The Best Pen Fishing Rod: Top 9 of 2024 Reviewed

Kenneth ReavesEdited by: Kenneth Reaves
Michael DarmontReviewed by: Michael Darmont

Last Update:

The Rundown

Best Overall: Lixada Pen Fishing Rod
“The Lixada Rod weighs 9.8 ounces in glass steel-fiber construction with 2+1 copper core reel bearings for increased efficiency on the water. Ideal for anglers looking for a stylish and functional compact fishing rod.”

Best High-End: MultiOutools Pen Fishing Rod
“Weighing only 6.24 ounces for enhanced comfort and a multi-disc drag for excellent fighting potential, the MultiOutools Rod is suitable for both fresh and saltwater. Ideal for those who wish to go everywhere with a pen sized fishing rod”

Best Budget Option: G Ganen Pocket Fishing Rod
“The G Ganon Mini comes with a robust reel for its size and showcases several quality features that most anglers should be fond of. It’s ideal for those attempting to minimize their budgetary expenses.”

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Pen fishing rods have grown popular over the past decade, mainly because of their compact size and ability to carry anywhere easily. Miniature rods of these sizes are excellent when attempting to slip away for fishing when on break from work or when taking a vacation.

The best pen fishing rod should be lightweight and subdued in size to promote easy transport while still being robust enough in its composition to handle a fish of substantial size. Many of the best pen fishing rods also come with an equally impressive reel.

We rounded up the top 9 fishing rods that are worth having in your tackle box.

Sources researched
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Customer reviews
15,871
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Hours spent testing
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Products tested
9
Products tested

Top 9 Fishing Rods

Best Overall

Lixada Pen Fishing Rod Reel Combo Set Premium Mini Pocket Collapsible Fishing Pole Kit Telescopic Fishing Rod + Spinning Reel Combo Kit 1M / 1.4M / 1.8M / 2.1M

Lixada Pen Fishing Rod

Glass steel-fiber construction for optimal strength

Weighs only 9.8 ounces for ease of carrying

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Best High-End

MultiOutools Pen Fishing Rod and Reel Combos 38 Inch Mini Pocket Fishing Pole Telescopic Fishing Rod with Spinning Kit for Saltwater Freshwater (Green(Fish Shaped), 1.6)

MultiOutools Pen Fishing Rod

Multi-disc drag for excellent fighting potential

Weighs only 6.24 ounces for enhanced comfort

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Best Budget Option

G Ganen 38inch Mini Portable Pocket Aluminum Alloy Fishing Rod Pen Great (Black)

G Ganen Pocket Fishing Rod

Quick attach aluminum alloy reel for on the go style use

Glass steel fiber rod for increased durability

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Runner-Up Choice

Yogayet Mini Pocket Ice Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Set Aluminum Alloy Pen Fishing Pole 38'' Sea Saltwater Freshwater Kit Black

Yogamet Pocket Fishing Rod

Aluminum-alloy construction for lightweight carry

Includes everything you need to get started fishing

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Extra Power

MultiOutools Pen Fishing Poles 38 Inch Mini Pocket Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Travel Fishing Rod Set, Fishing Gear for Ice Fly Fishing Sea Saltwater Freshwater, Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

MultiOutools 38 Inch Fishing Rod

Glass steel fiber for enhanced durability and strength

Metal guides for increased fighting power

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Best Casting

Docooler Mini Aluminum Saltwater Fishing Tackle Pocket Pen Fishing Rod Pole + Reel

Docooler Mini Fishing Rod

Traditional spinning style reel for increased castability

Aluminum alloy reel design resists the effects of corrosion

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Highest Visual Appeal

Lixada Pen Fishing Rod Reel Combo Set Telescopic Pocket Fishing Rod Pole + Reel Aluminum Alloy Fishing Line Soft Lures Black

Lixada Pen Rod and Reel Combo

Compact in size, measuring only 8.1 inches

Durable aluminum alloy brass reel for next-level fish fighting ability

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Most Durable

DIGIFLEX Silver Mini Pocket Fishing Rod Pole & Golden Reel Pen

DIGIFLEX Pocket Rod

Strong aluminum alloy handle for increased durability

Fiberglass telescopic rod segments for minimization of overall weight

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Best Warranty

HappyOutdoor Portable Pen Fishing Pole 39 Inch Mini Pocket Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Travel Fishing Rod Set 7 in 1

