If you’re looking to introduce your child to the joys of fishing, finding the right fishing rod is key. A good fishing rod will help your child learn the basics of casting, reeling, and catching fish, and can make the experience more enjoyable overall. But how do you choose the best rod for you kid? Let’s discover the best options on the market and see what makes them good child-friendly rods.
First, you’ll want to make sure the rod is the right size for your child. A rod that’s too long or heavy can be difficult for a child to handle, which can quickly lead to frustration.
In general, you want a rod between 3′-6′, for easier handling and comfort. Get a fiberglass rod, as these are more durable, with a fast or ultra-fast action. Pair it up with a spincast reel and you have a good combo for your junior.
Finally, you’ll want to think about your budget, as fishing rods can range from very affordable to quite expensive.
So, without further ado, let’s see some of the best fishing rods for kids.
Top Fishing Rods for Kids
If you’re looking for the best kids fishing rods, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top picks for kids fishing rods.
Here are the top 5 fishing poles for kids:
Zebco Dock Demon
While the name might a little inappropriate for kids, The Zebco Dock Demon is a great choice for kids who are just starting out with fishing.
It’s a compact and versatile fishing rod that is particularly well-suited for young anglers. Its 30-inch solid fiberglass construction makes it nearly indestructible, which is ideal for the rough handling that sometimes comes with kids learning to fish. The rod is rigid enough to perform well while still being lightweight, making it easy for little hands to manage. It’s praised for being a natural extension of the arm, suggesting good balance and ergonomics.
However, due to its length, casting might be a bit awkward, but this also makes it handy for spontaneous fishing opportunities and easy to keep in a vehicle.
The reel is pre-spooled with 6-pound test line, but the quality is trash and it will break if you pull just a little harder on it. So change the line and your child will be ready to fish in no time.
The Zebco Dock Demon is available at:
- Amazon
- TackleDirect
- BassPro (this is the Zebco 33 combo, a viable option too)
Shakespeare Disney Combo
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The Shakespeare Disney Combo is a delightful choice for introducing children to the world of fishing. Adorned with popular Disney characters, it captures the imagination of young anglers and adds an element of fun to their fishing adventures. The rod is typically about 2.5 feet long, which is a manageable size for smaller children to handle with ease. The all-in-one rod and reel come pre-spooled with fishing line, allowing for a hassle-free start to fishing activities.
The fiberglass rod offers decent durability, which is crucial for withstanding the inevitable knocks and drops from excited kids. The combo also includes a practice casting plug, which is a thoughtful addition that allows children to safely practice their casting technique away from the water. While the reel may not be the highest quality, it is functional and suitable for the light use expected by young or first-time fishers. The Shakespeare Disney Combo is an engaging and practical starting point for kids, providing just enough quality to make their first fishing experiences memorable and enjoyable.
I recommend buying this just to test if your kid likes fishing or not, before getting something more serious and expensive.
See it on:
Zebco Roam
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Although it’s more pricy than the previous rods, this is the way to go if you’re looking for a combo that will last more without any major issues. The pre-spooled line actually works on this one, so you’re truly ready to fish after buying it. At 6′, I think it’s more suitable for children older than 6. Younger ones should get a shorter rod, such as the options I mentioned previously.
The Zebco Roam is a vibrant and sturdy option for kids who are ready to step up their fishing game. With its eye-catching colors and comfortable, shock-resistant grip, the Roam makes a day by the water both stylish and enjoyable for young anglers. The rod is typically a 6-foot medium power, which offers a good balance between control and the ability to reel in a variety of freshwater fish.
Zebco’s patented no-tangle design is a standout feature, especially for kids who might get easily frustrated with line snarls. This design, coupled with the easy-to-use push-button reel, allows for smooth casting and retrieval, which is great for building confidence in young fishers. The reel comes pre-spooled with 10-pound line, making it ready to fish right out of the box.
While it may be slightly larger than other beginner rods, the Zebco Roam is lightweight and has an adjustable drag, which can help kids learn the nuances of handling a rod and fighting a fish.
Overall, the Zebco Roam is a solid choice for kids who have some fishing experience and are looking to continue their angling journey with a reliable and fun rod.
See on:
Ugly Stik Dock Runner
The Ugly Stik Dockrunner is a compact and robust fishing rod that is well-suited for the adventurous young angler. At just 36 inches in length, this short rod is ideal for the confines of docks and piers where space is limited and the action can be close. Its small size and light weight make it perfect for children’s smaller frames and hands, providing an excellent tool for them to learn and enjoy fishing with ease.
Ugly Stik is known for durability, and the Dockrunner continues this legacy with its solid fiberglass construction. This toughness ensures it can withstand the enthusiastic and sometimes clumsy handling by kids. The clear tip design offers extra strength and sensitivity, which is beneficial for detecting even the slightest nibbles.
The Dockrunner comes with a pre-spooled spinning reel, which allows for a smooth casting experience. While the reel may not be top-of-the-line, it is more than adequate for the typical scenarios in which a child would use this rod. Overall, the Ugly Stik Dockrunner is a great little rod for young anglers, providing reliability and ease of use that can help foster a lifelong love of fishing. Again, the line is not what you want your kid to fish with, so change it and its good.
See at:
Zebco 33 Microcast Combo
The Zebco 33 Microcast Combo is a well-crafted fishing setup that’s especially suitable for kids and beginner anglers. This combo features a 4.5-foot rod paired with the Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Reel, which is a scaled-down version of the classic Zebco 33 reel. The shorter rod length is easier for kids to handle, giving them better control and maneuverability when casting and retrieving.
One of the highlights of this combo is the patented no-tangle design of the reel, which significantly reduces the frustration of dealing with twisted lines—a common issue for new and young fishers. The reel comes pre-spooled with 4-pound Cajun Line, which is light enough for small fish yet strong enough to give kids a fighting chance with larger catches.
The moderate action of the rod is forgiving, helping to absorb some of the erratic movements that can occur as kids learn the proper techniques. The build quality is solid, as expected from Zebco, ensuring the combo can withstand the rough and tumble nature of children’s use. The Zebco 33 Microcast Combo strikes an excellent balance between usability and durability, making it a fantastic starter kit for the budding angler.
See at:
If you’re looking for a kit, which I don’t recommend getting anyway, get the Plussino Kids Fishing Pole. I’ll say it again. While kits come with a lot of stuff, the quality is not what you want if your kid is getting serious about fishing. But for some people it might still be a convenient option for a quick fishing trip, so it’s worth mentioning it too.
For taller, 10+ year olds you can start to consider some proper rods, such as the Ugly Stik GX2 or any durable rod that is between 6′ and 8′.
Overall, these five options are some of the best kids fishing poles on the market. Whether your child is just starting out or is ready to take their fishing game to the next level, these rods are sure to provide a fun and memorable fishing experience.
