challenging types of fish.
There is no line friction due to the ceramic guides, another great plus when you want to save money on fishing accessories.
Cons
Despite its simple to use design, some users complained about having some difficulty joining the two-part frame, something that took a bit more time to deploy and use than a telescopic rod.
Bibliography:
1) What you should know about fishing rods
2) Your Complete Guide to Fishing Rods
4) What is the difference between a fishing pole and a fishing rod?
6) Everything You Need To Know Before Buying A New Fishing Rod
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