Starting out as a new angler can be very daunting and confusing. It can be hard to know where to start.
Here at Rod and Float we are passionate about helping new anglers get into fishing. Yes it can be very expensive buying all the best gear, but you really do not need to spend thousands on the latest gear.
We have reviewed and tested entry level tackle to ensure our recommendations are suitable for new anglers. We have made sure each item of tackle is good quality and made to last you a long time.
You may have seen online some all-in-one starter kits. We are not a fan of them, as a lot of the tackle is not very good and will not last. With your new tackle, you want strong and sturdy gear that will last you until you get your bearings and then you can branch off into different areas of angling.
Fishing tackle such as hooks, floats and line can be very confusing as a new angler, with different options for different weights and strengths. We have therefore made relevant and balanced selections to help you with your first purchase.
Hook, line and float selection arguably play the most important role in catching fish. Our recommendations are not necessarily budget options (although they are relatively cheap) they are just the best option for a new angler.
First off, before you start fishing you must ensure that you have a valid rod fishing licence. Without a licence, you will be breaking the law and could be fined up to £2500.
Contents
In a hurry?
Here is a list of all the recommended products which will enable you to get started on your fishing journey. Continue scrolling for an overview of each item.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Budget Rod For New Anglers
Hunter Pro 10′ Carbon-X Match & Float Rod
The Hunter Pro 10’ Carbon-X Match and Float Rod is perfect for beginners and comes at a budget friendly price too.
- Length: 10 Foot
- Weight: 220g
- Anti-reflective matt black finish
- Neoprene handle
- Ceramic line guides
- Brushed aluminium adjustable screw reel seats
- Medium Fine rod action
The Hunter Pro 10’ is a well balanced rod with good rod action.
The Hunter Pro 10’ Match and Float rod is suitable for all types of coarse fishing whilst also capable of handling big carp. What makes this rod impressive is it’s rod action. It’s soft and sensitive for smaller fish, but strong enough for larger fish.
At it’s entry level price point it’s hard to find anything we do not like about the rod. Being super critical, the synthetic rubber handle does feel a little cheap but that is to be expected from a budget rod.
The rod butt is well balanced with the rest of the rod giving a smooth and accurate cast. This is a rod that is easy to get to grips with and is predictable both when casting and when playing fish.
At 220g the rod is light, and as it comes in 3 pieces it is easy to transport. As a new angler you may not yet have the necessary rod holdall to carry your rod, so being easy to transport is an important consideration. The rod comes with a rod bag for when you are storing and transporting your rod.
- 10' Carbon-X Match & Float Rod
- High quality fishing rod supplied in cloth bag • Medium Fine action
- Brushed aluminium adjustable screw reel seats • Neoprene handle
- Ceramic line guides • Anti-reflective matt black finish • Weight: 220g
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Budget Reel For New Anglers
Daiwa Ninja 3012A – The best budget reel for beginners
The Daiwa Ninja 3012A offers everything a new angler would want and need from a budget reel. Not only is it reasonably priced, it’s a fantastic reel that offers lots of premium features usually found in more expensive models.
Daiwa make top quality products and the Ninja 3012A is no exception to this. This is a string and durable reel that will keep going for a very long time.
The Daiwa Ninja 3012A is the best reel for beginners because it is suitable for just about all types of coarse fishing and it will last you a very long time. Once your angling skills have advanced, you will still not need to buy another reel as this is a very capable reel.
Whether you are trotting for minnows in a small stream or fishing the method for carp on a commercial, this reel will be more than capable for you.
The lightweight aspect means it’s easy to transport, cast, and allows you to hold your rod for a long time without needing to put it on a rod rest – meaning you will always be ready for that bite. As it’s small and compact, it’s great for children too.
As it is a relatively lightweight reel, it has a fairly small line spool. This means that you will not be able to fish at really long distances. Realistcally however, if you were planning on doing that then you would probably not be looking at a budget starter kit.
This is super-smooth reel that offers great control in almost all scenarios and you will not find a better reel for beginners at this price point. It’s also a fantasic investment too as you will continue to use the reel as you improve you skills.
A fantasic first reel for beginners, but crucially a fantastic reel overall for anyone needing a superb small and compact reel.
- Roller brake: front brake.
- Manufacturer: Daiwa.
- Ball bearings: 4.
- Product: Ninja A.
- Colour: black/red.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Fishing Line For New Anglers
Maxima Chameleon Fishing Line
When deciding what fishing line to buy as a new angler it can be difficult to decide what strength line to choose. Assuming you are not fishing for specimen carp or barbel, keep things simple with a 6lb or 8lb mainline.