HappyOutdoor Pen Fishing Pole

Measures only 8.1 inches when retracted

Is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee

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Best Pen Fishing Rod Reviewed

  1. Best Overall: Lixada Fishing Rod
  2. Best High-End: MultiOutools Fishing Rod
  3. Best Budget: G Ganen Fishing Rod
  4. Runner-Up Choice: Yogamet Mini Telescopic Rod
  5. Best Extra Power: MultiOutools 38 inch Fishing Pole
  6. Best Casting: Docooler Mini Rod
  7. Highest Visual Appeal: Lixada Pen Fishing Rod Reel Combo
  8. Most Durable: DIGIFLEX Pocket Rod
  9. Best Warranty: HappyOutdoor Pen Fishing Pole

Lixada Pen Fishing Rod

Best Overall Pen Fishing Rod: A compact rod, which is rich in available options

Lixada Pen Fishing Rod Reel Combo Set Premium Mini Pocket Collapsible Fishing Pole Kit Telescopic Fishing Rod + Spinning Reel Combo Kit 1M / 1.4M / 1.8M / 2.1M
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KEY FEATURES

  • Glass steel-fiber construction for optimal strength
  • Weighs only 9.8 ounces for ease of carrying
  • 2+1 copper core reel bearings for smooth operation

The Lixada Pen Fishing Rod should make the perfect choice for those looking for one that is as stylish as it is functional. This rod is offered in 10 different color/style combinations, is lightweight enough to be carried with ease, and is tough enough to stand up to hard-fighting fish of many different sizes. The Lixada Pen Fishing Rod is also available with a compact yet substantial reel.

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One can carry the Lixada Pen Fishing Rod in their shirt pocket while at work or on the town, as it looks identical to a high-dollar ink pen. You can also order this rod in 6 different colors, including black, blue, silver, green, yellow, red, and purple. For those who wish to display their fishing passion outwardly, the Lixada Pen Fishing Rod also comes in 3 individual models that resemble a fish, all of which can be easily fit in one’s pocket.

This mini fishing rod comes in various lengths, including 1 meter, 1.4 meters, 1.6 meters, 1.8 meters, and 2.1 meters. Many anglers should favor this diversity in sizing, as it allows one to select the right option for their particular application. This has the potential to aid in increasing an angler’s efficiency when on the water.

Also of note is the Lixada Pen Fishing Rod’s feature-rich spinning reel. Though small in size, this reel utilizes many of the same operational components found in several full-size reels. These components include, but are not limited to, a metal reel foot, anti-reverse lever, foldable handle, and integrated drag system.

MultiOutools Pen Fishing Rod

Best High-End Pen Fishing Rod: A pint-sized pocket rod that is lighter than a feather

MultiOutools Pen Fishing Rod and Reel Combos 38 Inch Mini Pocket Fishing Pole Telescopic Fishing Rod with Spinning Kit for Saltwater Freshwater (Green(Fish Shaped), 1.6)
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KEY FEATURES

  • Weighs only 6.24 ounces for enhanced comfort
  • Suitable for both fresh and saltwater use
  • Multi-disc drag for excellent fighting potential

If you are searching for the lightest pen fishing rod available, this particular model by MultiOutools is likely the perfect choice. Weighing in at only 6.24 ounces, the MultiOutools Pen Fishing Rod should be able to be carried all day, without any degree of discomfort or inconvenience. This can offer immense value to those who wish to go everywhere with a rod at the ready.

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The MultiOutools Pen Fishing Rod is also rated for both fresh and saltwater use, making it one of the more versatile options on our list. Much of this unit’s tolerance to saltwater can be attributed to its reel’s structural use of aluminum alloy, which is corrosion-resistant. This should be an attribute favored among anglers who live in coastal states, where both fresh and saltwater fishing are quite popular.

Another noteworthy feature of the MultiOutools Pen Fishing Rod is its highly flexible construction. The rod is composed of glass steel fiber, which can withstand a significant amount of abuse before reaching its breaking point. This is a feature that should favor anglers who often hook moderate to large-sized fish.

This mini Fishing Rod comes in a total of seven different colors, which should provide an appealing option for nearly every angler. These colors include black, blue, green, yellow, purple, red, and silver. This rod is also offered as a variant that resembles a slender baitfish.

