Fly fishing can be a fun activity for the whole family. If you’re an avid fly angler, you probably can’t wait to get the little ones out on the water with you.
Luckily, there are a few options when it comes to kids fly rods and reels. Kids fly fishing gear is somewhat limited, but there are a few great options to get your children started fly fishing early! Check out the best fly rod combos for kids.
Top 5 Kids Fly Rod Kits
- Echo Gecko Kids Fly Fishing Kit
- Redington Minnow Fly Fishing Combo Kit
- Wakeman Charter Series Fly Fishing Combo
- Martin Complete Fly Fishing Kit
- Leland Rod Company Sonoma Emerger Kid’s Fly Fishing Outfit
Echo Gecko Kids Fly Fishing Kit
The Echo Gecko Kids Fly Fishing Kit comes from well-known fly fishing brand echo, and it’s the unanimous favorite fly fishing outfit for kids.
This fly fishing kit has plenty of kid-friendly features. The short, soft action fly rod is easier for small youth hands to cast. The grip is smaller as well, and offers a two-handed grip for kids.
The Echo Gecko Kids Fly Fishing Kit comes with an Echo Base Fly Reel, pre-rigged with fly line, backing, and leader, so it’s ready to cast. This set is durable and brightly colored to appeal to children. It is ideal for catching trout, panfish, and small bass. You can also purchase the rod on its own.
[amazon box=”B01CR3H6RM”]Redington Minnow Fly Fishing Combo Kit
The Redington Minnow Fly Fishing Combo Kit is also made for young anglers. Redington is another trusted fly fishing brand, so this kids fly rod and reel is durable and made with quality components.
It has a shorter rod length and medium action so that kids can easily learn casting techniques.
The Redington Minnow Fly Rod is paired with their Crosswater fly reel, which comes pre-spooled with Rio fly line. It also comes with a convenient carrying case. This kids fly fishing combo comes with a 1 year limited warranty.
[amazon box=”B075KZS7P6″]Wakeman Charter Series Fly Fishing Combo
The Wakeman Charter Series Fly Fishing Combo is a great starter kit for kids and adults alike! While it’s not made specifically for kids, it is made for beginners and has kid-friendly features.
This fly rod is on the shorter side – only 8 feet in length – so it’s easier for kids to manage. It has an EVA foam handle that is easy to hold.
The Wakeman Fly Fishing starter kit comes with a graphite reel, fly line, tapered leader, two flies, and a carry bag to keep equipment safe.
It also comes with recommended techniques for kids fly fishing, and has a built-in hook keeper for safety. This fly fishing combo set is great for kids learning how to fly fish.
[amazon box=”B01EM50IOG”]Martin Complete Fly Fishing Kit
The Martin Complete Fly Fishing Kit isn’t made specifically for kids, but it is easy enough for kids to use with an adult’s supervision.
This fly fishing combo is simple to use, and the rod is only 8 feet long, so it’s manageable for kids to try out. The fly reel comes pre-loaded with backing, line, and leader.
The Martin Complete Fly Fishing Kit also comes with assorted flies and a “Getting Started” booklet to help beginners learn fly fishing techniques. This is a good, affordable kit to learn the basics, so it’s a solid option for kids.
[amazon box=”B0831TD2LF”]Leland Rod Company Sonoma Emerger Kid’s Fly Fishing Outfit
The Leland Sonoma Emerger Kid’s Fly Fishing Outfit is another great option made for kids. This fly fishing kit comes with a kids fly rod and reel, fly line and backing, and a case to keep everything dry and safe.
The fly rod is 7 feet and 9 inches long, so it is short enough for youth fly fishing. The reel is also lightweight for kids to use.
The Leland Sonoma Emerger Kid’s Fly Rod Combo is made for kids, so it’s easy to learn how to use. The fly rod is balanced and efficient, and the reel comes pre-spooled, so you’re ready to fish as soon as it arrives. There are, however, some complaints that the combo breaks easily.
[amazon box=”B00XALWRWA”]Kids Fly Fishing Combos Buying Guide
Not sure how to choose a kids fly fishing rod and reel combo? There are a few features that make kids fly rods easier to use for small anglers. Look for the following specifications:
Size
Standard fly rods are typically over 9 feet long, which can be difficult for a short child to handle. Kids fly rods, then, are typically 8 feet or shorter. While this is still pretty long, it is standard for kids to learn with.
The shorter size also means a lighter weight, which will make it easier for kids to cast and hold up their fly rods. Shorter rods also lessen the likelihood of children hitting other people, trees, or other objects with their rod.
As far as reel size, a lighter weight is better to match the rod and so that kids can handle the weight. They’ll be targeting smaller fish anyway, so a smaller, lighter reel will do well.
Action
Slower, softer action rods work better for youth fly fishing. While adult fly anglers tend to prefer fast action rods for more powerful, long distance casting, a kid won’t be able to cast with that strength anyway.
A slower action, limber rod will make it easier for a child to feel the bend, which will help them grasp technique and timing more easily.
Ease of Use
Fly fishing can be complicated. The easier a kids fly rod is to use, the better. Many kids fly combos come pre-spooled with backing and leader so that the rod and reel are ready to be taken out on the water.
Many also come with easy alignment dots so that it’s simple to put the rod and reel together.
Even with the most simplified kids fly fishing rod, an adult should be present to teach them the ropes and for safety reasons.
Age
Make sure that your kids fly rod combo is age appropriate. Some of the outfits on our list are made specifically for kids, while others are simply kid-friendly enough to work for an older child.
Use your own judgement and consider size and ease of use to determine if your child can handle a specific fly rod and reel.
Kids Fly Rod FAQ
What age can you start fly fishing?
With proper safety and guidance from an adult, kids can begin fly fishing as young as four years old.
A four year old does not necessarily have the attention span to truly learn and absorb fly fishing techniques, however. Kids ages 8 and up are probably better suited to learn how to fly fish.
You can choose to start fishing with your child as early as you wish, but keep their safety in mind at all times. If you’re out on the water, make sure they’re wearing a life vest or kids waders to keep them safe and dry.
Fly fishing can be more complicated than other methods, so you may want to look for a more basic kids fishing pole first.
Do kids need a license to fly fish?
Kids may need a fishing license depending on your state. Laws vary state by state and even by local municipal laws, so it may depend on your location and your child’s age.
Enjoy Taking the Kids Fly Fishing!
Our final tip is to have fun! Teaching your kids how to fish will be a treasured memory, and if you have fun, they will too. Get them excited about fishing early and enjoy your time out on the water.
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