Best Small Fishing Rod for 2023 (Review)

Sometimes it might be quite difficult to find the best small fishing rod. With every niche market offering so many different products, it makes sense that this is the case.

Unfortunately, this very fact can make it incredibly difficult to find the item that best suits your needs, which is why we’ve put together this small fishing rod buying guide.

Quick Picks:

The 10 Top Small Fishing Rod Reviews:

SaleBestseller No. 1
Zebco Dock Demon Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, Durable Fiberglass Rod, Quickset Anti-Reverse Fishing Reel, Red, 20-Size Reel / 30"/ 1-Piece/Medium Rod
  • MODERATE ACTION: 30-inch 1-piece fishing rod combo provides medium power and moderate action making it easier to catch light and medium species including panfish, trout, walleye, and bass
  • EXPERTLY CRAFTED MATERIALS: Durable fiberglass rod blank construction and ultra-tough dial-adjustable drag provide smooth cast and retrieves while cushioned EVA handle reduces discomfort and ensures a sure-grip
  • EFFORTLESS FISHING: Zebco's QuickSet anti-reverse reel stops your handle from moving backward and creates a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your prized catch. It features a powerful right-hand retrieve, patented no-tangle design, and comes pre-spooled with 6-pound Zebco Cajun line
  • SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION: Premium all-metal gears, a 2.6:1 gear ratio, and dual-ceramic pick-up pins ensure a buttery-smooth retrieve, extended life, and ultra-high abrasion resistance to make every fishing experience a memorable one
  • TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials
SaleBestseller No. 2
Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
  • 36" Ugly Stik rod
  • Cork and EVA grips with twist lock reel seats
  • Pre-spooled with 6 lb line
  • 30 size spinning reel
  • Ugly Tech construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass to create a strong, yet sensitive rod
Bestseller No. 3
Zebco Slingshot Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, 5-Foot 6-Inch 2-Piece Fishing Pole, Size 30 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Zebco Line, Red
  • EASY-TO-USE: Zebco Slingshot spincast reel and fishing rod combo features a 5-foot 6-inch 2-piece durable fiberglass rod and size 30 fishing reel. The rod comes in a fun red color! The reel features a patented no-tangle design and simple push-button mechanics for ease of use making this reel great for both beginners and experienced anglers
  • ALL-DAY COMFORT: This hard-working fishing rod and reel combo comes with a durable EVA handle to provide anglers with hours of comfort. Its moderate-fast action and medium-light power is ideal for catching medium species such as panfish, trout, walleye or bass and is designed to hold a 6-10 pound line weight and 1/16-3/4 oz lure weights
  • SMOOTH PERFORMANCE: This size 30 spincast reel is constructed with all-metal gears and a 2.8:1 gear ratio for a silky-smooth retrieve. Featuring a dial-adjustable drag and QuickSet anti-reverse to stop your handle from moving backward and create a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your prize catch. The right-hand reel is pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco fishing line so you can start your fishing adventure sooner
  • EXPERTLY DESIGNED: dependable and designed to last, the Slingshot spincast combo was expertly designed. A great all-purpose fishing set-up, the easy-casting spincast reel is custom-matched to a durable 2-piece Z-Glass rod to help you to reel in the big ones all day long
  • TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials
SaleBestseller No. 4
Zebco 404 Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, 5'6" 2-Piece Durable Fiberglass Rod with EVA Handle, Quickset Anti-Reverse Reel with Built-in Bite Alert, 28-Piece Tackle Pack,Black/Red
  • EASY-TO-USE: The Zebco 404 spincast reel and rod combo has been a mainstay with anglers for years. The combo features a 5-foot 6-inch 2-piece fishing pole, size 40 reel and a 28-piece tackle kit. You will be ready to hit the water with the patented no-tangle design and simple push-button mechanics for ease of use making this reel great for both beginners and experienced anglers
  • 28-PIECE TACKLE KIT: The tackle kit comes as a complete set ensuring you are ready to go catch your prize fish right away and includes 6 fishing hooks, 3 split-shot sinkers, 4 swivels, 2 swimbaits, 6 curly-tail grubs, 5 jig heads, 2 bobbers
  • BUILT-IN BITE ALERT: You will be amazed by the built-in bite alert designed to alert anglers of activity below the water. Bite alert is a mechanical system that disengages the anti-reverse of the reel and engages a clicker to create a sound when line is being taken out so you will not be mistaken when your next trophy is on the line
  • TOUGH YET SLEEK: Utilize the convenient dial-adjustable drag and the QuickSet anti-reverse features to stop your handle from moving backward and create a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your prize catch. Featuring a tough-yet-sleek design, the 404 spincast reel will look and perform great
  • TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials
SaleBestseller No. 5
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole with Reel Combo Sea Saltwater Freshwater Kit Fishing Rod Kit…
  • 🎣 Warm Prompt: Fishing rod + reel (No Lures & Line) include Only Include 1 Fishing Rod +1 Fishing Reel.
  • 🎣 Perfect elasticity, high density Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass makes your fishing pole hard & durable.
  • 🎣 Stainless Steel Hooded Reel Seat is anti-seawater corrosion; EVA Fore Grip for comfort. The telescopic fishing rod is portable, and closed length design is convenient carrying around. Power: Medium.
  • 🎣 Instant anti-reverse; Power drive gears equipped for high strength. Deep aluminium spool with double color and one line hole; More short body with large spool and large line capacity. Line capacity: mm/M 0.20/240 0.25/200 0.30/140. Model: HA 3000; Gear ratio: 5.2:1.
  • 🎣 It's the best gift to send father, husband,fiance, boyfriend for the upcoming Father's Day. Want to buy single rod or single reel? Please search the ASIN: B07FT29RJS or B07YFP8KV3.
