Fishing does not have to be an expensive hobby, especially when you choose your first rod carefully. For 2026 we have picked out some of the cheapest fishing rods available from Go Outdoors that still feel like sensible buys rather than throwaway bargains.
The focus here is on rods that keep costs right down while remaining practical on the bank, whether you are travelling light, trying fishing for the first time or kitting out the kids. You will not find every possible style covered, but each option earns its place by being usable, compact and strong enough for relaxed sessions.
Price does come with compromises, so you should not expect the finesse or durability of premium kit. However, these budget-friendly rods give you a low-risk way to get out on the water and see what style of fishing you actually enjoy before spending more.
These recommendations are chosen by looking closely at real product details, current prices and owner feedback from trusted retailers, not just the lowest number on a price tag. We focus on rods that are cheap but still offer a decent experience on the bank, whether that is a reliable strike, a manageable length or a genuinely portable pack size.
We compare what you get for your money across different models, considering how easy they are to live with for new and occasional anglers. If a rod’s low price comes with compromises that are likely to frustrate you, we will point that out, rather than pretending that everything is perfect.
The aim is to highlight affordable rods that feel like a smart starting point, letting you enjoy fishing without feeling you have wasted money on gear that is awkward, flimsy or needlessly complicated.
We started by looking at the lowest priced fishing rods available from Go Outdoors, concentrating on simple, accessible styles such as telescopic travel rods and whip combos. These designs keep hardware to a minimum, which helps reduce both cost and complexity for newer anglers.
From there we filtered down to options from recognised fishing brands where the basic build quality, practicality and value made sense. Anything that looked overly gimmicky or too compromised for real-world use did not make the cut, even if it was technically cheaper.
Within the remaining options we looked for a spread of lengths and formats, so you can choose between ultra-compact travel convenience, straightforward whip-style setups and slightly longer whips that give you more reach. All of these rods are budget friendly, but some cost a touch more to deliver a better fishing experience or a more refined action.
Below are the cheapest fishing rods from Go Outdoors that we are happy to recommend for 2026. Each one offers solid value at the lower end of the price range, with a clear use case in mind.
The first picks focus on absolute low cost and portability, while the slightly pricier whips add a bit more reach and refinement for anglers who expect to fish more regularly. Use the summaries to decide whether rock-bottom price, travel size or a more capable setup matters most for you.
The NGT Travel Mini Tele Net Hndl is a tiny, telescopic handle that can double as a very basic short rod-style handle for ultra-light setups. It is ideal if you want something incredibly compact and inexpensive to stash in the car or luggage for opportunistic fishing.
For the money, the NGT Travel Mini Tele Net Hndl is impressively compact and easy to stash in a rucksack, suitcase or even a glovebox, making it a genuinely go-anywhere bit of kit. Its telescopic design means it extends quickly, so you can be set up within moments when an opportunity to wet a line appears. The low price point keeps the risk down if you are just dabbling with fishing or want a spare handle that will not break the bank.
Because it is so small and simple, it is particularly handy for youngsters and complete beginners who may be overwhelmed by a full-sized rod. Used sensibly with light tackle, it can add a bit of fun to impromptu sessions where a more expensive rod would feel overkill.
The NGT Travel Mini Tele Net Hndl is primarily a telescopic handle, so as a rod-style tool it is very limited in power and length compared with the other options here. Its tiny size and minimalist construction mean it is not suited to larger fish, heavy casting or demanding venues. If you know you will be fishing more than very casually, you will quickly find its limitations and may be better off with a full-length telescopic or whip.
This mini telescopic handle is ideal for ultra-casual anglers, family holidays and anyone who wants a tiny bit of kit they can throw in the car just in case. It suits light, close-in fishing where space is tight and expectations are modest. Choose it if absolute compactness and a rock-bottom spend are more important to you than power or reach.
The NGT 2.4M Telescopic keeps things simple and affordable, giving you a full-length telescopic rod at a rock-bottom price. It is a handy choice for casual anglers and holidaymakers who need a rod that packs down small without costing much.
The NGT 2.4M Telescopic offers a proper rod length in a budget-friendly, telescopic format, which is ideal if you need a single rod to cover a range of casual situations. At around 2.4 metres it gives you decent casting and line control compared with very short mini rods, yet still collapses down small enough for easy storage and transport. The all-in price is low enough that you can get set up for fishing without feeling you have committed a fortune.
Telescopic construction is particularly useful for those travelling by foot, bike or public transport, as you can carry the rod discreetly in a daypack. For children and new anglers, the simple design and forgiving action of cheap telescopics can make early fishing trips more relaxed than with stiffer, more specialised rods.
As a very cheap telescopic rod, the NGT 2.4M Telescopic is unlikely to match the sensitivity, balance or long-term durability of a mid-range fixed-section rod. You need to be gentle with the sections, avoiding forcing them or high-sticking when playing fish, otherwise you may shorten its lifespan. If you plan to fish heavily or target stronger species, spending more on a sturdier rod would be wise.
