Choosing a fishing rod that will satisfy all your needs for fishing can be a challenge. As enjoyable and relaxing as fishing is, if you lack the right gear, it can be a frustrating activity. You need a rod that can stand the pressure, and that will not disappoint you by letting your Instagram-worthy catch get away. Fishing rods come in a wide range of prices. They can run into thousands of dollars or cost less than 100 bucks. In this post, we will consider the best cheap fishing rods under $50 / $100. If you want to enjoy your fishing without breaking the bank, this article is for you.
We will also consider the crucial factors that determine a good fishing rod. Read on to find out more!
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Features to Consider in Good Fishing Rods
In the hands of a good fisherman, a fishing rod that is cheap and meets the basic requirements is as good as a thousand dollar fishing rod. Therefore, do not think that buying a cheap fishing rod will reduce your performance. All you need are the essential functions, and you can catch even more fish than someone with a thousand-dollar fishing rod.
Before choosing a fishing rod, one vital factor to consider is the various types of fishing rods on the market.
Types of Fishing Rods
Fly Rods
Fly rods are designed for fly fishing. They are flexible rods that are differentiated from other rods by the lack of a butt piece after the reel.
Casting Rods
Casting rods are fishing rods made for accuracy. The rods allow you to cast your bait wherever you want. This makes it easier to lure fish. The reel is situated on the rod top.
Spinning Rods
Spinning rods are lighter and shorter versions of casting rods. Furthermore, unlike casting rods, spinning rods have their reel underneath the rod. They are easy to use.
Telescopic Rods
These rods are like telescopes in that they are extendable and retractable. When closed they can be as small as two feet in length, but when extended, they can reach distances of up to 20 feet. They are portable and are suitable substitutes for casting or spinning rods.
Ice Fishing Rods
As the name implies, these rods are designed for fishing in the ice. They are short in length, which is ideal for fishing in the ice, and they have no reels. Instead, two opposing hooks are wound by hand.
Best Cheap Fishing Rods 2024 (Under $50)
1. Ugly Stik Elite Fishing Rod
The Ugly Stik Elite rod is one of the most popular fishing rods on the market. And for a good reason! This rod is not only cheap, but it is durable, delivers a sensitive experience, and it flexible. We like the strength and durability this fishing rod displays.
Our rating:
Design
Ugly Stik is known for the quality of its products, and this fishing rod is one of the best products the company has made. This elite spinning rod comes with 35% more graphite than its counterparts. This increase means the rod retains its sensitivity, lightweight nature while gaining more strength and reliability.
The core of the rod is made of graphite and fiberglass. This lightweight fishing rod can be used for a variety of purposes and can snag even heavy fish.
Performance and Use
The material the rod is made of ensures it is lightweight and comfortable to use. As a result, you can spend hours fishing without getting fatigued. The handle is very comfortable, and the reel seat is sturdy. The cork rod handle offers an impressive grip that ensures handling is super-easy and comfortable. You can catch medium-heavy fish without any problems.
To prevent pop-outs, the rod uses one-piece stainless steel guides. We thoroughly enjoyed using this fishing rod. It is simply better than all the other fishing rods at this price.
Nevertheless, in spite of all the positives, it comes with its flaws. For example, we observed the rod to feel a bit unbalanced due to the slightly heavy handle. We were also not impressed with the stainless steel guides because they easily spoiled our braided lines.
- The graphite body is durable and highly sensitive
- The handle is quite comfortable
- The clear tip design improves the fishing experience
- It comes with a 7-year warranty
- The steel guides damage braided lines
- The handle makes it feel a tad unbalanced
2. UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod
If you are invested in fishing and fishing rods, you will know that Ugly Stik is the top manufacturer of budget fishing rods. The GX2 comes with the trademark high-quality build from Ugly Stik products. We like the foam handle that reduces discomfort even after fishing for long hours.
Our rating:
Design
At some point or the other, almost every experienced fisher has used the Ugly Stick. The GX2 is a new model of the trusted Ugly Stick. It comes in a simple yet elegant design. With a lighter and stronger rod, it delivers excellent performance for anglers everywhere.
