The 5 Best Walmart Fishing Poles for Anglers of All Levels
As an avid life-long angler and successful Amazon FBA seller, I‘ve had the chance to fish with all kinds of rods and reels over the years. In this guide, I‘ll share my picks for the top fishing poles available at Walmart. Whether you‘re a beginner looking to get started or a seasoned pro, these rods offer quality and performance at reasonable prices. Let‘s get into the best Walmart has to offer!
Fishing remains one of America‘s favorite outdoor activities. According to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, nearly 50 million Americans fished in 2021. The average angler spends around $1,600 per year on gear, boats, licenses and more. With bait and tackle sales, the fishing industry tops $48 billion annually in the United States.
When it comes to fishing equipment, large retailers like Walmart capture a big chunk of those sales. A 2019 industry report showed 37% of fishing gear being sold through mass merchants like Walmart. For entry-level and mid-range gear, Walmart delivers affordable prices on rods and reels from trusted brands.
Below I‘ve highlighted my top five Walmart fishing rod picks, along with a comparison table of their key specs and features. I‘ll also share my pro tips for choosing the right rod, taking care of your equipment, techniques for getting started, and great starter gear for beginner anglers. Let‘s dive in!
My Picks for the 5 Best Walmart Fishing Rods
Rod | Power | Length | Pieces | Line Strength | Bearings | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ugly Stik GX2 | Medium | 6‘6" | 2 | 6-14lb | 4 | $44 |
Zebco Rhino Tough | Medium | 6‘ | 1 | 4-10lb | N/A | $28 |
Sougayilang Carbon Fiber | Medium | 5‘4" | 2 | 6-12lb | 9 | $50 |
Quantum Throttle | Medium | 6‘6" | 1 | 8-14lb | 11 | $55 |
Lew‘s Mach Smash | Medium | 7‘ | 1 | 10-17lb | 10 | $100 |
Ugly Stik GX2 – Best Overall Rod for Beginners
Ugly Stik has been making affordable and reliable fishing rods for over 40 years. The GX2 spinning combo delivers that classic Ugly Stik durability and strength while adding improved balance and components.
I recommend the GX2 as the best overall fishing rod for beginners at Walmart. Here‘s why:
- Medium power fast action rod – versatile for catching various panfish, trout and bass
- Durable fiberglass and graphite construction – can handle active fish
- Better balance and lightweight feel than older Ugly Stiks
- Pre-spooled reel with smooth multi-disc drag system
- Tough enough for saltwater use if rinsed after use
- Over 600 5-star reviews on Walmart.com
For less than $50, it‘s hard to beat the GX2 as a starter rod. Pair it with 10-15lb monofilament line and you‘ll be set to catch all kinds of fish. I landed dozens of 2-3lb bass on my GX2 just last season!
Zebco Rhino Tough – Best Budget Rod Under $30
Fishing doesn‘t have to be expensive, and the Zebco Rhino Tough rod proves that. At just $28, this rugged rod can handle trout, panfish, walleye and more.
Here are the details on this workhorse budget rod:
- Durable composite blank and stainless steel guides
- Reinforced tip designed for heavy use
- Comfortable non-slip EVA foam handle
- Medium power – great for smaller lakes and rivers
- Zebco‘s amazing 10-year warranty
- Over 300 4+ star reviews on Walmart‘s site
For the price, the Rhino Tough gives you a ton of value. It‘s not the most sensitive, but it can withstand years of fishing trips and excels with live bait rigs. Grab a Rhino Tough combo for the kids too!
Sougayilang Carbon Fiber – Best Ultralight Rod
Serious anglers know the joys of fishing with an ultralight rod. The sensitivity truly connects you to the fish. Sougayilang‘s carbon fiber rod weighs next to nothing yet has the backbone for feisty trout and panfish.
Here are the specs on this impressive lightweight rod:
- Made of premium 24-ton carbon fiber
- Extremely sensitive and durable construction
- Split grip handle is comfortable for all-day fishing
- Fast action and medium power
- Corrosion resistant guides and reel seat fittings
- Silky smooth 9 ball bearing reel with left/right retrieve
Do yourself a favor and pick up this rod for your next trout stream or ultralight pond outing. You‘ll be amazed at the quality for under $50. I landed a 15" rainbow trout on 2lb test – amazing!
Quantum Throttle – Best Versatile Rod for Various Species
The Quantum Throttle rod and reel combo is designed to handle everything from walleye to bass, catfish and more. It‘s a great all-around setup at a reasonable price.