Bestseller No. 6
Lixada Pen Fishing Rod Reel Combo Set Premium Mini Pocket Collapsible Fishing Pole Kit Telescopic Fishing Rod + Spinning Reel Combo Kit 1M / 1.4M / 1.8M / 2.1M
  • HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: High hardness FRP fishing rod, corrosion-resistant and ultra sensitive. High intensity metal spinning reel, anti-rust and corrosion-resistant.
  • DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONAL ANGLERS: Metal ceramic conductor rings provide better distribution of stress. Left and right interchangeable handle, make you use more comfortable.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & DURABLE & CONVENIENT: Can be freely matched with general fishing reels, widely application.
  • FREE COLLOCATION: High intensity aluminum alloy shell, lightweight, solid and durable. Pocket size, compact and portable, convenient to carry and store.
  • EXQUISITE APPEARANCE: Surface exquisite paint design, brightly colored and does not fade. It is the best gift for ur husband or father who like fishing very much.
Bestseller No. 7
G Ganen 38inch Mini Portable Pocket Aluminum Alloy Fishing Rod Pen Great Gift (Black)
  • Fishing anytime anywhere with this world smallest fishing rod!
  • Pocket size, Portable, easy to handle. Great for fishing enthusiast or collectors.
  • Aluminum alloy reel includes forward and reverse ratchet stop and drag control.
  • Durable material, long performance
  • Perfect fishing rod for the avid fisherman, executive kid on the go !
Bestseller No. 8
ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Pole - Kids Fishing Starter Kit - with Tackle Box, Reel, Practice Plug, Beginner's Guide and Travel Bag for Boys, Girls
  • 【 Best Value Kids Fishing Gear 】- It's an all-in-one fishing rod and reel combo kit with tackle box including a selection of fishing lures accessories suited to different fishing situations. A travel carry bag is also offered. Perfect boys fishing pole for ages 3-15.
  • 【 Starter Fishing Kit For Kids 】Comes with a Soft Casting Plug, with perfect size and weight, kids can cast in the backyard or on the shore to sharpen up their casting skills. An instruction manual is included, so kids beginners can quickly learn how to fish.
  • 【 Easy for Kids to Use 】 - Perfect for tiny hands. Even when wet, letting kids play in the water without dropping their rod. 1.2M 3.94Ft, for toddlers kids ages 3 4 5 6; 1.5M 4.92Ft, for boys girls ages 6 7 8 9 10; 1.8M 5.91Ft, for kids youth ages 10-15.
  • 【 Portable and Easy to Carry 】- ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Rod features a collapsible design which makes it just portable enough to carry along with you. A travel bag also makes it easy to carry the poles and all the other fishing accessories and protects it from getting damaged.
  • 【 Perfect Gift for Boys and Girls 】- ODDSPRO fishing kit comes with everything the beginners need to begin their adventure with angling. It's simple and easy to use for kids that are just starting out or for the kids has experience in fishing. A great gift for boys girls youth for their Birthday, Christmas.
Bestseller No. 9
Fishing Pole Combo Set,2.1m/6.89ft 2PCS Collapsible Rods 2PCS Spinning Reels Lures Set Carrier Bag Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rods Sea Saltwater Freshwater Kit Fishing Rod Reel Combos
  • 【2PCS Fishing Pole Full Kit】included:2PCS Carbon Fiber Fishing Pole + 2PCS Spinning Fishing Reels + Carrier Bag + Various Fishing Lures Baits + Fishing Hooks.
  • 【2 x Carbon Fiber Fishing Rods】 High density carbon fiber material makes the fishing rod hard and durable, telescopic design for conveniently carrying around. Rod case size High density carbon fiber material makes the fishing rod hard and durable, telescopic design for conveniently carrying around. Rod Case size:16.9 x 8 x 3 inches; 2 Pounds. You can take it on cars and planes
  • 【2 x Powerful FF3000 Spinning Reels】The spinning fishing reels has a folding design, metal handles, and a more comfortable handshake. The reverse stop switch controls the forward and reverse rotation of the fishing wheel. The rocker arms can be exchanged left and right to meet different user habits.
  • 【1 xLures and Bait】We packed every tackle box for your fishing rod including hard and soft lures like minnows, crank bait, hooks, worms, and more.
  • 【unbeatable quality】Our telescopic fishing rod and other fishing accessories were crafted with unbeatable quality that helps you tackle every lake, river, pond, and stream with confidence,
SaleBestseller No. 10
Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, 4-Foot 6-Inch 2-Piece Durable Fiberglass Fishing Pole, Quickset Anti-Reverse Fishing Reel with Bite Alert, Includes 35-Piece Tackle Kit, Silver
  • EASY-TO-USE: The Zebco 33 Micro spincast combo features a 4-foot 6-inch 2-piece fishing pole and size 10 fishing reel. You will be ready to hit the water with the patented no-tangle design reel that comes pre-spooled with 4-pound Zebco Cajun line. Whether you’re curious or serious about fishing, the reel that taught America to fish makes it easy
  • 35-PIECE TACKLE KIT: The tackle pack comes as a complete set ensuring you are ready to go catch your prize fish right away and includes 8 hooks, 3 snap swivels, 4 split-shot sinkers, 6 jig heads, 6 curly-tail grubs, 6 tube jigs, 2 floats
  • ALL-DAY COMFORT: This hard-working fishing reel and rod combo comes with a dual EVA/Cork straight grip rod handle to provide anglers with hours of comfort. Its moderate action and ultra-light power is ideal for targeting light species from panfish to trout and is designed to hold a 2-6-pound line weight and 1/64-1/8 oz lure weights
  • SMOOTH PERFORMANCE: This size 10 spincast reel is constructed with all-metal gears and a 4.3:1 gear ratio for a silky-smooth retrieve. The changeable right- or left-hand retrieve reel features a MicroFine dial-adjustable drag and QuickSet anti-reverse to stop your handle from moving backward and create a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your catch.
  • TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials

Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to find the best small fishing rod?

Here, we’ll be going over a number of factors that you can use to ensure that you’re purchasing the best small fishing rod for you.

Regardless of which type of item you’re looking to buy, chances are that there are existing buying guides on the internet, all of which aim to give you good small fishing rod recommendations.

Despite these recommendations, however, it’s always a good idea to do your own research. In addition to this research, asking yourself the following questions is also super helpful:

  • What features does the small fishing rod need to have to be perfect for my needs?
  • What is my budget?
  • Do I need to purchase a certain brand?

Once you’ve answered these questions and have a good idea of what you’re looking for and the buying process becomes much easier. Keep in mind that when looking for the best product, there’s no need to rush. In fact, very rarely are the ideal products found by choosing the first one you see or by basing your decisions on only one factor. Take your time and enjoy the process!

Now, with the answers to the previous questions in mind, we urge you to use our upcoming buying guide for small fishing rod to find what you’re looking for:

Brand

In some cases, the brand of small fishing rod is very important. For example, if you’re looking for an item that works in tandem with another, you might very well need both products to be the same brand. If this is the case, it’s vital to pay attention to this factor, as choosing the wrong product can mean the difference between wasting your money and buying a great product that functions as it should.

Features

The features in any given small fishing rod are important because they can dictate which version of an item you need and how much money you need to spend. Consider all the key features that you want your item to have and don’t settle for anything that doesn’t check at least ¾ of your boxes.

Reviews

Customer reviews about small fishing rod are crucial – especially when you’re buying a product that costs a lot of money or serves a big importance. Luckily, most products can be found online, which means that it’s common for there to be scores of customer reviews from those who have already purchased any given product.

Pay attention to these reviews. Take note of the pros and cons that they mention, and factor these into your big decision. In some cases, you’ll be forced to sacrifice one con in order to gain a particular pro, but being aware of the potential con is going to be beneficial in either case.

Quality

Of course, quality is key. You don’t want to purchase a low-quality product. If you do, you run the risk of your item breaking, not working properly, or otherwise proving to be very disappointing, as well as a waste of money.

You can compare small fishing rod quality by researching what your potential purchases are made from, contrasting the individual items against each other to discern which one is made of the best materials.

Warranty

Warranty isn’t always going to be important, but it definitely can be. This is especially true if the item in question is tech-related or expensive. A good warranty will be valid for an extended time after purchase and cover a variety of problems ranging from item defects to random accidents, water damage, and other miscellaneous events that could ruin your product.

Conclusion

The quest to find the best small fishing rod can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. It can be made much easier by asking yourself a few simple questions and then thinking critically about the items you want to buy. Consider their features, quality, brand, warranty, and customer reviews and you’re more likely to make a great purchase.