The new design fuses graphite into the fiberglass. This combination makes it look better than previous iterations. The matte black color adds a level of sophistication and makes the fishing rod quite attractive. The handle on the fishing rod is made of EVA foam.
Another design modification is the addition of a single-piece design on the guides. Furthermore, these guides are now made of stainless steel.
Performance and Use
With the modifications in design comes improved performance. Since the balance point of the rod has been moved to the rear, it feels very balanced and easier to use. During our test, we could easily feel the difference between it and other fishing rods. As a result of the change, you can fish for hours on end without feeling fatigued.
Despite the lightweight nature, the fishing rod is capable of catching heavy fish.
This rod has been designed with your convenience in mind. It is an attractive option for all looking for a fishing rod that delivers excellent performance and comes below $50.
- It features a graphite and fiberglass combination that makes it very durable
- It has a lightweight handle
- It can catch medium-heavy fish
- It is quite comfortable to use
- The stainless steel guides damage braided lines
- It isn’t ideal for aggressive waters
3. Shimano FXS 2 Piece Spinning Rod
Shimano is known for its high-quality, high-end rods, but they also make impressive budget fishing rods. We like the Shimano FXS because of its versatility. It might primarily be for spinning, but it can also be used for casting. Coupled with its durability and overall performance, this rod is a great catch.
Our rating:
Design
Despite being a budget choice, the Shimano FX features a splendid design. It features Shimano’s trademark aero glass construction which not only provides impressive durability but also makes the rod look really nice. The handle is made of EVA foam, which is light and easy to handle.
Unlike the Ugly Stik fishing rods above, the guides are made of aluminum oxide. It also features a graphite reel seat. The graphite offers two advantages; it’s lightweight and super-durable.
Performance
Since we had tested more expensive fishing rods from Shimano, we were not expecting much from a budget line. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the performance. Even at a low price, it is better than most competitors. We found the rod strong and sensitive.
If you are a beginner, this rod is an ideal option for you. It has a total length of 8″, a foregrip of 5″ and a rear grip of 13″. All of these come together to make up an impressive fishing rod. The EVA foam handles on the rod are easy to use, and you can use the rod for hours without being uncomfortable.
- Aero glass construction makes the rod strong and durable
- It is very comfortable to use
- It has a two-piece construction that aids portability
- It isn’t as flexible as the Ugly Stik rods above
- Hooks are not attachable
4. Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rods
Fenwicks have once again come up with an impressive fishing rod that stands the test of time and gives a great fishing experience. We like this line of fishing rods because of the lightweight, sturdy, and rust-resistant abilities. All of these benefits also come at a low price.
Our rating:
Design
This fishing rod is made of graphite, which is not only lightweight but also near-unbreakable. However, since it is made of just graphite, it doesn’t have the durability of the Shimano or the Ugly Stik. Those are made of stronger materials like fiberglass/graphite and aero glass. Nevertheless, the design is nice, and the rod is strong enough to meet your basic needs.
The B2 Burled Cork design on the handle is better than the foam handles on other fishing rods. The design gives the feel of traditional cork, and the company claims that B2 burled cork is more chip resistant and long-lasting than conventional cork.
The fishing rod is quite lightweight, and the graphite body is resistant to rust.
Performance
This rod is not made for aggressive waters or for catching heavy fish. It doesn’t have the required strength. Nevertheless, when used correctly, it is a strong, sturdy rod that will serve you well. The cork handle feels great. The fishing rod features stainless steel guides like the Ugly Stiks earlier reviewed.
Overall, the Fenwick Eagle is well-balanced, sensitive, and lightweight. Just don’t use it in aggressive waters or for catching heavy fish.
- The B2 burled cork design is comfortable
- It is lightweight and resistant to rust
- It has relatively high sensitivity
- It is too flexible
- It feels really cheap
5. St Croix Triumph Spinning Rods
This fishing rod is one of the most comfortable rods at this price. We especially like the lightweight nature of the rod. The design makes it very sensitive, as well. Overall, it is an excellent choice for beginners and old hands alike.