These are the features that make the Throttle shine as a versatile fish catcher:
- Medium power fast action – ideal for casting and trolling
- Composite rod with excellent sensitivity
- Aluminum trimmed reel resists corrosion
- 11 ball bearings provide smooth long distance casts
- Variable braking for adjusting lure types
- Dual-grip handle and reel seat for comfortable fishing
For less than $60, you‘re getting a sensitive rod and high-speed reel perfect for multi-species fishing. I‘ve put some hard miles on my Quantum combos without any issues.
Lew‘s Mach Smash – Best Premium Rod Under $100
Once you‘ve honed your skills and are ready to step up, the Lew‘s Mach Smash is a pro-quality combo for under $100.
Here are some of the advanced features that make it stand out:
- Lightweight sensitive graphite rod
- Fuji skeleton reel seat for reduced weight
- Winn Dri-Tac split grips – best in class comfort
- Precision machined brass gears for smooth retrievals
- Carbon fiber drag washers provide 20lb of drag
- Zirconia line guide inserts for use with braid
Lew‘s is my go-to rod for serious bass fishing. The rod has proven itself to be sensitive yet durable season after season. If you‘re seeking performance at a reasonable cost, the Mach Smash delivers.
Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Fishing Rod
With so many options out there, it can be daunting to select the perfect rod for your needs. Here are some of my tips for choosing a rod based on your fishing goals:
Match the Power – Rod power refers to the strength of the rod for fighting fish. Ultralight and light rods are great for small fish and finesse techniques. Medium power handles most freshwater species. Heavy power is best for larger fish like striper or musky.
Consider the Action – Rod action is how much the rod bends or flexes. Fast action rods only bend at the tip and are very responsive. Moderate action has more flex for beginners. Extra Fast has the least bend.
Pick the Right Length – Shorter rods like 5-6 feet excel for creeks and brush. Longer 7-8 foot rods help with casting distance and fighting bigger fish.
Know Your Fishing Locations – If fishing heavy cover, pick a sturdy rod with strong guides/reel seats. For open water, focus on balance and sensitivity.
No rod is objectively "the best" – it comes down to matching a rod‘s attributes with your fishing goals and skill level. Talk to Walmart‘s fishing experts for personalized recommendations.
Caring for Your Rods – Maintenance Tips
Investing in a quality rod means taking good care of it too. Here are my tips for keeping your rods performing their best season after season:
- Rinse rods in freshwater after saltwater use
- Store rods in a protective hard or soft case
- Check guides for cracks – replace if damaged
- Keep in climate controlled place, avoiding extreme temperatures
- Tighten reel seats if loose
- Replace worn grips for security and comfort
- Check for bent or cracked rods after heavy strain
Take good care of your equipment and your rods will last for many fishing trips to come!
Getting Started with Fishing
If you‘re new to fishing, you‘ll be glad to know it‘s an easy hobby to pick up. Here are some tips to get started:
- Read up on local fishing regulations
- Start with easier fish like bluegill, crappie and perch
- Use live bait like worms or crickets to get bites when learning
- Stick to lakes and ponds before trying moving water
- Watch videos on knot tying and casting techniques
- Be patient – learning to "read the water" takes time
The best way to get better at fishing? Simple – go fishing! Grab your license, gear, snacks and drinks – then enjoy a relaxed day wetting your line.
Great Walmart Fishing Gear for Beginners
To round out your setup, here are some other Walmart fishing items I recommend:
- Hooks – Mustad, Eagle Claw and Gamakatsu all make good starter hooks
- Bobbers – Grab a variety pack like the Bete Fillets float assortment
- Line – Berkley Trilene XL is an affordable go-to monofilament
- Lures – Worden‘s Original Rooster Tail spinners are proven fish catchers
- Pliers – Berkley titanium fishing pliers remove hooks safely
- Tackle Box – Plano and Flambeau make excellent starter tackle boxes
Don‘t hesitate to ask the Walmart fishing department for recommendations if unsure about anything. They can make sure you get outfitted for success on the water!
Get Out There and Start Fishing!
As you can see, Walmart has quality fishing rods for every skill level and budget. For beginners, stick with easy-to-use combos under $50 from trusted brands like Ugly Stik and Zebco. As your experience grows, upgrade to more sensitive graphite rods with higher-end reels.
The most important part of fishing is getting outside and enjoying it. With the right rod and basic gear, you‘ll be reeling in fish and making memories in no time. Here‘s to tight lines and full creels this fishing season!