G Ganen Pocket Fishing Rod

Best Budget Pen Fishing Rod: An excellent rod at an unbelievably affordable price

G Ganen 38inch Mini Portable Pocket Aluminum Alloy Fishing Rod Pen Great (Black)
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KEY FEATURES

  • Quick attach aluminum alloy reel for on the go style use
  • Glass steel fiber rod for increased durability
  • Offered at a price point that few can argue with

The G Ganen Pocket Rod should be the best choice for anglers attempting to minimize their budgetary expenses. In reality, this pen fishing rod likely costs less than most anglers will spend on bait in preparation for any day on the water. Additionally, it comes with a robust reel for its size and showcases several quality features that most anglers should be fond of.

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The G Ganen reel’s immense practicality is another crucial characteristic of this particular pen rod. This reel is reserved in size yet big on performance, thereby lending itself well to use in a portable application. Its reel features a forward and reverse ratchet stop and a fully-functioning drag system. These features alone likely make the mini rod well suited to use by those who routinely pursue larger fish species.

It utilizes steel glass fiber to construct its rod, thereby taking the unit’s structural integrity to the next level. This particular variety of rod material offers a superb balance of underlying strength, and flexible handling, the combination of which should promote efficient casting while bolstering fighting potential.

This pen rod is also available in numerous colors, allowing anglers to suit that which appeals to them. These colors include black, blue, gold, red, and silver; all offer their unique level of visual appeal.

Yogamet Mini Telescopic Rod

Runner-Up Choice: Reliable and ready to fish right out of the box

Yogayet Mini Pocket Ice Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Set Aluminum Alloy Pen Fishing Pole 38'' Sea Saltwater Freshwater Kit Black
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KEY FEATURES

  • Aluminum-alloy construction for lightweight carry
  • Comes in several colors for custom selection
  • Includes everything you need to get started fishing

The Yogayet Mini Rod should be ideal for any angler looking to purchase a compact rod that is ready to be put to use right out of the box. This rod comes complete with a fly fishing reel, nylon fishing line, small tackle box, tackle, two fishing floats, two jig hooks, and two soft plastic lures. As a result, one can quickly be fishing only minutes after accepting the delivery of their new Yogayet Mini Pocket Fishing Rod.

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Another noteworthy feature of the Yogayet Pocket Rod is its ultra-lightweight aluminum alloy construction. Aluminum alloy is known for its equal mix of reductive weight qualities and rugged durability. As a result, anglers should be pleased with both the form and function of this reel.

This mini fishing rod also comes in several colors, allowing anglers to choose which provides the highest degree of appeal. These colors include black, blue, gold, green, purple, red, and silver. This diversity of color options should also make it easy for an angler to tell the difference between their rod and another angler when fishing together.

The fly fishing style reel included with the rod also serves as an excellent addition, as these reels are typically easy to operate, even for novice anglers. Additionally, fly fishing reels also tend to be quite durable.

MultiOutools 38 Inch Fishing Rod

Best Pen Fishing Rod With Extra Power: Small in size yet robust in performance

MultiOutools Pen Fishing Poles 38 Inch Mini Pocket Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Travel Fishing Rod Set, Fishing Gear for Ice Fly Fishing Sea Saltwater Freshwater, Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
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KEY FEATURES

  • Glass steel fiber for enhanced durability and strength
  • Suitable for both fresh and saltwater use
  • Metal guides for increased fighting power

The MultiOutools 38” Pen Fishing Rod would likely make the perfect addition to the tackle box of any angler who needs the extra power to muster large fish from the depths below. This fishing rod is constructed from glass steel fiber, which is quite hearty in the face of stress. Additionally, the MultiOutools 38” Pen Fishing Pole features a series of metal guides on each telescopic segment for enhanced rigidity.

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The MultiOutools 38” Pen Fishing Rod kit also includes a spinning-style reel, which should allow for relatively accurate casting, despite the shorter length of the kit’s rod. This should come as good news to the angler who routinely fish with artificial lures, which must be cast and retrieved on an ongoing basis.

As mentioned, the MultiOutools 38” Pen Fishing Rod is offered as part of a multi-piece kit. This kit is rather comprehensive and includes a reel, tackle box, fishing line, hooks, jigs, and fishing floats. This presents anglers with the opportunity to start fishing almost immediately after receiving their new rod.

Those interested can select between three individual colors when selecting their MultiOutools 38” Pen Fishing Rod. These colors include black, white, and blue. This should provide anglers with enough variance to select the particular model of pen rod that suits their tastes.