Don’t go overboard on buying lots of different strength line. You can always mix things up with different strength hook lengths (see below).
Fishing line is cheap compared to most fishing tackle, but it’s also the main connection between you and the fish, so you want to make sure you always use good quality line.
Maxima have been making fishing line for many years and are very popular fishing line manufacturers
Maxima sell line from 2lb upwards. Start at 6lb or 8lb If you are fishing for roach and perch down the local canal, then a hook length of 2.6lb will be more than suitable.
Ideally over time, you will adjust your tackle to suit your style and the fish you are targeting, but you can’t really go wrong with 6lb mainline with a hook length and a very good budget friendly starting point.
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The Best Fishing Hooks For New Anglers
When buying hooks you really have two choices, either buy the hooks on their own – or with a hook length already attached.
Buying hooks on their own is the cheapest way to buy hooks, however this means that you will need to buy separate line for your hook length.
When considering what hook size to buy, first you need to work out what fish you will be targeting and what bait you will be using. You should match your hook size to the bait that you are using.
Most new anglers will target smaller fish, using baits such as maggots and casters. Size 20-18 hooks will be fine for this.
If you are targeting larger fish such as carp, and using bait such as sweetcorn and luncheon meat then size 16-14 hooks will be more suitable.
Make sure the hooks you buy are barbless. Most fisheries ban the use of barbed hooks as they cause damage to the fish’s mouth.
Here we have a selection of a few options which are all very good hook options depending on your chosen method. If you are unsure, please GET IN TOUCH and we will help you.
Drennan Barbless Carp Maggot Hooks To Nylon – Sizes 14 to 20
Drennan Barbless Silver Fish Maggot Hooks To Nylon – Size 18 hooks, 2lb line
Drennan Barbless Silver Fish Maggot Hooks to Nylon – size 16 hooks, 2lb 8oz line
Drennan Barbless Silverfish Match Hooks (hooks only)- Sizes 14-22
The Best Floats For New Anglers
NGT Loaded Wagglers
A good selection of loaded wagglers are the best way to get started. It is important to have a good selection of floats to ensure that you can balance your tackle to the conditions and the fish you are targeting.
These 10 loaded wagglers are cheap and offer a great selection of sizes and weights to choose from.
There isn’t really much more we can say about these, other than they do the job perfectly and are a great budget option to build your float selection.
As you use the floats you will work out which suit you best, allowing you to build up your float selection to suit your needs.
- 10 X Loaded Floats
- Coarse Fishing Tackle
- Outstanding value for money
- They look good for up in the water fishing for carp, chub as well detecting shy bites etc
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Shot For New Anglers
NGT Non Toxic Shot
Whether you’re a new angler or an experienced match angler, it is always wise to have a good selection of shot to perfectly balance your tackle.
This selection from NGT offers the perfect set, seven different sizes all the way from the small number 8 shot, all the way up to SSG.
Most shot these days is non-toxic, but it’s always worth making sure as lead shot is banned as it can be harmful to fish and the environment.
- includes No 1, No 4, No 6, No 8, BB, AAA and SSG sizes
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Landing Net For New Anglers
Guru Commercial Carp and Coarse Landing Net
Landing nets often get overlooked by new anglers. A landing net is a very important piece of fishing tackle.
A decent lightweight landing net and handle are vital to making sure you can comfortably and safely land you fish.
With that being said, you do not need to break the bank to find a decent landing net.
We love the New Guru Commercial landing net which offers adequate size, strength and is lightweight.
Guru offer a choice of nets to suit your needs. Each of them are suitable for smaller silverfish and larger carp. We recommend the Dual 550 which is the best all arounder and offers a good balance of practicality, speed and weight.
The Guru Dual 550 has a 6mm mesh for ease of netting, but a smaller 2mm mesh base for fish comfort and practicality of the angler. Practical netting with a solid rim makes this landing net ideal for all anglers, beginner or not.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Budget Landing Net Handle For New Anglers
NGT 3 Metre (10ft) Telescopic Landing Net Handle
This telescopic landing net holder is a fantastic addition for anglers. At 800 grams it is lightweight and offers great control, allowing you to focus on playing your fish.
This is a very flexible landing net handle in terms of its use. It can be used at 1m, 2m or at it’s maximum 3m. 2m is usually long enough, but having that extra metre is a great help, especially when getting to grips with playing and landing fish.
