My first fishing experience was the neighborhood pond where my dad took me fishing for bluegills when I was three years old. Needless to say, I was hooked for life! Thirty something years later, it has been our bond for my whole life and now I’m teaching him new fishing tricks 🙂
Kids don’t need fancy fishing rods, but bringing them out on the water early can teach them a lifelong hobby. Many anglers started young and are still fishing today. Share your love of fishing with your child and enjoy some bonding time over your fishing poles!
If you are looking for the best fishing rod for kids, look no further than our top 10 list of fishing rods for children. Starting with a kids fishing pole is a great way to ignite their interest in your favorite hobby! Check out the top-rated kids fishing rods to find one that fits your child’s age group.
9 Best Kids Fishing Rods for Beginners
- Zebco Fishing Dock Demon Spincast Combo
- Shakespeare Disney Youth Fishing Kit
- ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Pole
- Kid Casters Youth Fishing Kit
- Shakespeare Youth Lighted Fishing Kit – Spiderman
- Play22 Fishing Pole for Kids
- Shakespeare Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Combo
- PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Pole
- Lanaak Pink Fishing Pole and Tackle Box
Zebco Fishing Dock Demon Spincast Combo
The Zebco Fishing Dock Demon Spincast Combo is a great first time rod for children. Rather than a toy fishing pole, this easy to use rod and spincast reel from Zebco will help your child learn how to fish. It is a compact 30 inches long, made with a Z-Glass core. The reviews report great results for parents with kids as young as 3 to 5 years old, so this is the best kids fishing rod for even young aged kids.
[amazon box=”B00F5EAJV6″]
Shakespeare Disney Youth Fishing Kit
For younger toddlers, a Disney themed fishing rod and reel is sure to pique their interest in fishing! This Disney youth fishing rod and reel combo comes from trusted fishing brand Shakespeare, so your child can learn how to fish with a proper rod and reel. It comes in 11 different designs, from Mickey Mouse to Frozen and more, and comes with a rod, reel, and line.
[amazon box=”B01IDEN7FE”]
ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Pole
Another solid option for little children, the ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Pole is a real fishing rod and reel and it comes with a full set of gear. The fishing pole comes in two sizes to fit different size and age children, and it comes complete with hooks, lures, soft baits, bobbers, swivels, and more. Your child can learn an assortment of fishing gear and techniques with this kit. It is safe for children ages 3 and up.
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Kid Casters Youth Fishing Kit
Another great option for young kids, the Kid Casters Youth Fishing Kit will get your little one interested in fishing early. This medium action rod and reel combo comes with a pre-spooled spincast reel with fishing line and a plug, so it’s ready to take out on the water. It comes in different designs, including My Little Pony, Jurassic World, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and other kid friendly prints. Safe for kids three and up.
[amazon box=”B01M0OYPI0″]
Shakespeare Youth Lighted Fishing Kit
More great options for kids from Shakespeare. This real rod and reel is perfect for kids, as it will teach them how to fish safely with parental guidance. There are 10 style options, including Spiderman, Barbie, Avengers, and more for young boys and girls. It also comes with a practice casting plug, and many have light up features for added fun. Children as young as three will love this first time kids fishing set.
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Play22 Fishing Pole for Kids
This youth fishing set has everything you need to get the kids out on the water. It comes with a kids fishing pole and spincast reel, plus a minnow net, lures, hooks, and more. It’s simple for children to use and even comes with a carry bag to store all of their fishing gear like a pro! This youth fishing set is sturdy and made with safety in mind.
[amazon box=”B07SLDF1QS”]Shakespeare Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Combo
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Combo is not made specifically for kids, but it’s a great starter rod and reel. It is only 3 feet long, perfect for young anglers, and it comes pre-spooled and ready to go. The fiberglass rod is strong but sensitive and perfect for kids to learn with. There is no age recommendation from the manufacturer, but reviewers state that children as young as five or even three years old did well with this combo.
[amazon box=”B076PNZSY7″]
PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Kit
The PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Kit comes with a rod, reel, tackle box, and carry case. This full fishing kit includes hooks, baits, lures, swivels, bobbers, and more, so your little one can learn the ins and outs of fishing gear on their first fishing trip! It comes in 3.9 ft and 4.9 ft sizes to fit children of varying ages and heights. This kids fishing pole is great for kids three and up.
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Lanaak Pink Fishing Pole and Tackle Box
Girls and boys who love the color pink with love this bright pink fishing combo! It also comes with a pink carry bag and tackle box for a matching set. This spinning rod and reel is made for children, and comes with a beginner’s guide to fishing, safety features for kids, and a set of hooks, baits, lures, and more. The rod is telescoping, so it can adjust to different sizes as needed.
[amazon box=”B07SNXBXGZ”]
Fishing Rods for Kids – Buying Guide
If you’re ready to introduce your child to fishing, it’s time to buy them a rod! Choosing a fishing rod is a complicated process for anglers, but for kids it doesn’t have to be so difficult. For kids, we recommend starting with a spincasting reel or spinning gear, as it’s lighter and easier to manage compared to baitcasting gear. Take the following factors into account when choosing a kids fishing pole.
Age
Be sure to get a fishing rod that is age appropriate. Depending on how young you’re teaching your child to fish, there should be plenty of options within their age group. If they’re a bit older, you can try a fishing rod that is slightly more complicated, with a standard, if simple reel. If they’re on the younger side, there are some watered down versions of rods that leave less room for mistakes or accidents. Check the product description to see if there’s an age recommendation before buying.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of a kids fishing rod and reel goes hand in hand with age appropriateness. Your child’s fishing pole shouldn’t be extremely long, as they won’t be able to maneuver it and may break it or hurt someone or themselves. It also shouldn’t be so heavy that they can’t hold it or they get worn out quickly from holding it up. Always check the length and weight of a fishing rod and make sure it fits the size and strength of the child you’re buying it for.
Durability
Kids break things – it’s just a fact. Look for a durable fishing rod for your kid so that you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged. Some rods are cheap enough that it won’t matter too much if they break it, but no one wants to waste money. Look for a durable kids fishing rod with high quality materials so that it lasts for a while.
Design
While adults are happy with a simply decorated fishing rod made up of one or two basic colors, kids will love a rod with a fun design! Our list of the best fishing poles for kids feature bright colors, Disney characters, superheroes, and more. Choose a rod that your kid will love to get them excited about fishing!
Other Fishing Gear for Kids
You don’t have to break the bank to get fishing gear for your child. Introduce your kid to fishing early with one of our top kids fishing waders, kids fishing hats, fly rods and more, and enjoy your family time out on the water!
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