Teaching a kid to fish can be a great experience for both the child and the adult. Learning to fish is a skill that can used used for a lifetime. Here are some of our favorite poles to get a kid started angling with.
Our Favorite Kids Fishing Rods
B’n’M TL-Series Rigged Bamboo Pole
A basic cane pole, made with natural materials with an overall length of 12ft. It breaks into 3 pieces, making it easy to pack and store. Walking through the woods to your secret fishing hole will not be impeded by its 12foot length. Everything you need to fish is here, including line, hook, and float.
What We Like
The simplicity of the product is what makes it appealing. At 12 feet long, it is ample enough to reach those hard to get places. The ability to break it down into 3 parts means it can be used for kids as well. If its length makes it too unwieldy for your child to hold, simply forego the final piece to shorten its length. Another benefit to this product is that the fishing line, hook, and float and all included. The product can be used for fishing the moment it arrives, saving time when packing the car to go fishing.
What We Don’t Like
The cane used to build the pole looks brittle. I am nervous about its longevity; the material can crack easily if dropped onto rocks or by slamming a car door on it.
Zebco Dock Demon Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
A 30-inch fiberglass rod with a small reel attached. It features a foam handle which offers a comfortable grip. The foam is also nonslip, even when wet, letting kids play in the water without dropping their rod. The 3 eye construction on the body of the rod guides the line and allows for short casting distances.
What We like
The materials that make this rod are similar to those used in larger rods. Not as stiff as some other beginner rods on the market, the fiberglass construction will let kids learn how to play a fish. This is an excellent skill to learn so that when they are older, they can easily use larger gear.
I also like the open faced reel included as many kids rods use a push button reel instead. The open face tangles less frequently and it teaches the kid how to fish using the same technology as the person teaching them. Teaching a young child to cast with an open face reel can be rewarding because of how far the lure can be thrown. It even comes with line pre-spooled, making it dummy proof.
What We Don’t like
The rod may be too flexible, especially for first-time users. Young children may not have the strength needed to set the hook in a fish’s mouth. Unlike other kids rods, this one does not come with tackle. When learning a new pastime, sometimes it is nice not to worry about the proper hook size and compiling a tackle box.
Overall, this basic rod offers a great training tool, although some assembly and knowledge of fishing is required.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2
Spinning Fishing Reel and Rod Combo
Ugly Stik is a classic fishing brand, specializing in hybrid fiberglass/graphite rods that are nearly indestructible. I personally use an Ugly Stik on all my trips and I enjoy not having to worry about it breaking on me, especially while backpacking.
At 6 feet, the length of the rod is perfect for kids who have graduated from the smallest of rods. This pole can be used to fish for trout, bass, and panfish. It’s two piece construction means it can be split in two, making it easy to bring along. A Shakespeare spinning reel comes attached, completing the combo.
What We Like
The length of the rod makes it useful for almost any trip. Whether camping on a lake or going trout fishing on a river, this rod can handle it. Lures can be cast at great enough distances, and large fish can successfully be brought to shore.
I like that the combo includes a reel, open faced, making it easy for first timers to use. It is very user-friendly and hard to break, making it a great first time rod.
What We Don’t Like
The long foam handle at the bottom is bulkier than it needs to be. It also desensitizes the anglers feel of the lure in the water. Cork handles are much better for fishing, but Ugly Stik is a budget brand.
The reel mount is made from a thin plastic and putting too great a force while screwing on the reel can break it. Ugly Stik makes great rods, but I wish they spent a little extra on the part that houses the reel.
All in all, the no-frills design of this combo offers an excellent tool to learn how to fish. If you are looking for a first time rod or simply looking for a good deal, this is the combo for you.
Shakespeare Disney Fishing Rod
At 2 feet 6 inches, this rod is the ultimate beginner’s tool. Much shorter than most on the market, its plastic construction makes it more of a pole than a rod. It comes with a push button reel making it extremely user-friendly.
It also comes with a weighted plastic fish that can be tied to the end of the line and used to practice casting. Very good for kids who have just started walking, this rod offers the most basic of features.
What We Like
I like how short it is, perfect for tiny hands. The plastic construction also gives me peace of mind, knowing it will be very hard to break. The marketing is funny and could attract young girls to the sport.
What We Don’t Like
The push button reel is very cheaply constructed, and I doubt any casting can be done with it. The lack of flexibility in the rod means any actual fishing done with this product will be more akin to using a pole. Don’t spend the extra money for a reel if the reel won’t work anyways.
Unless your child won’t even think about fishing unless there are princesses involved, there is no need to spend money on this product.
Shakespeare 1367024 Salamander Spincast Combo, 6, 1 Bearing, 4’6″ Length, 2Piece Rod, Light, Pink, Right Hand
This option is a good one for young children who may have some experience with fishing. Larger than most kids rods, it is big enough to offer more enjoyment. At 4 feet 6 inches, the rod starts to feel less like a toy. A push button reel is included that can actually cast bait.
What We Like
This option is a good one for young children who may have some experience with fishing. Larger than most kids rods, it is big enough to offer more enjoyment. At 4 feet 6 inches, the rod starts to feel less like a toy. A push button reel is included that can actually cast bait.
What We Don’t Like
I don’t like the material the rod is made from, tubular glass. It is heavy and very stiff. If a fish is on the other side, a child may not even know. I am also unenthusiastic about the length of the rod. 4 feet 6 inches is too short to allow for good casting, but it is long enough to make the rod impossible for small children.
All credit for this great list goes to Fish Seekers. https://www.fishseekers.com/best-kids-fishing-pole/