Our rating:
Design
St. Croix rods are known for their lightweight, durable and strong nature. The Triumph rods come with an excellent design that continues this tradition. It has a graphite core that makes it lightweight and durable. With a two-layer flex-coat, the rod looks premium.
The guides are made of hard aluminum-oxide, and this makes the spinning rods quite great for your task. The main draw of this fishing rod is the weight. Folks have all positively commented on how great it feels. You will spend hours fishing without feeling tired due to holding the fishing rod. It is a four-piece fishing rod. As a result, it can be pulled apart and carried around quite easily.
In spite of the lightweight nature and the four-piece design, the rod is durable and will serve your needs for a long time.
Performance
Despite the slim appearance, we found this spinning rod capable of catching even 25-pound fishes. It offers power, even in tough situations. For example, it hooks the fish and doesn’t let go. We tried pike fishing using this rod, and we were pleasantly surprised by the power. The hook power makes it suitable in many fishing situations.
It is flexible as well, capable of bending up to half of the rod’s length without breaking. The fishing rod action belongs to the medium action category. You can rest assured that it will hold its own in a fight.
The cork handle is comfortable to use and coupled with the lightweight nature of the rod; you are guaranteed a pleasant experience for however long you use the rod.
This rod is quite sensitive as well, and it offers excellent accuracy.
The aluminum-oxide guides are durable and deliver efficient performance.
- It is a four-piece rod which makes it easy to carry it about
- It comes at a low price
- The tip action is impressive
- It is lightweight
- It is not very durable
6. OKUMA Celilo Graphite Lightweight
The Okuma Celilo rod is one of the best rods that have been produced by Okuma. The rod is very light and has excellent sensitivity. We like how far the lines can be cast. This rod is ideal for experienced anglers.
Our rating:
Design
The Okuma Celilo comes with a core made up entirely of graphite. This design feature makes it very light and sensitive. It is a durable fishing rod that gives excellent performance and will meet your needs for a long time.
The aluminum-oxide guides on this fishing rod are perfectly lined. The reel seat is made of stainless steel. As a result, the rod is durable and efficient.
Performance
This is one of the most sensitive rods we have used. This is largely because the entire core of the rod is made of graphite. You can easily tell when a fish, even a tiny one, has been hooked. This feature makes it great for experienced anglers but might be a bummer for beginners. Beginners might get too excited and pull in too quickly, which will likely cause the fish to escape.
The handle of the rod isn’t made from foam but from cork. This makes it easy to handle and makes the rod lighter.
The rod is meant for non-aggressive waters. Hence, to get the best fishing results, it is better to use it in lakes that have small fish and no currents — using it in aggressive waters where there are bigger species of fish will lead to damage. It is not meant to catch heavy or medium-sized fish.
- It is a very sensitive fishing rod
- It is designed for trout fishing
- It has a durable reel seat
- The cork handles are very comfortable
- It comes at a low price
- It cannot handle medium-sized or heavy species
Best Cheap Fishing Rods 2024 (Under $100)
1. Tailwater outfitters Toccoa fly rod
This fishing rod is a highly rated rod that has received hundreds of positive reviews. We like it because it is a versatile rod that can be used in different waters. We also like the impressive construction and ease of use.
Our rating:
Design
This is one of the best-looking rods on this list. The rod comes with a durable design, and it is built to last. It is made of IM8 graphite that makes it durable and sensitive. The dark-grey color is classy enough without being distracting to fish.
The seat of the rod is made of aluminum and has twin lock ricks that ensure reel attachment is easy and secure. It is a four-piece rod and can be easily stored and transported.
Performance
Whether a newbie or an old hand, everyone can use this fishing rod. The Ceramic stripping guides on it provide smooth gliding fly lines. It has fast action and will hold its own admirably against the toughest fish.
The handle is made of cork and helps in two ways. Firstly, it helps you to make an accurate cast with the rod, and secondly, the lightweight nature ensures that you can use the rod for a long time without hand fatigue.
This multi-purpose fishing rod handles anything thrown it’s way, including heavy fish.
