Grab This $18 Fishing Rod & Reel Combo at Walmart Before Your Next Lake Trip

Spring fishing season is in full swing, and Walmart just made it a whole lot easier to get the family out on the water without spending a fortune. Right now, you can pick up the Wakeman Fiberglass Telescopic Fishing Rod with Size 20 Spinning Reel for just $18.54 — and that’s the complete combo, rod and reel together.

What You’re Getting

This is a telescopic pole, meaning it collapses down for easy transport — toss it in the trunk, throw it in a backpack, or stash it in the boat without wrestling with a full-length rod. The fiberglass build gives it enough flex to handle a decent catch without snapping on you, and the included Size 20 spinning reel means you’re genuinely ready to fish right out of the box. For under twenty bucks, that’s a solid package.

Shipping is free if you’re a Walmart+ member, or you can hit the $35 threshold and bundle it with a few extra lures, hooks, or a tackle box to qualify — a smart move anyway if you’re gearing up for the season.

Who This Is Best For

This combo is ideal for a few specific situations:

• First-time anglers and kids — Don’t drop $60–$100 on a setup for someone who might decide fishing isn’t their thing after one trip. This is the perfect “let’s see if they like it” starter kit.
• Casual weekend fishers — If you’re hitting a local pond or reservoir a few times a year, this gets the job done without the commitment of a serious rig.
• Backup or travel rod — Experienced anglers know the value of a cheap, portable backup. Leave it in the truck, the cabin, or bring it on a beach vacation.
• Southern families heading to the lake — Memorial Day weekend and summer float trips are right around the corner. This is a low-stakes way to add another rod to the family rotation.

How It Compares

Entry-level telescopic combos from recognizable brands typically start around $30–$50 at sporting goods stores. At $18.54, this Wakeman combo undercuts most alternatives by a meaningful margin. You’re not getting a premium fishing experience — the reel won’t match a Shimano or Penn — but for casual freshwater fishing, the gap in performance won’t matter much.

A Few Caveats

This is a budget combo, so set expectations accordingly. The Size 20 reel is on the smaller side, best suited for light tackle and smaller fish (panfish, bass, trout). If you’re targeting larger species, you’ll want to size up. Also, deals like this at Walmart can move fast or change price without warning — so if you’re interested, don’t wait on it.

Grab It Before It’s Gone

At under $19, this is genuinely one of the better starter fishing deals we’ve seen this spring. Head to Walmart’s site to snag the Wakeman Fiberglass Telescopic Fishing Rod & Spinning Reel combo [AFFILIATE:walmart] while it’s still at this price — and if you’re shopping in-store, check your local Walmart’s sporting goods section where it may also be available on the shelf.

While you’re at it, consider bundling to hit that free shipping threshold: a basic tackle kit, some bobbers, or a small soft-sided cooler can round out your spring fishing haul nicely.