PLUSINNO Fishing Rod Review: Is It Worth The Hype?

I remember staring at the water during a recent camping trip, wishing I didn’t have to drag my seven-foot one-piece rod through the brush. That’s when I finally decided to test out a PLUSINNO fishing rod review to see if these affordable travel kits actually hold up. I’ve spent years fishing with high-end gear, but I wanted to see if this budget-friendly, telescopic option could earn a permanent spot in my truck. If you are looking for a no-nonsense breakdown of how this rod handles real fish in real water, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.

Image Credit: Plusinno.com

PLUSINNO Fishing Rods Overview

PLUSINNO has made a serious name for itself on places like Amazon. They focus on affordability and portability. You will mostly see them sold as full kits. These usually include the rod, reel, line, and even a box of lures.

They are famous for their telescopic design. This means the rod collapses down to a very small size. It fits easily in a backpack or under a car seat. This makes them perfect for hikers, campers, or anyone tight on space.

Most of their rods target freshwater anglers. They are great for bass, trout, panfish, and crappie. While they claim some saltwater use, I would be careful there. We will get into that later.

The price point is a huge draw. You can often get a full combo for less than the price of a single premium rod. This makes it a top pick for beginners or kids. But does low price mean low quality? That is the big question.

Key Features and Specs

Material and Build Quality

The core of the rod is usually a mix of carbon fibre and fibreglass. For example, the “Eagle Hunting” series uses IM6 Carbon matrix technology. This mix aims for a sweet spot. You get the sensitivity of carbon fibre with the durability of fibreglass.

The guides are stainless steel with ceramic inserts. This is a standard but good choice. It helps the line flow smoothly. It also resists rust better than cheap metal guides. The reel seats are often corrosion-resistant aluminum. They feel solid enough to hold the reel tight without wobbling.

Design and Ergonomics

The handles usually feature EVA foam grips. I found these to be quite comfortable. Even when my hands were wet or slimy from a catch, the grip held firm. It doesn’t feel as premium as cork, but it is durable.

The balance is decent for a telescopic rod. Sometimes, collapsing rods feel tip-heavy. PLUSINNO seems to have balanced the weight well near the handle. This helps reduce fatigue if you are casting all day long.

Performance: Sensitivity and Power

Sensitivity is better than I expected. You can feel a bluegill nibble on a worm. It isn’t electric like a $300 rod, but it gets the job done.

In terms of power, most of these rods are Medium or Medium-Heavy power. This makes them versatile. You can haul in a decent-sized bass without fearing the rod will snap. The action is generally fast to moderate-fast. This helps with casting distance and hook sets.

Portability

This is the star feature. The closed length is usually under two feet. You can keep it in a suitcase. It eliminates the hassle of transporting long poles. The setup time is quick, too. You just extend the sections, align the guides, and you are fishing.

My Personal Experience

First Use Impressions

I took the Eagle Hunting combo out to a local pond. The first thing I noticed was the setup. It took me about two minutes to go from bag to water. The reel came pre-spooled, but I swapped it for my own line just to be safe.

The rod extended smoothly. The sections locked into place firmly. I was worried they might slide back down during a cast, but they stayed put. The reel felt smooth enough, though a bit heavier than my usual gear.

Performance in Various Conditions

I fished on a breezy afternoon. Casting into the wind can be tough with a light rod. The PLUSINNO handled it okay. It had enough backbone to punch a lure through the breeze.

I also tried it in a tighter creek setting. The shorter length options are great here. I didn’t get snagged in trees as much as I do with long rods. The telescopic nature allowed me collapse it to walk through heavy brush to get to the next hole.

Fish Species Caught

I managed to hook into a few largemouth bass and plenty of sunfish. The rod handled a two-pound bass with no issue. The bend was smooth. I didn’t hear any cracking sounds, which is always a fear with multi-piece rods.