Docooler Mini Fishing Rod

Best Casting Pen Fishing Rod: A pen rod that can be cast with pinpoint precision

Docooler Mini Aluminum Saltwater Fishing Tackle Pocket Pen Fishing Rod Pole + Reel
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KEY FEATURES

  • Traditional spinning style reel for increased castability
  • Ultra-compact design takes portability to the next level
  • Aluminum alloy reel design resists the effects of corrosion

For those that do not wish to be limited in their casting accuracy, as a result of using a compact rod with overly simplified reel functions, there are likely few better choices than the Docooler Mini Fishing Rod. This pen rod comes with a small spinning reel, which should be perfect for casting jigs with precision or targeting specific points around docks.

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The Docooler Fishing Rod’s reel is also composed of aluminum alloy, resistant to corrosion. This feature can be of significant advantage when fishing in humid climates, where the surface rusting of metals can occur quite rapidly.

Another key functional characteristic of the mini fishing rod that many anglers will likely favor is its ease of carrying. This rod can be held in the chest pocket of a shirt, placed into the glove compartment of a vehicle, or stuffed in a backpack. Additionally, the Docooler Fishing Rod Mini should be the perfect portable fishing solution to the age-old issue of finding space to pack a rod and reel when going on a trip. Simply stick this pen rod in a suitcase, and strike out for your next adventure.

You can order it in several colors, allowing anglers to personalize their selection. These colors include black, red, purple, blue, and silver.

Lixada Pen Rod and Reel Combo

Pen Fishing Rod With Highest Visual Appeal: Rich in looks yet subdued in cost

Lixada Pen Fishing Rod Reel Combo Set Telescopic Pocket Fishing Rod Pole + Reel Aluminum Alloy Fishing Line Soft Lures Black
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KEY FEATURES

  • Compact in size, measuring only 8.1”
  • Durable aluminum alloy brass reel for next-level fish fighting ability
  • Includes numerous accessories

The Lixada Pen Fishing Rod and Reel Combo should be the perfect option for anglers who wish to fish in style without breaking the bank. This pen rod is nothing short of visually stunning, as it features an aluminum alloy brass reel, which looks outwardly like gold. Additionally, the rod itself presents a look of silver, which nicely contrasts the reel’s appearance. However, do not be fooled into thinking that the Lixada Pen Fishing Rod is only built for appearance, as it is built to perform as well as it looks.

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One of the most significant features of the Lixada Pen Rod and Reel Combo is the robust construction of its reel. This reel is built to last and is constructed from corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy. As such, the Lixada Pen Rod and Reel should prove to be durable on many fronts and is likely to provide years of trouble-free service.

Another notable feature of the rod is its extremely compact size. Measuring only 8.1 inches before the extension, it is unlikely that anyone will have a clue that the pen in your pocket is a hearty micro fishing rod.

This combo also comes in a kit form, which includes several helpful accessories. The items contained within this kit include 2 jig heads, 2 soft plastic jigs, 2 fishing floats, 2 plastic tubes, and 25 meters of fishing line.

DIGIFLEX Pocket Rod

Most Durable Pen Fishing Rod: Tougher than nails, yet smooth as silk

DIGIFLEX Silver Mini Pocket Fishing Rod Pole & Golden Reel Pen
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KEY FEATURES

  • Gold colored reel body for outstanding eye-appeal
  • Strong aluminum alloy handle for increased durability
  • Fiberglass telescopic rod segments for minimization of overall weight

The Digiflex Pocket is likely the best option for those that tend to cut their gear no slack and have a habit of pushing lesser pieces of equipment past their breaking point. This pen rod features an ultra-tough, aluminum alloy handle designed to prevent the unit’s lower segment failures. This feature is of value because it virtually eliminates the occurrence of the reel seat and handle fatigue, which tends to be a weak point of many pen fishing rods on the market today.

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Another key feature of the Digiflex Mini Rod is its 36-inch operating length. This is a full 4-5 inches longer than a significant number of pen fishing rods currently available and should provide an angler with increased leverage when attempting to tire out sizable fish that have taken the hook. Even more impressive is that the Digiflex Silver Mini condenses to only 8.2 inches when not in use, thereby making it highly portable.

It is also extremely lightweight, making it easy to carry, even for extended periods. Much of this minimization of weight is thanks to the rod’s fiberglass construction. Fiberglass is weighted reductive yet simultaneously renowned for its level of strength and rigidity.