- It is very durable and sturdy
- It has high sensitivity
- It is a four-piece rod that offers portability
- It can be used to catch heavy fish
- It is heavy
2. Eagle Claw Featherlight 3/4 Line Weight Fly Rod
The Eagle Claw Featherlight ¾ Line Weight Fly Rod is a fishing rod that provides superior durability, and feel that we like. It has less weight than previous iterations, and it is one of the best fishing rods you can purchase right now.
Our rating:
Design
To kick off this aspect, the Eagle Claw Featherlight 3/4 Line Weight Fly Rod is a 2-piece rod. This offers portability and makes the rod very easy to set up. AAs for the body, it is made of fiberglass material which is both lightweight and durable. The material ensures quick action while using the rod. The action makes it ideal for beginners because it prevents them from jerking the bait out of the mouth of the fish.
The rod is reliable and allows you to cast your bait in long distances without any hiccups. The rod blank is made of fiberglass as well. The reel seat is made of aluminum, and as for the guides, they are of ceramic.
Performance
As earlier stated, the action on this rod is exceptional. Beginners and experienced anglers will find it great to use. It is very easy to use, and you will find yourself using it for extended periods without fatigue. You can cast out to up to 50 feet.
The rod has superb sensitivity. As the rod is made of fiberglass, every jerk of the trapped fish is felt in your hands. You feel a shiver of excitement as the fish struggles to get away. Do not fret, though, the rod is sturdy yet flexible to hold its own in a fight.
During testing, we loved the cork handle. It is light and even retains heat. Therefore, you can fish comfortably in the cold or rain.
Overall, there is no beating the excellent construction and features of the Eagle Claw Featherlight 3/4 Line Weight Fly Rod.
- It is easy to set up
- It has a durable construction
- It is easy to use
- The rod is relatively heavy
3. Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod
We like the Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod for a couple of reasons. First, the overall durability of the rod makes it useful in different conditions. We like the chrome guides that provide smooth gliding. We also appreciate the AAA rating of the cork handle, which indicates how responsive they are.
Our rating:
Design
The rod itself is made of IM7 graphite. Thus, it is both light in weight and durable. The reel seat of the rod is made of aluminum. It is a great rod for all users but especially for beginners. It has a grip that we like because it can handle heavy weights rather easily.
It has a four-piece design. Hence it can be taken apart when you need to move around and assembled when you get to your destination. The tube of the rod is made of PVC, which is durable and light.
Performance
The rod is available in several weights. Therefore, you can choose the weight that will work best in the waters you will be fishing in. The sizes include the 9wt-9″ fast action great for saltwater, 4wt-8’6″ slow action for small streams, 7wt-9″ for saltwater, 6wt-9′ medium action for large rivers, and 7wt-9′ medium action for saltwater. Therefore, there is something for every type of water.
The rod is easy to use. The ceramic stripping guide inserts ensure that fly lines are even and very smooth.
- The cork handle is easy to use
- It is an ideal rod for newbies
- It comes at a low price
- The tip is susceptible to breakage
- It is a tad heavy for some users
4. Cadence Spinning Rod
The main draw of the Cadence CR5-30 Ton Carbon Casting and Ultralight Fishing Rod is the level of versatility it offers. It can be used in different waters to catch varying species of fish. The line of products gives you up to 16 different lengths and action combinations to choose from.
Our rating:
Design
The lightweight Cadence CR5-30 Ton Carbon Casting and Ultralight Fishing Rod come with a 30-ton carbon core. This core makes the rod lightweight and strong. The line of products comes in a variety of lengths and actions you can choose from.
The steel guides are of stainless steel and are built to withstand stress.
Performance
The Cadence CR5-30 Ton Carbon Casting and Ultralight Fishing Rod deliver admirable performance during operation. As long as you choose the right length and action combinations, you can be sure of great fishing experience.
During testing, we observed how well-balanced the rod is. It will withstand a barrage of assault from the most stubborn fish. You do not have to be bothered about the rod breaking in half during your fishing. The handles are a mix of cork and EVA foam; hence, they are comfortable to handle for extended periods.
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Incredible action
- It is available in up to 16 different lengths and actions