For smaller panfish, it was fun. The rod isn’t a broomstick. You can still enjoy the fight of a smaller fish. I haven’t tried it on monster catfish or pike yet, but for general pond fishing, it worked.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Insanely Portable: It fits anywhere. Great for “just in case” fishing trips.
• Budget-Friendly: The price is hard to beat for a full kit.
• Decent Sensitivity: You can feel bites clearly.
• Good for Beginners: Comes with almost everything you need to start.
• Durable Grips: The EVA foam holds up well to abuse.

Cons

• Reel Quality: The included reel is okay, but not amazing. It can feel a bit gritty over time.
• Guide Alignment: You have to manually align guides every time you extend it.
• Top Heavy: At full extension, it feels a little heavier at the tip than a one-piece rod.
• Saltwater Limits: I wouldn’t trust the reel components in harsh saltwater for long periods.

How It Compares

Vs. Traditional Rods

Compared to a one-piece Ugly Stik, the PLUSINNO is less durable. A one-piece rod will always be stronger. However, you can’t put an Ugly Stik in a backpack. You trade some strength for extreme portability.

Vs. Other Telescopic Brands

There are cheaper options, like random generic brands on eBay. PLUSINNO is a step above those. The carbon fibre mix is better than cheap plastic rods. There are also high-end travel rods like St. Croix. Those are vastly superior but cost five times as much. PLUSINNO sits in the middle: good value for the price.

Who Is This Rod For?

Ideal Users

This is the perfect rod for casual anglers. If you fish a few times a year, grab this. It is also amazing for hikers and campers who want to fish but can’t carry big gear. It is also a solid choice for kids. It is tough enough to learn on, but cheap enough that if they break it, you won’t cry.

Who Should Avoid It

If you are a tournament angler, skip this. It isn’t sensitive enough for finesse techniques. Also, if you target huge fish like musky or big ocean species, you need heavier gear. This rod isn’t built for 20-pound monsters.

Is It Worth The Money?

In my opinion, yes. For less than $50 in most cases, you get a working setup. It pays for itself in just a few fun outings.

It is not a “forever rod” that you will hand down to grandkids. But for a trunk rod or a starter kit, the value is excellent. You get more than you pay for compared to big box store bargain bins.

Tips and Tricks

Upgrade the Line

The line that comes on the reel is usually cheap monofilament. It has a lot of memory and coils up. Buy a spool of decent 8lb or 10lb test line. It will make casting much smoother.

Check the Sections

Before every cast, check the joints. Sometimes they can wiggle loose. Give them a gentle twist and pull to ensure they are locked tight. This prevents the rod from spinning while you fight a fish.

Rinse After Use

If you use it in dirty water or saltwater, rinse it off. Sand and dirt can get inside the telescopic sections. This will scratch the rod and make it stick. clean it with fresh water and let it dry before collapsing it.

Final Verdict

The PLUSINNO fishing rod is a winner for its specific purpose. It is a convenient, fun, and affordable tool. It removes the barriers to entry for fishing. It lets you fish places you couldn’t take a long rod. While it won’t replace my pro gear, it definitely earned a spot in my travel bag. If you need a grab-and-go solution, give it a shot.

FAQs

What is the best line weight for this rod?

I recommend using between 6lb and 12lb test line. This range covers most bass and panfish scenarios. A heavier line might reduce casting distance.

Can this rod be used in saltwater?

Technically, yes. The rod blanks are fine. However, the reel bearings and metal parts may corrode. If you fish in saltwater, rinse everything thoroughly with fresh water immediately after.

How do I care for this rod?

Keep it clean. Dirt is the enemy of telescopic rods. Wipe down each section as you collapse it. Store it in a dry place. Don’t leave it in a hot car for days, as heat can weaken the glue on the guides.

Where can I buy this rod?

The best place is usually Amazon or the official PLUSINNO website. They often have sales and coupons available.

Final Verdict

The PLUSINNO fishing rod is a winner for its specific purpose. It is a convenient, fun, and affordable tool. It removes the barriers to entry for fishing. It lets you fish places you couldn’t take a long rod. While it won’t replace my pro gear, it definitely earned a spot in my travel bag. If you need a grab-and-go solution, give it a shot.