Being super critical it is a little on the bulky side, however this is an easy compromise when taking into consideration the length and in particular the price.
This robust, compact and lightweight landing net handle from NGT is a very good addition for any angler.
- NEW NGT 3M 10FT LANDING NET HANDLE
- HANDLE CAN BE USED AT 3 DIFFERENT LENGTHS 1M 2M AND 3M
- SOLID HANDLE IDEAL FOR CARP COARSE FISHING
- Brand NGT
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Fishing Chair For New Anglers
Seats and chairs are objective and it really depends on the user in terms of comfort, and whether or not you actually need a chair – especially if you have a seat box.
When fishing for long periods of time you need to concentrate on what you are doing. Being comfortable plays a big part in your concentration and allows you to focus purely on your fishing.
It has to be said that you are on a budget then you do not need to have a big fancy fishing chair. Any chair will do as long as you can easily transport it and it’s comfortable.
There are however a few different types of chairs that are worth considering depending on your needs.
Geertop Folding Chair
This chair is surprisingly comfortable and is very easy to carry on your back, whilst also being able to carry your tackle. It’s waterproof too.
All of your tackle on your back, as well as your chair means you have your arms free to carry your rods.
This seat and bag is ideal if you plan on travelling light and moving from swim to swim.
Of course this is not luxurious or flashy, but it does the job perfectly and it’s a cheap and practical option.
- 【Stability & Comfortable Camping Chair】Steel frame construction attached with extremely durable and high quality waterproof powder coating, provide great support for your back. Anti-slip padded feet make sure your sitting more secure and stable.
- 【Insulated Backpack】Made of environmental friendly and non-poisonous insulated fabric,the bag can keep your drinks cool or food warm for long time. Wherever you go, you'll always have a seat for rest and cool drinks or warm food available.
- 【Lightweight and Foldable】Weight only 1.33kg, but it is strong enough to hold 100kg. Fold up with small size, easy to carry and storage, convenient for outdoor camping, fishing, hiking, rafting,shooting.
- 【Multi-Functional Pocket on Cooler Bag】The storage cooler which designed with zipper pocket is great for collecting your little stuffs. Ideal for holding bottle, umbrella, key, wallet, watch, power bank, MP3, books and any other.
- 【Note 】 Size of seat height is 14,1 inches, open size is 23.6 x 11.41 x 12.4 inches. Heavy people maybe not feel well when sitting on this chair as it is with small size. Kindly read our size information before purchasing.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
NGT Camo Coarse and Carp Adjustable Fishing Chair
This fishing chair from NGT is extremely comfortable and lightweight to carry. It is a step up from your standard chair as it has adjustable legs allowing you to find the most comfortable fishing position when on uneven ground.
Large mud feet on each of the legs stop you from sinking into mid and soft ground.
This chair does not come with attachments, but you can buy additional attachments for rod rests, bait tables and pole stands.
Heavy duty and strong while being lightweight and easy to carry and extremely comfortable to sit on for a long period of time.
- Bigger mud feet, better adjustment mechanism, better material
- The NGT 'Nomadic' chair is a medium sized chair, ideal for the angler on the roam, stalking or just out for a quick session.
- It features 4 fully adjustable legs with large mud feet on each. It is lightweight and well padded for comfort!
- Weight: 3.95kg, Size: 50 x 65 x 75cm (w x d x h), Brand: NGT, Colour: NGT CAMO, Item brand: Nomadic
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Seat Box For New Anglers
A seat box is a very useful tool for anglers. A comfortable seat and somewhere to keep and transport all of your tackle.
If you already have a chair and a big enough bag for your tackle then you do not need a seat box.
When choosing a seat box there is usually a compromise between size, weight, comfort and of course price.
Of the seat boxes that we have tested, the Roddarch Seat Box and Rucksack combo scored well in all categories making this hands down the best seat box for new anglers.
Roddarch Seat Box
The Roddarch Seat Box is not your traditional seat box, it’s actually smaller. Though what it lacks in size, it makes up for in practicality.
The 18 litre seat box while small, makes very clever use of its space. There are four tackle boxes in the lid and movable dividers in the centre section, leaving ample space in the bottom of the seat box for lots of other tackle.
The box itself is very light, however the overall weight of the box depends on how much tackle you put in it.
Even though it is light, it is very strong and durable. It can take upto 20 stone in weight.
We are very impressed by the seat box from Roddarch and it provides everything you need from a seat box, at a much lower price than mainstream manufacturers.
