The best fishing starter kits (2024)

Deciding what venue and what fish you want to target are always the best questions to ask first. If you just want to go and catch anything that swims at a mixed fishery then a simple float fishing setup would be ideal. If, however, you want to go straight into the world of big carp fishing, you will need more powerful rods and reels, due to the nature of angling for these big fish.

The best fishing starter kits shortlist

• Best Starter Fishing Pole - Maver Reality 6m Pole Fishing Kit - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle

• Best Starter Kit For Carp Fishing - Sonik Xtractor two-rod carp kit - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle

• Best Value Feeder Fishing Starter Kit - Matt Hayes Adventure Complete Leger Set - View offer on Amazon

• Best Starter Fishing Whips - Guru A-Class whips 3m & 4m - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle

Below, we take a look at some of the best starter kits on the market, including some real bargains. With some you won't need to buy anything else as everything you need is included, whilst others may require you to buy a few extra items like a landing net, unhooking mat and chair to sit on.

When it comes to starter kits they are generally tailored towards fishing a certain style, whether that be float fishing or carp fishing. It is important to buy the kit that is suited towards the type of angling you want to do, there is no point turning up at a big carp lake with a float rod as it will be completely underpowered, conversely if you take a carp rod to fish for small fish it will be too powerful and will eliminate all the fun of catching them. Fishing gear can always be added to and you'll find a lot of anglers get enjoyment from fishing for all species, so don't dwell on the decision too much, as catching any fish is enjoyable if you love the sport.

Glossary

Whip:A telescopic fishing rod that doesn’t require a reel to use.

Reel: A fishing reel isa hand-cranked object used in angling to wind and store fishing line, typically mounted onto a fishing rod.

Feeder rod: A rod with a sensitive tip section (quiver tip), which allows you to see bites when using a leger rig. These rods tend to be a bit more powerful to help cast heavier end tackle.

Float rod: A rod that is used for float fishing, it is generally light and well balanced with a fast line pick up so you can strike into bites.

Legering: The use of a weight/bomb/lead to get the bait to the bottom but no float is used on the rig.

Hooklength:A piece of line, generally around 15cm in length that has a hook tied onto it. It is recommended to have the breaking strain less than the mainline so this breaks first.

Feeder:A plastic or metal item that can have groundbait moulded into or onto it. It is used to get bait down to the bottom and attract fish to the area.

Test curve:Usually measured in pounds, it's the weight that needs to be applied to the end of the rod to make it bend over 90 degrees. The greater the test curve, the more powerful the rod.

Landing net:A net used to safely net and lift large fish from the water, they come in various shapes and sizes depending on the size of fish you’re targeting.

Frequently asked questions on fishing starter kits

What set is best to get for a complete beginner?

If its your first time on the bank, we recommend getting a kit that contains all the necessary items to start fishing. This will mean you have everything you need and generally they come with instructions on how to use your new equipment. If you buy just a rod and reel set, buying all the rest of the items, such as floats and hooks, can be a bit of a minefield.

Should I buy a whip fishing set or a rod?

Both items of tackle will catch fish in the majority of lakes around the UK. Basic fishing whips are generally regarded as the easiest to use as they have no reel and don't require any casting, the line is simply attached to the end and you swing it into the lake. If you want a bit more versatility, it is much better to buy a rod and reel, as you can cast much further, land larger fish and use a variety of different methods, something a whip doesn't offer.

What is the difference between a float rod and a feeder rod?

Whilst the rods look very similar to one another, they do vary slightly towards the tip section. You will notice on a feeder rod the end is brightly coloured, usually orange, yellow or green and this is very sensitive. As there is no float when feeder fishing, you rely on that section to show you any indications or bites you are getting, this is noticeable on the tip as little movements or violent pulls. A float rod doesn't need this section of sensitive carbon, however, as the float is your indicator. Float rods tend to be much lighter as you are holding the rod and need to strike, whereas a feeder rod sits on the rest.

What length rod do I need?

Rod length will dictate how far you can cast and how easily you can control your end tackle. A good rod to start float fishing with is one around 12ft in length, this will give you the ability to cast and control the float without being too long to use easily. Similarly, if you are using a feeder rod on a commercial, a rod of around 10-11ft in length would be perfect to use, easily allowing you to cast to any islands or margins up to 30m away.

AuthorDan Webbfirst became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.