Many anglers are also likely to favor its notably striking looks. This pen rod is silver and paired with a good reel that contrasts to provide an aesthetically pleasing look.

HappyOutdoor Pen Fishing Pole

Best Warranty In A Pen Fishing Rod: A quality rod with a zero-risk warranty

HappyOutdoor Portable Pen Fishing Pole 39 Inch Mini Pocket Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Travel Fishing Rod Set 7 in 1
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KEY FEATURES

  • Measures only 8.1 inches when retracted
  • Comes with numerous accessories
  • Is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee

If you are skeptical about using a pen rod and fear being stuck with a product that you are not satisfied with, then the HappyOutdoor Pen Fishing Pole is likely the option for you. A 100% satisfaction guarantee backs this pen rod so that you can purchase it confidently. If you are not satisfied with the Pen Fishing Pole 39 Inch Mini at any time within 90 days of your initial purchase, simply return it for a full refund.

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The HappyOutdoor Mini Rod is also noteworthy for its subdued carrying weight and compact size. This rod measures only 8.1 inches when retracted while still achieving a length of 39 inches when extended to size. This feature should favor those who travel frequently and need a reel that can be easily stowed away.

Most anglers will also be pleased to discover that it comes with a host of additional accessories. This kit includes a 7-in-1 safety whistle, 25 meters of fishing line, 2 fishing floats, 2 jig hooks, 2 soft lures, and 2 rubber tubes.

It also comes in several colors, allowing anglers to select the model that best suits their tastes. These colors include blue, gold, purple, silver, and red.

How To Choose The Best Pen Fishing Rods

Compact Design

When you hook into the trout of a lifetime, your fishing line must be up to the task at hand.

A pen rod that is not compact is of little value to an angler, as portability and ease of use are the exact reasons that such rods are built.

The average angler purchases a pen rod as a matter of convenience. As avid anglers, we all love to fish whenever the opportunity arises. However, we have to have our gear at the ready, to seize upon such opportunities. It is not always practical to carry a full-size rod and reel with us wherever we go, so numerous anglers choose to purchase a pen rod to circumvent this issue. A pen rod can be stowed anywhere, without consuming space or becoming cumbersome, as long as its size is not prohibitive.

Strength

To be worthy of a spot in an avid angler’s gear bag, a pen rod needs to be up to the task of handling anything and everything that is thrown its way.

A rod that cannot withstand the rigors of a day on the lake is of no value to an angler whatsoever. Pen fishing rods are no exception to this rule, and consumers must be cautious only to select those models which possess a high degree of structural integrity. Most quality pen fishing rods are derived from fiberglass, which has a natural tendency to remain resolute, even when stressed. This quality is necessary for a pen rod to possess, especially if fish of any size are expected to be caught.

Durability

A pen rod that fails after limited use holds zero value, no matter the extent of additional features that it possesses.

The entire point behind owning a pen rod is knowing that you will be ready to fish whenever the opportunity arises. However, if you are left to wonder whether or not your pen rod will last another day, you are no better off than you were before the ownership of such a rod. A durable rod, however, can be used time and time again without fear of failure. Much of a pen rods’ durability surrounds the robustness of its grip and reel seat, as these two locations tend to be common points of fault. If reinforced in both of these areas, a pen rod can theoretically last for decades.

Questions & Answers

Can large fish be caught on pen fishing rods?

Large fish species, such as catfish, carp, a drum, can indeed be caught on a pen rod. However, if you intend to pursue such species, it is essential to only purchase a unit that features a quality drag system. Since these miniature rods and reels typically use light lines, drag adjustments must be set with precision and metered on the fly if a fish of substantial size is on the hook.

Adequately metering a pen rod/reels drag also prevents excess force placed on the rod itself. This is important, as even the most hearty of pen fishing rods cannot sustain shock loading in the same manner as full-size, larger diameter rods.

Are pen fishing rods for everyday use?

Most anglers choose to simply use their pen fishing rods as a way to get a few minutes of quick fishing when on their way home from work or when passing by a good body of water, returning later with a larger stockpile of gear. This is because full-size rods tend to be purpose-built, with a specific application in mind. However, one could theoretically fish regularly or even daily with a pen rod if so desired. 

If this is your intention, it is advisable to place an extensive focus on locating a unit that embodies all of the criteria listed above. By selecting a pen fishing rod that is compact, durable, and strong, you stand a much better chance of finding enjoyment in such a unit’s everyday use.