The NGT 2.4M Telescopic is a good fit for beginners and occasional anglers who want one cheap, packable rod to cover relaxed float or ledger fishing. It is also handy for travellers and campers who like the idea of squeezing a rod into a backpack without committing serious money. Pick this if you want a straightforward all-round budget rod that is easy to store and carry.
The NGT Quickfish Elasticated Whip Combo 3.6m is a ready-to-go whip setup that keeps costs low while making pole-style float fishing straightforward. It is a great budget starting point for canals, small lakes and relaxed coarse sessions.
The NGT Quickfish Elasticated Whip Combo 3.6m gives you a generous 3.6 metre length, which is very helpful for reaching further out on canals, ponds and small lakes without spending much. Being an elasticated whip combo, it is designed to keep setup simple, with no reel to worry about, making it perfect for beginners and anyone who just wants to get fishing quickly. The price remains very low for a rod at this length, so you are getting plenty of reach for not much money.
A whip setup is naturally well-suited to teaching children and building confidence, because bite indication is clear and you can fish close in with light rigs. With a bit of care, this rod should cover plenty of relaxed coarse sessions before you need to consider upgrading to more technical poles.
The NGT Quickfish Elasticated Whip Combo 3.6m is focused on simple coarse fishing and will not suit styles that need long-range casting or lures. As a cheap combo, fittings and finish are likely to be more basic than on pricier poles, so keen anglers may notice limitations over time. If you get heavily into whip or pole fishing, you may soon crave a lighter, more responsive setup.
The NGT Quickfish Elasticated Whip Combo 3.6m is ideal for newcomers to coarse fishing, especially on canals, ponds and commercial fisheries where you are targeting modest-sized fish. It works well for adults and older children who want a straightforward, reel-free setup to learn with. Choose it if you want a cheap but capable whip that can handle regular fun sessions.
The NGT 4M Qckfish Telescopic Whip offers extra reach over shorter whips without straying far from the entry-level price bracket. It suits anglers who want a cheap but more capable pole-style rod for longer or slightly wider venues.
The NGT 4M Qckfish Telescopic Whip is all about affordable reach, offering a full 4 metres of length for working further out or along tricky margins. For anglers stepping up from shorter whips, that extra distance can transform small commercial pools and canals without demanding a big jump in budget. The telescopic design keeps pack size sensible despite the length, making it easier to carry than a traditional multi-section pole.
For its modest price, this whip opens up more precise bait presentation and better line control than very short starter rods, which regular coarse anglers will appreciate. It is a good way to explore pole-style fishing in a more serious way while still keeping your overall costs very low.
At 4 metres, the NGT 4M Qckfish Telescopic Whip can feel unwieldy for youngsters or absolute beginners, especially on windy days. Being both long and budget-priced, it is more prone to feeling tip-heavy and will not have the crisp action of higher-end poles. Careful handling is essential to avoid damaging such a long, telescopic blank, so it is not the best choice if you are likely to be rough with kit.
The NGT 4M Qckfish Telescopic Whip suits anglers who already enjoy whip or pole-style fishing and want more reach on a tight budget. It is a sensible choice for fishing slightly wider pegs, margins and features that are just out of range of shorter whips. Go for this if you want maximum length per pound spent, and you are happy to look after a longer, more delicate rod.
The Guru A-Class Whip 3m is a budget-friendly whip from a respected coarse fishing brand, giving you a neat balance of value and performance. It is a sensible step up if you want a bit more refinement than the very cheapest whips.
The Guru A-Class Whip 3m comes from a brand well respected in modern coarse and match fishing, which is reassuring when you are spending a bit more than the absolute minimum. At 3 metres it offers a very manageable length for close-range work, margin fishing and introducing newcomers to whip fishing. The design balances simplicity with a more refined feel than many generic budget whips, so it is likely to feel nicer in the hand and more responsive on bites.
Despite the extra polish, the price remains firmly in the budget bracket, making it a great choice if you want a cheap whip that does not feel overly basic. It is particularly attractive for anglers who already trust Guru’s terminal tackle and want a matching entry-level rod for light, fun sessions.
Although still inexpensive, the Guru A-Class Whip 3m costs slightly more than the very cheapest whips and mini rods, so ultra-tight budgets may prefer those bare-minimum options. At 3 metres it offers less reach than the longer NGT whips, which may limit you on wider pegs or when fish are holding further out. Anglers who quickly get hooked on whip fishing might soon want a longer or more advanced pole alongside it.
The Guru A-Class Whip 3m is ideal for value-conscious coarse anglers who appreciate a recognised brand and want a whip that feels a notch more refined than bare-bones budget options. It is a great teaching tool for kids and a fun close-quarters rod for adults targeting silvers in the margins. Choose it if you are willing to spend a little more than the absolute minimum for a better-feeling entry-level whip.