- Genuine Roddarch© "Tough Box" seat box • Ideal for coarse, sea & boat fishing.
- Strong, robust construction • Can take up to 20st in weight. • 4 tackle boxes in the top section • Adjustable centre section using dividers.
- Dimensions: 38cm x 38cm x 23cm • 18 litre main section • 3 litre centre section for tackle etc.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Budget Tackle Box For New Anglers
Lunar Tackle Box
When it comes to tackle boxes, you need something practical with plenty of storage for your tackle. The Lunar tackle box is just that.
This tackle box comes with two trays, each with removable dividers allowing you to set the box up exactly as you need it.
The Lunar tackle box is tough, sturdy and secure providing protection for your tackle. Great for beginners or seasoned anglers.
- Features Lunar Box DURAFLEX Technology, specialy formualted Injection Moulded Design for added Durability with Strong Secure Latch
- 2 Trays with Lots Of Room For All Types Of Fishing Tackle Storage
- The Boxes Include 3 Removable Dividers On Each Tray To adjust the Compartments as needed
- Bottom Section Convenient For Storing Larger Fishing Tackle and Smaller Reels
- External Dimensions - 300mm x 180mm x 145mm (11 3/4 x 7 x 5 3/4" Approx).
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Disgorger For New Anglers
Preston Innovations Disgorger and Knot Picker
A disgorger is a vital piece of tackle. If you were not sure, a disgorger helps you unhook the fish. This is especially important when hooking small fish where you are unable to reach into the fish’s mouth to remove the hook.
This disgorger from Preston Innovations is very useful. Firstly, it’s a disgorger but it also has a clever attachment that helps you unpick knots. As a new angler you will probably get lots and lots of tangles, resulting in knots. Having a knot picker will save you time and a lot of frustration.
It also floats so if you drop it in the lake, it will float allowing you to easily net it to recover it.
- 2 sizes
- Hook
- Knotenl ser
- Floating
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Other Tackle to Consider
Above we have provided our recommendations on essential fishing tackle. It’s important know that the following tackle is not essential, but it is useful to have. Again these recommendations are all budget recommendations for beginners to coarse fishing.
The Best Fishing Bank Stick
Dinsmores Power Drive Bank Stick
In truth, this is not really the best budget bank stick for the beginners, it’s the best bank stick full stop. It just so happens to be a good price.
The Dinsmores Power Drive allows you to drill into hard ground to ensure you have a strong and sturdy stand for your rod rest.
You will not be disappointed and it will make your fishing so much easier.
They come in different lengths. The 24” or 30” will be suitable.
- Durable material
- Robust tip
- Non-corrosive coating
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Rod Rest Heads
Dinsmores Brass Thread Rod Rest Head
Rod rests heads sit on top of your bank stick. There are lots of different colours and designs.
Keep it simple and buy the cheapest one. This one from Dinsmores is pretty much the cheapest rod rest head you can buy, and it’s actually good quality.
- Durable material
- Lightweight
- Universal screw
- Color: Black
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Budget Catapult For New Anglers
Hunter Pro Catapult Duel Set
When buying a catapult to fire out your bait, there are lots of options with different elastic and pouches.
This Hunter Pro mid – Long range catapult set delivers closely grouped particle, pellets, maggots or ground baits accurately and consistently. The non twist design and reinforced fabric / net pouches offer good performance for loose & particle baits and is especially good for ground baits.
These two catapults from Hunter Pro offer you the best of both words. A catapult for firing our small baits such as maggots and pellets, and also a catapult for larger baits such as boilies and ground bait.
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The Best Budget Fishing Umbrella For New Anglers
Michigan Fishing Umbrella
The Michigan Fishing umbrella is a great way of keeping your warm, dry and out of the wind.
It offers a top tilt, allowing you to tilt the umbrella in different directions depending on the rain direction. It also features a side shelter to further keep you and your tackle dry.
This umbrella comes in four different sizes ranging from 50 inch to 86 inch. Either of the two middle sizes, 60 and 75 inch should be more than sufficient. However if you plan on taking two people to be under the umbrella, then you should consider the larger 86 inch.
Whichever size you choose, the Michigan Fishing Umbrella is a great budget option.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Thoughts
It can be really difficult as a new angler knowing what tackle to buy, especially when you are on a budget. This guide has proved that you can buy good fishing tackle on a budget and it does not need to break the bank.
Don’t forget to check out more tackle advice and beginner coarse fishing tips.
